So I stumbled upon a Skip Kelly Mando on Ebay a short while back, but couldn't really find any information on the builder. Could anyone inform me on the builder? Thank you :-)
So I stumbled upon a Skip Kelly Mando on Ebay a short while back, but couldn't really find any information on the builder. Could anyone inform me on the builder? Thank you :-)
Search for Skip Kelley. Fantastic mandos from what I hear. The builder is active on the forum.
I've played a couple of Skip's mandolins and both were really good. He's also a really nice guy. I talked to him a couple weeks ago about building an A-5 but I have not yet pulled the trigger...
Awesome luthier out of Thomasville, NC, and an outstanding picker to boot. I own one of his A5s and couldn’t be happier with it. Killer tone and playability, and the fit and finish is top notch. He will often sell on consignment at Mandomutt.com. He’s an active member here on the Cafe as well.
Chuck
Skip's a great builder and fantastic guy. He's here on the Cafe if you want to contact him via a message here.
I have owned one of his F style mandos for almost 2.5 years and I absolutely love it!
I was recently at Skip's and played a couple others that he built and they were all very good. The most recent A style was very nice, best A I have played.
Drew
2020 Northfield 4th Gen F5
2022 Northfield NFS-F5E
2019 Northfield Flat Top Octave
2021 Gold Tone Mando Cello
https://www.instagram.com/pilotdrew85
I owned an A5 built by Skip. In all regards it was an excellent mandolin with strong chop and very clear individual string course tone. Unfortunately I sold it to buy a vintage concertina (bad move on my part). It is now owned by Mark Wilson a member here. Skip was always very responsive to any questions I had too. Highly recommended.
Thanks
Several mandolins of varying quality-any one of which deserves a better player than I am.......
I've got one of his A's. Very strong instrument.
Bill
IM(NS)HO
Ah I see, thanks for the quick responses. New to the forum :-) You guys are awesome
Did you get the mandolin? I did not see a Kelley mandolin on ebay at the moment.
Charley
A bunch of stuff with four strings
I'm suffering from bad MAS and it's getting worse...
I almost ordered a Pava a-model but then I found Skip Kelley mandos and I think that's way to go...
I have red a lot of good about Kelley's. Can you say something more? Any sound samples?
They seem to be all a bit different (top wood, bracing etc.) so can you say anything about x-bracing vs. tone bars or red bruce vs. adirondack?
How about Pava A vs. Kelley A :D?
I'm looking for great bluegrass chop sound (heavy snare drum like attack ('pop') and woody dark timbre) and a loud instrument for jamming. According to review that's what I get if I buy Kelley. Unfortunately I have to buy without testing. I'm planning to visit the US next summer but MAS...
EDIT: Just after posting this I found Skip's videos in Vimeo. Sounds great! MAS MAS MAS
Sent you a PM.
Here's Alan Bibey playing my Kelley F5
And Danny Roberts as well
Nothing but good things to say about it.
Last edited by Mandolin Cafe; Jan-21-2019 at 10:05am. Reason: correcting embed command
Drew
2020 Northfield 4th Gen F5
2022 Northfield NFS-F5E
2019 Northfield Flat Top Octave
2021 Gold Tone Mando Cello
https://www.instagram.com/pilotdrew85
Wow, you got some good mojo injected into your mandolin from those guys. How fun
2003 John Sullivan F5 "Roy"
2015 Heiden F Artist
2019 Ruhland F5 #35
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