Skip Kelly Mandolins?

[Stehvia]

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 :-)

[Clement Barrera-Ng]

Search for Skip Kelley. Fantastic mandos from what I hear. The builder is active on the forum.

[TN Picker]

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...

[CES]

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.

[Drew Egerton]

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.

[Mike Scott]

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.

[billhay4]

I've got one of his A's. Very strong instrument.
Bill

[Stehvia]

Ah I see, thanks for the quick responses. New to the forum :-) You guys are awesome

[Charles E.]

Did you get the mandolin? I did not see a Kelley mandolin on ebay at the moment.

[Mark Wilson]

Skip builds a fine mandolin. Most of the Kelley A5s I've seen and played are fully appointed with full binding and varnish finish etc. They are known for being plenty loud.

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...

[Johannes Oksanen]

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

[ferrousgeek]

Sent you a PM.

[Drew Egerton]

Here's Alan Bibey playing my Kelley F5



And Danny Roberts as well




Nothing but good things to say about it.

[EvanElk]

Wow, you got some good mojo injected into your mandolin from those guys. How fun

[Johannes Oksanen]

Here's Alan Bibey playing my Kelley F5

Nothing but good things to say about it.

Thanks! Sounds good.
Any comments/samples about A models?