Folk of the Wood presents
Michael Kelly
Mandolin Model Specific & Standard Features
with Model Custom Options
Grover Mandolin Tuners
One of the biggest and most requested upgrades on the Firefly is the addition of pro quality tuners by Grover. These fine tuners have a smooth feel and great tuning stability. The die cast base is rigid which insures correct gear and worm alignment. A wide bearing surface over the worm gives added support and enhances the smooth action. These are fine tuners and a perfect feature for our new Firefly model.
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Dovetail Neckjoint
What makes a mandolin sound great? There are many elements factors include wood used, bracing, bridge height and even strings selected. We have found that the method in which the neck is connected to the body is a critical factor overlooked by many mandolin buyers. All current Michael Kelly mandolins feature a dove tail neck joint. This is the classic construction used on all of the collectable USA made mandolins of decades ago. This design includes a large amount of contact between the neck and the body and uses a puzzle-piece type of connectivity. This massive neck joint is stable and allows for the best possible tone. Many other mandolins on the market today use what is commonly called a dowel-joint design. This lower cost construction method provides significantly less neck to body contact and includes one or two small dowel rods that are suppose to transfer vibration. Our experience has been that this is great inferior to a good ol' fashion dovetail joint. In our opinion after a good quality solid spruce top this is the second most critical element of tone. When you buy a new Michael Kelly mandolin you get this industry best method.
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Scooped Fingerboard
The Michael Kelly team prides itself on listening to MK owners and making the improvements that they request. Many things were altered from the Dragonfly model to improve the tone, appearance and playability. The scooped fingerboard is one of these important changes. We have trimmed down the fingerboard wood at the fingerboard extension. With this lower area and no frets there is considerably more playable space. It helps to minimize pick-click. You can customize your further by adding a little felt to this flat area to muffle the limited remaining pick-click.
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Radiused Fingerboard
Since their initial invention mandolins have had a fingerboard that is totally flat. Over the years the concept of a radius on the fingerboard was developed and implemented rapidly on most stringed instruments. The radius gives the fingerboard a high spot in the center that tapers down as it heads towards each edge. Many players find that this rounded design makes playing more comfortable and some feel it even speeds them along.
This ergonomic improvement has been a growing trend on hand crafted mandolins in the over $4,000 price range for many years. Michael Kelly is proud to be the first brand to offer this feature on its mandolins in our price range.
If you have not had a chance to try a mandolin with a radiused fingerboard be sure to get into a Michael Kelly dealer near you to check this out.
Special Firefly Soundhole
The Michael Kelly Legacy Custom series was originally designed to be the first traditional mandolin, with a modern twist at a reasonable price. In addition to the unique inlay and colors, our exclusive soundhole designs separate our custom model from other similarly priced "cookie-cutter" mandolins. The Firefly has its own design. This one is a cross between a traditional f-hole and the s-holes made famous by our Dragonfly Custom model last year. It has some classic design elements as found on a typical F5, however it is more tailored for an elegant change. This soundhole will only be found on our Firefly Custom models.
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Integrated Fishman Pickup System
Mandolins are being used in more different styles of music and venues. For years players have been seeking a way to add a pickup to their mandolin. While many options exist, most are cumbersome and sound thin. Michael Kelly teamed with Fishman Electronics, a company considered the leader in acoustic instrument amplification to develop a new and improved solution. This new system is fully integrated into the mandolin during production. No fragile external pieces, each mandolin is built for this application. The Fishman pickup is mounted inside of a special bridge. The system includes a side mounted active EQ. This allows users to easily adjust treble, bass and volume right on their instrument. The fully integrated MK design assures great amplified tone, durability and adjustability. Each mandolin also provides the great MK tone acoustically that Michael Kelly users are accustomed to.
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Custom Michael Kelly Mandolin Upgrades
Customize your Michael Kelly mandolin! If you purchase the upgrades at the same time as the instrument we will install them for FREE. You can also order these upgrades for your previously purchased MK Mandolin.
©, Mailbox Music, Inc.
Allen One Piece Mandolin Tailpiece
The Allen Tailpiece is a great way to upgrade your Michael Kelly mandolin. This is a cast one-piece tailpiece. It is a direct replacement for our standard traditional 2-piece tailpiece. It offers improved tone, volume and easier string changes.
Mandolin Pickguard Upgrades
Add a pickguard to your Michael Kelly mandolin. Select from 4 great designs and several color options.
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