Author Topic: Michael Kelly Acoustic Bass Guitar (Read 177 times)

pauldo · « **on:** July 05, 2015, 08:55:36 AM »

I think I have heard of the Michael Kelly Dragon Fly ABG here before.
My wife and I saw The Avett Brothers last night (Warren Haynes opened, followed by Brandi Carlile and the twins). Phil Hanseroth (one of the twins) was playing a really nice looking ABG that appears to be the Dragon Fly. It sounded great (not sure how it sounds unplugged).

Curious if anyone has played one of these and how it sounds unplugged? A quick search shows pricing ranging from $300 - $900 (?).

I have always wanted an ABG, because hauling the doghouse around to campfires is getting old really quick!

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #1 on:** July 05, 2015, 09:16:56 AM »

Sounds like a good show!
I've played a Dragon Fly in the store; it isn't bad at all. It does lose clarity on the open E, but the only ABG where I've found that not to be the case is a Breedlove (of a model they no longer make), and the Kelly breaks up less than most. And they're pretty.

Peter

elwoodblue · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2015, 12:13:38 PM »

I have an early M.Kelly acoustic bass. I love it.
I use mine for acoustic jams ,the sound is pretty well defined (overtones don't get lost).

I'm not sure if construction has changed since I bough mine (2002?).
It has survived my brothers work truck (he had it for a year), and other unmentionable situations...no seam separation,twisting or top bow...thumps up

jazzyvee · « **Reply #3 on:** July 05, 2015, 06:45:45 PM »

I think Jacko has one too.

jacko · « **Reply #4 on:** July 07, 2015, 05:34:13 AM »

Indeed I do have a 5 string fretless dragonfly and it probably gets played more than any other instrument in the house as it's perfect to just pick up and play acoustically whether learning new songs or just having a noodle. I will say that it's a bit quiet on the low B string when plugged in. Something up with the piezo in the bridge I guess but it sounds so good as an acoustic I hardly ever plug it in (Mrs J likes this feature). It's very well made although I had to glue the fingerboard inlay down in a couple of places to get rid of a buzz. The neck adjustment is fairly easy and I've managed to find a very good action that gives a nice 'Mwaah'. I have it strung with Labella deep talkin' flats - the B string is an exposed core at the bridge which may contribute to the amplification issue but they're lovely strings to play. Paid something like 550GB around 10 years ago - this included shipping from somewhere near New York

Graeme

bigredbass · « **Reply #5 on:** July 08, 2015, 10:37:43 PM »

They're built about as well as any mid-level acoustic. I've never heard of any of them pulling the bridge up and swelling the top like a cheap 12-string, so they must be fairly stout. The earlier ones were eye candy and were pretty inexpensive in the market, so they sold like hotcakes, lots of so-so fingerboard inlay, but nice looking.

An 'acoustic bass guitar' with a scale less than a cello is a nice wish, at least, and especially in a five-string. The only one I ever heard that really, really worked was the Ribbecke-Hafling, but they're pretty rare and NOT cheap, but then they are not cheaply built. Fretless, and mic'd right, it really could very nearly pass for an upright, mind-blowing.

A five string MK is on my 'one of these days' list. Plugged in, they really need an outboard preamp, or at least going into a very good board to avoid that 'clavinet on steroids' piezo clack, if they're not buffered in their onboard electronics.

Joey