Michael Kelly Patriot

[gravmy0]

Before I bought my epiphone les paul standard,
I was considering the Patriot by Michael Kelly

anyone have any experience or opinions of this guitar?

Michael Kelly Website



edit: typed the link in wrong, oops.

[Davey Rockets]

Hey Gravmy0, I've owned both the Michael Kelly Patriot (same one you have pictured) and an Epi LP... The MK Patriot was a VERY nice guitar! Excellent workmanship and build quality. It felt and played real nice... I sold it though as it was missing that "thing", that sound I was looking for. Don't get me wrong, it sounded very clear and clean, but to my ears, almost too "polite".. no balls. I play Rock and this guitar sounded like it was afraid to get hit hard.

The Epi Les Paul I had rocked and sounded as a Les Paul should.

IMHO, the Epi didn't have the build quality the MK does, but the MK is a lighter guitar, and it kinda sounds that way. The MK is more refined, but has less beef, and that didn't suit my music. (hope this makes any sense, it's hard to describe music).

For what it's worth, I was so impressed with the build and finish of the MK, I went and bought one of their 24-fret guitars, replaced the stock p/u's with Sheptones, and have an AMAZING playing and sounding guitar. (and oh yeah, the MK guitars LOOK really good too).

Sorry, don't mean to make this sound like a MK commercial. In fact, I'm hoping to get an Epi Elitist in my hands realllll soon!

[gravmy0]

Hey Davey,
Thanks for the reply and no I don't think it sounds like you're advertising.

Now that I've owned and played my epiphone les paul standard awhile, I tried the MK Patriot again, and I have to say it does feel really good in my hand.

But during the purchase decision I kind of went with the Epiphone because of how it looks like a real les paul while the MK patriot has it's own unique style.

I didn't think there was anything wrong with the pickups but I wasn't a big fan of 2 knobs master tone and volume. [and I would probaly change the pickups anyways]

I actually want to try one of the MK semi-hollow body guitars been eyeing the vibe for awhile.

[Davey Rockets]

one thing to (maybe) keep in mind... when I replaced the pickups on my MK Valor X, I had to do a LOT of routing to get the new Sheptone p/u's to fit/ MK's Rockfield p/u's are bolted directly to the body and sit really high up.

Just something to be aware of for down the road.

And I've owned three Michael Kelly guitars in the last year, and every one of them had fantastic build quality and workmanship.