Michael Kelly 59 Thinline (Tele)

[Wattage]

Ran into a MK Thinline style Tele with P-90's in it for peanuts, $300 I think it was, pretty sure I am going to grab one next week. I always thought they made gaudy, overwrought kind of stuff but this was nice, utilitarian and clean. Made in Vietnam, notes really popped of this thing.


https://www.michaelkellyguitars.com/en/products/view/59-thinline

 

[Mincer]

Are these being made currently, or is this an older model?

 

[Wattage]

brandy new

 

[piblock]

Harley Benton and IYV have similar models, both made in Viet Nam. They probably come from the same factory. Based on a single guitar, I'm extremely impressed with IYV. If you can deal with some finish (not fit) issues, it's downright stupid how much guitar you get for the money.

 

[Wattage]

Yeah I would absolutely believe that there is a factory cranking stuff out for multiple companies.

I was at Sam Ash today and they had 2 of them. I would say just from my brief encounter with it I would replace the bridge for something a bit more substantial but there didn't seem to be any real quality issues that jumped out at me. I'd probably throw some trons in it and make it a Cabronita

 

[WDeeGee]

Have got a Harley Benton DC that's really great. Good resonant wood, but prep for flawed finish and sloppy paintjobs.

 

[Artie]

Nice Thinline. I've always liked several of the MK guitars. Especially, the Patriot, after I got to work on one and feel it in my hands. Good guitar.

 

[Chris Pile]

I've worked on a couple Michael Kelly's for a local store. Very nice stuff, IMHO. Of course, the electronics could use an upgrade but the bones of the guitars are just fine.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Yeah, I agree that MK makes some very good guitars. Like Artie, I have also been impressed with the Patriot. I came VERY close to buying one once.
Also, I recently got an IYV and am extremely impressed with that guitar for the money (less than $200)! Definitely some minor finish problems, mostly regarding the binding but other than that it's a super nice playing and sounding guitar (it's a Gibson 175 copy.

 

[Artie]

Of course, the electronics could use an upgrade . . .

Yup. That's exactly what I was doing with the one I worked on. Replaced everything, including the pups.