I first heard about Michael Kelly Guitars a couple of years ago at NAMM where they debuted their 1950’s Series line of single cut guitars. At that time, Scott Henthorn gave us a video run-down of the new line. Today Michael Kelly Guitars introduces their new Custom Collection 50 Vintage guitar.
With a simple yet versatile two single coil pick up design, this guitar is a throwback to the early days of bolt on electric guitars. Striving to improve sonic diversity and performance, this guitar features Michael Kelly’s latest boutique modification called Quad Mod, expanding the versatility of the U.S.A. hand wound Lindy Fralin pickups. The new CC50 Vintage is available now on www.michaelkellyguitars.com.
The Quad Mod provides a combination of tones that are not possible with a traditional setup. By replacing the standard three-way switch with the Quad Mod’s four-way switch, the guitar now offers both pickups in a series, rendering a strong, fat, and cutting tone much like a humbucker. Being that the two coils are located in completely different locations on the guitar, a separate ground wire is running from the neck pickup to create a unique and usable dual coil, parallel sound. This is in addition to the three traditional tones sought after in this classic styled instrument. Two Lindy Fralin Blues Special pickups are utilized in the design to deliver the desired tone that can go from vintage to overwound.
This ash body guitar has a bolt on medium C maple neck with a dual action truss rod. The maple fretboard features 22 frets, 25.5” scale length, 9.5” radius, 1 11/16” bone nut, and is topped with a Birdseye maple cap on the headstock. Controls include a master volume and tone. The guitar is equipped with a vintage bridge with brass saddles, chrome-finished hardware, and Wilkinson vintage deluxe tuning keys. The CC50 Vintage is finished with translucent butterscotch or two-tone sunburst option both with high gloss finishes.
Retail $1,015.00
