Michael Kelly STAB4 Acoustic Bass

The ST model is the work horse of the Michael Kelly line. Instead of the fancy woods and decorative inlays this is a solid bass that is ready to gig or record. It has a solid spruce top, 34 in. scale and a warm sounding mahogany back and sides. It is equipped with an active side-mounted Fishman pre-amp and an under-saddle pickup also produced by Fishman. The ST is quickly becoming an industry standard.

Features

Top: Solid Spruce

Back: Mahogany

Inlay: Dot

Pickup: Fishman

Large Body
Many companies offer acoustic basses, most are from popular electric guitar brands that basically offer a slightly modified guitar with 4 strings as an acoustic bass. At Michael Kelly they focus specifically on acoustic basses and this commitment shows. From their vast selection of models to their upgraded electronics by Fishman you can see the differences. One other critical area is body size. Many other similarly priced acoustic basses use a body size very similar to a typical acoustic guitar. Their research has shown that is just simply not enough body to create and project bass tones correctly.

Instead they have developed a deep and graduated body specifically for acoustic bass. This allows you to create a more full tone with stronger bottom end. It increases performance acoustically which is something bass players have long sought. In playing situations where amplification is needed this larger body also provides the extra tone needed to produce a round bass tone through your amplifier… read more or P.A. You deserve an acoustic bass that was designed specifically for you the bass player and Michael Kelly is proud to provide it.

34 in. Scale Length
In the past Michael Kelly and many other acoustic basses have been produced with smaller scale lengths. This was largely because the additional tension on the instrument while good from a playability stand point can be a problem from a longevity prospective. At Michael Kelly they have worked for several years to re-engineer the acoustic bass to allow them to adopt a 34 in. scale and retain a product that you could enjoy for many years.

The new 34 in. scale models are a totally redesigned instrument that provides all of the durability and playability that has made Michael Kelly a leader in acoustic bass, while adding a far superior tone and feel. Michael Kelly's new design includes specially modified bracing, an improved neckjoint and a new high tension bridge. You really must get into your nearest Michael Kelly dealer and play one of these.

Fishman Active Electronics
Micheal Kelly has greatly upgraded the performance of their acoustic basses with the addition of a new Fishman system. Fishman is widely considered the top brand in stringed instrument amplification and there systems are found on many high end guitar brands. They have worked closely with Fishman to develop a solution that is just right for their acoustic basses.

With this new design they have achieved a more pure tone, a more even sound from string to string and added durability. The heart of the system is a side-mounted active pre-amp. This is the Fishman Classic 4 model and includes 3-band EQ plus volume. The battery is built into the unit and pops out easily when needed with the pushing of a single button. We use a Fishman 'braided' under saddle pickup. This new pickup sounds great and is easy to use.

With their big and wide bodies Michael Kelly basses offer an excellent acoustic sound, the Fishman Active Electronics system helps these fine instruments go to the next level when amplified.

About Michael Kelly
Since 1999 Michael Kelly has been producing unique high quality stringed instruments. Their goal as a company was not to become the biggest guitar company or most expensive brand. They set out with a clear objective of creating instruments that had a look, playability and sound that was something special.

Michael Kelly Guitar Company is a division of Mailbox Music Inc. of Clearwater, Florida. read less