Michael Kelly STAB5 5-String Acoustic-Electric 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

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" scale and retain a product that you could enjoy for many years. The new 34" 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. Their new design includes specially modified bracing, an improved neckjoint and a new high tension bridge.

Fishman Active Electronics
Michael 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… read more are found on many high end guitar brands. Michael Kelly has worked closely with Fishman to develop a solution that is just right for their acoustic basses.

With this new design Michael Kelly has 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. Michael Kelly uses a Fishman "braided" under saddle pickup. This new pickup sounds great and is easy to use.

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

Quilt Maple Body
Michael Kelly basses were founded based on the concept that acoustic basses required a different approach from acoustic guitars. The fact is most acoustic basses on the market are just over-sized acoustic guitars with a few less strings. From day one they took a different approach.

They listened to bass players and learned what they wanted improved in acoustic basses. The most consistent complaint about the "generic" basses being offered by the big acoustic guitar brands was that those basses lacked a strong, well defined tone. The notes were muddy and did not project. In 2001 they introduced one of the first production acoustic basses on the market with an all-maple body. This wood selection is not only attractive but a cornerstone of the tone that has helped them become a top acoustic bass supplier worldwide.

Maple is a hard wood with a strong bell-tone. The density of maple allows it to add definition, volume and brightness to the tone of an acoustic bass. These attributes combined with the already large and round sound that comes from the large acoustic body makes for a perfect blend. This produces a unique tone that many players prefer over the other "traditional" options. Play one of these all maple basses to hear the unique tone that it can provide. read less