MICHAEL KELLY HYBRID GUITAR

[Jon Chappell]

Greetings, fellow gearheads and guitar players! I’m Jon Chappell, guitarist and gear junkie, and this is my first Pro Review for Harmony Central.

Remember, the format for a Pro Review is that the reviewer (that’s me) takes the lead in presenting a product review, and forum users (that would be you) respond in real-time (or nearly so) as my words hit the boards. This way, you can ask questions, seek clarification, expand on any relevant points, and even disagree with me as we discover the product together.

Also, the manufacturers of the products under review are in on the process, so they too can respond either to the reviewer or to questions posted by forum users. It’s real-time and interactive, and your voice becomes part of the review. We write the review together -- sort of like Wikipedia for gear. :) So let’s get started!

The Michael Kelly Hybrid guitar (http://michaelkellyhybrid.com) is a classy and attractive guitar that uses a hybrid pickup system. A hybrid system combines magnetic and piezo technology, providing controls to blend the two sounds.

The concept is not new, but often you find a manufacturer has simply retrofitted or tacked on a piezo (and the associated electronics) into a guitar that was otherwise perfectly happy as an electric. It may be a bit of a novelty to hear a solidbody with a piezo -- especially when the workings are invisible -- but it’s not all that compelling.

What is startlingly refreshing is the way Michael Kelly Guitars has designed their Hybrid from the ground up to be a guitar that is equally appealing to both acoustic guitarists and electric axe slingers. And to do that, you have accomplish a lot more than simply including two types of pickup systems.

I have been hearing about this guitar, but when I first saw in in the flesh, I was struck by its acoustic grace -- with set-neck construction, a chambered mahogany body, a gorgeous triple-A flame-maple top that sports stylishly swooshy f-holes, a rosewood bridge, fingerboard and control knobs, and a gently sloping cutaway. A tasteful headstock design and Grover tuners complete the guitar's physical attributes.

The piezo pickup is under the saddle, and therefore invisible, but the humbucker pickup is located about midway between the bridge and fingerboard and is housed in a wood-grain cover and ring that match the top. The bound f-holes, triple-bound top and headstock edges, and rosewood bridge and control knobs belie its $499 street price.

Yes, that’s right: under $500. And we haven’t even talked about the electronics yet.

[Jon Chappell]

Eye Candy

Below is a photo of the front of the Michael Kelly Hybrid. Note how the humbucker's light-wood cover and ring help the pickup blend into the flame-maple top.

The two knobs are volume controls for each pickup (the top knob controls the humbucker, the bottom controls the piezo), and a three-way switch (barely visible here) allows you to select humbucker, humbucker + piezo, piezo. Pretty straightforward stuff.
http://jonchappell.com/mkh.jpg
http://jonchappell.com/mkhhead.jpg

[Jon Chappell]

Okay, so what’s under the hood?

Hum and Rattle
The Hybrid's humbucker is the Rockfield SWC (Select Wound Custom), which is the same pickup used in the company’s popular Valor Custom. The piezo pickup and preamp are made by Fishman, specifically for this guitar. Fishman calls this their Powerchip Piezo/Magnetic Onboard Mixing Preamp, and it’s powered by a 9V battery that will last up to 200 hours.

Cavity Search
Check out the photo I snapped after removing the backplate. Other than the wires you see on the right, the three principal parts are (L-R): humbucker pot, 9V battery enclosure, and the piezo pot. Note that the “brainy stuff” (in the form of a circuit board and a trim pot) lives underneath the piezo volume control. The trim pot adjusts the overall output of the piezo. Mine came from the factory exactly how I like it (the hummer and the piezo dead equal), so I didn’t need to adjust anything here.

Blend vs. Split
To achieve the blending and split-signal configurations, the Powerchip preamp employs a “smart switching” scheme, where if you plug in a regular guitar cable (Tip/Sleeve, or mono), both sounds are summed, and you adjust the blend using the volume controls. If you use a stereo Y cable (Tip/Ring/Sleeve on the base end, TS and RS on the two legs), the guitar splits the humbucker and piezo signals and sends them out on separate paths.

The Possibilities Are Blendless
Having two independent signals creates all sorts of tone-blending opportunities. For one, you could use two separate amps to process the humbucker and piezo signals. Or you might use one amp with dual inputs and channels for an effect that wouldn’t be quite as dramatic (or have quite the spatial separation), but nevertheless gives you independent control over each sound.

This certainly beats the bad old days of miking the anemically buzzing strings of solidbody electric in the control room with the monitors off!

No Need to Call the Cable Guy
In a nice touch, the Hybrid includes this specialty cable with the purchase of the guitar, though it’s not very robust (at least compared to the cables I use for gigging), and at about 80 inches (6-2/3 feet), it’s not as long as, say, your standard 20-foot guitar cable. Still, if you need a longer cable, you can buy one or even make one.

Sonic Sculpting
When dialing through the sound combinations, I found eminently usable settings over a wide range. There are no markings on the knobs, so you have to blend by ear. If I were to play out with this guitar, I’d probably affix little markers on the knobs so I could dial in a variety of settings without having to rely on ear and trial and error.

Okay, enough kicking the tires. Time to take this baby for a ride!

http://jonchappell.com/InsideMKH.jpg

[Anderton]

What kind of output impedance does the piezo section have? Is it active with a low impedance out? If so, how's the noise level?

[Jon Chappell]

Spec Talk

The Powerchip manual doesn't list the output impedance, but it does mention that the piezo signal is buffered, so it is an active system.

(Buffering, for those who are rusty on terms, is the electronic process for converting high-impedance signals to lower ones.)

But I'm not sure how low this buffer takes the piezo signal, so I've contacted the manufacturer. I've also asked them for their noise specs, but the quiescent noise level of the piezo is above the humbucker (which is expected). Also, the noise does not diminish when you put the pickup selector switch in the middle position. In other words, the noise level produced by the piezo is the same whether in the middle position (hum + piezo) or back position (piezo only).

None of this bad or even unusual, but if you haven't played on a hybrid system before, you might find it useful to know for a recording situation where the guitar is exposed.

Speaking of specs, here's what's listed in the manual for the electronics section:

• Frequency range = 20-20,000 Hz
• Trim control range = 18 dB
• Maximum output voltage = 15V peak to peak
• Battery life = 200 hours
• Current draw = less than 2.8 mA

There's also a phase jumper on the circuit board which you can easily switch to help eliminate any phase problems between the piezo and humbucker.

Between the trim pot and the phase jumper, I suggest users take the backplate off when they first get the guitar to experiment with any settings.

I realize what I said in my previous entry, that MK Guitars had set the balance of the piezo and magnetic to "just the way I like it" may not be the most objective observation.

Specifically, the trim pot for the piezo was set to about 7/8 of its travel -- almost maxed out. It's hard to imagine wanting the piezo to be louder than the humbucker (which is what would happen if you cranked the trim and then opened up the pots), but you could gain a little more favorable signal-to-noise ratio if you boosted the trim up from the factory setting -- perhaps, say, in an overdub situation?

[Jon Chappell]

The Down-low on the Impedance Question

I just heard from Todd Rockfield (yes, the same Rockfield who designs the pickups), and he stated that the output impedance of the piezo by itself is in the 1k range -- still considered low impedance.

This is good news to recording guitarists, because it means you can plug the MKH directly into the mixer -- no need for a direct box, preamp, or other impedance matcher.

But he said that in stereo mode (when used in conjunction with the humbucker), the output impedance increases to about 3.3k (to better match the humbucker's output).

Speaking of Todd Rockfield, if you haven't checked out the video of him demo'ing the MKH, you really should. The guy can play, and he shows off the guitar's features well.

[trockfield]

Hello all you guitar nutz!
I wanted to help answer an earlier question about noise levels. The Fishman engineers Measured this out for us this afternoon and here is what they Found:

Baseline Noise:

Mag channel: -106dBV

Piezo channel: -100dBV

Both readings A-weighted, 22Hz-22kHz bandwidth



0dBV=1Vrms

Not bad for $499.99

Later Everyone!

[Anderton]

Hey, those are pretty impressive noise specs. Thanks for taking the effort to measure them.

[Jon Chappell]

Hey, those are pretty impressive noise specs. Thanks for taking the effort to measure them.

Noise?! What noise? :)

Electric guitarists entering into the acoustic arena via the Michael Kelly Hybrid might not realize the importance of the quiescent noise factor, or the level of noise when no signal is present -- you know, when you're not playing. Acoustic music is generally more dynamic than electric -- louder louds, softer softs -- and it's the softs where we worry about the noise floor being too high. Acoustic music can also be more exposed -- longer periods of just the acoustic all by its lonesome. How many songs can you think of that start with just an acoustic intro before the "wall of sound" kicks in on verse 2? Pretty many, I'll bet.

I've just come from a workout with the MK Hybrid, where I put it through a Crate CA30DG Taos acoustic amp and a Fender Vibro-King.

I'd like to take a step back to remind ourselves that the "Hybrid" in this guitar's name refers to the conception and design of the guitar, not just its electronic scheme. This becomes screamingly obvious when you play the Hybrid. You're instantly aware that the guitar borrows the best of both camps. It has the wide fingerboard of an acoustic, but the easy action of an electric. Strumming the guitar unplugged gives a satisfying keraaang that further bolsters its acoustic strengths. Yet string-bending is fast and facile. I spent a long time getting just my acoustic sound together, not because it was difficult, but because there was so much to work with. And it was fun.

With my acoustic hat on, I appreciated the wide fingerboard (I measure it to be 1-5/8" at the nut), which is especially nice for fingerpicking passages. The action is low, and the strings are light (.009), but striking the guitar hard did not make the guitar buzz out, nor did it overdrive -- or even noticeably compress -- the piezo.

Then I brought in the electric sound. Keep in mind, as you work with the guitar in stereo (which I did first, in my live tests), that the placement of the amps in the room has an effect on the sound. Most backline situations will require you to place your amps side by side (or sometimes stacked), but you can really enhance the sound by actually separating the amps in space.

Obviously, this won't make a difference if all the audience hears is miked or D.I.'d signals through the mains, but it's worth noting for you guitarists who play smaller venues, where stage volume contributes to the overall sound.

So, by virtue of the fact that my two amps are separated by 6 feet of space, and I was too lazy to move them together, I experienced another benefit: the spacial separation between the electric and acoustic sounds. (Here again, though, the 6-2/3-foot cable may be a limiting factor.)

I realized quickly that, although in practice I run my acoustic sound right into the Crate, I always run electric guitars through a multi-effects processor -- in my case, a Line 6 PODxt. But that, of course, is easy with the Y-cable. So I did just that, and got to work on my "base" sound.

The humbucker pickup, which is placed midway between the bridge and fingerboard, has all the loud and bass-rich oomph of a neck pickup, and most of the brights of a bridge. You can't get quite the bite of a humbucker placed right at the bridge, but I found I missed none of the sharpness normally associated with the more traditionally placed "lead" pickup. I'd love to hear what designer Todd Rockfield has to say about his approach in the windings, etc., to the pickups that end up on the Hybrid. (And while we're at it, maybe he can supply the fingerboard radius!)

I spent a good deal of time dialing in the electric-only sound, creating and saving settings in my effects processor. My strategy was that I was using the piezo for chordal stuff and the electric for heavier riffs and leads, so I didn't bother with setting up a mellow, balanced humbucker sound. Just give me the gritty stuff!

[tats_dragon]

The acoustic clips on the Michael Kelly site sound great but the electric tone, probably due to the position of the pickup, is not very trebly.
Why was the current electric pickup position chosen? Also why not two electic pickups and a tone knob perhaps?

Jun

[Jon Chappell]

Your comment about the trebly tone I can see, although, remember that you're listening to audio coming from within a tweazed-out, ultra-compressed video format.

But I'd be interested, too, in seeing what went into the manufacturer's decision to place the pickup so centrally between the neck and bridge.

As for tone controls: never been a big fan, especially if it's treble I'm looking for. I run the pots (especially the tone) full out for my base sound, and knock down the brittleness later in the chain (though some of my faves, including Jeff Beck, masterfully manipulated the tone control). But then, I use a lot of EQ in my effects, so I don't need to get it from the guitar's passive pots.

[trockfield]

Ask and you shall receive!

Magnetic Pickup
The Magnetic pickup in the Hybrid is actually the Rockfield "SWC" bridge model. This specific pickup design was something that I had been working on for a while.

Taking from things I had learned from long hours of research, old wood shed articles and basically asking questions to whomever was willing to share trade secrets (and no I promised not to kiss and tell so I can’t get too specific) but the best way to describe the "SWC" is it’s basically a PAF style pickup on steroids! It is slightly over wound which does give the pickup a little more output and bite. I used USA 42 gauge plain enamel wire with custom USA ALNICO 5 Magnets.

I also use a special method to pot all the Rockfield pickups. A long while ago through trial, error and herds of research I found out that pickups can actually be over potted. I then realized that this can and does affect the overall tone of a pickup. So after more research, development and testing we created a simple solution to potting the Rockfield Pickups, It’s what I call "Precision Potting".

Each Rockfield Pickup model has a specific procedure and time limit that we feel doesn’t take away from the actual tone and or vibration transfer but does what it’s supposed to do in reducing or limiting micro phonic feedback.

Although a very small step, we found that this method does help the player in getting the optimum tone and sustain out of each Rockfield Pickup.

Rockfield Pickup Placement
The Placement of the Rockfield SWC was important...We went through dozens of different variations of pickup placements until we thought we had the right tone...
Understand that not only did we need the Hybrid to have a killer Electric tone, the question we kept asking was "Can we win in all 3 Phases of the Game"?

Electric – Dirty
Electric - Clean
Electric / Acoustic Blended

The only way we felt to do this right was to get it in other Players hands.

So we took the original prototypes of the Hybrid that we thought were winners and put them in player’s hands for comments and a long evaluation process until we had one model that undeniably with all the input and testing was the overall winner.


Oh yea, it’s a 12" radius....

[trockfield]

Great questions from tats_dragon! (Thanks)

In Quoting Jon from an earlier post:
The humbucker pickup, which is placed midway between the bridge and fingerboard, has all the loud and bass-rich oomph of a neck pickup, and most of the brights of a bridge. You can't get quite the bite of a humbucker placed right at the bridge, but I found I missed none of the sharpness normally associated with the more traditionally placed "lead" pickup.

I think Jon really nailed it here....It is loud and proud and does have that dark depth you get from a humbucker. But there is still quite a bit of bite!
To be honest, in the studio where the sound files were recorded, the EQ was dialed in for me, the way I like to hear it in the room. So basically the Amp was set up and EQ'd with my "Perfect blend of tone". I personally love that fat, thick tone that hits you square in the chest...That’s just me.

With that being said, is it as treble hot as a single coil? No way, but remember it’s a custom wound PAF style pickup which normally are darker. Which means there was a bunch more room to “dial” in more high’s if needed?
Also, I will add that with most amps and processors out there today, highs are not ever really lacking. If you want them, they are there...

For the 2 pickup question
(Thanks again tats_dragon...another killer question!)

When we first set out to design the Hybrid, all of our test players agreed and wanted a very simple elegant design. One of the test players used the comment, (which I love)
"I want to just plug in, shut up and play!"
Basically a guitar player’s guitar. They all wanted a guitar that had a killer electric tone, a killer acoustic tone and was a breeze to use!
So.....
As soon as we started adding pickups, switches and more knobs we started to step away from this request. The guitar really became un-user friendly. So we went back to the drawing board, listened to our customers and the Simple to use current design was born to rave reviews. I guess you could say that we took more of an iPod approach, simple, elegant and we feel effective.

[flemtone]

ok, I'm definitely not a pro, being primarily a bass player for 30+ years, but I loved the mix of electric and acoustic tones. I bought a MK 5-string acoustic fretless 'Dragonfly' bass years back, and have been consistently impressed with the construction, electronics and tone. Since I'm not primarily a guitar player, I don't have any impressive questions about the instrument itself, but I do have a couple of general questions.

On the Kelly website, it's listed at $799, but it's touted in the review as under $500. This seems like a major cut via GC, if that's the real deal. Can I assume that the instrument will be testable in the stores?

Also, what kind of amp would bring out the best dynamics of this particular model, an electric or acoustic amp?

Again, I'm just on the outside looking in, but it's truly a beautiful looking guitar. I'd be interested in feeling out its range.

Thanks,
Tim from Jersey

[trockfield]

Hey Tim!
Thanks for the support, question and kind words on the Dragonfly bass. It’s nice to know that someone digs what we are trying to do.... makes it all worth it for me.
On this subject though... you don’t need to be a pro my friend, you just need to have the desire to have some fun and appreciate some great tone!

Anyway, $799.00 is the "Retail or List price". Not the selling price.
The $799.00 is also referred to as MSRP or Manufactures Suggested Retail Price. Most don’t actually sell @ this price....its usually discounted by the dealers that are selling the product.

The "UNDER $500.00" is Guitar Center Slang for $499.99.
This is the Sales Price. GC is the only place you can get one of these bad boys.....And normally you can try one out.

For the amp question its best described @ our Instructional video located on youtube.com
Here is a link to watch for yourself....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm9pP4qQAp4

In my opinion the best or the most dynamic sounding way to run this guitar is into 2 separate sound sources. Like in the video I used 1 electric amp and 1 true or designated acoustic amp.
This to me is the best tone! I have even used a PA for the acoustic side and it was killer...

However, you don’t need to have 2 amps....you can use 1 - 2 channel electric guitar amp preferably and both tones with still sound awesome!

[paulodumb]

That certainly is a sexy looking axe, and what I've heard so far is really appealing. I've got a couple of questions, though.

1.) How is the unplugged acoustic tone? That's important because I usually play on the couch with no amp.

2.) When you plug it in and crank the gain, is feedback a problem? I used to have a semi-hollowbody that had nightmarish amounts of uncontrollable feedback if I used a lot of gain.

[Kevman]

You say that the guitar is only available at GC, why?

I'm sorry if I missed something in the design concept but I am already thinking that instead of 2 vol and a 3 way I would like to have it set up with a master vol and tone with a BLEND control in lieu of the 3 way.
Do you think there is room in the control cavity for this type of configuration?
Also, was wondering if the hot PAF style humbucker with precision potting is a 4 wire affair opening up the possibility to coil tap.

Looks like a cool guit just kinda hate having to drive over an hour to a GC to mess with one.

[Dr. Jimmy]

Wow! This sounds like a fabulous axe! Deep, rich lows and crisp highs, with a buttery midrange! It has a neck to die for and a simply awesome finish! Where can I get one?

If you're serious about your music, you NEED this instrument!

[Jon Chappell]

1.) How is the unplugged acoustic tone? That's important because I usually play on the couch with no amp.

2.) When you plug it in and crank the gain, is feedback a problem? I used to have a semi-hollowbody that had nightmarish amounts of uncontrollable feedback if I used a lot of gain.

1. As I stated previously, the MK Hybrid yields a satisfying keraaang when strummed unplugged. I find the volume satisfactory -- better than a semi-hollowbody, like a 335, but of course not as loud as a completely hollow thinline acoustic-electric. The Hybrid's body is chambered, so it's not completely hollow inside, but it doesn't have a solid centerblock, either.

I'm a big "sofa strummer," and I find I can hear it fine on the couch, even with the TV on.

2. Of course, the acoustic strength is in inverse proportion to its ability to resist feedback. So it will feed back. When giving it the "squeal test," the humbucker induced feedback much sooner than the piezo, at equal levels. But how much of a problem this is depends on your stage setup.

[Jon Chappell]

I am already thinking that instead of 2 vol and a 3 way I would like to have it set up with a master vol and tone with a BLEND control in lieu of the 3 way.
Do you think there is room in the control cavity for this type of configuration?

That's a great idea for a mod, Kevman. You can't see it from my posted photo of the cavity, but there is LOTS of room on the right side -- where you propose swapping out the three-way switch with a blend-control knob. No issues with space at all here for additional componentry.

If you get a Hybrid, and you decide to do this, would you let us know in this forum?

[tats_dragon]

The blend knob idea makes alot of sense but then you have no audio 'off'. Maybe instead of a tone knob it could be an electric volume and a blend knob?
I still hope a two electric pickup version comes out w/ three knobs:
-electric volume
-electric tone
-electric/acoustic blend knob
-3 way toggle switch for electric, personally I would still mod this with a 4pdt mini switch for parallel/series/single coil

This would be an ultimate guitar for me.


Jun

[skippydmongoose]

Isn't this guitar just a cheap knock-off of the Taylor T-5? Not at all an original idea?

What you wrote:

"What is startlingly refreshing is the way Michael Kelly Guitars has designed their Hybrid from the ground up to be a guitar that is equally appealing to both acoustic guitarists and electric axe slingers."


What I'd have written:

"What is startlingly is the way Michael Kelly Guitars has designed their Hybrid from the ground up to be a guitar that is equally appealing to both acoustic guitarists and electric axe slingers EXACTLY LIKE THE TAYLOR T-5!"

[tats_dragon]

skippydmongoose,

Who cares?
How often do you get to comment on a piece of gear and have the manufacturer respond.
PRS and Brian Moore (probably many others) have been making acoustic/electric hybrids way before the T-5.
I personally can't afford $2299 for a T5 so $499 for this guitar is a welcome alternative.

Jun

[skippydmongoose]

Originally posted by tats_dragon
skippydmongoose,

Who cares?
How often do you get to comment on a piece of gear and have the manufacturer respond.


Jun Well, there is another chat site where just about every boutique guitar maker/amp builder hangs out. Simply bringing up their name elicits a response from them. Names like Suhr, Koll, Briggs, Myka, Fuchs, Fargen, and other well known builders frequent that place. So to answer your question, how often?
Tons.

Think of us as the ethics police. All we're pointing out is the "try it first" rule.

If the cat who reviewed this guitar simply did so because he played one in GC one day and liked it. Perfect. That's what I'd like to hear. Unsolicited, non-biased opinion.

But he was, according to the FAQ section, paid by the maker to review their instrument. [Editor's Note: That is, quite simply, wrong, and the FAQ says no such thing. Jon is compensated by Harmony Central in his capacity as a professional reviewer and editor. -- CA] And I know he could dog it. But if he did, the next time the builder has a new instrument to review, do you think they'll be sending him a check and a freebie? [Editor's Note: No, because they don't pay the reviewer. And FWIW, the only accommodation most reviewers get is the option to buy what they reviewed at dealer cost, as the unit can no longer be sold as new. -- CA]

Hell no.

That's all I'm trying to point out.

[tats_dragon]

Well Mr. ethic police I don't think you were fair in your quote of Jon Chappell.
Isn't this guitar just a cheap knock-off of the Taylor T-5? Not at all an original idea?
What you wrote:

"What is startlingly refreshing is the way Michael Kelly Guitars has designed their Hybrid from the ground up to be a guitar that is equally appealing to both acoustic guitarists and electric axe slingers."


One paragraph before your unfair quote from the original post is 'The concept is not new,'.

Anyone that plays guitar would know about the Taylor T5. You are just stating the OBVIOUS.
All we're pointing out is the "try it first" rule.

Stating the obvious once again.

Jun

[skippydmongoose]

Originally posted by tats_dragon
Well Mr. ethic police I don't think you were fair in your quote of Jon Chappell.


One paragraph before your unfair quote from the original post is 'The concept is not new,'.
And you are not being fair to me by missing the point the author was trying to make. One paragraph before your quote: "The concept is not new" the author points out what, indeed, is not a new concept. "A hybrid system combines magnetic and piezo technology, providing controls to blend the two sounds."

He doesn't reference the Taylor specifically, rather the ability to blend both piezo and electric pickups--like the Godin and PRS guitars.



Now, if you'll look closely at the two, Talyor and MK, you'll see the simlilarities IMMEDIATELY!

[tats_dragon]

Stating the obvious once again. Pretty pointless. :rolleyes:

Jun

[guitarseeker]

Hey, Jon:
I have considered a number of guitars that promise acoustic and electric tone on one instrument including the T5. While many are fun and cool— in a real gig situation they just do not seem to do what I want them to do.
I want to be able to go from an acoustic sound to an electric sound in the middle of a song without messing with a bunch of controls on my guitar or amp. You have the instrument for this review, do you feel that you could quickly switch from the acoustic tone that you prefer to a heavy electric tone in the middle of a song on a real gig? Would this one be seamless, or would it be like the rest that require a turn here and tweak there to get to that promise land of real, honest flexibility>

Thanks
GuitarSeeker

[tats_dragon]

I agree guitarseeker, when I was playing a Brian Moore it was not a quick change. But as Kevman pointed out if the two guitar sounds were on a blend knob, it could be pretty quick. The problem might be finding a dual pot to control a passive electric pickup and an active acoustic pickup.

Jun

[guitarseeker]

Well, of course the holy grail would be one that changes instantaneously. No knob fiddling at all.
That is what I want to know about this hybrid.

I know a couple of folks that play M.Kelly mandolins and they swear by them. The quality is there, no doubt.

Just wanting to know if this guitar is what I am looking for.

Thanks,
guitarseeker

[Anderton]

Back to the guitar...I'm intrigued by the "blending" concept. Maybe this was already mentioned, but couldn't you use a stereo jack and put each pickup on its own out? Then you could go into a pedal or other box to do crossfading and blending.

[tats_dragon]

Wouldn't even pedal like the Ernie Ball stereo/pan pedal have the same problems of mixing an active AND passive signal?


Jun

[Anderton]

Well, it all depends on whether the output levels and such...worst case is you'd need some kind of buffer between the passive out and the pedal.

I'm curious about two things.

1) Is this a GC-only exclusive thing forever, or for a limited period of time?

2) Jon, have you tried recording in stereo with the piezo panned toward one side and the electric toward the other?

[flemtone]

Craig,

According to the response to my post, Mr. Rockfield replied, "In my opinion the best or the most dynamic sounding way to run this guitar is into 2 separate sound sources. Like in the video I used 1 electric amp and 1 true or designated acoustic amp.
This to me is the best tone! I have even used a PA for the acoustic side and it was killer...

However, you don’t need to have 2 amps....you can use 1 - 2 channel electric guitar amp preferably and both tones with still sound awesome!"

I had a friend call me last night who was on his way to GC in Totowa, NJ, and I asked him to try out this guitar. There is a stereo quarter-inch included in the package that essentially splits the pickups to different amps (or dual-channel single amp). I don't know if you can use a mono cable and get the 'blended' sound, though.

Yes, you can. --Jon Chappell


My buddy is a tone-hound and said it definitely was a sweet-sounding guitar, but be aware that the distorted guitar sound is not on-board, but rather is post-guitar. When I first heard the samples on the site, I assumed that, like the Line6, it had the effects on-board. I occasionally play a Variax acoustic 700 and thought this might be the same technology, but alas, no.

It's a beauty, though. I absolutely love the look of this thing.

peace,
Tim from Jersey

[Jon Chappell]

[from guitarseekerHey, Jon:
I have considered a number of guitars that promise acoustic and electric tone on one instrument including the T5. While many are fun and cool— in a real gig situation they just do not seem to do what I want them to do.

If you can't find a solution in the Taylor T-5, which is a pretty versatile guitar, what specifically are you looking for? If it's a simpler approach, the MK Hybrid may help. But I'm not comparing the two. The T-5 is a $2,000 instrument; the Hybrid is $500.

I want to be able to go from an acoustic sound to an electric sound in the middle of a song without messing with a bunch of controls on my guitar or amp. You have the instrument for this review, do you feel that you could quickly switch from the acoustic tone that you prefer to a heavy electric tone in the middle of a song on a real gig? Would this one be seamless, or would it be like the rest that require a turn here and tweak there to get to that promise land of real, honest flexibility>

It would be seamless -- if you ran the split (as opposed to the blend) configuration. In the the electric path, I would put all my pedals inline. In the acoustic path I'd have just my digital reverb/delay (in my case, a BOSS RV-3). Then you're not really touching the guitar -- except to flip the switch.

This is where the simplicity of the two knobs and one switch comes into play (though I like Kevman's idea for a mod).

For simplicity of operation, the Hybrid, in split mode can do what you like. If it's the quality of the sound that you're finding lacking in the T-5, my guess is you won't find it in the Hybrid, because it's not designed to compete with the T-5 -- at least on the level of sonic versatility. Remember: t-5 = $2,000; MKH =$500.

Both of these guitars are new, and mentioning them in the same discussion is tempting, but it's not fair to either manufacturer to engage in comparisons between the two.

[Jon Chappell]

Anderton wrote:
2) Jon, have you tried recording in stereo with the piezo panned toward one side and the electric toward the other?

Last night, I plugged the Hybrid into my mixer, in split mode, using the stereo cable. Channel 1 (panned hard left) was the humbucker and Channel 2 (hard right) was the piezo. Keep in mind, this was just to compare the two pickups into a board, which gave me level readings and allowed me to listen for crosstalk. As any self-respecting guitar player knows, you would never plug an electric straight into the board! :)

Both pickups produced a consistent output, and required a healthy amount of gain trim to bring them up to the 0 dB reading on the fader.

I recorded a passage with single notes as well as strumming with just the humbucker. Then I switched over (live) to the piezo and played the same passage, being careful to match my articulations and intensity to the previous passage. Then I swtiched back, and then I played both pickups together. The volume pots were full out.

When listening to the playback over closed-ear headphones, I heard no cross-talk when in single-pickup mode, and the waveform display was dead flat. In dual-pickup mode, the sound was fuller and seemed louder, but the waveform display confirmed the output was equal to either pickup in single mode.

What did show up -- audibly as well as on the waveform -- was the pickup switch noise. But this is not unusual, and the noise was barely noticeable. You wouldn't even hear it in a mix.

But it's clear some thought went into matching the levels of the pickups to each other, and when used together. Look again at the previous posts for the impedance disussion: the piezo has about a 1 kOhm output impedance (low impedance) by itself, and 3.3 kOhm (still consdered low impedance) when in dual mode, to better match the humbucker's output.

No guitar of mine ever goes to a mixer directly; it either passes through a preamp (if it's acoustic) or a raft of effects (if it's electric), but this acid test did show that the pickups are given equal time on the Hybrid.

[tats_dragon]

Is the humbucker buffered internally?

Jun

[trockfield]

Hello everyone...

Good to see all the comments, suggestions and opinions! We love to hear from the players, consumers and Tone junkies out there! So thank you very much to everyone!

(For tats_dragon)
(This cat has had some great feedback and questions BTW... thanks man)

The humbucker is buffered. Its one of the many cool design features of the custom Fishman Pre-amp which makes this guitar so user friendly. Fishman did a great job in helping us accomplish our goal in making this technical but still user friendly and soulful guitar.

We did spend alot of time on this (Thanks Jon for noticing) It was a very important feature. The 2 units had to work well together and be well, simply put, "USEFULL."

For the switching question, we decided to use a 3 way switch because what could be easier? every player is used to a switch of somesort right? The Knob prototypes were actually harder to control on the fly for every one of our test players.

So.....for the user who stated:
I want to be able to go from an acoustic sound to an electric sound in the middle of a song without messing with a bunch of controls on my guitar or amp.
(Another killer statement, so well put)

Ding, Ding, Ding, We have a winner!
That is what the Hybrid is made to do. It was designed to be a player’s guitar.
It is versatile and useful in any setting and there is no need to have a PHD to learn how to use it! In all honesty, besides the tone, the simplicity of the overall design was one of the most important things for us to accomplish. The history of this style of guitar shows us, (I want to be clear here so “Not always, but for the most part”) that these style of instruments have always seemed “OVER DESIGNED”.
With that being said, we were asked by players to make it real user friendly and sound great! That’s it…a simple great sounding elegant design. Hopefully everyone who got one or is thinking about getting one agrees that we did just that.

Now on to another issue:

I'm curious about two things.
1. Is this a GC-only exclusive thing forever, or for a limited period of time?
(Thanks Jon for taking care of the second question!

This is "FOR NOW" a guitar center exclusive. However, we plan on a release of this model that will be available at all Michael Kelly dealers in early 2007. No exact date has been issued as of yet.

Again, thanks to everyone and have a great weekend to all!

[tats_dragon]

trock,
I'm hopefully going to try this guitar @ the San Jose GC Sunday.

The Knob prototypes were actually harder to control on the fly for every one of our test players.

Was this a dual potentiometer that could turn one way for humbucker and the other for piezo?
This 'blend knob' idea that Kevman had was the exact thought I had when playing a Brian Moore with dedicated volume knobs for the different pickups.

Jun

[TR2]

Sorry Guys,
Separate login for another computer (home)....It is me though! :>)
For Tats Question:

Was this a dual potentiometer that could turn one way for humbucker and the other for piezo?

We did try this on a couple of early prototypes and for seamless switching the application did not work for a couple reasons:

1. There was frequency issue that occurred in specific positions of the pot. It also had more overall noise. Not allot, but it was there. We tried many different solutions, to try and fix both issues. Really though its was all for not, because the biggest problem with this set up leads me to the most glaring issue:

2. To go quick from Electric to Acoustic or vise versa it was not seamless or easy. It was a blend. So at specific points in the range of motion of the pot, you could hear both blended. (Along with some noise) That was not what we, or any of the test players wanted either. So it was back to the drawing board.

The bottom line, Is that a 3-way switch is the easiest, most seamless, useful and above all familiar way to control a guitar. That’s why it is the way it is my friend.

[percyexpat]

In keeping with the question about Guitar Centre exclusivity, is this guitar going to be available in Europe any time soon, or will it be another (costly) import? :(

[TR2]

Thanks for the post percyexpat, and a great question!

We are hoping that the Hybrid will be available to eurpean countries within the first quarter of next year.

We are currently working out those details.

[percyexpat]

Originally posted by TR2
Thanks for the post percyexpat, and a great question!

We are hoping that the Hybrid will be available to eurpean countries within the first quarter of next year.

We are currently working out those details.

Okay, thanks for the info! Can't wait! :)

[tats_dragon]

Tried the Hybrid at the San Jose GC this afternoon. Went into the quiet room and listened to the electric sound, since I already liked the acoustic sound from the website.
I predict Michael Kelly will come out with either a multi-pickup version or alter the positioning of the existing single humbucker. Sounded excellent but since not many guitars even have a middle humbucker it was hard for me to get used to. I would probably need a special setting on the amp just for this guitar.

Jun

[HOOMER]

ok already on the elecs...everybody can and should fuss about to get "the" sound you want to be your own(Brian May comes to mind)...I'd like to ask(keeping the $tag in mind)...so hows she built? Trusty roadie? You're pro's..you know what I mean....

[BuckyB]

This guitar seems like a thin-bodied amplified acoustic (think Chet Atkins) with an added humbucker. In other words, primarily acoustic, with added-on electric features. I can't believe that the test players all agreed it was best to limit it to just one magnetic pickup. Although the amplified acoustic sound is just gorgeous, the magnetic palate is way too limited for electric players. I hope they remedy this with future models.

[Jon Chappell]

tats_dragon wrote
I predict Michael Kelly will come out with either a multi-pickup version or alter the positioning of the existing single humbucker. Sounded excellent but since not many guitars even have a middle humbucker it was hard for me to get used to. I would probably need a special setting on the amp [or your effects processor --Jon C.] just for this guitar.

BuckyB wrote
I can't believe that the test players all agreed it was best to limit it to just one magnetic pickup. Although the amplified acoustic sound is just gorgeous, the magnetic palate is way too limited for electric players. I hope they remedy this with future models.

tats_dragon may be on to something. If the MKH now seems more like an acoustic-electric that can switch into distortion mode, perhaps a deluxe (multi-pickup) version would appeal more to an electric player looking to grab an acoustic sound. In a live situation, I see the single pickup version being appropriate for, say, a rhythm guitarist, or the singer-guitarist looking to add depth to a band's sound, but may not be repsonsible for principal guitar duties. In this way, not having that true "back-pickup bite" is not really a limitation. (And he'll stay out of the way of the lead guitarist! :))

And when BuckyB calls for a remedy in the form of a multi-pickup model, you could see that as a call to expand the product line. I'm guessing it would be hard to put two quality humbuckers in a guitar -- and outfit it with the attendant electronics -- and keep the price under $500. But BuckyB's point is taken: conceptually, it's an adjustment for guitarists to get their heads around a guitar with a middle-position humbucker.

These are all points that make good sense on paper, and when you first view the guitar. But try messing with one, and you'll see that the playability, pickup balance, and value (quality-to-price ration) make this a very appealing addition to your sonic palette. Think singer-songwriter whose songs go from introspective to aggressive; think rhythm guitarist looking to fatten that chorus with a flick of the switch. Think power trio trying to blur the line between unplugged and wall-of-sound.

You get the idea.

[TR2]

Hey Everyone! Hope all is well with all and I have been really enjoying all the comments and posts! You guys are all really on top of this. All this feedback helps us do things better and get opinions that are invaluable to future development! So Thanks so much!

After reading through some posts I really wanted to make sure that everyone understood something very important about the overall Hybrid design.

There have been a couple people comment on the ‘Middle Humbucker” position. The Magnetic pickup is not a "Middle" humbucker. Looking at it at first will give anyone that perception, so I do see where that’s coming from. However, the humbucker model and placement was very crucial to the overall design of the Hybrid tonally. Not only when its in use by itself, but also blended with the acoustic pickup.

We tried many different humbucker positions with varying size and shaped tone chambers and cavity routes to find the appropriate placement.

With that being said, the actual position of the magnetic pickup is at the "rear" of an internal tone block. There is then a special designed tone chamber leading to the acoustic pickup cavity and string block. This placement actually has more tonal aspects of a bridge pickup than what you would think. Is it exact? Of course not. We did however try many combinations as stated above until the most important thing we felt was achieved.

That is that our test players did agree that this was the best design tonally for all settings on this guitar.

Personally, I have gotten as much bite out of the Hybrid magnetic pickup as any of my other guitars in their respective bridge positions.

To do this it did take some tweaking of my normal amp settings. However, I would have done the same tweaking with any new guitar to make it sound the way I want it to sound through my rig anyway.

So hopefully this helps explain in more detail how important the exact positioning of the Rockfield SWC magnetic pickup is to the overall Hybrid concept and design.

Thanks again!

[BuckyB]

I appreciate the input from both Jon & Rockfield. My comment however was not about the position of the humbucker, but the lack of available electric sound choices. I now understand that this guitar was not really designed for the lead guitarist. For it's intended market (singer-songwriter, rhythm guitarist), I think it's probably perfect. Perhaps a better choice in this price range for the lead guitarist seeking to add acoustic sounds without switching guitars would be something like the Peavey Generation AMC series (at least for now). Pity, because I'm really quite impressed with the Kelly's amplified acoustic sound. I'll keep an anxious eye out for any future expansions to the MKH line, as well.

[FastRedPonyCar]

This looks like a very cool guitar and from the postive reviews so far, sounds like a real winner especially for the price. I really wasn't a fan of the T5 as it seemed like a thin acoustic with a weak electric pickup tossed in at the last minute. there wasn't a good balance between the electric and acoustic to me. It wasn't something I could go from subtle acoustic to screaming overdrive with.

This MK reminds me of Carvins AE185

http://www.carvin.com/products/guitar.php?ItemNumber=AE185

Was more along the lines of a good balance between the two that could accomodate moderately heavy levels of gain without all the feedback that typically plagues semi hollow guitars and still have a good acoustic voice and the ablity to blend the two.

Unfortunately, the AE's start at $1000


So I'm eager to try this MK guitar out to see how balanced the two aspects really are. I can see how not having two dedicated pickups can appear to cripple the tonal versatility that a dual humbucker guitar has, I don't want to jump to any conclusions without testing it first because from what's been said thus far in the thread, it doesn't seem to be just a semi hollow guitar with a humbucker tossed in at the last minute. looks like it was engineered from the ground up to have both electric and acoustic jive together equally well.

[tats_dragon]

If I were to purchase a guitar like the Hybrid I probably wouldn't use a 'blend' of electric and acoustic as much as one or the other. An acoustic with distortion guitar blended seems pointless to me.
As BuckyB has pointed out, the Hybrid seems to be geared more towards a rhythm guitarist. Doesn't appeal to someone needing a full palette of electric sounds. It's more of a novelty guitar for only a few songs.

Jun

[percyexpat]

If the piezo pickup could be adapted to drive a hex output (like the roland GK system or LR Baggs (http://www.lrbaggs.com/html/products/pickups_hex.shtml) ) as well as the stereo output jack then it'd be the perfect guitar...

You could use it to drive a MIDI converter, or their VG-8 technology. It could also be used to drive the Line 6 Variax system, removed from the body and rackmounted. (i've been trying to find out exactly how to do this, it has been done, but hav'nt been able to get very far with it...(link (http://instituteofnoise.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24268))).

Or you could just have each string output seperately using one of these. http://www.rmcpickup.com/fanoutbox.html

Thats gone a touch off topic and I apologise, but I do think that having hex output would make it perfect :D It'd also go some way to a solution about having only the one pickup.

Or maybe i'm just rambling, never mind.

[trockfield]

Hey everyone!
Tats_Dragon said,

"If I were to purchase a guitar like the Hybrid I probably wouldn't use a 'blend' of electric and acoustic as much as one or the other. An acoustic with distortion guitar blended seems pointless to me."

Your right! But thats why in steroe as metioned above you run the Y cable into 2 sound sources. ! acoustic Amp or PA and then your choice of electric amp for the magnetic pickup. That way, you dont have an acoustic with distortion. The acoustic is split so its clean and full! While the electric also split and separated is distorted or not. Its up to you... but in this mode you wouldnt have a distorted acoustic.

[tats_dragon]

T-rock,
There have been a couple people comment on the ‘Middle Humbucker” position. The Magnetic pickup is not a "Middle" humbucker. Looking at it at first will give anyone that perception, so I do see where that’s coming from.
It SOUNDED like a middle humbucker to me when I tried it at GC.

I totally understand the concept of using an insert cable running an electric amp and the piezo DI'ed a PA. My 'distorted acoustic' comment, i should've clarified, was a response to your statement of:
However, the humbucker model and placement was very crucial to the overall design of the Hybrid tonally. Not only when its in use by itself, but also blended with the acoustic pickup.
If the mag pickup positon was chosen with a 'blend' in mind, as you pointed out, your electric amp definately has to be tweaked every time you use the Hybrid.


Jun

[trockfield]

Hey Tats!


You my friend have the best posts! Thanks for everything....however I again have to reply to your comment:

"If the mag pickup positon was chosen with a 'blend' in mind, as you pointed out, your electric amp definately has to be tweaked every time you use the Hybrid."

Not True... if you use 2 separate sound sources split using the Hybrid stereo jack this is not neccasary. As soon as you dial in your electric sound it there. Just like a regular electric guitar...It wont change on you. If you have a 2 channel amp you can set a clean tone on the acoustic pickup if you choose not to run into 2 separate sound sources.

Now I myself tweak my sound no matter where I am playing. Thats just me! Every room sounds different. But a major tweaking or set up? no way! This guitar was made to be a players guitar! Easy to understand and work with.

The same tweaking done to a standard a strat at one club on Friday and then another club on Saturday to get the best sound in the room, as minor as it might be is the same tweaking it would take on the Hybrid! I do this myself 3 times a week...

As soon as I was dialed in the first time, its been my go to axe...I have 2 songs that I do not use it on and they are both tunes I need a neck humbucker tone only.....



Thanks guys and take care.

[strat2]

Listened to the clips:

The acoustic sound is nice the distortion sound is not
at all useful to me , blend is also useless to me .

I need acoustic or driven ; Scorpions, def leopard, rat,doken.
The clips sound like Ted Nuggent , not usefull.

Acoustic and electric with little compromise to either in one
guitar would be awesome.
But half measures are what they are.
Taylors T5 by the way is crap in the electric mode also , acoustic is
of course very nice....

I like the body size, the T5 Taylor is too big.

Head stock is not terrible , Schecter Blackjack series might work
or a blend of the two.
Solid and colored flame would be nice additions.
Stained finishes.


Just saying it's not ready for my use, but may be great for
multitudes of other players.

Fantastic concept.
ps needs 24 frets...
Is the scale 24 3/4" ? 25 1/2 "

:thu:

[TR2]

I am sure everyone knows that sound files sound different through different systems.

Just for the record... high gain amp and your there for those styles mentioned....
Again, I play all sorts of music and it works for all. This is to exception to one style and thats the extreme metal! Even with my mesa cranked. (THAT WAS LOUD BTW)

The acoustic sound I agree is top notch! And when you have the option to split it sparate, man can you really dial her in...

[HOOMER]

Ok then....once again I will ask..and maybe it IS not important...but, Put the hummbucker here, put it there...piezo here or there...obviously very important questions IF........the frame those pickups sit on are worth a poop......so is this guitar well built to start with or not...no point in talking about what the stereo can do untill we establish that the tires can hold the road ...IMHO.........

[strat2]

Originally posted by TR2
I am sure everyone knows that sound files sound different through different systems...
...

I mentioned the hi gain sounded like Ted Nugent, a sound I can't use.

For driven sounds I'd need sounds like ;Scorpions, def leopard, rat,doken.

I also said I like the Acoustic clips ,they are nice I'd like to be using it for that,
but you say ...sound files sound different through different systems, so am I to not trust what I heard ?

Or :
trust the nice acoustic clip.
and disregard the weak overdriven clip.

Found no dimensions or complete specs nor options
on the Kelly site.

I did a GC and MF search can't find the guitar.

Scale length
upper & lower bout
thickness
finish options
tuners

This looks like a very cool guitar, price is great.

:thu:

[strat2]

Originally posted by TR2
Just for the record... high gain amp and your there for those styles mentioned....
...This is to exception to one style and thats the extreme metal! Even with my mesa cranked.
Clips ?

:thu:

[trockfield]

for strat2 (you da man)
but you say ...sound files sound different through different systems, so am I to not trust what I heard ?

I see what your trying to say (understandable BTW:>)) and maybe I should have been more clear or politicaly correct in my response...so here it goes..

Sound clips are honest assements of a general sound no matter who or what is playing or being used. Are you going to sound the same as any soundclip you hear online if you buy that item? Probably not. There are many variables that go into this where a guitar or a guitar pickup is concerned...

For example:
The player and thier individual teqnique and style, all the way to thier rig, setup, and pedals if any and even the differences in hearing those said sound files in different computer speakers to the way it was recorded!

So these as most if not all other soundfiles no matter what they are for would be a general assesment of the overal sound that you can get of that particular item.

Is it the only sound, best sound or prefered sound? Of coarse not and also a matter of opinion on the latter 2. (Which I really cant dive into):>)

Our test amp (KUSTOM 212 Coupe) was set flat and the gain was roughly @ about 6:00. There was much more room to drive it if needed. But thats another video and studio session!

For your other questions:

I did a GC and MF search can't find the guitar.

These are avaialbe in GC stores only! Not online...So a search and or MF would not help you in your quest...

Scale length = 24 3/4
upper Bout = Roughly 9/34"
lower bout = Roughly 13"
thickness = 2 1/8
finish options = Natural Only
tuners =Grover

Thanks again and hope this helps!

[strat2]

Originally posted by trockfield
for strat2 (you da man)
but you say ...sound files sound different through different systems, so am I to not trust what I heard ?

I see what your trying to say (understandable BTW:>)) and maybe I should have been more clear or politicaly correct in my response...so here it goes..

"politicaly correct" ?


:freak:

[trockfield]

It was in reference to the sound files in my first response and earlier in the thread. This is where I possibly should have explained more clearly and with more detail to hit all points.

With all the variables involved that go into recording any particular sound file, I thought it was common knowledge that any sound file created was not to be the "end all be all", but a starting point to showcase the versatility or sound of any particular item. This assumption, on my part was not the "correct" thing to do and I should have explained better.

For when you’re talking tone, it’s a personal preference for all of us, and our settings and sound files it might not be for you...

But that doesn’t mean that our instrument won’t do what you need it to do or sound the way you want it to sound...

Next time... I will read and explain more thoroughly.

Great Job Strat2 and thanks….

[Ben4]

I have a couple questions regarding the intonation of this instrument:

1) What string guage is the guitar intonated for (since there are not adjustable bridge saddles)? I thought I read somewhere that it is optimized for light "10" guage strings, which is fine for me.

2) When looking at photos of the bridge, it appears as though the compensation is set up for a wound "G" string. I don't know this for sure, having not played one of these beauties yet, but I have never encounted a set of light-guage strings with a wound "G" and I was wondering how the intonation holds up when playing chords on the higher frets.

[strat2]

Originally posted by TR2


Just for the record... high gain amp and your there for those styles mentioned....
Again, I play all sorts of music and it works for all. This is to exception to one style and thats the extreme metal! Even with my mesa cranked.
...

Clips ?

Include amp / pedals where applicable, I


Edit to add : oops hit wrong button see below ;

:eek: :freak: :cry:

[tats_dragon]

Hello Jon,
It's been over a week since you posted. I would like your honest take on the magnetic pickup placement, since WE only get to check these out at GC for a few minutes without our own rigs.
Maybe with some clips.

Jun

[strat2]

Originally posted by TR2


Just for the record... high gain amp and your there for those styles mentioned....
Again, I play all sorts of music and it works for all. This is to exception to one style and thats the extreme metal! Even with my mesa cranked.
...
Clips ?

Include amp / pedals where applicable, If you get the time.

A guit that can give clean Acoustic , and even three or four
of these :

Dokken , Scorpions, Ratt, Priest,EVH,
Triumph,Rhoads,White Snake...

Actually I wouldn't need to match even one of these, just
a loose blend of any combination would work fine, as a ball park starting point,
(Nugent would definetly not be a starting point for my use).

You don't need to play leads at all if you don't like to, we can
definetly tell by a few power chords and general clunk clunk....

A guit that can give good Acoustic as well as useable 80's
metal is something I need bad.

Thanks for the scale length and dimensions....

:thu:

[trockfield]

I have a couple questions regarding the intonation of this instrument:

1) What string guage is the guitar intonated for (since there are not adjustable bridge saddles)? I thought I read somewhere that it is optimized for light "10" guage strings, which is fine for me.

2) When looking at photos of the bridge, it appears as though the compensation is set up for a wound "G" string. I don't know this for sure, having not played one of these beauties yet, but I have never encounted a set of light-guage strings with a wound "G" and I was wondering how the intonation holds up when playing chords on the higher frets.

The Hybrid Guitar comes Stock with D'Addario EXL110 model strings.
These are lights (.010 - .046) and it is not a wound G. The saddle is compensated @ the "B"

There has not been nor was there an issue with the intonation on the Hybrid at any point.

Also, none of the test players or Tech's that worked on the design had any comments or problems with this area.

I can see though that in the upper register there might be some minor areas of concern since the Hybrid is set up like an acoustic guitar.... However, I have not had or heard of any issue...

[strat2]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by TR2


Just for the record... high gain amp and your there for those styles mentioned....
Again, I play all sorts of music and it works for all. This is to exception to one style and thats the extreme metal! Even with my mesa cranked.
...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Really sounds good to me --- CLIPS ?

:thu:

[trockfield]

Sorry Strat2... dont have any extra clips a this time and wont for a while. I am in the process of recording some, (personal only) but none as of yet. Using this alot live right now.

However, if you think about the difference you would get with what you hear on the current files recorded with a 212 Kustom Coupe set flat with the gain section only at 6:00 to 8:00 roughly, there is much more room to play with compared to a high gain amp like a triple rectifier. Even with some pedals as you mentioned using... there is more room to do what ayone needs...I know this cant help your ears right now...but stay tuned for more on those. Just trying to help!

[HOOMER]

Ok..maybe its me..I think the pickup should be .000756 millimeters more towards the bridge myself...but Im fussy that way..... I guess Im a little more concerned right now about if I hammer on/off and play it like a guitar will get played...will the neck stay on?...in tune(sort of)?....switches wont fall out after 30 swipes...that kind of nuts and bolts stuff.............the tone thing is totally subjective to the player, all good points to be sure...but no-one has said if this is a well made guitar or not..........I for one would like to know........perhaps the kelly line is one of those "givens" that I missed....construction is huge to me......

[strat2]

Originally posted by trockfield
Sorry Strat2... dont have any extra clips a this time and wont for a while. I am in the process of recording some, (personal only) but none as of yet. Using this alot live right now.

However, if you think about the difference you would get with what you hear on the current files recorded with a 212 Kustom Coupe set flat with the gain section only at 6:00 to 8:00 roughly, there is much more room to play with compared to a high gain amp like a triple rectifier. Even with some pedals as you mentioned using... there is more room to do what ayone needs...I know this cant help your ears right now...but stay tuned for more on those. Just trying to help!

Thanks Todd ,

Yea if it works out down the road that would be cool, this guit is
a ways off for me as there are no local stores, probably have to
wait and order one online when they become available.
I have an idea tight, defined overdrive will be there, just trying to
get a heads up on it.....

:thu:

[trockfield]

Thanks for the question....
The construction is very solid and has been mentioned prior in the initial review and on the site. However, to re-iterate:

Specially chambered solid Mahogany Body
Mahogany Neck
Rosewood Board
Set neck
Laminated Flame Maple Top
Custom Fishman Blender
Rockfield SWC Custom Humbucker


So.....the neck wont fall off... promise. :>)

The one thing that people have mentioned besides how good The Hybrid sounds is how solid it is. Its a guitar players guitar and feels like one! Its not your grandma's Tea cup!

There shouldnt be any worries here. Go to the site and check it out...

These are also only available @ Guitar Center so check them out there too! Take care!

[HOOMER]

Trock, thank you much..thats all I wanted to hear...for a couple of reasons....1....I have a GC minutes from my house..I often drive right by for reasons I have no reason to discuss here..2)I really want to wrap my arms around an instument like this if it truly is what it says it is at the price..as we all would I am sure...3) just wanted someone to back it up so that down the road we all can agree on Your reviews being truly Honest....Kind of a reviewing the reviewer thing....Just cuz Im a big fan of puttin it on the table... and u did...so Im all over GC tomorrow just on that alone..and I hope I am as Impressed w/this guit as I am With Your obvious Knowledge.....thank u much for the response...........
PS- Wasnt being a smart ass about the neck thing...I've had it happen...and I do apologize for missing prior constuction details...just wanted to hear someone say "yep...all good".....Estaban says his have........well, aint even goin there.....

[thiscalltoarms]

hey, i was impressed by one of your guitars at gc today. the only concern i have, is that i would probably be using it with my cranked orange ad30htc and a mesa 4x12. how does the guitar handle situations in terms of annoying feedback in live situations... thanks.

[trockfield]

Like any guitar using at louder volumes....It\f you are specifically talking about the Hybrid, I play it live all the time with the "normal" Issues I get will my Les Paul...

Although its really a loaded question since style dictates this alot! I personally dont need or use a bunch of stage volume. Its moderate but not over bearing. I like to hear everyone else and so does the crowd.

Our soundguy does a great job making us sound good out front an even without a bunch of stage volume. For the gigs that we dont have our regular sound guy we still keep it pretty even.

The bottom line is no matter what you will have to dial it in

[drm128]

Just to express my opinion, I recently purchased the Hybrid and I am very happy with it. I play guitar in a country band and it provides the perfect blend of acoustic and electric sound that I need as the rhythm guitar player in the band.

This was a very affordable guitar for me but no one seems to mention the great sustain you get from the way the bridge is set up. It is greatnot to have to change guitars during a set of country songs.

I love this guitar and it's great for a person like me who has small hands.

[trockfield]

Great post and points! Thanks for the kind words...

[drm128]

I recently posted a comment about the Hybrid that I purchased and after reading ALL of the comments posted here about the Hybrid, I would like to post my additional comments.

First, I am very happy to see that someone put together a guitar that is affordable to people like myself that serves more than one purpose, which is what the Hybrid was designed to do. I play rhythm guitar in a country band in the Chicago area and our particular focus of songs are songs that are the more contemporary style, which means our country songs have a strong rock edge to their sound.

Due to that fact, I often have been switching between my full blown acoustic-electric guitar and either my Telecaster with the single coil pickups or my other Telecaster with the dual humbuckers and coil tap. I found myself switching guitars more than I wanted to, and we even tried to rearrange the songs just to fit my guitar changes, which worked but the "flow" of the songs just wasn't there.

So needless to say, I became frustrated but accepting that guitar changes were a way of life for us guitar players. But then a few weeks ago I happened to walk into a Guitar Center store in Naperville, IL and I happened to find my way back to the acoustic guitar section and as I walked in the door, on my right, was a smaller body guitar, with a maple top, sitting on a guitar stand. It kind of caught my eye because it was very compact looking, like the size of a Les Paul.

There was a chair next to it and it was connected to a small acoustic amp so I sat down and turned on the amp and started to strum a little. Immediately I liked the feel of it and it had an awfully nice sound to it. Very shortly after I sat down, a sales rep came into the "Acoustic Guitar" room and he was really nice about telling about the guitar. He explained that they just started carrying the Michael Kelly Hybrid and he showed me all of the features of it, including the ability to split into stereo for both acoustic and electric sounds.

Well, being of medium build with relatively small hands, I felt very comfortable with the guitar. And I found the sounds coming out of it to be just what I like. I tried the acoustic and the electric sounds and both together and I really "fell in love" with this guitar. I spent almost an hour jamming with the sales rep, and he even pulled down a Taylor T-5 (I think that's what is was called) and he explained the features of the Hybrid compared to the Taylor. He didn't have to do much convincing because just by price alone I was already convinced that I knew what my next guitar purchase would be.

I left the store with the sales rep's name and number and at the next band practice I mentioned about the guitar to the other band members. Our bass player went online and listened to the sound files and he was very enthusiastic about it's use for our band. So at our following band practice we got paid for a prior gig and our keyboard player, our bass player and our lead guitar player walked up to me and gave me their entire gig share and told me to go and get the Hybrid becuase they had heard the sound files and they new it would be ideal for my purpose. So, I went and purchased the guitar two weeks ago and now it's an integral part of our band.

To me, the guitar is great for a number of styles of music. For country players, especially the more modern country music, it's a great addition, because we often have to switch our sound from acoustic to a more rockish sound and then back again and it's so mush easier to do it with one guitar, especially when playing live gigs. I like the stereo option which lets it get the entire humbucker sound or acoustic sound, but I am finding that I like to use both pickups most of the time, with the acoustic at about 85% of it's travel and the humbucker at about 50%, to provide that extra "edge" and "push" to our country sound.

I think this guitar will sell well for country players. And if you like to play music by John Mellencamp, it might be really useful, Keith Urban style is another, there are so many uses for this guitar, but most of the complaints seem to have come from those players who are used to using a Les Paul with two humbuckers for some of the heavier rock sounds.

Well guys, it's not necessarily made to play heavy metal music, or thrash or maybe not heavy gain situations, and perhaps some lead players won't find it to their liking if they are hard-charging lead players who use a heavy hand in their lead playing. Would Eddie Van Halen use it? Maybe not? Is it a Metallica guitar? Of course not!

But again, there are a lot of uses for it, like mine, and it's got a great acoustic sound, and the humbucker is fine to add more grit or drive into your sound, so maybe this guitar is a little more acoustic then electric, but only by about 10% to my mind. I think a lot of you guys are not looking at this guitar correctly, I think you need to get away from the Les Paul, Gibson SG syndrome and open up to another style and use for a guitar like this. Believe me, I am extremely happy with it's use and Todd Rockfield, take heart, there is a market for this guitar. I bet Nashville will find it really useful.

One thing I would love to see someday would be a second version with a Tele style pickup in place of the humbucker. Us country players would go crazy being able to have that Tele twand and then jump back to our acoustic sound again.

Michael Kelly and Company, us country players appreciate you for this Hybrid. It's about time we get a reasonabley priced guitar like this on the market. I love it, and I bought it and would buy it again (how about with a Tele pickup in the middle......please?).

I am not affiliated with or receive anything for my support of this guitar, I am simply a guitar player who appreciates what it can do for my sound. It's about time and thanks for the Hybrid. Now, the rest of you go out and try it, it won't kill you all to experiment a little. Geez guys, quit overanalyzing it and go out and use it! Then if you don't like it, bring it back.

[drm128]

I tested this guitar at Guitar Center using a Roland AC 60 Chorus amp, and wow! That amp makes this guitar sound awesome on the acoustical side. You HAVE to try it with that amp! That amp is my next purchase too!

Also I put on 11- guage strings, 11-49's and it sounds great! I always use 11's, on my acoustics and electrics, but then again, I play rhythm and need that fuller sound.

One more thing, the neck on this guitar is a little on the heavy side so if you have a smooth guitar strap and take your hands off the guitar, it will have a tendency to drop down towards the floor, but that's minor, the guitar is so lightweight in its overall feel that who minds a heavy neck? The whole guitar is easy to hold for hours.

The frets are well-placed too since I tried chords way up the neck and it's very much in tune, so no intonation problems either, even though its not an adjustable bridge. It sounds great!

[trockfield]

TO drm128...(Great Job!)

I can say with confidence that you actually get it. Whats going on here @ these Pro Reviews! Good Job man...
There are so many good posts including yours,
but Yours was very detailed and awesome to read through on a "personal" level.

As one of the designers....I applaud your post and comments and kind words. It makes what we do a pleasure!

I will say though, country or not.. it still can rock with a high gain amp dialed in! Thats what I use...

to clarify you said:
"Well guys, it's not necessarily made to play heavy metal music, or thrash or maybe not heavy gain situations, and perhaps some lead players won't find it to their liking if they are hard-charging lead players who use a heavy hand in their lead playing. Would Eddie Van Halen use it? Maybe not? Is it a Metallica guitar? Of course not!"

Your right, its not made for Metallica (Although it would nail thier clean or acoustic tones....:>)

Its close for sure...and It will handle some of those styles mentioned...
Thrash, NO WAY (obviously...) but I personally do Van Halen tunes 2 days a week in clubs and it rocks hard! Works great and for leads its smooth and articulate. (Someone else commented earlier at how surprised they were that the Lead tone Jumped out of the body the way it did.)

Either way its nice to know that you are enjoying it and it is working for "YOUR" application...Thats the most important thing....you got her dialed in for you.

BTW....
There might be a new design for you in the future! (down the road) Thanks again and Another great Job!

[Anderton]

<<I tested this guitar at Guitar Center using a Roland AC 60 Chorus amp, and wow! That amp makes this guitar sound awesome on the acoustical side. You HAVE to try it with that amp! That amp is my next purchase too!>>

Has anyone here tried the piezo out with the Korg AX3A acoustic guitar modeler? I saw it demoed and it got some pretty amazing sounds, very cool stuff, but it's optimized for piezo. Someone might want to check this out and see what you think...seems like it might be a cost-effective way to get a bunch of acoustic sounds out of the acoustic end of things.

Also to Trockfield...you definitely "get" what the manufacturer participation aspect of a pro review is about! Even though it's obvious you're proud of your baby you don't come across like a "marketing guy."

I also find the personal stories from people who've tried the guitar very interesting.

When this reviewstarted, I really had no intention of getting an acoustic electric hybrid but next time I'm the "Big City," I'm going to try this guy out at a GC...now everyone's gotten me really curious.

[trockfield]

Thank you mr. Anderton!

YOu started this whole thing and got me and all of us here very excited about it. I feel I learned so much with this review and all the posts.

To you, Thanks for the kind words and also.. What? You mean you didnt get one already? :>)

Take care and everyone have a great weekend!

[Anderton]

<<I feel I learned so much with this review and all the posts.>>

I sometimes wonder if companies do pro reviews mostly so they can collect feedback and use it in a future product...sometimes these reviews cross over the line into more of a focus group, which I actually think is pretty cool. As I've always said, the fun thing about a pro review is that no one knows how it's going to turn out.

[theraygun]

I have a MK Patriot Phoenix, which I love. One of the best parts of that guitar is the ability to split the humbucker. Is it possible to replace the electric volume pot with a push/pull to split the humbucker or does it only have a single lead?

[Jon Chappell]

The pickup in the MKH has a single lead, but if you desire a split-humbucker, you have two options:

1. Take the guitar to a tech and have him convert the pickup (and attendant wiring and switching, including the push/pull pot you mentioned) to a coil-tapped mod.

2. Replace the existing pickup with an after-market coil-tapped PAF-style or humbucker pickup.

Converting a double-coil pickup to a splittable pickup involves soldering a center tap lead between the two coils. The Rockfield SWC is a PAF-style pickup, using 42-gauge plain enamel wire with Alnico 5 magnets. There are instructions for doing this yourself online (including wiring and switching options), but I don't recommend it. The winding wires are thin here, and unless you're an expert solderer and have good tools, you risk frying the pickups very quickly and easily.

Since you say you like the MK choice of pickups, you might consider option #1.

For me, I always like to stay with the pickups that come with the guitar. By analogy, when you buy a Paul Reed Smith, your impulse isn't gut the guitar and put Les Paul pickups in there, because you know great care was taken to match the electronics to the tonal properties of the instrument that hosts them. Same with the MKH. Todd Rockfield has devoted considerable time to designing a pickup for this guitar (read this Pro Review from the beginning to hear him say it), and I think he's done a super job. I've lived with this guitar for a while now, and am really appreciating the onboard circuitry.

So before considering changing anything with the instrument itself, I'd focus on tweaking my tone from a post-pickup angle -- with EQ, for example.

Still, the split-pickup solution does provide more options (without perceptible difference to the original setup), and I like the single-coil sound, too, especially in the middle and neck positions.

[drm128]

Trockfield mentioned in one post about a possbile new addition to the Hybrid in the future. Since I asked about putting a Tele style pickup in it (I meant the Tele bridge pickup) instead of a humbucker, can I assume that maybe he was referring to my suggstion? If so, I may start smiling right now.

[Jon Chappell]

drm128 originally posted:
Since I asked about putting a Tele style pickup in it (I meant the Tele bridge pickup) instead of a humbucker, can I assume that maybe he was referring to my suggstion?
There's a really good argument for putting a Tele-style (or other single-coil) pickup in this type of guitar. I love the sound of single-coils, and you have to imagine that a lot of twang-pickers will be drawn to this guitar.

Three posts earlier in this thread, theraygun pondered tapping the existing humbucker, which would yield similar results. And you could do it without modifying the aesthetics of the guitar. Or you could put in a replacement single-coil under the pickup cover, and no one would be the wiser.

But in this approach, of course, you wouldn't be changing the position of the pickup relative to its distance to the bridge.

[Michael Martin]

Any chance the hybrid will come out in other colors? It would look great in black or some sort of dark sunburst. Never have been fond of neutral finishes like this.

At any rate, really appreciate this thread. Very informative, very enticing. Gotta make a pilgrimage to GC to check one of these out.

[Jon Chappell]

You'd think coming out with different finishes would be the easiest mod to make on the MKH. It doesn't change any physical aspect of the guitar -- the pickup and control routing, the electronics themselves, etc.

So maybe we can get a campaign going and get the good folks at Michael Kelly Guitars to listen! Black, red-orange sunburst and tobacco sunburst would be my choices.

[Tedster]

I haven't read all five pages of discussion, but this may be the guitar I've been looking for.

My stage setup often involves changing back and forth from acoustic to electric. A few years back, I was looking at that Kramer doubleneck electric six/acoustic-electric six. It was a great idea, but they quit making 'em (and now they're rather sought after from that weird niche market that includes me). Guild made one...it was quite high-dollar. Plus, doublenecks seem rather impractical from an actual gigging stance for the most part.

I tried one of the Taylor hybrids. Has one glaring flaw...no way to split the output...so if you want to put the piezo thru the PA and the lipstick through your amp...I don't believe you can. Plus, it costs an arm and a leg.

So, this seems quite interesting.

[Michael Martin]

I've been really eager to check out this guitar in person. Finally made it down to the Des Moines GC last Wednesday. Friendly people--they say it's a great guitar--but not only none in stock, but no idea whether they would be getting one in anytime soon. Nobody who worked there seemed to know (or really, to care) whether they would ever get another one. There was no sense of urgency; no sense that they were actively trying to get them in stock.

When I pushed a bit, they checked other stores--apparently there are some in Davenport (over 200 miles from me), and if I would pay for one they would ship it over--and then I could return it if I didn't like it.

I'm very disappointed, especially considering all the promotion and hype and the "GC Exclusive". Kind of soured me on GC.

[Michael Martin]

The silence is deafening...I wonder whether the Des Moines GC is unique in this respect, or more like typical?

[Jethro_2000]

Agreed that this is a very cool guitar. I played around with this guitar about a month ago at Guitar Center. It sounded great through a Fender DRRI, both Humbucker and Piezo. Action felt great, and just overall a real winner for $499.

[TR2]

Hello Everyone!
I am not sure about the distribution of the instrument but supposedly all GC stores got 2 of them. That means if they dont have any in De Moines then they sold them. Which means they should have Re-plenished! Its a very advanced and Great system they use!
They can order from another location or distribution center for you to try one out but I am not sure about thier rules with this.... I am sure if you speak with the store manager he can hook you up. Its never been an issue so I think its just this store at this time...an isolated incident..For that we are sorry.

[chiro972]

There is one group of people who this guitar appeals to that hasn't been mentioned. I am playing primarily acoustic in a praise and worship band and I'm getting older. My hands get really tired playing acoustic but I can play an electric for hours. The idea of an acoustic with an electric's ease of play appeals to me.

For that reason alone, I was very interested in a T5. Unfortunately, the price just was a killer. So I am very interested in this guitar, but the band leader is a tone hound and I need to know how the acoustic part matches up to say my Breedlove AD25? The breedlove is played through the piezo and not mic'ed, so unplugged sound isn't really important.

[Jon Chappell]

Chiro972, if the sound your leader is hearing (and thus comparing all comers to) is piezo-only, then you have a good chance for getting the nod with the MK Hybrid.

You can try using just EQ from your own house and monitor system, or to really seal the deal, employ an outboard preamp/processor, which will give you total control over the sound.

If you decide to go with the second option, you can couple the MKH with a SansAmp Para Driver DI (http://www.tech21nyc.com/paradriver.html) or the new D-Tar Mama Bear acoustic modeling preamp, which will either "correct" or completely transform your sound. Go to the D-Tar website http://www.d-tar.com/preamps.shtml and check out the videos of John Jorgenson demo'ing the unit.

[cfrago]

How is the hybrid as a pure acoustic without any amplification? I play my 1976 Lo Prinzi LR-15 in our church folk group and in our small church we don't use/need any amplification. thanks

[Jon Chappell]

The LR-15 is a traditional acoustic guitar. The MKH is not that type of guitar; it's completely different, the same way the Chet Atkins CE is (if you're familiar with that classic "mold breaker").

You can't use the MKH without amplification -- unless it's just you sitting on the couch playing for only yourself!

The MKH a thin-line chambered-body (meaning it's mostly filled in) guitar.

It's meant to be plugged in, not played acoustically or miked. Get an amp specifically designed for acoustic guitars (SWR, Fender, Fishman, Berhinger, Benz Genz, Crate, Traynor, Ibanez, etc.), and plug in!

[univalve.net]

Sounds like EXACTLY what I have been looking for. Can't wait for it to come to the UK. Please make it soon, or I may have to fly over to get one, and the bank manager will NOT be happy.

[lotuscent]

hi

forgive me if i have missed something - i have read about half of this thread and skimmed the rest.

most people seem interested in finding a balance between an acoustic and a rock guitar. i have actually been on the quest for an electric that gets a good jazz vibe as well as a good acoustic sound. seem all these semi-hollow guitars are designed for the rockers (no wonder, it's a much larger market).

I have tried a lot of hybrid/dual source guitars. I like a mellow, sweet, not overly dark tone - woody but still bright enough to articulate. I have owned a godin flat 5 x, played many others...

any thoughs about the MKH's range here? i know i can't expect miracles from an under 500 axe, but any thoughts are appreciated.

[univalve.net]

I read a comment on another board that the humbucker is very hot, and the person trying the guitar struggled to get a good clean sound from the guitar... although it sounds to me like he may have been using the wrong amp. I'd be interested to hear about this too... but admittedly I'd be more in the rock camp, since I will be switching between acoustic rhythm parts and creamy lead lines... although the prospect of getting a huge acoustic+overdriven rhythm sound in the pop/rock chorus is very tempting.

[drm128]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I purchased the hybrid about two months ago and it's perfect for my use. I play rhythm guitar in a country band and it allows me to use one guitar for acoustic and the same guitar for the more hard driving country/rock songs.

It stays in tune very well and I find that I use both pickups together, usually the humbucker at about a 5 setting and the acoustic at a setting of about 8 or so. I replaced the stock knobs with ones from a Les Paul, the clear ones with the numbers in white and now I can see exactly where my volume knobs are set.

I use heavy gauge strings, from a 12 to a 52 with a wound third string (18w). It sounds great with heavier strings. Once you get used to the volume control settings, it's very functional for my use, now I don't have to switch guitars during a set.

I also love the compact body on this guitar, it's very lightweight and very easy to play. I am going to run it through two DI boxes, one for the acoustic and the other for the humbucker so I will get a lot of versatility out of this guitar.

I really feel it fits my needs and the price is very good for this guitar, no way could I afford a T-5, this one fits my budget and my playing style.

I am very happy with it.

[HKSblade1]

happy with mine too! It's not a T-5 or really a knock off other than the mimicked cutout. I played mine for some wedding events and it worked out nicely. I had a Blues Jr w Od on the main channel and the pezo through the board. The blend controls are great since I can set them where I want and add more of one to the house mix.

I did not get the special cord for mine. GC couldn't find it. Go figure huh? I made one of my own but it would have been nice if they had it. [edit:] The cord is supposed to be included with the guitar. Get GC to order you a replacement. --Jon C. Anyway, I think the guitar is a great add on to my setups and sound for the wedding band, club band and just sittin at home with it.

the craftsmanship is there and the pickups are quiet. I though I'd have concerns but none so far. MK is a great guitar company for budget conscious players like me.

MK Hybrid gets an A++++

[drm128]

I purchased the hybrid and would like to run each pickup separately into the PA system in our band. So, do I run the piezo pickup through a DI box (I have a Radial J48) and the humbucker pickup through a preamp (I have a Bellari Direct Drive Tube Mic Preamp)? Is that possible?

I also want to use some effects pedals (delay and chorus with the piezo and a modest amount of distortion with the humbucker) at certain times. Will that also work with the hybrid?

I realize that the stereo jack will allow me to split the pickups separately, but the DI is needed with the piezo and I have to use a preamp with the humbucker, is that correct? Can I do all of this without any problems?

Or what would you suggest I do with my DI box and my preamp. Both allow me to connect up to the PA system in two separte channels. This way the acoustic sound can be adjusted separately from the humbucker sound. Will this arrangement work?

[Jon Chappell]

Yes, you should run the piezo through a direct box. The D.I. does three things:

Buffers your signal, converting it from high to low impedance
Converts your unbalanced signal to a balanced one, allowing for longer cable runs and better noise rejection
Isolates the ground, providing one more tool with which to eradicate noise.

So even though you can hit the input of a mixer directly with the buffered output from the piezo's onboard preamp, you couldn't do that over a long cable run (like in a live performance). The provided cable is short, suitable only for being in close proximity to the mixer.

[Jon Chappell]

For the magnetic pickup, the same principles apply, even though many effects pedals produce a low-impedance output.

So ideally, you'll need to seek a solution for your magnetic pickups, too -- like miking a small amp or using, again, a D.I. (because you still want the long-run, noise-rejection advantages that a three-pin balanced line gives you).

[HKSblade1]

Yes, I use a DI in that situation. Seems to have better range on the board. Hi Imp line required more input gain on my board. Noise wasn't bad in either setup

[Honor]

I've been really eager to check out this guitar in person. Finally made it down to the Des Moines GC last Wednesday. Friendly people--they say it's a great guitar--but not only none in stock, but no idea whether they would be getting one in anytime soon. Nobody who worked there seemed to know (or really, to care) whether they would ever get another one. There was no sense of urgency; no sense that they were actively trying to get them in stock.

When I pushed a bit, they checked other stores--apparently there are some in Davenport (over 200 miles from me), and if I would pay for one they would ship it over--and then I could return it if I didn't like it.

I'm very disappointed, especially considering all the promotion and hype and the "GC Exclusive". Kind of soured me on GC.

This is the exact same thing that happened to me in GC, only it's with one of thier upstate NY stores. I have been trying for over 3 months now to get my hands on this guitar. I will never, NEVER, did I say NEVER, go into another GC.
I ended up contacting MK guitars and speaking with somebody in distibuting about this slight to MK guitars by GC, in turn I have arranged (read as convinced) for a local small guitar shop to order one in for me (in the NEW Black) I am currently waiting for it to come in so I can hopefully spend some Tax $ on myself. :)

I really have enjoyed reading these posts and will give my opinions and observations on this guitar as soon as I finally get to play one.

As a side note, MK should drop GC as a distributor, (I know hard thing to do) because GC is doing MK no favors.

[drm128]

I don't know if anyone is aware, but at this years NAMM Show, Michael Kelly Guitars unveiled the new "Hybrid Special". It has TWO humbucker pickups with the piezo in the bridge, and one of the control pots is a push-pull pot that switches the humbuckers into single-coil mode. It comes in some great looking finishes too.

My local Chicago area Guitar Center has been very helpful to me in purchasing my hybrid. I think the people here in Chicago are knowledgable and they were even willing to order one of the brand new hybrid specials if I wanted one soon.

I usually "expect" an attidude from the staff at mosst guitar stores, so when they are actually nice to me, I give that person my busines again and again.

Check out the new Hybrid Special on their website. It's pretty versatile.

[BuckyB]

Hybrid Special - Now THIS may be what we've been waiting for! I remember being quite impressed with the original Hybrid's amplified acoustic sound, but found the magnetic side a bit too limiting. I posted these impressions here, as well. In the meantime, I bought a second-hand Peavey Generation EXP Custom ACM (yes, that's really the name of it) for $207 on EBay and have been generally pleased, even though it's "acoustic" sound is a step or 2 down from the MK. But this new Special adds another wrinkle. If I can get that awesome acoustic sound PLUS 2 HB's w/coil spliting, what else could I want? Sigh, now to convince the wife that I NEED yet another guitar...

[ProGuitarPlayer]

Love the looks SWEEEEET

[Havar2]

I think Im in love with the Spalted Maple Hybrid Special. I wish I didnt buy my Larrivee now, I really dont deserve that guitar... this one seems much more suited for me. Ah, I wish I waited! Check out this beauty! :eek:

[youthmindave]

Well, I just got my Hybrid Special in yesterday, and I put it through it's paces today and had a ball with it. It plays like a dream, and the sound is good. I am going to be using this guitar primarily as an acoustic with some electric in the background, or occasionally as electric only. As such, I do a lot with capos and so put some HUGE jazz strings (13s) on there so I can use a capo without pulling the strings out of tune (D'Addario EJ22). I actually use these strings on my Michael Kelly Duce Phoenix, and thought I'd try them here. They sounded good, and I'm glad I changed to them. I could use a little more bass in the acoustic sound, but that's easy to fix on the amp/effect pedal side.

I actually am getting some bleed back and forth between the piezo and the humbuckers which I was not expecting. My switch to go between the acoustic or electric does not totally isolate one or the other. While switching the Hybrid to acoustic, I still get some electric coming through and vice versa. Honestly, while not what I wanted in that regard, this is not a problem since I am usually going through a PA with effect pedals. A good sound guy can turn down one or the other when it's needed, or else I'll just stick a volume pedal on my humbuckers and kill it when I need acoustic only. So, just a mild inconvenience for me.

This really is a remarkable guitar and well worth the money I paid for it. I am using this guitar for praise and worship and this is a nice way to add some edge behind the acoustic. I did play for a while before dialing in the tone I wanted, which is not a criticism. This guitar does so much, it's amazing all the sounds you can get. I love the coil tabs and the spalted maple top. Add to that the sound you get and I am going to be using this guitar for years to come. In fact, I think my wife is already calling this guitar "the other woman."

[guitarmuse1]

Hi folks I'm brand new to the forum, just signed up 5 minutes ago. Here is my question. I have a Carvin AE 185, which is essentially a neck through electric with hollow side wings. It also has a piezo P'up as well as 2 HB's. What I am really looking for is a hollow body sound like a Sheraton 2, ect. How close to that kind of mellow jazz/blues tone does the M K hybrid come?I am attracted to the instrument but don't need another AE 185

[HKSblade1]

buy a Sheraton if that's what you are really after. Hybrid is good, but nothing close to my Sheraton

[guitarmuse1]

buy a Sheraton if that's what you are really after. Hybrid is good, but nothing close to my Sheraton

Yeah, that is what I was afraid of. I love the look of the spalted special, but I really just don't need another AE 185 clone. All the hybrids seem to lack the resonance of the hollow bodies.

[jjtheaxeman]

Hi folks,

I bought a MK Hybrid Special a couple of weeks ago, and am returning to for two reasons:
- a nasty 60Hz hum that stops when I touch the pickup toggle and,
- the intonation in the guitar is out and likely can't be fixed without a competent luthier.

I want to know if anyone else has had these problems (I know, it's a $600 guitar) or if I may have just got one that shouldn't have left the factory. I love the feel and the sound is great, but I can't gig with it as is. I hope this is just one that got away.

[HKSblade1]

get an exchange

[drm128]

Didn't you buy it from a guitar store? If so, they are the ones that are supposed to set it up for you. Mine did, and it works great. How did you purchase your guitar? You always need to take a new guitar and have it set up before using it.

My salesperson noticed that my bridge was reversed when he first pulled it out, so he refersed it and it worked fine. Let the people who have the knowledge work on it, there should be no reason to exchange it if you don't even take it to a guitar store or repair place to fix it. Everyone knows that guitars can get out of tune in transit or there may be little things that go wrong initially. But that should also be covered by your warranty. Didn't anyone tell you about that either.

Take it to where you bought it before doing anything else! Tell them what's wrong, let them fix it.

[Jabs]

Maybe I missed it in the thread but where is this built?
Also, anyone compared this side by side with the carter SA series? Im pretty sold on the MK but not 100% just yet.

[AeroG33k]

I'm very interested in this guitar as well. I have Gibson Godtone Amp with 'Hi' and 'Lo' Inputs. I'd be planning to plug the magnetic output through an overdrive into the "hi" input and the piezo straight into the "lo" input. Is this the way to do it? (I'm not sure what the difference between the inputs is...I *think* 'lo' gives you more headroom). Also, should I have some sort of pre-amp for the piezo output? The Goldtone amp is a very clean amp, but not designed for acoustic amplification which worries me slightly...

[Jon Chappell]

I'm very interested in this guitar as well. I have Gibson Godtone Amp with 'Hi' and 'Lo' Inputs. I'd be planning to plug the magnetic output through an overdrive into the "hi" input and the piezo straight into the "lo" input. Is this the way to do it? (I'm not sure what the difference between the inputs is...I *think* 'lo' gives you more headroom). Also, should I have some sort of pre-amp for the piezo output? The Goldtone amp is a very clean amp, but not designed for acoustic amplification which worries me slightly...

You're correct in your assumptions about how the high and low inputs work -- the high input is for the relatively weak signal of a passive pickup and the low input works better for active pickups, which would include the piezo output of the MKH, which is buffered.

But if you want to use the two inputs simultaneously, you need to check that the amp is designed to work that way. Some amps with separate high and low inputs are not.

[blazzed]

Greetings...

How is string height adjustment accomplished?

Thanks.

Best,
blazzed:cool:

[guit30]

Great Review,
Saw one at GC and was very impressed
Jim

[jbmando]

I want one of these. Is the amp they're giving away with it any good? I have owned a Kustom combo amp and it was pretty decent. Just wondering because I've never owned an acoustic amp.

[Racerx2k]

I just wanted to take a sec and point out something that I stumbled across. Recently, I had the chance to try out the Parkwood Hybrid, which, I believe, has the same Fishman system in it, so I went to the Fishman site, to look around, and I found that Fishman makes a volume-type pedal, the Fishman Powerblend, that allows you to perform hands-free switching between the acoustic and electric pickups:


http://www.fishman.com/products/details.asp?id=31

Just thought I'd mention it, as it seems to really be a nice addition to the hybrid situation.

[Rob Dobbs]

I picked up a MK Hybrid at GC at the last big sale. Was a scratch and dent special (little scratch by the way) for a measly $125 and cant believe the range of this guitar! I can get a great surf tone out of it as well as great twang. I went in looking for something to use as a beater and ended up having another cant live without guitar. Now, Im back to the drawing board looking for another beater...

[NewTruth]

Does it come with a whammy? Can a whammy be mounted on it without harming the guitar or compromising the sound?

[Carcinogen]

*cough*Bigsby (http://www.bigsbyguitars.com/products_vibratos.html)*cough*

[Jon Chappell]

I just wanted to take a sec and point out something that I stumbled across. Recently, I had the chance to try out the Parkwood Hybrid, which, I believe, has the same Fishman system in it, so I went to the Fishman site, to look around, and I found that Fishman makes a volume-type pedal, the Fishman Powerblend, that allows you to perform hands-free switching between the acoustic and electric pickups:


http://www.fishman.com/products/details.asp?id=31

Just thought I'd mention it, as it seems to really be a nice addition to the hybrid situation.

Thanks for the heads up on this. Sounds like some great dynamic and expressive possibilities using this system.

[Delmeister]

Jus got myself a Hybrid Special, blem unit on ebay in the UK. these dang guitars are so hard to find. Seems to sound okay, haven't gig tested it yet, but will shortly. One thing, the neck pickup is set really low, almost flat. Reckon I should raise it, whaddya think?

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