Left Handed Michael Kelly Guitars 2024 – Affordable Boutique Guitars

Last Updated on January 21, 2024 by Chris

Does Michael Kelly Make Left Handed Guitars?

Yes, they do! At the time of writing, in total, there are 8 left handed Michael Kelly guitars available.

The range comprises 5 lefty electric guitars, 1 lefty hybrid guitar, and 1 left handed acoustic model. Unfortunately, there are no left handed Michael Kelly basses at the moment.

January 2024 Update: Michael Kelly has added three new models to their lefty range! Check them out below.

Go straight to the left handed Michael Kelly guitars.

Otherwise, read on for more info.

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Who Are Michael Kelly Guitars?

You may be surprised to hear this, but there isn’t actually anyone named Michael Kelly who owns or founded the Michael Kelly Guitars brand!

The Michael Kelly website states:

“No, there is no actual guy named Michael Kelly involved. He is so much more.”

“He is the spirit that underpins all of our products and our commitment to delivering boutique-worthy products at a price that is within reach.”

The company was established in 1999, dealing in mandolins and acoustic basses, which were quite under-served markets at the time. They built a strong reputation building these instruments and decided to add acoustic and electric guitars to their range in 2001.

Today, the brand stays true to its vision, going the extra mile to offer musicians guitars with distinctive looks. They have a healthy respect for the classic designs from Fender, Gibson, etc. but strive to stand out among the crowd, avoiding the cookie-cutter guitars that so many other brands produce.

Their aim is to be the go-to brand for players seeking something more boutique and unique without the boutique price tag.

What Do I Think of Michael Kelly Guitars?

I think Michael Kelly Guitars has hit the sweet spot of offering great quality at an affordable price; a balance that many brands struggle to achieve.

The attention to detail in their designs, from aesthetics to sound capabilities, is noteworthy, from their use of exotic woods like Sungkai and Spalted Maple which add both visual flair and tonal depth.

It’s also interesting to see their innovation in electronics, including series/parallel switching, as well as coil splitting, enabling even the most discerning musicians to find their desired tone.

Their mid-range pricing strategy also democratizes access to high-quality instruments. For musicians who want a step up from mass-produced models but can’t stretch to custom-shop prices, Michael Kelly offers an excellent alternative, positioning itself as a great middle-ground.

Left Handed Michael Kelly Guitars

Let’s check out the current range of left handed Michael Kelly guitars below.

Left Handed Michael Kelly Electric Guitars

There are, at present, 3 left handed Michael Kelly electric guitars.

The two Patriot guitars feature the Great 8 Mod, and the 1953 features the Quad Mod.

The Great 8 Mod basically means each humbucker can be coil-split using the two tone knobs, so together with the 3-way toggle, there are 8 different pickup settings to get the tone you’re after.

See the diagram below to see how it works:

The Quad Mod is explained below:

Michael Kelly 59 Thinline Lefty

The 59 Thinline nails it when it comes to looks and sound. It’s cool semi-hollow body brings together the best of both worlds: the warm tones of a hollow body plus the sustain of a solid.

The Rockfield P90 pickups hit the sweet spot too, giving you a sharp single-coil snap with an extra kick in the midrange for a really rich vibe.

Then there’s the 4-way selector switch; mixing neck and bridge pickups to churn out a beefy, humbucker-style sound.

$454.98 MSRP, Made in Indonesia

Specs:

• STRINGS: 6
• SCALE: 25.5″ (647.7 mm)
• TOP: Flame Maple
• BODY: Alder – Solid body
• BODY FINISH: Blue Jean Wash
• NECK: Bolt-on Maple
• NECK PROFILE: Modern C
• FINGERBOARD: Maple with dot inlays
• NUT WIDTH: 43 mm (1.69″)
• NUT TYPE: Bone
• FRETS: 22 Medium Jumbo
• TUNERS: Die Cast
• BRIDGE: Traditional
• HARDWARE: Chrome
• BRIDGE PICKUP: Rockfield TexPlus Single-Coil (Alnico V Magnet, 10.5k DC Resistance)
• NECK PICKUP: Rockfield TexPlus Single-Coil (Alnico V Magnet, 9.5k DC Resistance)
• CONTROLS: Master volume, master tone, 4-way blade switch with The Quad Mod (Traditional 3-way plus 4th position giving you Neck & Bridge in series for a humbucker-like tone)

Check price/availability at:

Michael Kelly 58 Thinline Lefty

The 58 Thinline blends the rich, old-school vintage tone of a semi-hollow body with the solid impact of twin Rockfield SWC humbucker pickups.

Its carved top and chambered mahogany body strike just the right mix of heft and tone. The rock maple neck, with its modern ‘C’ shape, and the 10″ radius roasted jatoba fretboard make it really comfortable for strumming chords or ripping out fast leads.

Thanks to the Great 8 electronics, you can smoothly switch from the full-bodied humbucker sound to sharp single-coil tones, and everything in between, offering a wide range of dynamic, versatile sounds.

$493.98 MSRP, Made in Indonesia

Specs:

• STRINGS: 6
• SCALE: 25.5″ (647.7 mm)
• TOP: Flame Maple
• BODY: Alder – Solid body
• BODY FINISH: Blue Jean Wash
• NECK: Bolt-on Maple
• NECK PROFILE: Modern C
• FINGERBOARD: Maple with dot inlays
• NUT WIDTH: 43 mm (1.69″)
• NUT TYPE: Bone
• FRETS: 22 Medium Jumbo
• TUNERS: Die Cast
• BRIDGE: Traditional
• HARDWARE: Chrome
• BRIDGE PICKUP: Rockfield TexPlus Single-Coil (Alnico V Magnet, 10.5k DC Resistance)
• NECK PICKUP: Rockfield TexPlus Single-Coil (Alnico V Magnet, 9.5k DC Resistance)
• CONTROLS: Master volume, master tone, 4-way blade switch with The Quad Mod (Traditional 3-way plus 4th position giving you Neck & Bridge in series for a humbucker-like tone)

Check price/availability at:

Michael Kelly Patriot Decree SB Open Pore Lefty (Slim Body)

The Patriot Decree SB offers a modern twist on the classic solid body, merging the classic Patriot design with a sleeker, slimmer body.

This slim body version is over half an inch thinner than the standard Patriot, so it’s lighter and a lot kinder to your back, making it super comfortable to play.

At its core, the Patriot Decree SB packs two Rockfield Select Wound Custom humbucker pickups, belting out a beefy sound that’s perfect for heavy rhythm playing and shredding solos. Plus, with two mini toggle switches, you can split these pickups to get those crisper single-coil tones, ramping up this guitar’s versatility.

$623.99 MSRP, Made in Indonesia

Specs:

• STRINGS: 6
• SCALE: 25.5″ (647.7 mm)
• TOP: Sungkai
• BODY: Mahogany – Solid body
• BODY FINISH: Faded Black
• NECK: Neck-Thru Mahogany
• NECK PROFILE: Modern C
• FINGERBOARD: Ebony with Pearl bone inlays
• NUT WIDTH: 43 mm (1.69″)
• NUT TYPE: Synthetic Graphite
• FRETS: 22 Medium Jumbo
• TUNERS: Grover
• BRIDGE: Tune-O-Matic / String-thru
• HARDWARE: Chrome
• BRIDGE PICKUP: MK PAF-Plus
• NECK PICKUP: MK PAF-Plus
• CONTROLS: 2x Volume, 2x Tone (with push/pull coil split), 3-way Toggle Switch

Check price/availability at:

Michael Kelly Patriot Decree OP – Lefty

From the set-neck construction and upgraded PAF pickups to the open pore texture and extra thin satin finish, everything about the Patriot Decree OP is crafted with sound in mind.

This guitar features Michael Kelly’s Great 8 Mod, giving you 8 different pickup settings to get the tone you’re after.

$580.00 MSRP, Made in Indonesia

Specs:

• STRINGS: 6
• SCALE: 25.5″ (647.7 mm)
• TOP: Sungkai
• BODY: Mahogany – Solid body
• BODY FINISH: Faded Black
• NECK: Neck-Thru Mahogany
• NECK PROFILE: Modern C
• FINGERBOARD: Ebony with Pearl bone inlays
• NUT WIDTH: 43 mm (1.69″)
• NUT TYPE: Synthetic Graphite
• FRETS: 22 Medium Jumbo
• TUNERS: Grover
• BRIDGE: Tune-O-Matic / String-thru
• HARDWARE: Chrome
• BRIDGE PICKUP: MK PAF-Plus
• NECK PICKUP: MK PAF-Plus
• CONTROLS: 2x Volume, 2x Tone (with push/pull coil split), 3-way Toggle Switch

Check price/availability at:

Michael Kelly 1953 Lefty

Michael Kelly has designed the 1953 to have the same vintage sound and feel as other similar looking guitars like the original Fender Telecaster, but they also added an extra mod to give this guitar its modern edge.

The Quad Mod gives you the usual pickup selection as a 3-way selector switch would, but the 1953 has an added 4th position, giving you the extra option of having both pickups in series, which gives you a kind of humbucker sound.

$589.99 MSRP, Made in Indonesia

Specs:

• STRINGS: 6
• SCALE: 25.5″ (647.7 mm)
• TOP: Flame Maple
• BODY: Alder – Solid body
• BODY FINISH: Blue Jean Wash
• NECK: Bolt-on Maple
• NECK PROFILE: Modern C
• FINGERBOARD: Maple with dot inlays
• NUT WIDTH: 43 mm (1.69″)
• NUT TYPE: Bone
• FRETS: 22 Medium Jumbo
• TUNERS: Die Cast
• BRIDGE: Traditional
• HARDWARE: Chrome
• BRIDGE PICKUP: Rockfield TexPlus Single-Coil (Alnico V Magnet, 10.5k DC Resistance)
• NECK PICKUP: Rockfield TexPlus Single-Coil (Alnico V Magnet, 9.5k DC Resistance)
• CONTROLS: Master volume, master tone, 4-way blade switch with The Quad Mod (Traditional 3-way plus 4th position giving you Neck & Bridge in series for a humbucker-like tone)

Check price/availability at:

Michael Kelly Patriot Instinct Bold Custom Collection Lefty

The Patriot Instinct aims to be the go-to electric guitar that’s as stylish as it is versatile. With its sleek arched-top and Quilt Maple finish, this guitar’s a real looker. But it’s not all about looks; it feels great to play too.

It’s a really versatile guitar too; the Great 8 Electronics mod lets you switch up your sound easily. A quick pull on one of the tone knobs lets you split the coils and go from rich, full humbucker tones to sharper single-coil sounds. And you can do that on both neck and bridge pickups.

The beautiful quilted maple top has a really eye-catching finish that fades from deep blue-black to natural.

$939.99 MSRP, Made in Korea

Specs:

• STRINGS: 6
• SCALE: 24.75″ (628.65 mm)
• TOP: Quilt Maple
• BODY: Mahogany – Solid body
• BODY FINISH: Partial Eclipse
• NECK: Long-Set Maple
• NECK PROFILE: Modern C
• FINGERBOARD: Pau Ferro with Pearl / Abalone inlays
• FINGERBOARD RADIUS: 12″ (304.8 mm)
• NUT WIDTH: 43 mm (1.69″)
• NUT TYPE: Fast Black Nylon
• FRETS: 22 Medium Jumbo
• TUNERS: Grover
• BRIDGE: Tune-O-Matic with String-Thru-Body
• HARDWARE: Chrome
• BRIDGE PICKUP: Rockfield SWC, Zebra Colored
• NECK PICKUP: Rockfield SWC, Zebra Colored
• CONTROLS: 2x Volume (push-pull coil tap), 1x Tone, 3-Way Toggle

Check price/availability at:

Left Handed Michael Kelly Hybrid Guitars

Michael Kelly Hybrid Special Lefty

The Hybrid Special is a pretty unique guitar. Do you want to switch between electric and acoustic sounds on the fly? This guitar has you covered. Just flip the switch, and you’re there – from rockin’ electric to soulful acoustic.

This guitar is slim and light with its chambered semi-hollow body, but it still gives you plenty of acoustic warmth and clear tones.

When it comes to pickups, we’re talking two custom Rockfield SWCs with coil-splitting. So whether you’re into crisp twang or some thick, saturated drive, this guitar’s got your back.

Let’s not forget the Fishman under-saddle pickup with a Fishman Powerchip, which provides you with some lush acoustic sounds.

You can either blend the electric and acoustic signals together with a standard instrument cable, sending your signal to one amp, or you can go with a Y-cable and send them to separate amps, giving you amazing versatility.

$1159.99 MSRP, Made in Indonesia

Specs:

• STRINGS: 6
• SCALE: 24.75″ (628.65 mm)
• TOP: Spalt Maple
• BODY: Chambered Mahogany
• BODY FINISH: Spalted Burst
• NECK: Set Neck Mahogany
• NECK PROFILE: Modern C
• FINGERBOARD: Pau Ferro with Abalone Block inlays
• FINGERBOARD RADIUS: 12″ (304.8 mm)
• NUT WIDTH: 43 mm (1.69″)
• NUT TYPE: Synthetic Graphite
• FRETS: 22 Medium Jumbo
• TUNERS: Grover
• BRIDGE: Pau Ferro MK Acoustic
• HARDWARE: Chrome
• BRIDGE PICKUP: Rockfield SWC / Fishman Powerchip
• NECK PICKUP: Rockfield SWC
• CONTROLS: Humbucker Volume (push-pull coil tap), Acoustic Pickup Volume, Humbucker Tone, 3-way pickup selector, Humbucker / Acoustic 3-way blend switch

Check price/availability at:

Left Handed Michael Kelly Acoustic Guitars

Michael Kelly Forte Port Lefty

The Forte Port features Michael Kelly’s Port Technology, a new approach to top bracing and soundhole placement designed to enhance sonic performance, resulting in a dynamic, responsive, and bold sound.

The guitar also has a large cutaway for improved access to the higher frets, and additionally comes equipped with active Fishman Presys electronics, ensuring it captures the Forte’s natural sound effectively.

The development of Port Technology represents a significant departure from traditional acoustic guitar design, which has remained largely unchanged since before World War II, featuring an offset soundhole approach and a new bracing design.

$479.99 MSRP

Specs:

• STRINGS: 6
• SCALE: 25.5″ (647.7 mm)
• TOP: Solid Spruce
• BACK: Sapele
• SIDES: Sapele
• BODY FINISH: Ultra Thin Satin Natural
• NECK: Mahogany
• NECK PROFILE: Comfort C
• FINGERBOARD: Pau Ferro with Mini-dot inlays
• FINGERBOARD RADIUS: 12″ (304.8 mm)
• NUT WIDTH: 43 mm (1.69″)
• NUT TYPE: Fast Black Nylon
• FRETS: 20
• TUNERS: MK Diecast
• BRIDGE: Zero-End Pin bridge
• HARDWARE: Black
• ELECTRONICS: Fishman Preamp

Check price/availability at:

Final Thoughts

Michael Kelly Guitars has carved a niche with its dedication to innovation and quality while maintaining affordability, which sets it apart in an increasingly crowded market.

They strike a good balance between craftsmanship and value for money, so I’d say Michael Kelly is a brand well worth considering for your next guitar purchase.

They offer something different, something that stands out both visually and sonically, making them a compelling choice for musicians of all levels. So, if you haven’t already, it might be time to give Michael Kelly a go.

What do you think about Michael Kelly Guitars? Let us know in the comments below.

Image credits: michaelkellyguitars.com