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Thread: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

  1. #1
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    Default NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    Looks like my long journey is coming to a pleasing end. Those who remember my first posts, I was looking for advice on purchase. As many before have praised, I found this place searching for info on buying decisions and choosing a good mandolin. Everyone here was super-helpful and helped me get my priorities sorted out. After six months of hand-wringing and shopping and reading this board, I decided an American-made two-point was what I was after and that if possible I would like a small shop to be the source. I contacted a couple of builders and eventually hit it off with Skip Kelley, after contacting him through this board. He's honestly the best. Just a joy to work with and talk to. Skip provided many updates along the way with pics to document the build process. This is my first "real" mandolin and likely "the one" for the rest of my playing time.

    Before I get into what's sitting in my accent chair right now, a quick question about acclimation. Is that necessary, this time of year? It was about 68 outside and 72 inside, when I brought her in.

    So, what's in the case?
    2021 Skip Kelley Two-Point
    100 year old red spruce top w/ slim tone bars.
    One piece hard eastern maple back, sides.
    Neck three piece, maple, walnut, maple.twin
    Top and back tuned.
    Dovetail neck joint.
    Ebony fretboard, peg head veneer, and ebony bridge.
    Ivoroid/ black/ white binding.
    Gotoh tuners.
    James tailpiece.
    Sunburst and hand brushes oil varnish.
    K&K Pickup.

    I'll post more, after I get her out and take more pics but here's what I was sent:
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Here's a video of the man himself showing off some really nice playing on my new baby.
    What I play
    2021 Skip Kelley Two-Point
    Eastwood 'Ricky'
    Morgan Monroe RT-1E
    Epiphone Genesis guitars
    Various Basses

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  3. #2
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    Very nice. I sure like 2 points. Sounds great. Enjoy.

    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

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  4. #3
    Registered User usqebach's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    I can see why you are happy! Looks and sounds gorgeous!
    Jim Sims

    " Amateurs practice until they get it right - professionals practice until they can't get it wrong."
    "Me?... I don't practice."

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  5. #4
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    Nice tone!

    Nice pickin' too

    and nice looking mando!
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  6. #5

    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    I really like this mando. Sounds versatile. Good bite but some sweetness too. Congrats!
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  7. #6
    Registered User MarkusSpiel's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    Looks and sounds great!
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  8. #7
    Registered User Lucas's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    Sounds lovely. Congratulations! Enjoy it for years to come.

  9. #8
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    Wow, just wow! After finally finishing up work and chores, I had a chance to take this beauty out and tune her up. The action is perfect, the tone is sweet, flexible, authoritative and authentic. Back when I was shopping, I played a lot of the usual suspects and this one easily blows them away.

    I can't imagine being happier with an instrument. God has definitely blessed Mr. Kelley with abilities and insight into building most will not attain. It can't hurt that he is an excellent picker. I'll be back with some new pics and video, after I manage to take some. As John Denver put it, "I fiddle when I can and I work when I should"
    What I play
    2021 Skip Kelley Two-Point
    Eastwood 'Ricky'
    Morgan Monroe RT-1E
    Epiphone Genesis guitars
    Various Basses

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  11. #9
    Registered User Nick Royal's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    Really nice sounding mandolin. Is it your new instrument? Or your playing? Or both?
    Nick

  12. #10
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    Quote Originally Posted by Nick Royal View Post
    Really nice sounding mandolin. Is it your new instrument? Or your playing? Or both?
    Nick
    She's all mine now! The playing is the builder himself. Check into that youtube channel. He's got a lot of nice playing on other builds he's done.
    I plan to do some videos soon but have only got to play a few minutes, so far today.
    What I play
    2021 Skip Kelley Two-Point
    Eastwood 'Ricky'
    Morgan Monroe RT-1E
    Epiphone Genesis guitars
    Various Basses

  13. #11
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    Beautiful mandolin! I’m absolutely loving my Kelley A5. My finish is very similar to yours, and Skip has it going on in the tone category. Enjoy!!

  14. #12

    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    Congratulations! Great choice.

  15. #13
    Registered User Isaac Revard's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    Looks and sounds awesome!

  16. #14
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    I like that!

  17. #15
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    What a great looking and sounding mandolin! Wow!! Played so well, too. Thanks for sharing and congratulations to you, Mitch!
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  18. #16
    Registered User lowtone2's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Skip Kelley two-point

    I can tell even via youtube that that is an exceptional mandolin. And the one piece back, and...everything? Gorgeous instrument!

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