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Description

Unleash your musical creativity with the Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless bass, a harmonious blend of artistry and innovation. This acoustic-electric beauty doesn't just play music; it crafts an experience with its intricate vine-style inlay, meticulously created from real pearl and abalone, giving it an aesthetic as rich as its sound. The all-maple body resonates with remarkable clarity, providing a vibrant acoustic projection that complements its striking visual appeal.

Designed for the discerning bassist, the Dragonfly 5 Fretless features a sophisticated Fishman MKAB amplification system. This setup includes a 3-band EQ that's finely tuned for acoustic bass, coupled with a bridge saddle pickup that ensures impeccable string-to-string balance. The unlined fretboard, adorned with side dots and subtle top markers, guides your fingers effortlessly across the neck, offering a smooth playing experience that encourages expressive, nuanced performances.

Whether you're an aspiring musician or a seasoned professional, the Dragonfly's combination of elegance and precision offers an unparalleled musical journey. Its fretless design invites you to explore new dimensions of sound, making each note a testament to your personal style.

Key Features:

  • Intricate vine-style inlay with real pearl and abalone
  • All-maple body for superior acoustic projection
  • Fishman MKAB amplification system with 3-band EQ
  • Bridge saddle pickup for excellent string-to-string balance
  • Unlined fretboard with side and top dot markers for easy navigation

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless bass?

The Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless features a quilt maple top, back, and sides, providing a visually stunning appearance and a resonant, bright tone.

Is the Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless is equipped with a Fishman MKAB active preamp and pickup system, making it well-suited for live performances with excellent amplified sound quality.

Does the Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless have any fret markers?

The Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless features an unlined fretless fingerboard with small guide dots on the side, aiding in navigation without detracting from the fretless aesthetic.

What is the scale length of the Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless?

The scale length of the Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless is 34 inches, which is standard for a full-sized bass, providing a familiar feel for most bassists.

What kind of finish does the Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless have?

The Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless boasts a gloss lacquer finish, enhancing its visual appeal and protecting the wood.

James Boren

James Boren

Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 String Fretless Bass Review 208

Video thumbnail for Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 String Fretless Bass Review 208 by James Boren

Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 String Fretless Bass Review 208

James Boren

James Boren

Video thumbnail for Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 string Bass Fretless strung with DR Rare Bronze DEMO by lalofierro

Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 string Bass Fretless strung with DR Rare Bronze DEMO

lalofierro

lalofierro

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless.

Build quality

  • The Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless has a large body, which some users find uncomfortable for sitting and playing.

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  • The fretboard on the Dragonfly 5, especially when using roundwound strings, can wear down over time, potentially requiring replacement or repair.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest the Dragonfly 5 may have a high markup due to its aesthetic finishes, feeling it offers a $300-$400 value for the $600 price.

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  • Multiple listings of used Dragonfly 5 basses are found locally, suggesting ease of finding a good price, but raising questions about their turnover rate.

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Use cases and applications

  • Acoustic basses like the Dragonfly 5 are quieter and beneficial for home use without an amp, suitable for stress-relief play.

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  • Ideal for small room performances and intimate settings, particularly for fingerstyle playing.

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  • The Dragonfly 5 is particularly noted for its unique tone when miked with an SM57 beta, suitable for recorded performances.

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User experience

  • Tapewound strings are recommended for a less metallic sound and a smoother feel, reducing callouses.

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  • Owners highlight the challenge of maintaining intonation when shifting positions without frets, requiring precise finger placement.

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  • One owner received a fretless 5-string Dragonfly as a gift, highlighting its longevity and sentimental value despite the need for careful intonation.

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  • Despite some users finding acoustic basses impractical, others enjoy the Dragonfly 5 for its unique sound, particularly in intimate, quiet settings.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Installing LaBella black tapewound strings yields a warm, thumpy tone, ideal for jazz or mellow acoustic settings.

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  • LaBella low tension flats are noted to work well on the Dragonfly 5, offering a smoother playing experience and preserving the fingerboard.

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Features and functionality

  • The side port design enhances monitoring, allowing players to better hear their sound directly.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to Breedlove basses, the Dragonfly 5's offset sound hole and side port are praised for improving acoustic projection.

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Artist usage

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See how Divinity Roxx uses Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless

Divinity Roxx

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the attached video, Divinity Roxx goes through her bass collection. At 8:03, the video shows Divinity playing and talking about her Michael Kelly Dragonfly Fretless bass with 5 strings.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 Fretless, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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