Michael Kelly Hybrid Special

$399.99 to $989.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$989.99

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5.0 (13)

$399.99 28 available New

$450.00 13 available Used

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4.5 (3)

$989.99

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Average Price: $707

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Michael Kelly Hybrid Special is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Michael Kelly Hybrid Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 22, 2026.

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Description

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Unleash a spectrum of sound with the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special, the ultimate fusion of electric and acoustic guitar capabilities. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is designed for the versatile musician who demands both power and subtlety at their fingertips. With a simple flip of a switch, transition seamlessly between dynamic electric tones and rich, resonant acoustic sounds, making it a versatile companion for any performance setting.

Crafted to deliver exceptional playability and tonal clarity, the Hybrid Special is equipped with high-quality tonewoods and precision electronics. Its semi-hollowbody design not only enhances the acoustic qualities but also reduces weight, ensuring comfort during long gigs. Whether you're strumming complex chords or unleashing a soaring solo, the Hybrid Special offers a unique playing experience that caters to all styles and genres.

The attention to detail in this guitar is evident in its construction, featuring a solid center block for reduced feedback, and a robust dual pickup system that captures every nuance of your playing. Whether you're performing live or recording in the studio, the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special stands ready to elevate your sound to new heights.

Key Features:

Semi-hollowbody design for versatility and comfort
Dual pickup system for electric and acoustic tones
Solid center block to minimize feedback
Switch for easy transition between electric and acoustic modes
High-quality tonewoods for superior sound quality

Product specs

Brand	Michael Kelly
Model	Hybrid Special
Finish	Natural, Spalted Burst, Ziricote
Year	2010 - 2025
Categories	Hollow Body Guitars, Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Hollow Body, Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Black, Brown, Natural, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material	Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	12"
Frets	Medium Jumbo
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.69"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What makes the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special unique compared to other semi-hollowbody guitars?: The Michael Kelly Hybrid Special combines electric and acoustic properties, featuring Rockfield SWC pickups and a Fishman Powerchip for acoustic tones, offering a versatile sound palette for various musical styles.
Is the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special suitable for both electric and acoustic tones?: Yes, the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special is designed to deliver both electric and acoustic tones thanks to its hybrid pickup configuration, making it a versatile choice for musicians seeking diverse sound options.
What type of wood is used in the construction of the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special?: The Michael Kelly Hybrid Special features a carved and chambered mahogany body with a spalted flame maple top, offering a rich, resonant tone and striking visual appeal.
How does the neck profile of the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special affect playability?: The Michael Kelly Hybrid Special features a set-neck construction with a 24.75" scale length and a 12" fretboard radius, providing a comfortable playing experience suitable for various playing styles.
What kind of electronics does the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special have?: The guitar is equipped with Fishman Active Powerchip electronics, offering tone control, volume, and a push-pull pot for enhanced sound versatility.
Are the pickups on the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special suitable for rock music?: Yes, the Rockfield SWC pickups on the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special are well-suited for rock music, providing powerful and dynamic electric tones.

Videos

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Michael Kelly Hybrid Special Complete Demo Of Sounds

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Reviews

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PROS

Excellent construction quality, superior to some higher-priced models
Versatile sound, suitable for both acoustic and electric play
Clean, natural acoustic tone without needing EQ adjustments
Easy integration with pedalboards using TRS cable and splitter
Perfect intonation with wound third string
High-quality spalted maple top with triple binding
Grover tuners and piezo under bridge enhance performance
Level pot for piezo output matching to humbuckers
Manly volute at the neck provides headstock protection
Great value for the price, often preferred over more expensive brands

CONS

Fret buzz issues reported on high E upper frets
Hum buckers have a mellow tone needing a pedal for more growl
Difficulty in adjusting electric pickups without removing rings
Inlays are plastic faux, though visually appealing
Non-intonatable bridge can limit customizations

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

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Owners suggest replacing pickups with lower output DiMarzio models for more vintage tones, and adding gold accents for aesthetic enhancement.
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Features and functionality

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The guitar's Fishman piezo saddle provides a satisfying acoustic tone through a regular amp, blending well with humbuckers for added attack.
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The Fishman bridge system integrates a piezo in the bridge, allowing blending with the humbuckers for a versatile tone palette, including a Y cable option for dual amp output.
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The bridge setup contributes to an acoustic-like playing feel, distinguishing it from standard stop tail or through-body bridge designs.
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Setup and maintenance

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The guitar's action is set at approximately 2mm at the 12th fret on the low E string; adjustments require sanding the saddle due to bridge design.
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Build quality

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Some binding areas show sloppy craftsmanship, but overall construction is regarded as careful and reliable.
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Use cases and applications

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The trim pot allows volume matching between acoustic and electric outputs, aiding versatility in live settings.
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The guitar has been spotted at local farmers markets, suggesting it appeals to musicians performing in casual, acoustic-friendly environments.
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User experience

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One unique owner experience involves adapting to play the guitar one-handed, highlighting the model's ease of use and quality sound even under unconventional playing conditions.
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Critic Reviews

Michael Kelly Hybrid Special review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Michael Kelly Hybrid Special impresses with its stunning build and versatile tone, acting as a capable bridge between electric and acoustic sounds. Its gorgeous design and resonant shimmer make it a joy to play unplugged, while its electric capabilities deliver a top-notch sound range from grinding leads to clean tones. The ability to blend pickup signals offers sonic flexibility, though the lack of dial markers might frustrate some users. Despite being a compromise between electric and acoustic, it excels at delivering unique tones, making it a strong contender in the hybrid guitar market.

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