www.halleonardeurope.com
After establishing themselves first as builders of acoustic bass guitars and mandolins, then later of electric guitars, Michael Kelly have recently taken their first steps into the bass world. The small, Korean-built range currently on offer builds on the look and feel of a much-loved classic, although with modifications and enhancements – some obvious, some not – that aim to provide a superior playing experience. We put the Custom Collection Element 4 through its paces.
Our Element 4 has a red cedar body topped with striped ebony, and zebraburst and burl tops are also available. The finish is gorgeous, with the high gloss of the ebony top perfectly paired with a matt black pickguard and black hardware. The large, exposed pole pieces on the Rockfield pickups are a nice aesthetic choice that work well here. A rock maple neck is topped with a pau ferro fretboard, with the headstock shaping veering away from the classic design foundation and into more modern territory. Finishing is good across the instrument, although the edges of the nut would benefit from a little extra filing. Internal wiring is neat, but there is some sawdust in the cavity that really should have been cleaned out. These are relatively minor issues that are simple to address, however.