Michael Kelly Element 4 Open Pore Transparent Black Electric Bass

Natural wood character. Active and passive tonal flexibility. Dual Rockfield single-coil pickups. A comfortable 34-inch-scale 4-string bass designed to move effortlessly from stage to studio.

The Michael Kelly Element 4 Open Pore Transparent Black is a 4-string electric bass guitar designed for players who want comfortable playability, versatile electronics and the natural character of an open-pore instrument.

At the heart of the Element 4OP is a sungkai body with an open-pore Transparent Black finish.

Rather than completely covering the wood beneath a heavy opaque treatment, the open-pore design allows the natural grain and texture of the sungkai body to remain an important part of the instrument's appearance.

Pair that with a maple neck and maple fingerboard, comfortable C-shaped neck profile and familiar 34" scale length, and the Element 4OP provides a straightforward platform for bassists moving between rehearsal, performance and recording environments.

But one of its most useful features is hidden inside the electronics.

Two Rockfield single-coil bass pickups are paired with a 2-band active preamp, allowing the player to shape bass and treble directly from the instrument.

Want a different response?

Use the push/pull control to bypass the active preamp and switch into passive operation.

That gives the Element 4OP two distinct approaches in one instrument:

Active Mode → Expanded onboard EQ control

Passive Mode → Direct passive pickup character

For bassists who need one instrument to cover multiple musical environments, that flexibility can be especially valuable.

How Does the Michael Kelly Element 4OP Electric Bass Work?

The Element 4OP works by converting string vibration into an electrical signal.

When you pluck, pick or slap a string:

Strings Vibrate → Magnetic Pickups Capture the Vibrations → Bass Electronics Shape the Signal → Amplifier Produces the Sound

The bass can connect to compatible:

• Bass amplifiers

• Bass cabinets

• Pedalboards

• Multi-effects processors

• DI boxes

• Amp modelers

• Audio interfaces

• Recording systems

From there, the player's technique, pickup blend, onboard EQ, amplification and effects all contribute to the final sound.

Active & Passive Operation

One of the Element 4OP's biggest advantages is its ability to operate with active or passive electronics.

In active mode, the onboard preamp gives the player additional control directly from the bass.

In passive mode, the preamp is bypassed.

That means the same instrument can provide two different approaches to shaping your bass sound.

What Is an Active Bass?

An active bass uses a powered onboard preamp to provide additional signal-shaping capability.

On the Element 4OP, the 2-band active preamp gives you control over:

Bass → Shape the lower frequencies

Treble → Shape the higher frequencies

This makes it possible to adjust important parts of your sound directly from the instrument.

Need more low-end presence?

Adjust the bass control.

Want additional definition?

Shape the treble.

Need to adapt quickly between songs, amplifiers or playing environments?

The controls are right on the bass.

What Is a Passive Bass?

A passive bass operates without the active onboard preamp shaping the signal.

The Element 4OP allows the player to bypass its preamp using a push/pull control.

That provides access to the bass's passive pickup response without needing a completely separate instrument.

For players who enjoy both active and passive basses, this is an especially useful feature.

Push/Pull Active/Passive Switching

The Element 4OP's electronics include a:

Master Volume with Push/Pull Active/Passive Switching

That means changing between the two operating modes doesn't require complicated menus or external equipment.

Use active mode when you want access to the onboard EQ.

Switch to passive mode when you want the direct passive response of the pickups.

This makes the bass adaptable to different amplifiers, recording setups and performance situations.

Dual Rockfield Single-Coil Pickups

The Element 4OP features two Rockfield MK4SA single-coil pickups.

One pickup is positioned toward the neck.

The other is positioned closer to the bridge.

Because each pickup captures string vibration from a different location, they provide different tonal characteristics.

The bass's pickup blend control allows you to adjust the relationship between them.

Pickup Blend Control

Instead of limiting the player to fixed pickup selections, the Element 4OP includes a pickup blend control.

This lets you move between:

More Neck Pickup

A Blend of Both Pickups

More Bridge Pickup

That gives the player additional control over the instrument's tonal foundation before using the onboard EQ, amplifier or effects.

2-Band Active EQ

The active preamp provides dedicated:

Bass Control

Treble Control

This simple two-band architecture makes onboard tone shaping straightforward.

Instead of filling the instrument with unnecessary controls, the Element 4OP provides direct access to two of the frequency areas bassists frequently want to adjust.

Combined with the pickup blend, this creates a flexible but approachable control layout.

Sungkai Body

The Element 4OP uses a sungkai body.

Michael Kelly selected sungkai as the foundation for this open-pore model, pairing it with maple for the neck and fingerboard.

The open-pore finish also allows the natural texture of the body wood to remain visually apparent.

That creates a different appearance and feel from a bass covered in a thick high-gloss finish.

Transparent Black Open-Pore Finish

The Transparent Black Open Pore finish gives this Element 4 a dark, modern appearance while allowing the underlying wood character to remain visible.

Rather than creating a completely opaque black surface, the transparent treatment allows natural grain variation to become part of the instrument.

The result is:

Dark without hiding the wood.

Modern without looking overly polished.

Understated while retaining natural character.

Because wood is a natural material, individual grain patterns and visual characteristics can vary between instruments.

Those differences are part of the appeal of an open-pore finish.

Maple Neck

The Element 4OP features a maple neck.

The neck uses bolt-on construction and is paired with a maple fingerboard.

This creates a familiar electric-bass platform designed for straightforward playability and serviceability.

Comfort C Neck Profile

The neck uses Michael Kelly's Comfort C profile.

A C-shaped neck contour is familiar to many bass players and provides a versatile platform for:

• Fingerstyle bass

• Pick playing

• Slap techniques

• Groove-based playing

• Rock

• Pop

• Funk

• Worship

• Recording

• General performance

The satin treatment further supports a smooth playing feel along the back of the neck.

Maple Fingerboard

The Element 4OP pairs its maple neck with a maple fingerboard.

The lighter fingerboard provides visual contrast against the Transparent Black body while maintaining the instrument's clean, contemporary appearance.

21 Medium-Jumbo Frets

The Element 4OP features 21 medium-jumbo frets.

This provides a practical playing range for:

• Bass lines

• Walking patterns

• Groove playing

• Melodic fills

• Slides

• Hammer-ons

• Pull-offs

• Upper-register passages

Medium-jumbo frets provide a familiar surface for modern bass playing.

34" Scale Length

The Element 4OP uses a:

34" scale length

This is one of the most familiar scale lengths in full-size 4-string electric bass design.

That makes the Element 4OP approachable for players already accustomed to conventional long-scale electric basses.

38mm Nut Width

The Element 4OP uses an approximately:

38mm nut width

This contributes to a comfortable 4-string layout and keeps the neck from feeling unnecessarily wide near the nut.

Combined with the Comfort C profile, it helps create the bass's streamlined playing feel.

Synthetic Graphite Nut

The bass uses a synthetic graphite nut.

The nut helps establish string spacing and supports the strings as they transition toward the tuning machines.

It's an important component in the instrument's overall setup and playability.

Dual-Action Truss Rod

A dual-action truss rod provides adjustment capability for neck relief.

This allows an experienced technician to make appropriate neck adjustments during professional setup and ongoing instrument maintenance.

MK Standard Bass Bridge

The Element 4OP uses Michael Kelly's MK Standard Bass bridge.

The bridge supports the strings at the body end of the instrument and provides adjustment points used during setup.

Proper bridge adjustment helps establish action and intonation for the player's preferred setup.

MK Die-Cast Tuning Machines

The bass features MK die-cast tuning machines.

These provide individual tuning adjustment for each of the four strings and complete the Element's straightforward performance-oriented hardware package.

Great for Rock

The Element 4OP can move comfortably into rock applications.

Use the pickup blend and onboard EQ to establish the foundation you want, then pair the bass with appropriate amplification or effects.

The active electronics can be especially useful when adjusting your response for different rooms or amplifier setups.

Great for Funk

Players working with fingerstyle, slap and more percussive bass techniques can use the pickup blend and active EQ to experiment with attack and frequency balance.

The treble control can adjust upper-frequency presence while the bass control shapes the low end.

Great for Pop & Contemporary Music

Modern pop bass often needs to sit precisely within a dense arrangement.

The Element 4OP's active preamp gives players quick access to bass and treble adjustment without requiring them to change amplifier settings between every song.

That can be particularly useful for musicians covering multiple styles during the same performance.

Great for Worship

Worship bassists frequently move between:

• Quiet arrangements

• Full-band sections

• Contemporary pop

• Rock-influenced songs

• Ambient passages

• Large stage environments

The active/passive switching and onboard EQ provide multiple ways to adapt the instrument to different arrangements and signal chains.

Excellent for Recording

The Element 4OP is particularly interesting as a recording bass because it gives you several tonal decisions before the signal reaches the recording system.

You can adjust:

Pickup Blend

Active or Passive Operation

Bass EQ

Treble EQ

That gives you multiple starting points for recording.

Use one configuration for a full-band track.

Change the pickup blend for another song.

Switch to passive operation for another character.

The flexibility can reduce the need to reach for a completely different bass every time the arrangement changes.

Great for Live Performance

For gigging bassists, quick adjustment matters.

Different venues.

Different PA systems.

Different amplifiers.

Different rooms.

Different songs.

The Element 4OP lets the player make important tonal adjustments directly from the instrument.

That can be especially useful when moving between rehearsal rooms, stages and touring environments.

Key Features & Specifications

Product Type: 4-String Electric Bass Guitar
Model: Element 4OP
Series: Element
Orientation: Right-Handed
Finish: Transparent Black
Finish Type: Open Pore
Number of Strings: 4
Body: Sungkai
Construction: Bolt-On
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Maple
Neck Profile: Comfort C
Number of Frets: 21
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
Scale Length: 34"
Nut Material: Synthetic Graphite
Nut Width: 38mm
Truss Rod: Dual Action
Neck Pickup: Rockfield MK4SA Single Coil
Bridge Pickup: Rockfield MK4SA Single Coil
Pickup Configuration: Dual Single Coil
Electronics: Active/Passive
Preamp: 2-Band Active Preamp
Controls: Master Volume with Push/Pull Active/Passive Switching, Pickup Blend, Bass, Treble
Bridge: MK Standard Bass
Tuning Machines: MK Die-Cast
Hardware Finish: Chrome
Factory Strings: D'Addario .045–.105
Manufacturer Model: MKO4OBKMRC
UPC: 809164026488
Distributor Inventory: HL 456816
Distributor-Listed Width: 17"
Distributor-Listed Length: 48.5"
Primary Applications: Rock, pop, funk, blues, worship, rehearsal, live performance and recording

Who Is the Michael Kelly Element 4OP For?

Gigging Bassists — Active/passive switching and onboard EQ make it easier to adapt to changing performance environments.

Recording Musicians — Multiple pickup, EQ and active/passive configurations provide several useful starting points for tracking.

Rock Bassists — Dual single-coil pickups and active EQ provide plenty of flexibility for rhythm-section work.

Funk Players — Pickup blending and onboard frequency controls allow experimentation with articulate and percussive bass sounds.

Pop & Contemporary Bassists — Shape the instrument directly from the bass to better fit different arrangements.

Worship Musicians — Easily move between different musical dynamics and signal-chain requirements.

Players Who Want Active & Passive Options — Use the onboard preamp when you want additional EQ control or bypass it for passive operation.

Players Who Prefer Natural Wood Character — The Transparent Black open-pore finish lets the texture and grain of the sungkai body remain part of the visual design.

Players Looking for a Traditional 4-String Format — A 34" scale and four-string layout provide a familiar full-size electric-bass platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Michael Kelly Element 4 Open Pore?
It is a 4-string electric bass featuring a sungkai body, maple neck and fingerboard, dual Rockfield single-coil pickups and active/passive electronics.

What does 4OP mean?
The model designation refers to the four-string Element Open Pore configuration.

What does open pore mean on a bass guitar?
An open-pore finish allows more of the natural texture and grain of the wood to remain visible and tactile instead of completely filling the surface beneath a thick finish.

Is Transparent Black completely opaque?
No. The Transparent Black open-pore treatment is intended to retain visible natural wood character rather than completely hiding the underlying grain.

Is the Michael Kelly Element 4 an active bass?
Yes. It includes a 2-band active preamp.

Can the Element 4OP be used as a passive bass?
Yes. A push/pull control allows the onboard preamp to be bypassed for passive operation.

What is the difference between active and passive mode?
Active mode uses the onboard powered preamp and provides bass and treble EQ control. Passive mode bypasses the active preamp for a more direct pickup signal path.

How many pickups does the Element 4OP have?
Two Rockfield MK4SA single-coil pickups.

Can I blend the pickups?
Yes. The bass includes a pickup blend control.

What controls are on the Element 4OP?
Master volume with push/pull active/passive switching, pickup blend, bass and treble.

What is the body made from?
Sungkai.

What is the neck made from?
Maple.

What is the fingerboard made from?
Maple.

What is the scale length?
34 inches.

How many frets does it have?
21 medium-jumbo frets.

What is the neck profile?
Comfort C.

What is the nut width?
Approximately 38mm.

What type of bridge does it use?
Michael Kelly's MK Standard Bass bridge.

What strings come installed?
The current specification lists D'Addario .045–.105 strings.

Is the Element 4OP good for recording?
Yes. Its pickup blend, active/passive operation and onboard EQ provide several useful ways to shape the signal before it reaches an audio interface or recording system.

Can I use it with bass pedals?
Yes. It can be used with compatible bass effects, pedalboards, DI systems, amplifiers and modelers.

Is it suitable for live performance?
Yes. The onboard EQ and active/passive switching make it particularly adaptable for stage use.

Is a case or gig bag included?
A case or gig bag should not be assumed included unless the exact vendor package specifically states that one is provided.

Natural Character. Modern Control. One Bass for Stage & Studio.

The Michael Kelly Element 4 Open Pore Transparent Black brings together comfortable traditional bass dimensions and flexible modern electronics.

The sungkai body provides the foundation.

Transparent Black open-pore finishing lets the natural wood remain visible.

The maple neck and maple fingerboard create a clean, contemporary appearance.

Two Rockfield single-coil pickups provide the instrument's core electric voices.

Pickup blending lets you adjust the relationship between them.

A 2-band active preamp puts bass and treble shaping directly at your fingertips.

And push/pull switching lets you bypass the preamp and move into passive operation.

Take it to rehearsal.

Put it on stage.

Connect it to a recording interface.

Build a pedalboard around it.

Use active mode for onboard control.

Switch to passive mode when the situation calls for it.

For musicians looking for a 4-string electric bass with active/passive electronics, dual single-coil pickups, a 34-inch scale and distinctive Transparent Black open-pore styling, the Michael Kelly Element 4OP provides an adaptable platform for practice, performance and recording.

Need help completing your bass setup?
Backline Music Gear can help identify compatible bass amplifiers, cabinets, DI boxes, pedals, instrument cables, straps, stands, replacement strings, cases and other accessories based on your playing style and performance setup.

Michael Kelly, Element, Rockfield, D'Addario and related names and marks are trademarks or property of their respective owners. Third-party product and trademark names are used solely for accurate product identification and compatibility information. Backline Music Gear does not claim ownership of third-party marks. Natural wood grain and appearance may vary between individual instruments. Specifications and included components may change by production run; verify current manufacturer specifications before purchase.