Michael Kelly Forte Port Nylon Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Finish

Warm nylon-string character. Modern Forte Port design. Performance-ready electronics. A distinctive acoustic-electric guitar built for expressive playing, recording and live performance.

The Michael Kelly Forte Port Nylon is a nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar designed for musicians who love the smooth, warm response of nylon strings but want a more contemporary instrument for modern playing situations.

Rather than following the traditional classical-guitar formula, the Forte Port Nylon combines nylon-string character with Michael Kelly's distinctive Forte Port architecture, a highly accessible cutaway body and onboard electronics for amplified performance.

The Natural finish highlights the instrument's wood-focused aesthetic, giving it an elegant appearance suited to the stage, studio, home or professional performance environment.

For classical-inspired playing, fingerstyle, jazz, Latin-influenced music, singer-songwriter arrangements, worship, acoustic performances and studio work, the Forte Port Nylon provides a versatile alternative to both a conventional steel-string acoustic and a traditional classical guitar.

How Does the Michael Kelly Forte Port Nylon Work?

The Forte Port Nylon produces sound acoustically through the vibration of its nylon strings.

When a string is plucked:

String Vibrates → Bridge Transfers Energy → Top Resonates → Body Projects the Sound

Nylon strings behave differently from conventional steel acoustic-guitar strings.

They generally provide a softer tactile feel and a warmer, rounder tonal character, making them especially appealing for fingerstyle playing and arrangements where a smoother acoustic voice is desired.

The Forte Port design modifies the traditional acoustic formula by using Michael Kelly's distinctive offset soundhole architecture.

A secondary sound port directs part of the acoustic sound toward the player, creating a more immediate listening experience while you're playing.

And because the Forte Port Nylon is an acoustic-electric instrument, its onboard electronics allow it to connect to compatible amplification, PA and recording equipment.

What Does a Nylon-String Guitar Sound Like?

Nylon strings create a distinctly different voice from steel strings.

Their character is often described as:

• Warm

• Smooth

• Rounded

• Expressive

• Mellow

• Detailed

• Intimate

• Dynamic

Individual notes can have a softer attack than steel strings, while fingerstyle passages can sound rich and articulate.

That makes a nylon-string guitar useful far beyond traditional classical music.

Forte Port Design

One of the defining features of this guitar is Michael Kelly's Forte Port architecture.

Instead of relying on a conventional centrally positioned soundhole, the Forte Port uses a distinctive offset opening.

The design leaves a larger uninterrupted area across the guitar's top and gives the instrument an immediately recognizable appearance.

For musicians looking for a nylon-string guitar that doesn't simply recreate the appearance of a traditional classical instrument, the Forte Port provides a distinctly modern alternative.

Side Sound Port

The Forte Port design also incorporates a side-facing sound port.

On a traditional acoustic guitar, much of the instrument's sound projects outward toward the listener.

The additional side port allows more of that acoustic experience to reach the person actually playing the guitar.

This can be especially enjoyable during:

• Practice

• Fingerstyle playing

• Songwriting

• Rehearsals

• Acoustic performances

• Recording sessions

It's a simple idea with a meaningful player-focused benefit: hear more of the acoustic instrument from your playing position.

Nylon Strings

The defining characteristic of the Forte Port Nylon is its nylon-string configuration.

Compared with steel acoustic strings, nylon strings provide a distinctly different playing experience and tonal response.

They're particularly well suited for:

• Fingerstyle guitar

• Classical-inspired playing

• Jazz

• Latin-influenced styles

• Bossa nova

• Acoustic arrangements

• Solo guitar

• Singer-songwriter music

• Studio layering

For steel-string players, a nylon guitar can introduce an entirely new tonal palette without requiring a completely different instrument family.

Excellent for Fingerstyle Playing

Nylon-string guitars are naturally compelling fingerstyle instruments.

The warmer attack and expressive response allow individual notes to remain musical without producing the brighter metallic character associated with steel strings.

Use the Forte Port Nylon for:

• Arpeggios

• Chord-melody arrangements

• Solo guitar

• Fingerpicked accompaniment

• Melodic passages

• Dynamic acoustic arrangements

The result can be intimate when played softly and surprisingly expressive when played dynamically.

Natural Finish

The Natural finish gives the Forte Port Nylon a refined, wood-focused appearance.

Rather than hiding the instrument beneath an opaque color, the natural presentation emphasizes the organic character of the guitar.

Combined with the unconventional Forte Port soundhole placement and modern cutaway, the result blends traditional acoustic aesthetics with contemporary design.

Because wood is a natural material, grain and visual appearance may vary between individual instruments.

Modern Cutaway Design

The Forte Port Nylon incorporates a pronounced cutaway body shape.

Traditional classical guitars often use symmetrical non-cutaway bodies.

The Forte Port takes a different approach.

Its cutaway provides improved physical access to the upper portion of the fingerboard, making the guitar more accommodating for players who incorporate:

• Upper-register melodies

• Jazz voicings

• Lead passages

• Extended chord shapes

• Fingerstyle arrangements

• Solo guitar techniques

That makes the instrument particularly useful for contemporary players who want nylon-string tone without being limited to a traditional classical body design.

Acoustic-Electric Versatility

The Forte Port Nylon is designed to function both acoustically and as an amplified instrument.

Play it naturally at home.

Use microphones in the studio.

Or connect the onboard electronics to compatible equipment for performance.

Depending on your setup, the guitar can integrate with:

• Acoustic amplifiers

• PA systems

• Mixing consoles

• DI boxes

• Audio interfaces

• Recording systems

This makes it substantially more flexible for performing musicians than a purely acoustic classical guitar.

Great for Live Performance

Nylon-string guitars can be beautiful acoustic instruments, but traditional classical designs aren't always optimized for modern stage environments.

The Forte Port Nylon addresses that by combining nylon strings with contemporary acoustic-electric functionality.

That makes it well suited for:

• Solo performances

• Acoustic ensembles

• Worship stages

• Restaurants and lounges

• Jazz performances

• Corporate events

• Singer-songwriter performances

• Professional stage use

Connect it to an appropriate sound system and bring nylon-string character into an amplified performance environment.

Excellent for Recording

A nylon-string guitar can also be an extremely useful studio instrument.

It provides a tonal contrast to conventional steel-string acoustics and electric guitars.

Use it to:

• Layer acoustic parts

• Add warm fingerstyle textures

• Double melodies

• Create intimate intros

• Build cinematic acoustic sections

• Add contrast between verses and choruses

• Support vocal arrangements

• Create solo instrumental passages

Even if nylon guitar isn't the primary instrument in a production, one carefully placed part can completely change the texture of the arrangement.

A Different Voice for Steel-String Players

You don't need to be a classical guitarist to benefit from a nylon-string instrument.

For a player who already owns steel-string acoustics and electric guitars, the Forte Port Nylon can provide something genuinely different.

Instead of buying another variation of an instrument you already own, nylon strings add another tonal category to the collection.

Play the same chord progression on steel strings.

Then play it on nylon.

The notes may be identical, but the character can be completely different.

Great for Jazz & Chord-Melody Playing

The smooth character of nylon strings can work beautifully for jazz-inspired arrangements.

Use the guitar for:

• Chord melody

• Extended harmonies

• Solo arrangements

• Fingerstyle jazz

• Lounge performances

• Acoustic ensemble work

The cutaway is especially useful when arrangements move farther up the fingerboard.

Great for Latin & Bossa Nova-Inspired Playing

Nylon-string guitars are closely associated with many styles that rely heavily on fingerstyle articulation and rhythmic chord work.

The Forte Port Nylon provides an accessible modern platform for players exploring Latin-influenced acoustic music, bossa nova-inspired arrangements and other nylon-string applications.

Great for Singer-Songwriters

A nylon guitar can create a completely different environment underneath a vocal.

Where a bright steel-string guitar may provide attack and sparkle, nylon strings can create a softer, warmer foundation.

That can be particularly effective for:

• Intimate songs

• Ballads

• Acoustic arrangements

• Vocal-focused productions

• Softer live performances

It gives songwriters another color to work with.

Key Features & Specifications

Product Type: Nylon-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Series: Forte Port
Finish: Natural
Body Style: Forte Port Cutaway
String Type: Nylon
Soundhole Design: Forte Port Offset Design
Side Sound Port: Yes
Electronics: Onboard acoustic-electric system
Upper-Fret Access: Cutaway body design
Primary Applications: Fingerstyle, classical-inspired playing, jazz, Latin-influenced music, acoustic performance, songwriting, live performance and recording
Playing Environment: Acoustic or amplified with compatible equipment

Exact tonewoods, electronics model, dimensions, scale length, nut width, hardware and factory string specifications should be verified against the current manufacturer specification for the exact SKU.

Who Is the Michael Kelly Forte Port Nylon For?

Fingerstyle Guitarists — Nylon strings provide a warm and expressive platform for detailed fingerstyle arrangements.

Steel-String Players Exploring Nylon — Add a completely different acoustic voice without moving exclusively into a traditional classical-guitar design.

Singer-Songwriters — Create a softer, warmer acoustic foundation underneath vocals.

Jazz Guitarists — Explore chord-melody playing and sophisticated voicings with nylon-string character.

Latin & Bossa Nova-Inspired Players — A natural platform for rhythmic and fingerstyle techniques commonly associated with nylon-string music.

Gigging Musicians — Acoustic-electric functionality makes the instrument easier to integrate into modern performance setups.

Studio Musicians — Add another tonal palette to recording sessions and arrangements.

Worship Musicians — Introduce warm nylon-string textures into contemporary acoustic arrangements.

Guitar Collectors & Enthusiasts — Add an instrument that provides a substantially different playing and tonal experience from conventional steel-string and electric guitars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Michael Kelly Forte Port Nylon?
The Forte Port Nylon is a nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar combining Michael Kelly's distinctive Forte Port body architecture with modern performance-oriented features.

Does the Forte Port Nylon use nylon or steel strings?
It is designed as a nylon-string guitar. Use strings appropriate for the instrument rather than substituting conventional steel acoustic-guitar strings.

How does a nylon-string guitar sound different from a steel-string guitar?
Nylon strings generally provide a warmer, rounder and smoother acoustic character with a different attack and tactile response than steel strings.

Is the Forte Port Nylon an acoustic guitar?
Yes. It produces sound naturally as an acoustic instrument.

Can the Forte Port Nylon be amplified?
Yes. It is an acoustic-electric model designed to connect to compatible amplification, PA and recording equipment through its onboard electronics.

What is the Forte Port design?
Michael Kelly's Forte Port design uses distinctive offset soundhole architecture rather than relying solely on a conventional centered acoustic soundhole.

What does the side sound port do?
The side port directs part of the guitar's acoustic sound toward the player, providing a more direct listening experience while playing.

Is this a classical guitar?
It uses nylon strings and can support classical-inspired playing, but its Forte Port construction, cutaway and acoustic-electric functionality make it a more contemporary design than a traditional classical guitar.

Is the Forte Port Nylon good for fingerstyle?
Yes. Nylon strings are particularly well suited to fingerstyle playing, arpeggios, chord-melody work and solo guitar arrangements.

Can a steel-string guitarist play this guitar?
Yes. Players accustomed to steel-string acoustic or electric guitars can use a nylon-string instrument to explore a different feel and tonal character.

Is it good for jazz?
It can be an excellent option for nylon-string jazz, chord-melody arrangements and acoustic ensemble work.

Can I use it for bossa nova?
Yes. Nylon-string guitars are commonly chosen for bossa nova-inspired and related fingerstyle/rhythmic applications.

Is it suitable for recording?
Yes. Nylon strings can add warm acoustic textures and provide a useful tonal contrast to steel-string and electric guitars in a recording.

Can I plug it directly into a PA system?
Its onboard electronics are designed for amplified applications with compatible professional audio equipment. Depending on the system, a DI or preamp may also be useful.

Does it have a cutaway?
Yes. The Forte Port body incorporates a cutaway to improve access to the upper portion of the fingerboard.

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

Warm Nylon Tone. Modern Acoustic Design.

The Michael Kelly Forte Port Nylon brings the expressive character of a nylon-string guitar into a distinctly contemporary instrument.

Nylon strings provide the warmth.

Forte Port architecture gives the guitar its unmistakable design.

The side sound port brings more of the acoustic experience toward the player.

The cutaway opens access to the upper register.

Onboard electronics prepare the instrument for amplified performance.

Play delicate fingerstyle arrangements.

Explore jazz chords.

Accompany a vocal.

Bring nylon-string textures into a studio production.

Or take that warm acoustic character directly onto the stage.

For guitarists looking for the expressive response of nylon strings without being limited to a conventional classical-guitar format, the Michael Kelly Forte Port Nylon provides a compelling combination of warm acoustic character, contemporary design and performance versatility.

Need help completing your nylon-string guitar setup?
Backline Music Gear can help identify compatible nylon strings, cases, stands, straps, capos, humidification products, acoustic amplifiers, DI boxes, instrument cables and recording accessories based on your playing and performance needs.

Michael Kelly, Forte Port and related names and marks are trademarks or property of their respective owners. Other third-party product and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Names are used solely for accurate product identification and compatibility information. Backline Music Gear is an independent retailer and does not claim ownership of third-party marks. Specifications and included components may vary by production run and are subject to change; verify current manufacturer specifications before purchase.