{"product_id":"hybrid-special-spalted-maple-burst-electric-guitar-michael-kelly-guitars-stringed-instruments","title":"Hybrid Special Spalted Maple Burst Electric Guitar Michael Kelly Guitars Stringed Instruments","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMichael Kelly Hybrid Special Spalted Maple Burst Electric Guitar\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElectric power. Acoustic-inspired versatility. One striking instrument.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Michael Kelly Hybrid Special in Spalted Maple Burst is designed for guitarists who want more tonal flexibility from a single instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombining traditional magnetic pickups with a piezo-equipped bridge system, the Hybrid Special gives players access to \u003cstrong\u003eelectric guitar tones, acoustic-style sounds, and blended combinations of both\u003c\/strong\u003e without requiring a guitar change in the middle of a song or performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd its distinctive spalted maple appearance, chambered construction and performance-oriented electronics, and the result is a versatile guitar built for working musicians, worship players, singer-songwriters, studio guitarists and performers who regularly move between acoustic and electric textures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Does the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special Work?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe secret to the Hybrid Special is its \u003cstrong\u003edual pickup system\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional magnetic pickups capture the electric-guitar character players expect for clean tones, overdrive, effects and amplified performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA separate piezo system captures vibration at the bridge and provides a more acoustic-inspired tonal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can use the magnetic pickups by themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the piezo system by itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr combine the two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes it possible to move between electric and acoustic-style textures—or create layered hybrid sounds—from the same guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor performers who would otherwise bring both an acoustic-electric and a conventional electric guitar to a gig, that flexibility can simplify the entire rig.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eElectric \u0026amp; Acoustic-Style Sounds from One Guitar\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA conventional electric guitar relies primarily on magnetic pickups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hybrid Special adds another tonal dimension through its piezo system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat opens the door to sounds suitable for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClean electric rhythm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDriven electric tones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcoustic-style rhythm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSinger-songwriter accompaniment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorship music\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountry\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRock\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudio layering\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive performance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of thinking of the Hybrid Special as a guitar with only one tonal personality, think of it as an instrument designed to cover multiple roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRockfield Magnetic Pickups\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe magnetic side of the Hybrid Special uses \u003cstrong\u003eRockfield humbucking pickups\u003c\/strong\u003e for full-bodied electric guitar tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHumbuckers are well suited for everything from warm cleans and smooth rhythm parts to driven lead tones and heavier amplification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombined with the Hybrid Special's switching and control system, the magnetic pickups provide a broad electric foundation before the piezo system is even introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePiezo Bridge System\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe piezo-equipped bridge is what gives the Hybrid Special its second voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike conventional magnetic pickups, piezo elements respond to the physical vibration of the strings at the bridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting signal has a different character from a magnetic electric-guitar pickup and can be used for acoustic-inspired sounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor live musicians, this can be extremely convenient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlay an electric part during the verse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMove into an acoustic-style texture for another section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlend the two for additional dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd do it without putting one guitar down and picking up another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlend Electric \u0026amp; Piezo Tones\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most creative ways to use the Hybrid Special is to combine its magnetic and piezo sounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe magnetic system can provide the body, warmth and character of an electric guitar while the piezo adds articulation and an acoustic-style edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlending the two can create tones that aren't easily achieved with a conventional electric or acoustic guitar alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the Hybrid Special particularly interesting for studio players and musicians who build layered arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDual-Output Flexibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hybrid Special's output architecture provides additional possibilities for advanced live and studio rigs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on how the instrument is connected, its magnetic and piezo signals can be incorporated into different amplification or processing paths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, a player can build a rig where the electric side feeds an electric guitar amplifier or pedalboard while the piezo signal is routed toward an appropriate acoustic amplification, PA or processing system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis can create a dramatically more convincing hybrid setup than simply sending every sound through the same signal chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eChambered Body Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hybrid Special uses \u003cstrong\u003echambered construction\u003c\/strong\u003e, contributing to the instrument's resonance and overall character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chambered design also complements the hybrid concept by creating an instrument intended to feel alive and responsive while still maintaining the practicality of an electric-guitar format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpalted Maple Burst Appearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSpalted Maple Burst\u003c\/strong\u003e finish gives this model a distinctive natural character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpalting creates irregular lines and figuring in the wood, meaning the visual pattern can naturally vary from instrument to instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than looking mass-produced and identical, the figuring can give each guitar its own visual personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe burst treatment highlights that natural grain while creating a premium appearance suitable for the stage, studio or collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eComfortable Performance-Oriented Neck\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hybrid Special is designed for players who may need to move through several styles during the same performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts neck and fingerboard provide the familiar playing experience expected from a modern electric guitar, making it easy to transition between rhythm work, chordal playing and lead lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat means you can access acoustic-inspired sounds without giving up the feel and playability of an electric guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Powerful Guitar for Live Performers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hybrid Special becomes particularly valuable on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImagine a set where one song requires electric guitar, another needs an acoustic-style texture, and a third moves between both sounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNormally, that could mean multiple guitars, multiple stands and instrument changes between songs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hybrid Special can cover those different tonal roles from one instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor touring musicians, event performers, worship guitarists and working professionals, fewer instrument changes can mean a simpler and more efficient stage setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExcellent Studio Versatility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe same flexibility is valuable in recording.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the magnetic pickups for a traditional electric part.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the piezo system for a contrasting acoustic-style layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlend the two signals to create a hybrid texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr process the signals differently to build a wider arrangement from a single performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor producers and session guitarists, one instrument capable of creating several distinct tonal colors can become an extremely useful studio tool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstrument Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hybrid electric guitar\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hybrid Special\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spalted Maple Burst\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chambered\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTop:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spalted maple\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeck:\u003c\/strong\u003e Performance-oriented electric guitar neck\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScale Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25.5\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrets:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagnetic Pickups:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rockfield humbuckers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePiezo System:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bridge-mounted piezo pickup system\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup Configurations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Magnetic electric tones + piezo acoustic-style tones\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHybrid Capability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Magnetic and piezo signals can be used for expanded tonal options\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eControls:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dedicated controls for managing the instrument's electric and piezo capabilities\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Configuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed to support versatile hybrid signal-routing applications\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Live performance, studio recording, worship, pop, rock, country, singer-songwriter and multi-genre performance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNatural wood figuring and appearance may vary from instrument to instrument.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is the Michael Kelly Hybrid Special For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWorking \u0026amp; Touring Guitarists\u003c\/strong\u003e — Cover electric and acoustic-style parts while reducing the number of guitars required on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWorship Guitarists\u003c\/strong\u003e — Move between ambient electric textures, rhythm parts and acoustic-style sounds within the same performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSinger-Songwriters\u003c\/strong\u003e — Accompany vocals with acoustic-inspired tones while retaining access to a full electric-guitar sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudio Musicians\u003c\/strong\u003e — Create multiple tonal layers from a single instrument and experiment with hybrid signal processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCover \u0026amp; Event Bands\u003c\/strong\u003e — Move through songs requiring dramatically different guitar sounds without constant instrument changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-Genre Players\u003c\/strong\u003e — Use one guitar across pop, rock, country, worship and other styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuitarists Who Love Unique Woods\u003c\/strong\u003e — The Spalted Maple Burst appearance gives the instrument a distinctive visual identity in addition to its tonal flexibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a hybrid electric guitar?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA hybrid guitar combines more than one approach to sound generation. The Michael Kelly Hybrid Special uses conventional magnetic electric-guitar pickups along with a piezo bridge system for acoustic-style tonal possibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the Hybrid Special sound like an electric guitar?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Its Rockfield magnetic pickups provide conventional amplified electric-guitar tones for clean, overdriven and effects-based playing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it produce acoustic-style sounds?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The piezo bridge system provides a more acoustic-inspired tonal character than traditional magnetic electric-guitar pickups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I combine the electric and piezo sounds?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Combining the two systems is one of the Hybrid Special's biggest creative advantages and allows players to develop layered tones between conventional electric and acoustic-style sounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this replace an acoustic guitar completely?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe piezo system is designed to provide acoustic-style amplified tones, but the Hybrid Special remains its own type of instrument. Players specifically seeking the natural unplugged projection and physical response of a traditional acoustic guitar may still prefer a dedicated acoustic instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy would I choose a hybrid guitar?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA hybrid guitar can be especially useful when you need multiple tonal characters during the same performance or recording session but don't want to continually switch instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the Hybrid Special good for live performances?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Live versatility is one of its strongest applications because a player can access electric, piezo and blended tonal options from one guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it good for recording?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The different pickup systems provide multiple tonal options for tracking and layering guitar parts in a studio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill every Spalted Maple Burst guitar look exactly the same?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Natural wood grain and spalting can vary, so individual instruments may have differences in figuring, pattern and appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOne Guitar. More Ways to Perform.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Michael Kelly Hybrid Special Spalted Maple Burst brings together \u003cstrong\u003eRockfield magnetic pickups, piezo technology, chambered construction and striking natural wood character\u003c\/strong\u003e in one versatile instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlay electric.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwitch to an acoustic-inspired texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlend the two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuild a more flexible live rig.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate new layers in the studio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor musicians who regularly need more than one guitar sound, the Hybrid Special provides a creative way to cover more musical territory without constantly changing instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeed help completing your guitar setup?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBackline Music Gear can help identify compatible amplifiers, acoustic amplification, effects, DI solutions, pedalboards, cases, straps, cables and other accessories based on how you plan to use your Hybrid Special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMichael Kelly Guitars, Hybrid Special, Rockfield and related names are trademarks of their respective owners. Product and trademark names are used solely for accurate product identification. Natural wood appearance varies. Specifications, hardware, electronics and included accessories are subject to manufacturer changes; verify the specific instrument configuration at time of purchase.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Backline Music Gear","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52663830937732,"sku":null,"price":989.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1017\/4054\/4132\/files\/PreviousNextHybridSpecialSpaltedMapleBurstElectricGuitarMichaelKellyGuitarsStringedInstruments_BacklineMusicGear.jpg?v=1787120145","url":"https:\/\/backlinemusicgear.com\/products\/hybrid-special-spalted-maple-burst-electric-guitar-michael-kelly-guitars-stringed-instruments","provider":"Backline Music Gear","version":"1.0","type":"link"}