Michael Kelly Patriot Decree SB Open Pore Faded Black Electric Guitar

Thin, lightweight construction. Open-pore Faded Black styling. Dual humbuckers with eight tonal combinations. A modern single-cut electric guitar built for versatility, comfort and expressive performance.

The Michael Kelly Patriot Decree SB Open Pore Faded Black is a distinctive single-cutaway electric guitar designed for players who want substantial tonal flexibility without the bulk of a traditional full-thickness body.

Its slim, lightweight design pairs a mahogany body with an exotic sungkai top, finished in an eye-catching open-pore Faded Black treatment that allows the natural texture of the wood to remain an important part of the instrument's appearance.

Underneath that understated finish is a highly versatile electronics package.

Two Rockfield Select Wound Custom humbuckers provide the foundation, while Michael Kelly's Great 8 Mod adds individual coil-split switching for each pickup.

Combined with the traditional 3-way pickup selector, the system gives you access to eight distinct pickup combinations from one guitar.

Add a set-in mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, 22 medium-jumbo frets, Modern C neck profile, contoured heel, Tune-O-Matic bridge, string-through-body construction and Grover tuners, and the Patriot Decree SB becomes a compelling platform for rock, blues, alternative, pop, worship, studio work and live performance.

How Does the Michael Kelly Patriot Decree SB Work?

The Patriot Decree SB is a solid-body electric guitar.

When you pick or strum a string:

Strings Vibrate → Magnetic Pickups Capture the Vibrations → Guitar Electronics Route the Signal → Amplifier Produces the Sound

The two humbuckers convert string vibration into an electrical signal that can be sent to a compatible guitar amplifier, effects processor, pedalboard, modeling system or recording interface.

What makes the Patriot Decree SB especially interesting is the Great 8 Mod.

Instead of limiting each humbucker to its normal full-coil sound, individual mini-toggle switches allow the pickups to be coil split.

That gives the guitarist a broader range of sounds without requiring additional guitars.

Great 8 Mod – Eight Tonal Possibilities

One of the standout features of the Patriot Decree SB is Michael Kelly's Great 8 Mod.

The guitar uses:

2 Rockfield Humbuckers

1 Traditional 3-Way Pickup Selector

2 Individual Mini-Toggle Coil-Split Switches

Together, these controls provide access to eight pickup configurations.

That means you can move between fuller humbucker sounds and leaner split-coil textures directly from the guitar.

For musicians who regularly move between clean and driven sounds, rhythm and lead parts, or different musical styles, this expanded switching can make the instrument substantially more versatile.

What Is Coil Splitting?

A traditional humbucker uses two coils working together.

Coil splitting changes the pickup configuration by deactivating one of those coils.

In simple terms:

Full Humbucker → Both Coils Active

Coil Split → One Coil Active

The resulting sound is different from the full humbucker configuration and gives the player another tonal option.

It does not magically turn a humbucker into an entirely different pickup design, but it does significantly expand the sounds available from the guitar.

With independent switching for both pickups, the Patriot Decree SB lets you mix and match those configurations.

Rockfield Select Wound Custom Humbuckers

The Patriot Decree SB uses two Rockfield Select Wound Custom humbuckers.

Humbuckers are commonly chosen for their fuller output and noise-canceling design compared with conventional single-coil architectures.

They can work especially well for:

• Rock

• Blues

• Alternative

• Pop

• Worship

• Driven rhythm

• Lead guitar

• Studio recording

The Great 8 switching then expands that foundation by providing access to additional split-coil textures.

Thin, Lightweight Body Design

One of the major advantages of the Patriot Decree SB is its slim-body construction.

Single-cut guitars can sometimes become physically substantial instruments.

The Decree SB takes a different approach.

Its thinner body is designed to reduce unnecessary bulk while retaining the feel and visual presence of a full-scale electric guitar.

That can be especially beneficial during:

• Long rehearsals

• Multi-set performances

• Recording sessions

• Worship services

• Touring

• Extended practice sessions

Less unnecessary weight can make a meaningful difference after several hours with a guitar on your shoulder.

Mahogany Body

The Patriot Decree SB uses a slim mahogany body.

Mahogany is a familiar electric-guitar tonewood often associated with a strong midrange foundation and substantial tonal body.

The slim construction helps create the lightweight architecture that distinguishes the SB version of the Patriot Decree.

Exotic Sungkai Top

The mahogany body is paired with an exotic sungkai top.

The top becomes particularly important visually because of the guitar's open-pore finish.

Rather than completely covering the surface beneath a heavy opaque treatment, the open-pore presentation allows the natural texture and character of the wood to contribute to the appearance.

Faded Black Open-Pore Finish

The Faded Black Open Pore finish gives this Patriot Decree SB an understated, modern aesthetic.

Rather than creating the ultra-smooth appearance of a heavy gloss finish, the open-pore treatment allows more of the natural wood texture to remain visible and tactile.

The result feels more organic.

More understated.

And distinctly different from a conventional gloss-black electric guitar.

It's an especially attractive option for players who want a dark instrument without losing the visual character of the wood underneath it.

Set-In Mahogany Neck

The Patriot Decree SB features a set-in mahogany neck.

Rather than using a bolt-on neck joint, the neck is permanently joined to the body.

Michael Kelly also incorporates a contoured heel to improve access as the player's hand moves toward the upper frets.

Modern C Neck Profile

The neck uses Michael Kelly's Modern C profile.

The familiar C-shaped contour provides a versatile playing platform for:

• Chords

• Rhythm playing

• Lead guitar

• Blues phrasing

• Rock

• Alternative styles

• Contemporary music

It's designed to feel comfortable across a broad range of playing techniques rather than forcing the instrument into one specialized style.

Ebony Fingerboard

The Patriot Decree SB features an ebony fingerboard.

Ebony provides a smooth playing surface and visually complements the dark Faded Black finish.

Combined with the mahogany neck and understated body treatment, it helps give the guitar a cohesive premium appearance.

22 Medium-Jumbo Frets

The guitar features 22 medium-jumbo frets.

Medium-jumbo frets provide a practical balance for both chord work and lead playing.

They accommodate techniques such as:

• String bending

• Vibrato

• Lead passages

• Chord work

• Slides

• Hammer-ons

• Pull-offs

The contoured neck heel also helps make the upper portion of the fingerboard easier to reach.

Tune-O-Matic Bridge

The Patriot Decree SB uses a Tune-O-Matic bridge.

This familiar bridge design provides individual intonation adjustment and works with the guitar's string-through-body architecture.

Proper bridge adjustment allows a qualified technician to optimize intonation and action as part of a complete guitar setup.

String-Through-Body Design

Instead of terminating at a separate tailpiece, the strings pass through the guitar's body.

This creates a clean bridge area while securely anchoring the strings.

The combination of:

Tune-O-Matic Bridge + String-Through Body

provides a straightforward, fixed-bridge platform without the additional complexity of a tremolo system.

Grover Tuners

The Patriot Decree SB features Grover tuning machines.

Reliable tuning hardware is an important part of any performance instrument.

Each machine allows precise adjustment of an individual string and works with the nut and bridge to maintain the guitar's setup and tuning.

Great for Rock

The dual-humbucker configuration gives the Patriot Decree SB a strong foundation for rock guitar.

Use full humbuckers for:

• Driven rhythm

• Power chords

• Lead guitar

• Higher-gain sounds

Then engage the coil-split options when you want a different texture.

That gives one guitar considerably more flexibility across a set.

Great for Blues

Blues players frequently use pickup selection and playing dynamics to shape their sound.

The Great 8 Mod gives you additional ways to change the guitar's response directly from the instrument.

Use fuller humbucker sounds for thicker leads.

Switch configurations for cleaner rhythm passages.

Experiment with neck and bridge combinations to find the response that works best with your amplifier.

Great for Worship & Contemporary Music

Modern worship guitarists often move through several tonal environments during a single performance.

Clean passages.

Ambient effects.

Driven rhythm.

Swells.

Lead sections.

The Patriot Decree SB's eight pickup configurations provide a versatile foundation for pedal-heavy and effects-based rigs.

Excellent for Recording

The Great 8 Mod can be especially useful in the studio.

Instead of immediately changing guitars when recording another layer, change the pickup configuration.

Record one rhythm part using full humbuckers.

Use a split configuration for the second layer.

Try another pickup selection for melodic passages.

The tonal differences can help individual guitar tracks occupy different spaces within a mix.

Designed for Long Playing Sessions

The slim, lightweight body is more than a visual design decision.

For musicians who play:

• Multiple sets

• Long rehearsals

• Worship services

• Recording sessions

• Theater productions

• Tour dates

instrument weight matters.

A thinner body can help reduce the amount of weight hanging from your shoulder while retaining the scale and playing range of a full-size electric guitar.

Key Features & Specifications

Product Type: Solid-Body Electric Guitar
Model: Patriot Decree SB Open Pore
Finish: Faded Black
Body Style: Single Cutaway / Slim Body
Body: Mahogany
Top: Sungkai
Finish Type: Open Pore / Satin-Style Treatment
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Joint: Set-In
Neck Profile: Modern C
Fingerboard: Ebony
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
Pickups: 2 x Rockfield Select Wound Custom Humbuckers
Pickup Selector: 3-Way
Additional Switching: 2 x Mini-Toggle Coil-Split Switches
Electronics Mod: Great 8 Mod
Available Pickup Configurations: 8
Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
String Anchoring: String-Through Body
Tuning Machines: Grover
Hardware: Chrome
Manufacturer Model: MKPSOBBERA
UPC: 809164027805
Distributor Inventory: HL 1341909
Primary Applications: Rock, blues, alternative, pop, worship, live performance, rehearsal and recording

Who Is the Michael Kelly Patriot Decree SB For?

Rock Guitarists — Dual humbuckers provide a strong foundation for driven rhythm and lead playing.

Blues Players — Great 8 switching provides multiple pickup configurations for changing tonal character throughout a performance.

Gigging Musicians — The slim, lightweight body can be particularly valuable during longer sets.

Worship Guitarists — Expanded pickup options provide a versatile foundation for clean, ambient and driven sounds.

Studio Musicians — Eight pickup configurations make it easier to create contrasting guitar layers from a single instrument.

Players Who Prefer Fixed Bridges — The Tune-O-Matic and string-through-body design provides a straightforward platform without a tremolo system.

Players Who Want Humbuckers & Split-Coil Options — The Great 8 Mod gives you both full humbucker operation and additional split-coil configurations.

Players Who Appreciate Natural Wood Texture — The Faded Black open-pore finish gives the guitar a distinctly different appearance from a conventional gloss-black instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Michael Kelly Patriot Decree SB Open Pore?
It is a slim-body, single-cutaway electric guitar featuring a mahogany body, sungkai top, set-in mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard and dual Rockfield humbuckers with Michael Kelly's Great 8 switching system.

What does SB mean on the Patriot Decree?
The SB version is built around a slimmer, lightweight body design.

What is an open-pore guitar finish?
An open-pore finish allows more of the natural texture of the wood to remain visible and tactile rather than completely filling and covering the grain beneath a heavy gloss treatment.

What is the Great 8 Mod?
The Great 8 Mod combines two humbuckers, a 3-way selector and individual coil-split switches to provide eight available pickup configurations.

How many pickups does the Patriot Decree SB have?
Two Rockfield Select Wound Custom humbuckers.

Can the pickups be coil split?
Yes. Each humbucker has an individual mini-toggle coil-split switch.

What does coil splitting do?
Coil splitting deactivates one coil of a humbucker, creating an additional tonal option with a different response from the full two-coil humbucker configuration.

Does coil splitting make it exactly the same as a traditional single-coil pickup?
Not necessarily. A split humbucker uses one coil of the existing humbucker, so its sound can differ from a purpose-built traditional single-coil pickup.

How many tonal combinations are available?
Michael Kelly's Great 8 system provides eight pickup configurations.

What is the body made from?
The guitar uses a slim mahogany body with a sungkai top.

What is the fingerboard made from?
Ebony.

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

Does it have a bolt-on neck?
No. The Patriot Decree SB uses a set-in mahogany neck.

What bridge does it use?
A Tune-O-Matic bridge with string-through-body construction.

Does it have a tremolo?
No. It uses a fixed bridge architecture.

What tuning machines are installed?
Grover tuners.

Is the Patriot Decree SB good for recording?
Yes. Its eight pickup configurations provide several tonal options for layering rhythm, lead and clean guitar tracks.

Is it suitable for live performance?
Yes. Its lightweight body, expanded switching and dual-humbucker architecture make it particularly useful for versatile live setups.

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

Slim Body. Eight Pickup Configurations. Serious Versatility.

The Michael Kelly Patriot Decree SB Open Pore takes a familiar single-cut electric-guitar concept and gives the player considerably more flexibility.

The slim mahogany body keeps the design lightweight.

The sungkai top adds natural visual character.

Faded Black open-pore finishing lets that texture remain part of the instrument.

Two Rockfield humbuckers provide the foundation.

The Great 8 Mod expands the guitar to eight pickup configurations.

A set-in mahogany neck and contoured heel support comfortable upper-fret access.

And a Tune-O-Matic bridge, string-through-body construction and Grover tuners complete the performance-focused platform.

Play rock.

Explore blues.

Build an ambient effects rig.

Take it onto the stage.

Layer it in the studio.

Or simply enjoy having more sounds available without constantly changing instruments.

For players looking for a lightweight dual-humbucker electric guitar with coil splitting, fixed-bridge stability and distinctive open-pore styling, the Patriot Decree SB Faded Black delivers an unusually versatile combination.

Need help completing your electric guitar setup?
Backline Music Gear can help identify compatible cases, gig bags, amplifiers, pedals, instrument cables, straps, stands, replacement strings and other accessories based on your playing style and performance setup.

Michael Kelly, Patriot, Patriot Decree, Great 8, Rockfield, Grover and related names and marks are trademarks or property of their respective owners. Product and trademark 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.