Michael Kelly Patriot Instinct SB Mod Shop Duncan – Blue Fade Electric Guitar

Slim-body comfort. Premium figured maple. Eight pickup combinations. One unforgettable Blue Fade finish.

The Michael Kelly Patriot Instinct SB Mod Shop Duncan in Blue Fade is a premium 6-string electric guitar designed for players who want powerful humbucker performance, expanded tonal flexibility and a comfortable slim-body design.

Built around a 1.25" slim mahogany body with an AAA quilted maple top, this single-cutaway electric guitar combines classic-inspired construction with modern playability and a highly versatile electronics package.

At the heart of the Patriot Instinct SB are two Seymour Duncan JB Model humbuckers paired with independent coil-split switches. Combined with the 3-way pickup selector, the Great 8 electronics provide eight distinct pickup configurations from one instrument.

Go from full-bodied humbucker power to brighter split-coil textures without changing guitars.

Add a set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, Modern C neck profile, Grover tuners and Tune-O-Matic/string-through bridge, and the result is a versatile instrument built for the stage, studio and serious everyday playing.

What Makes the Patriot Instinct SB Different?

The SB stands for Slim Body.

Michael Kelly uses a mahogany body measuring approximately 1.25 inches deep, creating a thinner instrument than many traditional single-cutaway electric guitars.

For players who perform long sets, spend hours rehearsing or simply prefer a less bulky guitar against the body, the slim-body architecture can make a noticeable difference in comfort.

The design also incorporates body contouring and improved upper-fret access for a more performance-oriented feel.

AAA Quilted Maple Top

The Blue Fade model features a premium AAA quilted maple top over its mahogany body.

Quilted maple produces a flowing, three-dimensional grain pattern that becomes especially dramatic beneath the Blue Fade finish.

As the blue transitions across the figured top, the natural quilt pattern remains visible beneath the high-gloss surface.

Cream binding frames the body and provides contrast against the deep blue coloration.

Because figured maple is natural wood, the exact grain and quilt pattern can vary from guitar to guitar—giving individual instruments their own visual character.

Blue Fade Finish

The Blue Fade finish is one of this guitar's immediate visual focal points.

Rather than using a single flat color, the finish transitions across the figured AAA quilted maple top, allowing both the blue coloration and natural wood pattern to become part of the instrument's appearance.

For players who want their guitar to make an impression before they even plug it in, the combination of Blue Fade, quilted maple and cream binding gives the Patriot Instinct SB a premium stage-ready look.

Dual Seymour Duncan JB Model Humbuckers

The Patriot Instinct SB Mod Shop Duncan features two Seymour Duncan JB Model humbucking pickups.

The JB is a high-output pickup design capable of delivering strong mids, harmonics and output for driven guitar tones while retaining the versatility needed for cleaner applications.

Use the pickups in full humbucker mode for body, output and punch.

Then engage the individual coil splits when the arrangement calls for a brighter, leaner character.

That gives the Patriot Instinct SB considerably more flexibility than a conventional dual-humbucker guitar.

Eight Pickup Configurations

One of this guitar's biggest advantages is Michael Kelly's Great 8 electronics configuration.

A conventional dual-humbucker guitar might provide only three basic pickup positions.

The Patriot Instinct SB combines its 3-way pickup selector with two independent coil-split mini-toggle switches.

Each humbucker can therefore be switched independently between full and split operation.

The result:

Eight different pickup configurations from one guitar.

That means more tonal options without complicated controls or constant instrument changes.

How Does Coil Splitting Work?

A traditional humbucker uses two coils working together.

The Patriot Instinct SB allows each JB humbucker to be independently coil-split using its dedicated mini-toggle switch.

In full mode, you get the thicker and more powerful character associated with a humbucker.

Engage the split and the pickup produces a leaner, brighter tonal character.

Because each pickup can be controlled independently, you can also create mixed configurations.

For example:

Use the full bridge humbucker with a split neck pickup.

Reverse the combination.

Split both.

Or run both as full humbuckers.

That flexibility can be especially valuable for working musicians who move through several musical styles in one performance.

Mahogany Body

Beneath the figured maple top is a mahogany body.

Mahogany has long been used in electric-guitar construction for its resonant character, strong midrange and sustain.

Michael Kelly combines that traditional tonewood with the slimmer 1.25" body architecture to balance classic materials with modern playing comfort.

Set Mahogany Neck

The Patriot Instinct SB uses set-neck construction with a mahogany neck permanently joined to the body.

This creates a different structural relationship than a traditional bolt-on neck and complements the guitar's mahogany body and string-through hardware design.

Modern C Neck Profile

The mahogany neck uses Michael Kelly's Modern C profile.

It's designed to provide a comfortable feel for both rhythm and lead playing, making it appropriate for musicians who move between chords, melodic work and solos throughout a performance.

Contoured Upper-Fret Access

The single-cutaway design incorporates a contoured heel and upper-fret area to improve access farther up the neck.

For lead players, this helps reduce the amount of body material interfering with the fretting hand when playing higher-register passages.

Rosewood Fingerboard

The mahogany neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard featuring a 12" radius.

The guitar provides 22 medium-jumbo frets, giving players a familiar surface for chords, bends and lead work.

Abalone and pearl inlays add another premium visual detail that complements the figured Blue Fade top.

24.75" Scale Length

The Patriot Instinct SB uses a 24.75-inch scale length.

This shorter scale provides a familiar feel for players accustomed to classic single-cutaway instruments and can make bends and expressive lead techniques feel comfortable under the fingers.

Grover Tuning Machines

Michael Kelly equips the guitar with Grover tuning machines.

Quality tuning hardware provides smooth adjustment and reliable performance for rehearsals, recording and live use.

Tune-O-Matic Bridge with String-Through Body

The Patriot Instinct SB combines a Tune-O-Matic bridge with string-through-body construction.

The bridge provides individual intonation adjustment while the strings anchor through the guitar body.

Together, the system provides a solid and familiar platform for tuning, intonation and sustain.

Straightforward Controls with Serious Versatility

Despite offering eight pickup combinations, the control layout remains easy to understand.

2 Volume Controls — Independent level adjustment.

1 Tone Control — Overall tonal shaping.

3-Way Pickup Selector — Choose neck, neck + bridge or bridge.

2 Coil-Split Mini Toggles — Independently change each humbucker between full and split operation.

The result is expanded tonal flexibility without requiring complicated digital electronics or menus.

Built for Multiple Styles

Rock

Use the full Seymour Duncan JB humbuckers for powerful rhythm and lead tones.

Blues

Move between warm neck tones, bridge bite and brighter split configurations.

Pop

Use cleaner split sounds for rhythm work, then return to full humbuckers when the arrangement needs additional body.

Country

Explore the brighter response available from the coil-split configurations.

Worship

Move between clean ambient textures, rhythm sounds and higher-output driven tones from one instrument.

Studio Recording

Layer several pickup configurations to create contrasting guitar parts without changing instruments.

Key Features & Specifications

Instrument Type: 6-string solid-body electric guitar
Series: Patriot
Model: Patriot Instinct SB Mod Shop Duncan
Finish: Blue Fade
Body Style: Archtop single cutaway
Body: Mahogany
Body Depth: Approx. 1.25" / 31.75mm slim-body design
Top: AAA quilted maple
Binding: Cream
Construction: Set neck
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Profile: Modern C
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 12" / 305mm
Frets: 22 medium jumbo
Scale Length: 24.75" / 628mm
Nut: Synthetic graphite
Nut Width: 43mm
Inlays: Abalone and pearl
Truss Rod: Dual action
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan JB Model humbucker
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan JB Model humbucker
Pickup Configuration: HH with independent coil splitting
Pickup Options: 8 configurations
Controls: 2 Volume, 1 Tone
Pickup Selector: 3-way toggle
Coil Splitting: 2 independent mini-toggle switches
Hardware Finish: Chrome
Tuning Machines: Grover
Bridge: Tune-O-Matic / string-through-body
Factory Strings: D'Addario EXL120 .009–.042
Orientation: Right-handed

Natural quilted maple figuring and appearance can vary from instrument to instrument.

Who Is the Michael Kelly Patriot Instinct SB Mod Shop Duncan For?

Rock Guitarists — Dual Seymour Duncan JB humbuckers provide the output needed for powerful driven rhythm and lead sounds.

Working Musicians — Eight pickup configurations allow one guitar to cover a broader range of material during a set.

Studio Guitarists — Change pickup configurations to create contrasting guitar layers from one instrument.

Cover & Event Musicians — Move between full humbuckers and brighter split-coil textures as the music changes.

Worship Guitarists — Access ambient cleans, rhythm textures and driven sounds without switching guitars.

Players Who Prefer a Slimmer Guitar — The 1.25" mahogany body provides a less bulky alternative to many traditional single-cutaway designs.

Players Who Want a Statement Instrument — The Blue Fade finish over AAA quilted maple creates a distinctive, premium appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SB mean on the Patriot Instinct?
SB refers to Michael Kelly's Slim Body design. The body measures approximately 1.25" deep.

What pickups are in the Patriot Instinct SB Mod Shop Duncan?
This version uses two Seymour Duncan JB Model humbuckers.

Does the guitar have coil splitting?
Yes. Each pickup has its own independent coil-split mini-toggle.

How many pickup configurations does it have?
The Great 8 electronics provide eight pickup configurations using the 3-way selector and two independent coil splits.

What does coil splitting do?
Coil splitting changes the operating configuration of a humbucker to produce a brighter and leaner tonal character compared with the full humbucker.

Is the Patriot Instinct SB good for rock?
Yes. The JB Model is a high-output humbucker well suited for driven rock tones, while the split options add additional clean and brighter tonal possibilities.

Is this a set-neck guitar?
Yes. It uses a set mahogany neck.

What is the scale length?
The scale length is 24.75" / 628mm.

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

Does it have Grover tuners?
Yes. The Patriot Instinct SB Mod Shop Duncan comes equipped with Grover tuning machines.

What kind of top does the Blue Fade model have?
It features an AAA quilted maple top over the mahogany body.

Will every Blue Fade guitar look identical?
No. Natural quilted maple varies, so grain pattern and figuring can differ between individual instruments.

Eight Pickup Configurations. One Striking Guitar.

The Michael Kelly Patriot Instinct SB Mod Shop Duncan Blue Fade combines a 1.25" slim mahogany body, AAA quilted maple top, dual Seymour Duncan JB humbuckers, independent coil splitting, set mahogany neck and premium hardware into one versatile electric guitar.

Use the full humbuckers.

Split the neck.

Split the bridge.

Combine them.

Move through eight pickup configurations.

And do it all from a slim-body instrument finished in a dramatic Blue Fade over naturally figured maple.

For guitarists who want serious tonal flexibility, premium materials and an instrument that refuses to disappear on stage, the Patriot Instinct SB Mod Shop Duncan brings all three together.

Need help completing your guitar rig?
Backline Music Gear can help identify compatible amplifiers, pedals, cases, straps, cables, wireless systems and other guitar accessories based on your playing style and performance setup.

Michael Kelly Guitars, Patriot, Seymour Duncan, JB Model, Grover, D'Addario and related names are trademarks or property of their respective owners. Product and trademark names are used solely for accurate product identification. Natural wood figuring varies between instruments. Specifications and included components are subject to manufacturer changes; verify the specific instrument configuration at time of purchase.