View Full Version : Kentucky KM1000 questions
I have a student with a Kentucky KM1000, and the label inside says it was made in Korea. However, I recall at the time that the instrument was purchased (about four years ago) that the catalog described that particular mandolin as being made in China, with a special inlay in the peghead that was patterned after an ancient Chinese urn, and a special "aged" finish, which could be best described as being a "matte" finish. Does anyone have any information or recollections about this particular model? And more importantly, does anyone have any experience with trying to improve the sound of this model? (Or is this one just a lemon, with the rest all sounding great?) When new it was compared to a KM675 (which was about half the cost) of the same vintage, and it came out a distant second and comes closer to being in last place now. It has never "opened up" although it has literally thousands of hours of playing time, and sounds muted and stiff. The back and sides appear to be well-figured maple, and the top seems to be a close and even-grained spruce, looking every bit as good as a lot of high-end instruments. The workmanship appears to be first-rate, and it is a dream to play; now if it would just sound better. I always had reservations about the finish, and have wondered if it is the primary reason for why it would continue to sound so weak. Anyone out there dealt with this particular model, and have any suggestions? At this point, trading it is not an option, but two family members have a lot of experience with finishes and finish work, so if this was some sort of constrictive finish that was used, the only investment would be time and materials to redo it.
Thanks for any comments and suggestions you might have.
Try posting on the builders forum. It seems the Kentucky's really vary from one to the next.
Km1000seth
Apr-26-2004, 3:59pm
Hey,
I have a 1999 Km 1000, I love it with all my heart and soul, I did a few things to make it sound better, I put a Allen Tail piece, and I custom made a Bloodwood saddle, To me that gave it a warmer tone. I love the finish on it, although I dont know if it is G/B for the sound. As far as craftsmanship, I think mine is very good,example, I had the money for a Gibson, and I bought this one. Mine is made in korea, and the inlay I think is gorgeous. Kind of a flower pot /w flower design. heres a pic of it with the tail piece and saddle, oh btw, if youre student EVER wants to get rid of it please Notify me fireonstrings@hotmail.com
Seth Forrestier
Km1000seth
Apr-26-2004, 4:01pm
ok
Rroyd
Apr-27-2004, 10:03pm
Seth,
Thanks for the comments and the photo of your Kentucky. It is indeed the same model as the one I was inquiring about, but with a far lighter finish and sunburst. I also posted on the builders forum, and received another comment that changing the bridge had helped their instrument as well, so that certainly would be a place to start. Are there any recommendations for replacement bridges that might help this instrument?
There are no plans to sell, but I will pass on the fact that you would be interested if it does come up for sale. The investment was great enough that inquiring about ways it might be improved was about the only option at this time.
Martin Jonas
Apr-28-2004, 3:00am
I have a broadly similar Korean-built F-style, a 1989 Washburn M3-SW, and found that the tone greatly improved when I changed the factory "fitted" (I use the term loosely) rosewood bridge for a Cumberland Acoustic ebony bridge (http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/CU71-GLD.htm). Mine has gold wheels, but they make it with nickel wheels as well, depending on your hardware. They are $40 and I found it reasonably straightforward, if time-consuming, to fit it myself.
There are other makers of reproduction vintage Gibson ebony bridges, including our own f5journal, which have been recommended highly here in the past. Personally, I am very happy with the Cumberland.
Martin