Kentucky mandolins

[BlueMandoliner]

Greetings to all from Bonnie Scotland.

Hi, I am new to the board - first post.

Played guitar for over 25 years and recently tried the mandolin and love it :)

I am looking at the Kentucky KM 162 mandolin (honey amber top) as a possible purchase - my budget is limited so I was wondering if you guys rate the Kentucky mandolins and especially the KM-162?

Many thanks.

:mandosmiley:

[stratton7584]

I have a km 675 and it is great.i've had for a while now and it just gets better with time. I would have to say a kentucky is the best bang for the buck hands down!!

[250sc]

Kentucky is a good value for your money.

[Cape Cod Struggler]

I have two Kentuckys oval hole mandolins - a 171 and 172.

The 172 (amber finish) I play at home and at kitchen sessions. The 171 (black) which I bought used and had to refinish the top as it had been marred by the previous owner who used Super Glue to hold on a surface pick up I play at pub sessions . Playing at pub can be rough on an instrument so I take the "beater" black KM 171. Both play amazing well for the price I paid.

If you do buy a new Kentucky from a local instrument shop be sure the price includes a proper set up. A professional set up by a mandolin knowledgeable technician will make a world of difference as to how it plays and sounds as "Out of the Box" set up from China can leave much to be desired and does not always cut the ice when it comes to playability or sound.

Good luck and enjoy!

[JCook]

I totally agree on the setup recommendation. I have a Kentucky KM150s that I bought used from a friend a little over a year ago. I just had it set up by a luthier a few weeks ago, and it is now a completely better mandolin. I was amazed. It plays MUCH better now, sounds a lot better and stays in tune better. The KM150S retails for about $225 I think, and so you wouldn't think it would be that good, but the setup made all the difference in the world. Kentuckys do have a good reputation, so I think you wont' go wrong with one, especially after you have it set up properly.

Jack

[BlueMandoliner]

Many thanks for the advice, guys.

[Rick Cadger]

Kentucky KM-505 here. Absolutely delighted. Very loud, especially with a Tone Gard. Best chop of any mando I've owned.

I got mine as a "consolation mandolin" after having to sell my earlier favourite. I have to say that the sad necessity actually did me a favour. Now I'm used to it, I'd keep this one in preference to the J Bovier I sold or either of the two Eastman mandos I have had. I'm actually NOT planning my next mandolin purchase. This'll probably do me for the foreseeable.

I've also tried the KM-1000: a lovely instrument, but probably well outside of your (or my) budget.

[Soupy1957]

I've owned two Kentucky mandolins and found that they are what they say they are. They are a solid beginning mandolin that should give you what you need to get rolling........

BUT......

A good "setup" along with reliable resources for learning, (found here in this website as well as through other sources), and either a teacher or a group of other players whom you can be challenged by, and learn from, are essential additional things that should accompany any mandolin you choose to play, Kentucky or otherwise.

-Soupy1957

[Alex Orr]

KM380S. I love it. Sure I hope to move up to a nicer mandolin someday, but for what I could afford it's been very good to me.

[Jim MacDaniel]

The KM-380S has always enjoyed favorable reviews here on the boards, but I think two new Kentucky models in particular seem to be the most often recommended budget factory mandolins as of late -- both of which have already been recommended here: the F-hole KM-505, and the oval-hole KM-171/172/174. I'm not sure what they cost on your side of the pond, but I myself have owned two of these new oval hole models, and they are an exceptional value IMO.