Kentucky KM 630

[Robin65]

I am new to the mando and looking to purchase a decent starter model. I have located a NEW Korean Kentucky KM 630 in a local shop that has had it in stock for several years. They are asking $425 with no case. I see that I can get a new Chinese Kentucky 630 on the net for about the same price with no case. I am looking for a solid top or all solid F style and have played both the KM 630 and a few of the Michael Kelly solids and like the Kentucky much better. Is the Korean Kentucky a better mando than the new ones made in China? Is there a difference in value? Thanks for your help.

[250sc]

Pick the one that sounds the best to you. As long as it plays well and you are happy with the sound it should be a good beginners mando. After you progress a little you will probably upgrade anyway.

PS I've heard the Korean Kentucky mandos have a better reputation than the Chinese but every instrument is unique.

[Unseen122]

I have a Chinese 380 and it is just fine I don't think it makes that much of a difference. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[mmukav]

I was told by James at Folk of the Wood that they moved production to China because of inconsistencies in production in Korea. He said they've been much happier with the mandos coming out of China, although they're still somewhat spotty. I just bought a new, Chinese made KM800, and the wood is very nice, good flame on the maple back and neck, and great looking grain on the spruce top. The mando sounds and plays really nice. There are some finish flaws though, but nothing too bad, and not bad enought to make me send it back. I'm pretty happy with it so far.

[Adare_Steve]

PS I've heard the Korean Kentucky mandos have a better reputation than the Chinese but every instrument is unique.
A sales rep. for the large UK music distributor; John Hornby Skewes told me this week that the Chinese factories (for guitars, violins and mandolins) generally have a higher standard of production quality and consistency than Korean ones.

For some reason, most people seem to think it should be the other way around. 'Made in China' hasn't always been a phrase that instills confidence. But, it would seem to be the case that they are getting much better, lately.

mmukav: What do you mean by 'Spotty?' Are you referring to the finish on the wood, or generally inconsistant in quality?

Steve

[mmukav]

Steve--I meant inconsistent quality in general. The outer lacquer finish on my KM800 was flawless, but it was kind of funny, because there were 2 small areas on the mando where you could see that there was a 'wrinkle' in the finish, but it was actually under the lacquer. If you rubbed your hand over it you couldn't feel it all. It looked like someone touched it after it was sealed (before it dried), and then the lacquer was applied over the top. Kind of weird. They're small spots, one dime-sized on the back and one quarter-sized on the back of the headstock. Not very noticeable and it certainly wasn't enough to make me return the instrument. But the final lacquer finish is really nice. No runs, drips, or errors. The rest of the mando seems really well made as far as fit, finish, and inside no glue drips, loose joints, etc. And it sounds great!!