Kentucky KM-600 info

[dan in va]

A mid-'80's KM-1000 has been such a pleasure to play that it seems like a second mando to cross-tune might be a good thing. Researching the Japanese KM-600 has been interesting, but there doesn't seem to be much info on its recent value. There's one around for $1250, but a few hundred more could fetch another Japanese KM-1000.

What's the wisdom of the board on buying a '80's KM-600 these days?

[Buttonwood Bob]

Dan,
I own a KM600 and I must say it has an interesting, but unsolved mysterious aspect. Back when dealers were reporting the intro of the KM600, and were "expecting them soon," I followed up on one on Ebay, thinking it strange there would be one there, but not in stores. I can resist anything but temptation I got it. It is truly a KM600, albeit with a dinged trim, a (Kentucky) nickel tailpiece, and a missing strap button. I figure it is was considered damaged merchandise, and the dealer got a replacement. That's one possible scenario. More *attuned* to your question...I don't think the 600 was meant to be a competitor of the 1000. I've seen them advertised for ~$550. Mine is a fine instrument, and I'll have almost as much invested after some restoration work. If you can find a KM600 for $400 less than a KM1000 it would be a worthy 1000 backup. Mine sounds better every time I pick it up (daily), but you know that imagination sometimes "runs wild."

[Buttonwood Bob]

Since I posted back in in 2010, I learned that Kentucky was "behind" in shipments and that my 600 was a rare breed since few were in the U.S.. That has now changed, and you can get them from a number of dealers for $500 +/- a few dollars. I don't think you can do better in a mandolin for that price, unless you stumble upon one of those rare bargains, or a very good used higher end instrument.

[tryingtopick]

dan in va,

An interesting inquiry.... There is not much information posted or known about the Japanese KM-600 long scale A style mandolins. I do not expect very many were sold during the 1981 - 1984 period..... perhaps 40 - 50 instruments... I am of the opinion the earlier examples were made in the Maruko factory, but is has been reported none of the KM-600 models were made there.

I aquired my first KM-600 (211 xx) in 2001. It is a very resonant mandolin that plays loosely with good seperation.... It inspired me to search for more Kentucky brand Japanese made instruments. My second KM-600 was purchased in 2008, (84.8.XX) It's a less powerful mandolin, but with the same tonal characteristics. I think they were replaced with the KM-900 model in 1984.

To my billfold, $1250 is a fair price for a GOOD SOUNDING example of this model. "A few hundred more for a Japanese KM-1000?"... I would say that's a good deal.

Keep on picking! SMR