kentucky 380 "A" Style

[abelville]

Hi, I'm thinking of purchasing an "A" style (F hole) type mando.

Does anybody have a suggestion for a good intermediate, Asian made "A" style mando. I've looked at the KM 380, but there isn't one in my area to play and listen to.

But that is just one possibility. Could somebody give me some ideas in the $300 to $500 range?

Thanks Much!

Al B.

[Lane Pryce]

Look at the MK A's as well as the Morgan Monroe A. I have heard the MM A and it was a killer. You should look at the Eastman A's as well. Lp

[fatt-dad]

Go to my web page and look at some of my mandolins for sale. They are also listed in the classifieds (probably on the third page by now.

www.fatt-dad.com

Follow link to "Mandolins for Sale". Review my quotation collection. Check out the mandobabes, etc.

[fatt-dad]

I guess I could have left a hyperlink (http://www.fatt-dad.com)

[Unseen122]

This is a great Mando for the price I own one it is decet quality the action is good all solid woods... In other words this is a nice mandolin and I think you should buy it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[tnpathfinder]

I also own a km-380s. It is a good starter mandolin, after a good set-up has been done. I also upgraded the stock rosewood bridge to a nice Gibson ebony bridge. I have been pleased considering the cost involved. Look around in the classifieds...there are some deals.

[mad dawg]

I haven't played either, but if you are intrigued with the idea of having a radiused fretboard, both Michael Kelly and Kentucky now offer A-Style models with radiused fretboards. KY's KM250S now has a radiused fretboard, and MK now offers three A-styles, 2 of which have radiused fretboards (both an A4 and an A5 clone). They also fit within your price range (the KY actually is less; I've seen them run as #low as $200 or so on eBay).

[wantaloar]

Does anyone know if the prototype Distressed MM sound any different than the regular numbered models Thanks Sam

[Brad Weiss]

I'll second the recommendation for the KM250s. It is the easiest playing mando under $300 I've ever seen, heard, or played. I also like the tobacco stain, different from the standard sunburst. The radius is gentle, but adds a great deal to the playability. And it has no fingerboard extension, which only gets in the way anyway.

If I were starting out I'd go with the 250s (and you can find 'em for 200 bucks or so with no trouble).