Mandolin Ideas in the $1,000 range

[Josh Levine]

If you are in the $1000 range the A9 would be my clear choice.

I have the exact same mandolin that Nick posted (2001 Flatiron) and paid about $2100 for it. So that seems to be a great deal especially with the Calton case and extra strings.

[lflngpicker]

Thanks Gus! I appreciate it.

[lflngpicker]

I decided on a Kentucky Master Km-1000. I will have it in about a week. Thanks to all for the ideas and good advice.

[Mike Bunting]

I decided on a Kentucky Master Km-1000. I will have it in about a week. Thanks to all for the ideas and good advice.

That's an excellent choice.

[almeriastrings]

+1

They are amazing value and very nicely put together.

[Zissou Intern]

Glad to hear you found one, Dan. Curious to hear how it compares to your J Bovier F5.

[OldGus]

In my experience you will get more high end with a KM1000 and more low end with an A9. Both have a good mid range and good tone but I found the 2008 KM1000 I had to have weak bass and crappy frets. I have heard the newer ones have deeper bodies so hopefully more bass and hopefully better frets on yours. The workmanship was very clean and they used nice wood. I think the KM1050 has better frets...

[lflngpicker]

"If I had a budget of $1000 and was determined to have an F model, I'd look for a used Kentucky KM1000 or a Breedlove Ff: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Breedlov...27-i3772875.gc."

At the beginning of this thread, our friend Pheffernan wrote the above, recommending the Kentucky KM-1000. Interestingly, everywhere I turned-- to the Breedlove FF used on G.C., the used Weber A at the Mandolin Store, the possibility of a J.B F Tradition (I came closest to this move), or a Big Muddy, I could not get the KM-1000 out of my mind. I have a great A style with a lot of warmth, and yes, OldGus,you are absolutely right, it will have a more focused bluegrass sound. I had hoped a 1050 would be available for the reasons you cited above, OldGus. I am excited to get this one and realize that I missed on all the other options-- you all know that feeling? But this new mandolin was at the price of a very nice used KM-1000 that is in the classifieds, and mine will be brand new and getting a professional set up. I am grateful to this cafe for the support and advice you all give. Special props to Pheffernan for suggesting this mando to meet my needs right out of the gate. Ultimately, it is all fun and pure enjoyment. Last night I was playing my J Bovier while my son played the piano and we sang old Jackson Browne songs. I can't put the mandolin down and pick up my ol' guitar these days. The guitar is my life, but the mandolin has taken hold. Thanks everybody!

[Capt. E]

I decided on a Kentucky Master Km-1000. I will have it in about a week. Thanks to all for the ideas and good advice.

Good choice. Personally I like the traditional nut width and flat fretboard on the KM-1000. I expect you may never need anything else.

[lflngpicker]

Wow, that is high praise for an instrument from one of the greats. Thanks Capt. E!

[Michael Bridges]

Wow, Dan! Between that JB, this new KM 1000, and the Gibby, a really nice selection of mandos. Really happy for ya, and i'm not the LEAST bit jealous!!!!!!! (yeah, right)

[lflngpicker]

Hey Michael! I appreciate it. I am gonna miss a couple of guitars and amplifiers that had to go in order to get the J.B. and Kentucky, but I felt that MAS so powerfully it could not be denied.