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Thread: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

  1. #1
    Native Oregonian Coffee Guy's Avatar
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    Default Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Howdy folks.

    I have a Kentucky KM-250 thats in pretty good darn shape. I am looking to maybe upgrade to an eastman A style. I saw one in the classifieds that looked real nice. Anyway, how much do you folks think a KM-250 is worth in todays market?
    "Aint no chance if you don't take it"- Guy Clark

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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    I've seen several km 250 on Craigslist here in Canada recently for 300.00 . Guess it comes down to your area . Saying that , I played a 2013 (? ) km250 in a shop ( radiused neck ) and it was a little gem with terrific warmth and volume . You may want to hang on to your km 250 until you've found an Eastman that sounds as good or better to you. Good luck .

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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    I would have to agree find a better mandolin before you sell the Kentucky.
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Kentucky and Eastman do have different tone profiles. Insofar as quality of build I personally prefer the Kentucky instruments. Both of those companies are listed among the quality lower and mid priced instrument builders. Unless you have found an Eastman that you have played and truly prefer I don't think you will be improving you tone / sound/ playability all that much. That said, IMO, a good condition used KM-250 will sell in the neighborhood 300.00$ unless it is an older Japanese made instrument. That " vintage " would price higher. The early Korea made instruments price at slightly lower level. Luck R/
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

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    Smile Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    I had a really nice Eastman MD605. It had amazing build quality and beautiful trim and ornamentation. The tone was bright but not warm enough for me. I like old-time, blues and bluegrass so I need something with some bass and warmth. I prefer Kentucky over Eastman, but many swear by the Eastman's for great reasons. Make sure you definitely get an upgrade over a good solid wood, carved mandolin that you have presently. The Kentucky KM505 is worth a good look.
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Excellent advice guys, thanks a lot. I will look at the Kentucky KM505. I would be interested in the future to upgrading to a nice F mandolin ( of course)... but I think you are all right. I will stick with what I have until I have made a good discovery. Those KM 805's are a nice looking mandolin. I need to play one of those!
    "Aint no chance if you don't take it"- Guy Clark

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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    I was quite impressed with a Kentucky KM-505 I bought 5-6 years ago. If they are still up to the same standard, I would choose the KM-505 over the comparable Eastman A's, which to me always have sounded a little thin and trebly. Also, the Eastman fingerboard is very narrow (~1-1/16"), while the KM 505 is a comfortable 1-3/16".
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Great attributes to consider on the KM505. Thanks acousticphd.
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  13. #9
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    well that 505 is looking real good! Man to tell you the truth I felt like looking forth to go yonder and find another instrument to satisfy my useless feeling for another instrument. An instrument I do not really need.
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    I understand. Sometimes we need to be thankful for the instruments we have. I wrote about this on a blog. Thanks Coffee Guy!
    http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/en...t-Matters-Most! called "It's the Playing that Matters Most."
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Very Good! I will have to read this when I get off of work. I still am gonna have to get my hands a scroll though.
    "Aint no chance if you don't take it"- Guy Clark

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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Coffee Guy! I know you said you are content, so ignore this if you should, but---

    Did you see this ad? Really nice condition and a great price for a KM505: http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/95180#95180
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Quote Originally Posted by lflngpicker View Post
    Coffee Guy! I know you said you are content, so ignore this if you should, but---

    Did you see this ad? Really nice condition and a great price for a KM505: http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/95180#95180
    On the photos for this one there's one showing the fret wear - my KM160 (which I love the sound of btw)has the same issue only worse, I was told there's not enough fret height to file and a refret would cost more than a new one. Does Kentucky use a softer fretwire? Might be my playing style but I don't want to have a $300 fret job every 2 years.
    Last edited by Tony Dillingham; Feb-12-2016 at 7:22pm.

  18. #14
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Good looking out Salgar.

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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Quote Originally Posted by Coffee Guy View Post
    Good looking out Salgar.
    I didn't mean to imply it wasn't a good deal since the picture is of him pulling the strings to show the wear. Mine are a lot deeper and causing buzzing. I won't do a self refret until I get a new one but I will try to salvage my 160.

  20. #16
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Salgar, I didn't mean to imply that it wasn't a good deal. I just wanted to note your attention to detail. I didn't pay enough attention to really notice. I appreciate that people are willing to share information on the forum.
    "Aint no chance if you don't take it"- Guy Clark

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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    CG, I had just looked at my response and was worried it came off like I was criticizing the mandolin - apparently fret wear is just another cost and I'd certainly buy my Kentucky again if I had it to do over.

  22. #18
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Nope I got ya Salgar. 😄

  23. #19

    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    There is a Morris (listed in the classifieds) for sale in Portland, could be worth a look if you get up that direction.

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  25. #20
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    You got a link to that Morris? I do not know much or anything about morris Mandolins.
    "Aint no chance if you don't take it"- Guy Clark

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  26. #21

    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    I am guessing that he sold it since it is no longer listed here or on craigslist. I also notices an Eastman 815v and a Loar 600 (good price) on Portland Craigslist.

    If you do a search for Howard or Sonny Morris there is plenty of info on the Cafe. He hand makes them and has been doing it for a long time. He is in NE Oregon close the Tri-Cities. You could contact Mandobart (?) he is from the Tri-Cities and owns one, knows Howard and plays with him at jams.

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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Coffee Guy and Steve, I agree Steve! Howard Morris is top-notch! Great builder and wonderful guy. Super honest... Dan
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  29. #23

    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    I have to agree. I have an old KM250S made in Japan that is a great mandolin that I would never part with. I recently bought a 1920 Gibson and am wondering if I should have instead bought a new Kentucky instead of chasing the Gibson name. As far as I'm concerned, one of the major differences between a good KM and Gibson is the name.

  30. #24

    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    Quote Originally Posted by ThorneSwift View Post
    I have to agree. I have an old KM250S made in Japan that is a great mandolin that I would never part with. I recently bought a 1920 Gibson and am wondering if I should have instead bought a new Kentucky instead of chasing the Gibson name. As far as I'm concerned, one of the major differences between a good KM and Gibson is the name.
    Are you saying the Kentucky is better than the vintage Gibson? Or, are you saying you are disappointed that the Gibson, although superior to the Kentucky, is not that much better, given the cost?

  31. #25

    Default Re: Kentucky KM-250 upgrade.

    If your goal is to have an F style someday, avoid the incremental upgrade. Save for a used Kentucky Km 1000, a large and satisfying upgrade. Especially if you like what you are playing. I've even seen some Weber Gallatins priced very well in the classifieds.

    If you can, prove to yourself by finding a dealer with a few mid level Kentuckys. To me a very negligible difference in tone, with a big cosmetic difference. But the master series are very close to the domestic US makers, though given the funds, I'd still go that route.
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