Opinions on the Kentucky KM750

[teleking36]

I've been playing mando for about 6 years, and I'd like to get something a little better than what I've got now, which is my dad's mid 90s epiphone A.

After searching for some time, and based on my needs as a mandolin player, I feel like the KM750 is right up my alley. I absolutely LOVE the look of the block inlays, and with all solid woods, it's got a pretty good pricetag. I found one at Buffalo Bros. Guitars in CA for $699 including a HSC. I don't need anything too crazy, as my main instrument is guitar, and has been for about 13 years or so. But I love the mandolin and I need something good for my band, which is old-school country rock and americana (think gram parsons meets The Band meets Ryan Adams and Wilco).

I'd just like some opinions on Kentucky mandolins in general, as well as any specifics regarding the KM750, from owners or people who have played one. What do you think? Are there mandos in that pricerange that compete well with the KM750?

Any and all input is greatly appreciated. I'd like to pick up the mando in the next month or so.

[teleking36]

bump. anyone have any info on this model?

[Soupy1957]

The first Mandolin I bought, was the Kentucy (Saga Music Company) KM 620B. I bought it primarily because it seemed sound enough to learn on, and its' low price.
As long as you keep the action where it should be, I don't see why you wouldn't do well with it as a "starter" but if you are ready to move up from the Kentucky (when the dollars permit, primarily) I'd steer you to other models.
Having said that, I am not one of those: "you gotta get yourself a 1923 F5 Gibson" kinda people. Not that they are wrong, but the price is the issue.
It is sort of like getting a Honda Shadow, (like I had.....it was all I could afford at the time) -vs- buying a Harley Classic.
-Soupy1957

[Soupy1957]

P.S.: I like the Morgan Monroe and Michael Kelly models, and Eastman has been gaining quite a reputation for the hand-carving and sound, not to mention the price. Check out the wide range of Mandolins under the catagory "Eye Candy" here in the Cafe!.
-Soupy1957

[jim_n_virginia]

Kentuckys are OK mandolins. I think they are heavy and not quite loud enough for my taste but with a good set up and the right strings they are very playable.

Personally for me if I was goung to buy an Asian imported mandolin I'd get an Eastman. Been playing some at the jams that sound pretty good.

[teleking36]

yeah, i'm primarily interested in getting an Eastman 615, but i don't have the cash for it right now. I'm thinking the Kentucky only because I'm a guitar player first, but I want something decent to play. I've played a few Eastmans and love them, especially for the price, but i'm not in a position to get one yet. should i wait a while and save up more for the eastman???

Steve Perry @ Gianna tells me that Saul at Eastman can make me a 615 in tobacco spirit finish with block inlays like a Sam Bush model for around $1800. I would definitely go for that, but it'd probably be quite some time. I spent all this years gear money on amps and pedals. maybe i'll hold off for a while and think about it.

thanks for the feedback, and if anyone has anything else to share, please do!

[jim_n_virginia]

I'd be looking on eBay. You can get one a lot cheaper than a store.

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Eastman-MD-515-Mandolin-No-23-Beauty-Must-sell_W0QQitemZ120023162860QQihZ002QQcategoryZ101
79QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">Here's </a> one that looks like it could be a good deal if ya snipe it in the final seconds of the auction!

[Brad Weiss]

yeah, i'm primarily interested in getting an Eastman 615, but i don't have the cash for it right now. I'm thinking the Kentucky only because I'm a guitar player first, but I want something decent to play. I've played a few Eastmans and love them, especially for the price, but i'm not in a position to get one yet. should i wait a while and save up more for the eastman???

thanks for the feedback, and if anyone has anything else to share, please do!

This is ONLY MY OPINION but I would not save up to buy an Eastman rather than shell out less for a Kentucky. #I have played many a KM675 that sounds as good as most Eastmans I've played. #They are inconsistent (both Kentucky's and Eastman's IMHO) so you need to play the particular instruments, and not compare brands. #The KM675 I have plays and sounds nicer - to ME- than anything I've played under a grand. #Now I would save up for an A9 or an A+, or an MT all under 2k.

The service of Eastman and Steve P. seem impeccable, so no slight is intended- if you need a cheaper instrument that will hold you til you're ready to upgrade, a good Kentucky is a nice start.

[teleking36]

how much would a good setup and some hardware upgrades change the overall tone/stability of the Kentucky? I wouldn't mind putting on a nicer tailpiece and maybe getting a better bridge.

I just noticed too that the Kentucky has some nice features similar to the Eastmans. Radiused fingerboard, ebony board. I feel like I could make that work.

[bluemtgrass]

You might want to get one in person i.e. dont order
it and then take a chance on being disappointed. A year
or two ago the Kentuckys were so bad quality wise that
some long time dealers stopped carrying them. My brother
bought a Kentucky 675 and the top cracked badly. One of
the main stream dealers on this site sent 7 out of of 10
back for quality issues.
I expect the quality to go up its just I wouldnt want
to be the guinea pig at this time. It would be a shame if they didnt get their act straightened out.

P.S. The quality issues began when they started making them in China. The ones made in Korea didnt seem to have
the same problems.