In praise of the lowly 'pancake'

[catmandu2]

I recently purchased an older one from a generous Cafe member. I was considering a KM-174 oval hole for the excellent value, but this one became available so I opted for it instead. I've had a half-dozen Kentucky mandos but didn't know that they made these pancakes (appears to be MIK). I can't imagine a better deal on a simple mando--it's very well constructed with a nice tone. (Thanks John!)

[JEStanek]

Excellent. Could you post a photo, please. I would like to see it.

Jamie

[John Hill]

Glad you like it & it's getting played. For such an inexpensive flatback it's quite loud and has nice tone.

[JEStanek]

Randal,
Here's a good tutorial made by another Café member.

Jamie

[catmandu2]

Ah...that was easy. Unfortunately, my dig cam pooped out last year, and santa didn't come through..

[John Hill]

I'd post a pic but I've already deleted it...

[catmandu2]

Well, how about a short description: generic pancake. But what particularly appeals to me is the nice slab of mahogany used for the back and sides, nice matte finish, full body binding, and nice feeling neck--especially the joint at the headstock.

[GTison]

I started on one of those, back in '84. #I got it in a Jacksonville, FL pawn shop for $ 90. #Too much! #But it played good enough to learn on. #It was not without problems. #The neck developed a hump and you couldn't play up the neck in C very well. #But by the time I figured that out and could play up there, I had found a new KM-1000 I needed. #My dad said it looked like a boat paddle and sounded like I was beating on a coffee can.
#I sold it to someone for their grand child to start on. #I kinda wish I had that one back, but I don't really miss it too much.

[JEStanek]

Does it look like this one at Elderly?

Jamie

[steadypluckinaway]

If anyone wants one of these, there's a guy who had one for sale. I was tempted to buy it, he was asking $160. It looks exactly like the one in the Elderly link. I have no financial interest whatsoever but PM me if you want and I will put you in touch with him. (after I make sure he's okay with that of course).

[catmandu2]

Exactly like that, yes.

Mine is minty, no issues, perfectly flat top--no sinkage after "all these years"--thanks for taking such good care, John. #(I won't embarass John by posting what price he asked, but he was very generous; it's almost as if he threw in a mando with a very nice case)

[John Hill]

I didn't have it very long and didn't play it all that much (it tagged along in a trade I made...I didn't even know it was coming, it was a nice suprise to say the least!) so it's minty state can't really be attributed to me.