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Thread: Looking to identify a Kentucky Mandolin

  1. #1

    Default Looking to identify a Kentucky Mandolin

    New to the mandolin market and looking to find out more info about a purchase I just made for what I hope may have been a good deal. It is a Kentucky Mandolin but the label on the inside of it with the model isn't quite clear. I am aiming to identify it and so how much I could potentially get for it in the condition it is in. Any help would be much appreciated!
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  2. #2

    Default Re: Looking to identify a Kentucky Mandolin

    Probably KM620B

  3. #3

    Default Re: Looking to identify a Kentucky Mandolin

    That definitely looks like that could be it. I'm a little thrown off because it looks like there is something missing above the strings where those holes are. I'm not sure if that is damage or just something missing. From all the models I have seen none of them have anything on that part of the body.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Looking to identify a Kentucky Mandolin

    That must be damage- what caused it I have no idea.

  5. #5
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking to identify a Kentucky Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by bkbinc View Post
    That definitely looks like that could be it. I'm a little thrown off because it looks like there is something missing above the strings where those holes are. I'm not sure if that is damage or just something missing. From all the models I have seen none of them have anything on that part of the body.
    Guessing it had a pickup or externally-mounted microphone that was removed by the previous owner. One of the holes appears threaded. This would have been a aftermarket addition, and it obviously didn't have an end-pin jack since there's still a plastic end pin and the hole apparently wasn't enlarged.

    And yes, the holes in the top do seriously affect the instrument's value. I wouldn't buy it in that condition, unless you're selling it "dirt cheap." You might want to investigate what it would take to repair the damage and make it acceptable cosmetically. Probably there's no structural weakening, but it does look bad.
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  6. #6
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking to identify a Kentucky Mandolin

    I'm more concerned about those huge cleats inside the back. Was this mandolin damaged?

    Here's one that sold that was damaged, doesn't appear to be the same one.

    You've got some issues there.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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  8. #7
    Fingers of Concrete ccravens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking to identify a Kentucky Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    I'm more concerned about those huge cleats inside the back.
    My thoughts exactly.

    First thing I noticed.
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  9. #8
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    Default Re: Looking to identify a Kentucky Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by NickR View Post
    .... damage- what caused it I have no idea.
    My guess? It was probably caused by:

    1- Drilled holes.
    2- Screws into those drilled holes.
    3- Stuff held on by those screws.
    4- Such stuff falling off while pulling the screws along for a ride.
    5- Stopping such falling-off by: GO TO #1, ABOVE.
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  10. #9

    Default Re: Looking to identify a Kentucky Mandolin

    Original retail for that model KM-620B was about $600. Street price about $525.
    In good used condition I'd expect to pay 2/3 of that @ $350.
    In the condition that yours is in, with holes drilled in the top and cleats holding a repair in the back, I'd not pay more than half of that. So if you picked it up for $175 or less, you're doing ok.

    Specs on that model show all laminated woods, which is not desirable:
    https://www.folkmusician.com/products/kentucky-standard-f-model-mandolin-km-620

    It might be a fine starter mandolin for someone who needs to keep things very inexpensive

  11. #10
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Looking to identify a Kentucky Mandolin

    I think that's real generous considering the internal damage that we obviously have yet to see. Note cleats inside the back. They're huge. I wouldn't pay half that for this mandolin.

    I just enlarged that picture of the back. It's hard to tell for sure but there are some lines there that I assume are cracks that would correspond to the placement of the visible cleats inside. Something took place.
    Last edited by MikeEdgerton; Feb-11-2020 at 11:41am.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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