Kentucky KM-300 v. Mandobird?

[mcgroup53]

Any thoughts on playability, tone, build quality on the Kentucky KM-300 v. an Epi Mandobird? I may start using electric mandolin in my swing band (and keep from dragging my Kimble to gigs).

Any other solid-body e-mandos out there I should consider if I don't want to drop more than $500 or so on an instrument?

[Elliot Luber]

I've had better luck with the Kentucky, but you're going to want to swap out the pickup on either of them because the E string is rather dead. It's the hard part of emando design due to short length and thin metal strings that don't pick-up well. I bought a Bill Lawrence pickup and it was a very easy changeover. Fit perfectly and sounds pretty good. I got rid of the cheap amp used in this sample. https://youtu.be/QDM6z0xiV6Y

[lenf12]

I am definitely not a fan of the Mandobird shape but the KM-300e is pretty sexy. +1 Santiago on the pickup upgrade.

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[darrylicshon]

I like both but the Kentucky feels bigger so it kind of plays better, I have done all the setups myself. I enjoy playing both plus others I have, never hurts to upgrade the pickup, I've got a few Seymour Duncan pickups I still need to install. I like my fender mandostrat also, and just recently got a Eastwood mandocaster 8 string I'm having fun with, these are some if my electric one's159550

[colorado_al]

I like the mandobird 4, but also recommend swapping pickups.
There's one near me listed on CL for $200. Kentucky KM-300 regularly go for $300. If you're replacing pickup anyhow, I think whichever you like the looks and feel of best works

[Chief]

Recently saw Asleep at the Wheel, and one of the fiddle players played a Kentucky Km-300 on some songs. I was surprised on well it sounded.

[CES]

Either can get you what you want. I own a Mandobird IV that I enjoy and play lead on periodically in our praise band. Agree the pickup could be better, but my e string tone isn't that bad, so I haven't done it yet. Usually run it through a Red Dirt Road overdrive pedal and through a Roland Cube 30w solid state amp. Nice tonal spectrum available...

[Dave Greenspoon]

Nice stable, Darryl.

David, I found the stock lipstick on the Kentucky a bit hot/noisy; putting on a Wilde LS45 was a big fix. So far the stock p/u on the Mandobird IV has been fine, and I like the feel in my hands more than the Kentucky. The Epi immediately felt better to me for balance, & fit/finish. I confess the Almuse upgrades for the 'bird have my attention for down the road.

[Paul Busman]

Check out the Eastwood Mandocaster. It's like a mini 8 string Fender Telecaster. I have one and simply love it. The build quality is excellent and it sounds terrific. There are pickup upgrades available after market but I've never felt the need. If you tweak your amp settings you can actually get a decent acoustic tone, which is how I used mine in an Irish band. They show up from time in the classifieds.

https://eastwoodguitars.com/products/mandocaster

[Dave Greenspoon]

FWIW, you may want to compare the bridges between the two. IMO, the Epi is far and away a superior bridge.

[colorado_al]

Check out the Eastwood Mandocaster. It's like a mini 8 string Fender Telecaster. I have one and simply love it. The build quality is excellent and it sounds terrific. There are pickup upgrades available after market but I've never felt the need. If you tweak your amp settings you can actually get a decent acoustic tone, which is how I used mine in an Irish band. They show up from time in the classifieds.

https://eastwoodguitars.com/products/mandocaster

They are nice. I actually prefer the 4 string Mandostang over the 8 string mandocaster.
https://eastwoodguitars.com/products/warren-ellis-mandostang

If you can swing the extra $100 to go from the Kentucky to the Eastwood, I'd do that

[mcgroup53]

Wow, great info! Thanks everyone

[Paul Busman]

They are nice. I actually prefer the 4 string Mandostang over the 8 string mandocaster.
https://eastwoodguitars.com/products/warren-ellis-mandostang

If you can swing the extra $100 to go from the Kentucky to the Eastwood, I'd do that

With an 8 string, you always have the option of just stringing it with four, but not vice versa. I"ve recently been using an octave mandolin with 4 strings as a tenor guitar and LOVE it. I haven't tried stringing my Mandocaster with 4 but I'd imagine it would work.

[colorado_al]

With an 8 string, you always have the option of just stringing it with four, but not vice versa. I"ve recently been using an octave mandolin with 4 strings as a tenor guitar and LOVE it. I haven't tried stringing my Mandocaster with 4 but I'd imagine it would work.

Very true. Just make sure the 8 string has an adjustable neck since you'll have only half the tension of 8 strings

Eastwood Mandocaster for $300
https://reverb.com/item/2260338-eastwood-mandocaster-black-mint

Eastwood Mandostang for $340
https://reverb.com/item/1244283-eastwood-warren-ellis-mandostang-cherry

[BrianWilliam]

I got my mandoblaster used for sub $500. Not sure how it compares but it is well built and sounds nice.