kentucky

[jim1966]

Any thoughts on Kentucky mandolins please.

[MikeZito]

I am hardly an expert on the Kentucky line, but what I can tell you is that is love my Kentucky KM-272.

Before I bought my Kentucky I was on an extensive search to finding the 'right' mandolin. Short of mortgaging the house, I did not have a strict budget limitation, so anything and everything was on the table. To make a long story short, I stumbled upon a very affordable KM-272, and I haven't looked back. If/when the day comes to add another mandolin or two to my arsenal (especially a nice F-style), I will definitely put a Kentucky on the list of possibilities.

Here are the details on the 272, and other comments:

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?133969-REVIEW-Kentucky-KM-272&highlight

[Folkmusician.com]

Hi Jim,

Were there particular models, years, styles you were looking at?

[Rdeane]

Like Mike Zito, I did extensive research here and elsewhere before buying my first mandolin. I felt it was important to give myself every advantage as I learn the instrument. I knew I wanted to buy a mandolin that would not discourage me with poor workmanship or unacceptable tone. Kentucky has a good amount of respect around the café, and the KM-140 and KM-150 are two that are mentioned as good starter mandos on a budget. The 200 and 500 series are also respected. I ended up with a KM-505, and I'm pretty sure that it will be around for a while. While I'm sure that I am not immune to Mandolin Acquisition Syndrome, the KM-505 seems to have enough to satisfy me for the foreseeable future.

Whatever you get, be sure to get it from a place that will do a good setup for you. Without that, you don't have a chance of being happy with whatever you end up with. The sponsors of this forum offer setups as part of your purchase, and they can give you valuable advice as well. Don't hesitate to consult them. Good luck on your mandolin journey!

[MMorgan9812]

I recommend Kentucky hands down. Been using brand for years! For price you cant beat sound and quality.

[lflngpicker]

I love those Kentuckys! Very consistent quality -- tone and construction.

[jim1966]

i am very very new to mandolin so need all help i can get. I presently have a gold tone and i like the sound but i have really long hands and it has sort of a narrow nut which makes it a bit harder for me to learn on. My good friend has a gibson that i played and absolutely fell in love with it.It feels like a wider neck and the frets seem larger so is easier for my long fingers. It is for sale but im not too sure want to pay the price for it.

[FLATROCK HILL]

My good friend has a gibson that i played and absolutely fell in love with it.It feels like a wider neck and the frets seem larger so is easier for my long fingers. It is for sale but im not too sure want to pay the price for it.

Just an observation Jim, for what it's worth.

You have a distinct advantage over many of us. You've already found and played a mandolin that you love and... it's for sale by someone you know and trust (I would guess that someone you call a "good friend" meets that description anyway).

You don't have to drive halfway across the country to try it out. You don't have to worry about shipping, return policies or God forbid, return shipping.

Of course I don't know your situation or what kind of money you're talking. Just saying that a used Gibson mandolin, bought at a fair price is a pretty safe bet.

I'm a BIG fan of Kentucky mandolins and wouldn't try to talk you out of one but...

[vanguard]

I bought a Kentucky KM1000 recently and am amazed at the build quality and tone.

[jim1966]

i do love the gibson but its a few thousand bucks. it was so comfortable playing. I don't know if its a flat fretboard or radiused or? Cost is the only issue for me. If I brought that home i may have to sleep in the garage!

[LadysSolo]

I have a Kentucky KM 805 that I got in trade for a guitar that didn't fit me well. It is not on the level of my Pava or Collings or Weber, but it was a worthwhile trade (value at $600, which is what I valued the guitar at that I traded away.) It is a good sounding and good playing mandolin. And as my only F-style it is likely to stay.

[MikeZito]

i do love the gibson but its a few thousand bucks. it was so comfortable playing. I don't know if its a flat fretboard or radiused or? Cost is the only issue for me. If I brought that home i may have to sleep in the garage!

Your wife will eventually let you back into the bedroom - but the Gibson may be gone forever . . .

Just saying . . . .

[John Lloyd]

I didn't have an A4-style, so this evening I ordered a KM272. I've nothing bad to say about Eastman and could have easily gone for a 304, but since my current A5-, F4-, and F5-style mandolins are all Eastmans I decided to give someone else a try. Kentucky mandos, including this model, seem to be highly regarded in this forum. I hope to find out why before too long.

[jim1966]

Happy Wife Happy Life or Gibson and a new wife!

[gtani7]

I've had a couple Kentuckies, a couple Eastmans, a couple J Boviers, a "The Loar" etc. I recommend the Kentucky's that you can play and inspect firsthand. The good Kentuckies are great (model 505, 900 and above) but if you're looking at the used market, they've made more than a few duds, depending on factory/model. Also they only have a couple models that i know of, 950/1050, that have the larger than vintage .080/.040 type frets which last a lot longer

[Roger Adams]

I started on an Eastman 515. Eastman, like Kentucky, makes a nice mandolin, and I enjoyed the Eastman a lot. However, I made the "mistake" of playing a Gibson F5 and I was forever spoiled. I bought the Gibson, and sold the Eastman! I would start talking Gibson with the wife. Who knows she might just come around, or you can remodel that garage!:mandosmiley:

[Frost]

I've been very happy with my Kentucky KM 272 as well, as a first mandolin. I would say it falls somewhere in between "cheap but serviceable to make sure I like playing" and "good enough that I won't need anything better".

After a few months though I am looking at Collings, Pava and a few other options to see what 3x - 10x the price can buy. This would most likely be the last step for me barring major lifestyle events or changes. In my limited experience the majority of musical instruments beyond a certain base level are often more capable than their players anyway. My own two fiddles, two guitars, 4 tin whistles and one mandolin included.

The KM272 was comparatively and relatively inexpensive but strikes me as a very good value, good quality for $ and I have no regrets about the purchase.

Nice sound. I would describe it with EJ74s and a dunlop primetone 1.4mm pick as leaning towards the "full, warm and jangley" side of things. Not very woody and not too tubby, muddy, midrangey, bright or thin for my tastes. This is from the player's perspective though, not a listener.

Comfortable neck, quite playable out of the box - ordered it from a Cafe sponsor. Came with medium-high action, but was able to nearly bottom out the adjustable bridge and get a low and easy action up the fretboard without buzz or further set up work. Different strings seem to behave differently in this regard though.

Very nice looking wood all round, but a few flaws on the top. Fretboard gets some dust or grit or something on it when I play it. Might be bits of finger skin, I donno. I don't feel it when playing and have noticed no ill effects.

One of the A string tuners is less smooth and precise than I would like, but causes no problems. Bridge maybe not the greatest ever, but it looks cut well, does its job and looks well fit. Not sure about mando bridges, but to get a fit like that on a violin bridge takes alot more time and effort than I would want to put into it. New E strings like to break at the tuner end more often than I would expect. I have not looked too deep into that yet.

Tone breaks up if I lay into it. I would ultimately like more headroom, more low end depth & clarity, high end chime and overall projection & volume. It is for these reason I am currently looking for something better, in A style F hole flavor. Nonetheless I am pleased with my Kentucky and received more than I expected. It plays very nice as long as I play nice. I do love the sound I get with a light to medium-light touch. I'm not exactly chopping wood or tearing up the fretboard at this point anyway.

The others I have tried (briefly) have been lower Eastman (MD305 & 505). I do prefer the sound of my mandolin to these but for my purposes being new to mandolin but not music, i would have been fine with any of them and don't feel like I missed out on much by going with the Kentucky or an oval hole at this stage. Then again I have only tried one Kentucky. Would like to try more, but absent any surprises I most likely wouldn't buy another kentucky or eastman . I don't like lateral moves and if I'm spending over $1k on anything I don't want to wish I spent it on a different version of that thing.

Hope something in all that was helpful.

[Roger Moss]

I had a 2007 km-250 and frankly I liked my Rover rm-50 better. Equal in sound and played better.

[ccravens]

After being smitten with the Gibson, would you be disappointed with a Kentucky? Filled with regrets?

It's a possibility..

If you could pull off the Gibson, you'd have absolutely no regrets.

[Folkmusician.com]

My good friend has a gibson that i played and absolutely fell in love with it. It feels like a wider neck and the frets seem larger so is easier for my long fingers.

This helps narrow it down. The newer Kentucky's have larger necks and frets. You can choose from any of the lower models and get a similar feel. If going used. 2013 and later KM-150 mandolins, and KM-250-505 mandolins after 2015 are safe bets. The latest F models like the KM-650, but only the most recent ones. If you drop back before these years, you will get slimmer necks and smaller frets.

[CES]

What Robert said.

That said, A style mandolins that can be had in the 1200-2000 dollar range may be a nice compromise to the Gibson. Wide neck Collings MT, Gibson A-9, Silverangel, etc, will give you a mandolin that could potentially be a lifetime keeper with playability as good or maybe even better than the Gibson, assuming a good set-up.

If your budget is less that that, the models Robert mentioned or J. Bovier are probably your best bets. I really like my Eastman 315, but it's nut is pretty narrow, especially when compared to my wider nut options, and it's got the traditional smaller frets.

[Br1ck]

You have here the crux of why I have a personal rule to generally not play instruments in a price bracket I choose not to consider. Generally speaking, the marketplace will dictate price. For example, a Kentucky 900 and above, played on it's own is a very good sounding mandolin. If that is what you want to spend, stop there, buy it, and be happy. But if you pick up a Northfield, it probably will sound better to you and you will need another grand, and pick up the BigMon hanging next to it and it's a bit better at just another fifteen hundred or so.

If you've played a Gibson and have that Gibson tone stuck in your head, may as well bite the bulit right now. You will be loving that mandolin far longer than you'll regret how much it cost. Now self delusion is a very useful life skill, but when it comes to instruments, I don't go there. I save my self delusion skills for when a pretty young woman walks in the room.

[LadysSolo]

If you've played a Gibson and have that Gibson tone stuck in your head, may as well bite the bulit right now. You will be loving that mandolin far longer than you'll regret how much it cost. Now self delusion is a very useful life skill, but when it comes to instruments, I don't go there. I save my self delusion skills for when a pretty young woman walks in the room.
Agree with Br1ck. My Kentucky would never have cured my MAS, but the Weber, Collings, and Pava have totally cured my MAS. I have no desire for any other mandolin. I believe the Gibson would have the same effect for you. Maybe your wife can be persuaded with the knowledge that this would likely be your "lifetime" mandolin.

[Austin Bob]

I don't know what year the Gibson is, but the newer mandolins are some of the best they've ever produced. If you find a used one at a fair price, it will most likely hold it's value or even increase.

The Kentucky's have a fine reputation and are great mandolins for the money and would be a far better mandolin than my first one. On the other hand, if you have your heart set on the Gibson, have a talk with your wife and see if you can work it out. Either that, or just buy it and sleep in the garage for a while, it is warming up now anyways.:)

[MikeZito]

My Kentucky would never have cured my MAS, but the Weber, Collings, and Pava have totally cured my MAS.

Am I the only one who noticed that it took THREE mandolins to 'cure' MAS? Ten bucks says the 'cure' doesn't last 5 years. I'm thinking of it as more of a pain killer than a cure . . .

[UsuallyPickin]

Well ... I have not owned a Kentucky mandolin. I have been playing and hearing them in music stores and at jams for decades. I consider them to be the best of the mid and low priced instruments available to aspiring mandolin students. Their higher priced instruments are very good and suitable for professional level work. Keep in mind that I prefer a Gibson like tone from a mandolin and that preference colors my opinion. R/

[jim1966]

Thank you to everyone or your thoughts. Its nice to know you can get good advice from people who are FAR more knowledgeable than I. As far as the Gibson goes it is a 2006 F5G Master I believe. Plays like butter and there is something about the tone. I can't really explain but sounds so sweet when you play it softly. I can't get that sound out of mine no matter what I do. I am really new and an older learner so i don't know nothing from apple butter and i may be able to get the same tone and feel from another mandolin as well just not mine. As far as Kentuckys go which ones should I be searching for? I am very conflicted! Thank you all again!! It is much appreciated.

[Glassweb]

As a mandolin teacher here in Bellingham, WA I'll say that the 2 best mandolin brands for under $500 are Kentucky and Eastman with the edge in sound going to Kentucky and the edge in setup and playability going to Eastman. This applies for all mandolins under $1000. It seems like Kentucky has really got that tone dialed in. Impressively so...

[Dave Sheets]

"...I can't really explain but sounds so sweet when you play it softly. I can't get that sound out of mine no matter what I do."

I'm afraid this is a bad sign there Jim! You're probably doomed once ya start writing about mandolins that way :)
Welcome to the club.

A bit of unasked for advice- if you really loved that Gibson but can't swing it, buy yourself an absolute bare-bones Kentucky (but solid wood) to get yourself going and save for the Gibson. A used Gibson will hold value pretty well, so you can get the money back out of it down the road.

[Charles E.]

Jim, what is your budget? Once we know that we can help you spend your hard earned dollars. ;)

[Mike Snyder]

My F5 is a 2005 F5g. Find a way. Those are good mandolins.

[jim1966]

I really have no budget in mind however i don't want to spend as much as buying a new car or need to finance it over 7 years. lol

[MontanaMatt]

I really have no budget in mind however i don't want to spend as much as buying a new car or need to finance it over 7 years. lol
New cars cost 20-50k.
Nice mandolins are a great deal compared to a car!

[MontanaMatt]

I really have no budget in mind however i don't want to spend as much as buying a new car or need to finance it over 7 years. lol
If a nice mando is worth $2 a day (cheap coffee pricing) and you pay it off for 7 years, that's a $5000 mandolin! Go for it!

[Charles E.]

There are a number of Kentucky's listed in the classifieds at the moment. New and used. You might want to check them out. Good luck with your search.

[Roger Moss]

"A bit of unasked for advice- if you really loved that Gibson but can't swing it, buy yourself an absolute bare-bones Kentucky (but solid wood) to get yourself going and save for the Gibson. A used Gibson will hold value pretty well, so you can get the money back out of it down the road.

That is good advice no matter what your ideal mandolin is. If you do indeed know exactly what you want, get something minimally decent that you can play with some enjoyment and save save save for that pinacle of mandolinhood. Waiting is always difficult but anticipation can be sweet if you know you'll be getting exactly what you want in the end.

[jim1966]

Any ideas on models i should try?

[ccravens]

I don't know that there is a better substitute for being able to actually put hands on and play a mandolin, and fall in love with the sound.

Otherwise, things can be rather hit-and-miss.

[MikeZito]

Any ideas on models i should try?

Based on the fact that the Gibson you have your eye on is an F5G Master, I would suggest starting at the top of the Kentucky line with something in the 1000 series.

Somebody please correct me if I am mistaken - but as I recall the KM1500 has a deeper/wider body than the KM1000, has more 'bottom end' to the sound, and has a slightly radiused fingerboard. I have also heard that the case that comes with the KM1500 is 'better' than the KM1000 case - but don't quote me on that. Of course the 1000 line also features the 1050 and other finish variations on various instruments, which gives you a wide variety of choices.

Perhaps your best bet would be to contact one of the Cafe' sponsors who is a Kentucky dealer, (like Robert at FolkMusician.com who answered above) and let them walk you through the line .

Good luck!

[Guitfiddle Mike]

I have been following this post, Thanks OP! Since my first desire (a few months ago) to try out a mondolin, I have been Jones'n for a Kentucky KM252. Reviews and the finish pushed me in that direction. I have since acquired three mandolins (see signature) and still catch myself checking out the KM252's. I often wonder if I should get one and wonder how it would compare with what I have. On another note I am also a Gibson Les Paul (in another life lol! ) lover and also keep an eye out for an A model Gibson mandolin. I have done several searches for modern/later Gibson A's and not much comes up. I am glad to know of an era to concentrate on now. Thanks.
Mike

[jim1966]

Ok All lets say Im looking at a 1050? any thoughts on those? also how can I tell age with serial #.

[MikeZito]

I don't think that you will get too much negative reaction to a 1050 here at the Cafe' - it's a good instrument.

Here is a link to a previous discussion on Kentucky dating:

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?111686-Kentucky-Serial-Numbers

Good luck!

[jim1966]

how about 1050 B040015

[MikeZito]

Another hint as to dating is to see where the mandolin was made - I think the order goes something like this:

1980's: Japan
1990's-2001: Korea
2001 to current: China

To the best of my knowledge (again, I am NOT an expert on these things), many of these foreign-made instruments (and even some U.S. instruments) do not have serial number schemes that are accurately indicative of manufacture dates (something that is very frustrating to those of us who take stock in knowing stupid things like that) - often you have to look at the mandolin features to get an idea of dating; (i.e., logo script, certain aesthetic features, countries of manufacture, etc.). Unfortunately, Kentucky mandolins fall into the category of those instruments that sometimes do have have accurate dating representation with the serial number system.

If you can post more information, or photos, (as mentioned above), maybe we can help to narrow it down for you.

[Folkmusician.com]

how about 1050 B040015

hmmm, that doesn't look like a Kentucky Serial number. Any KM-1050 would be relatively new. These have only been available for around 5 years.

[Br1ck]

When I had the opportunity to visit The Mandolin Store, I got to try both a new and a used Gibson F9. The new one was better, but both were very good. I remember tHinking that nothing else had the Gibson midrange sweetness that morphed into a really nice chop, and that was the bluegrass sound.

I really like Northfield too, but it is a totally different version of good.

Have the wife call me and I'll explain why, over the next five years, it would save money if you just bought the Gibson. This all assumes you are the kind of guy who sticks with things once you set your mind to it.

[Tmcmakin]

I play my KM272 more than my Collings.

[KoalaBear]

Hi gang,

my current Mando is a Barnes Mullins 100 year old instrument bought online from gumtree.com.au
for 500 AUS. Its a good workhorse with Spruce top and Brazilian Rosewood back and sides so am the proud owner of this ancient lady.However am looking into buying a second mandolin and am considering the Kentucky brands.My search is narrowing the two contenders the Kentucky Km 150, and the Kentucky KM 505, and since am in Australia would like to place an order in the States for home delivery of one of these mandolins.Can contributors here guide me to what would be my best buy in regards to these two mandolins.Which would you recommend to me and why?My budget would be within the range of the suitable price of these instruments, as is the set price at Elderly Instruments and Musicians Friend.One of these would be a good alternative in sound to the Barnes Mullins, currently in my possession, so wait patiently for all your replies with a hearty thank you fellas.

the KoalaBear, Tan in Gondwana.

[MikeZito]

Hey Tan:

From my limited experience, the choice between the 150 and the 505 is pretty much even - both are solid wood instruments, with the 505 being a little fancier in design.

I won't recommend one instrument over another, but what I will recommend is that you buy from a Cafe' sponsor who will do a proper set-up on your instrument before shipping it to you, as opposed to buying from a place like Musician's Friend who will simply re-ship you the mandolin, just as they got it, straight from the factory. Without a proper set-up, there is a much better chance that the mandolin will not play and/or sound as good as it possibly can, and therefore may not be as enjoyable to you.

Good luck, welcome aboard and keep us posted.

[KoalaBear]

Hi Mike,

thanks for your reply.

.Pls explain the procedure in ordering from a Cafe Sponsor, and does the mandolin include a mandolin case?.Further,is the mando well packed for International shipping thru the Cafe Sponsor for shipment to Australia.The set up is a welcome bonus.Lastly,how is payment made with the seller?
Many thanks for wonderful feedback.


Tan,BearKoala.

[MikeZito]

Hi Tan:

Your best best is to contact the Cafe' sponsors directly, through their individual websites, and work out the details with them. My experience with these sellers has always been that they offer excellent set-ups and the items are well packaged. I would imagine that availability of cases, international shipping and payment forms will vary from sponsor-to-sponsor - so check with as many dealers as you can to work out the best deal for you.

Good luck.

[Rdeane]

Hey Tan:

From my limited experience, the choice between the 150 and the 505 is pretty much even - both are solid wood instruments, with the 505 being a little fancier in design.

I won't recommend one instrument over another, but what I will recommend is that you buy from a Cafe' sponsor who will do a proper set-up on your instrument before shipping it to you, as opposed to buying from a place like Musician's Friend who will simply re-ship you the mandolin, just as they got it, straight from the factory. Without a proper set-up, there is a much better chance that the mandolin will not play and/or sound as good as it possibly can, and therefore may not be as enjoyable to you.

Good luck, welcome aboard and keep us posted.

I have a 505 and doubt if a 150 has the same grade of wood used for the top and back. Mine is a recent build, after the move of the 500 series to the new facility. The wood on my 505 is beautiful,with highly flamed maple that I think is indicative of a higher grade of wood than one would find in the 150. There is nothing wrong with the 150 at all, but IMHO there are more substantive differences than fancier design. I hope the OP finds the perfect Kentucky. They are certainly enjoyable instruments.

[KoalaBear]

I have a 505 and doubt if a 150 has the same grade of wood used for the top and back. Mine is a recent build, after the move of the 500 series to the new facility. The wood on my 505 is beautiful,with highly flamed maple that I think is indicative of a higher grade of wood than one would find in the 150. There is nothing wrong with the 150 at all, but IMHO there are more substantive differences than fancier design. I hope the OP finds the perfect Kentucky. They are certainly enjoyable instruments.

Can you mention places that currently stock the KM 505.The Mandolin Store has no stock of this model.

Tanx buddy.

Tan

[MikeZito]

Hey Tan:

I don't see any anything currently in stock from the places that I am most familiar with, but if you send inquiries to any of the Cafe sponsors who are Kentucky dealers, they may be able to give you an idea of when they are expecting more to arrive. For starters you can try The Mandolin Store or FolkMusician.com. If anyone else has any suggestion, please feel free to chime in . . . as I have said in a few previous posts, I am not an expert on this stuff - just another bad mandolin player trying to be helpful . . . .

Thanks.

[Rdeane]

It appears that several sites are showing more expected on 3/28, so that indicates there aren't any generally available. When I got mine I had a wait of 3-4 weeks before the stock even arrived at Saga. I was ordering through a dealer, and he had to wait to get one. It did arrive about a week earlier than expected, so that was a nice surprise. I think this mandolin is worth the wait of a few weeks. I agree with MikeZito - check out sponsors here. They will treat you right and do a good setup for you.

[Roger Moss]

Hey Tan:

I don't see any anything currently in stock from the places that I am most familiar with, but if you send inquiries to any of the Cafe sponsors who are Kentucky dealers, they may be able to give you an idea of when they are expecting more to arrive. For starters you can try The Mandolin Store or FolkMusician.com. If anyone else has any suggestion, please feel free to chime in . . . as I have said in a few previous posts, I am not an expert on this stuff - just another bad mandolin player trying to be helpful . . . .

Thanks.

Amazon has two in stock now. Of course, that would be un-setup, sooo...

[roysboy]

I've been playing a KM 150 for a few years now and the tone never ceases to amaze me ( and I won't even add ' for the money ' )
I had an Eastman , couple of Epiphones , played many many other brands at festivals and such ...played many Kentuckys in the 600 series ( wasn't impresses )played a J Bovier and as nice as that really was ...well ....I'm sure my point is made . I love the tone from the lowly KM-150 .

BUT saying that ...I've never quite settled in with the the flat fretboard and have wondered whether moving to the radiused KM 250 series or the KM 500 series would resolve that issue AND , more importantly , would I get as good or better tone from that small upgrade ? Have not been able to play ( or even find ) either of those models to A-B with my kentucky 150 .

[Darren Bailey]

I am lucky enough to own three Kentuckys: a 150 a 505 and a 630. They each have their own particular virtues. and as long as I remain solvent I shall keep and enjoy them all. But i confess that I'd swap all three for any one of the Northfields I've played.

[KoalaBear]

I am lucky enough to own three Kentuckys: a 150 a 505 and a 630. They each have their own particular virtues. and as long as I remain solvent I shall keep and enjoy them all. But i confess that I'd swap all three for any one of the Northfields I've played.

Anyone willing to create some sound files mp3s or videos, so there can be comparison of the sound quality and texture of the combination woods of the Kentucky KM 150, and the KM 505 or any other KM xxx that sparkles in sonic domain sound production.Grazie!


Tanino de K.B.

[MikeZito]

A good place to start for video would be YouTube - just type in any Kentucky model number, an you are practically guaranteed to find videos that you can listen to . . . .

[MoreThanQuinn]

I don't think I've responded to this yet, but I guess I should. I got a really nice deal on a Kentucky KM-252, set up by Robert at Folk Musician, and I love it. Seriously, people are not kidding that these cheap (relatively speaking) instruments sound awesome.

[roysboy]

Anyone willing to create some sound files mp3s or videos, so there can be comparison of the sound quality and texture of the combination woods of the Kentucky KM 150, and the KM 505 or any other KM xxx that sparkles in sonic domain sound production.Grazie!


Tanino de K.B.


me 'n my Km 150 mandolin ...( hope the attachment worked ..? )

[FLATROCK HILL]

me 'n my Km 150 mandolin ...( hope the attachment worked ..? )

It worked. You and the KM-150 sound fantastic. Would make a great advertisement for Kentucky!

[roysboy]

It worked. You and the KM-150 sound fantastic. Would make a great advertisement for Kentucky!

Thanks FH ....yeah ....I was amazed that the KM-150 sounded as good as it did 'off the rack' .. (4-5 years now ? ) I did some minor tweaks to the action / bridge .....and that was it . Everything else is stock .

I played one other in the shop . It was identical in sound . I also heard someone playing one at a jam one time so I got the opportunity to listen to it ' in context' as it were and once again was impressed by its volume and overall warmth . I considered having it radiused but decided I'd be as wise to perhaps just look at a Km 250 or Km 505 if and when I get the chance to play/listen to one .

I cannot recommend the new 150's highly enough

[Chuck Leyda]

me 'n my Km 150 mandolin ...( hope the attachment worked ..? )

You sound great! Guitarist is pretty great too! Nice work.

[MikeZito]

It worked. You and the KM-150 sound fantastic. Would make a great advertisement for Kentucky!

+1

Beautiful tone - beautifully played. A+

[KoalaBear]

I've been playing a KM 150 for a few years now and the tone never ceases to amaze me ( and I won't even add ' for the money ' )
I had an Eastman , couple of Epiphones , played many many other brands at festivals and such ...played many Kentuckys in the 600 series ( wasn't impresses )played a J Bovier and as nice as that really was ...well ....I'm sure my point is made . I love the tone from the lowly KM-150 .

BUT saying that ...I've never quite settled in with the the flat fretboard and have wondered whether moving to the radiused KM 250 series or the KM 500 series would resolve that issue AND , more importantly , would I get as good or better tone from that small upgrade ? Have not been able to play ( or even find ) either of those models to A-B with my kentucky 150 .

After considering all your opinions and listening to several videos of the different KM models am deciding to go with the Kentucky KM 150 simply cause it has superior fundamentals whereas the KM 505 is great for Irish music and has a clutter of overtones that drown out the pure sound of its essential fundamentals.Say no more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX2o1LwVacs

Tanx all.

[roysboy]

After considering all your opinions and listening to several videos of the different KM models am deciding to go with the Kentucky KM 150 simply cause it has superior fundamentals whereas the KM 505 is great for Irish music and has a clutter of overtones that drown out the pure sound of its essential fundamentals.Say no more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX2o1LwVacs

Tanx all.



thanks to all for the nice compliments above ( ....yes ...that's me on guitar also thanks to the miracle of multi-tracking ).


I think you'll be pretty happy with the KM 150 Koala.Hopefully you can play one beofre committing . As I said above , the only think I'd change about mine is the flat fretboard . I got a bit spoiled by a radiused fretboard on my Eastman but fell in love with the Kentucky sound .
Best of luck

[Folkmusician.com]

After considering all your opinions and listening to several videos of the different KM models am deciding to go with the Kentucky KM 150 simply cause it has superior fundamentals whereas the KM 505 is great for Irish music and has a clutter of overtones that drown out the pure sound of its essential fundamentals.Say no more:

This is why I am not a big fan of using recordings to compare instruments. :) Roysboy's recording sounds great, and I bet it would sound pretty much exactly the same if he was using a KM-505 of the same vintage (had to throw "vintage" in here - reference other thread). In person, these two instruments (If close in manufacture date) will sound very similar.

[jim1966]

can anyone give me the models of the Kentuckys that are considered "professional" grade and how do the compare to say jbovier and other similar? I see a lot of 625's and the like for sale but not sure how they would compare. any help is appreciated

[mandolin tony]

I also have a Kentucky Km-805 which I got from Robert. great sounding mandolin for the money.

[jim1966]

what about km 700 or 1000 or 1050

[jim1966]

what are the best Kentuckys to search for? 700, 800 1000 etc

[Folkmusician.com]

For current models, 1000, 1050, 1500

[Glassweb]

[QUOTE=Austin Bob;1640288]I don't know what year the Gibson is, but the newer mandolins are some of the best they've ever produced. If you find a used one at a fair price, it will most likely hold it's value or even increase.

Nothing against Austin Bob here but please... NEVER assume that any instrument will increase in value. I learned the hard way many times... and high ticket mandolins should never be bought for investment purposes... believe me friends, I learned the hard way...

[Todd Bowman]

I own two Gibson's. One really old (1925) F4 and one relatively new (2001) F5 Sam Bush. Love them both for different reasons. Both play very differently (not going into sound and tone here). My first decent F5 was a mid/late 80s KM-1000 that I would still own if I didn't trade it in on my first Gibson (which I no longer have). The KM-1000 played more like the 1925 F4 neck-wise -- flat fretboard, small, flat fret wire. I love the feel. It was extremely easy to play -- and I have a couple clubs for hands. I also own a 1990 KM-DAWG that, while modeled after a Monteleone Grand Artist and has a radiused fretboard, it plays more like the 80's KM-1000 and 20's F4.

I can't speak for the newer Kentucky brand since I haven't picked one up, but I hear good things about them and if there build quality is *anything* close to the "vintage" Kentuckys (Kentuckies??), I wouldn't have a second thought about owning one.

As for my MAS, I don't think anything will cure that for more than a couple months! ALWAYS looking! :-)

[MikeZito]

As for my MAS, I don't think anything will cure that for more than a couple months! ALWAYS looking!

For me personally, it would be nothing short of a minor miracle if I went more than 6 or 8 months without buying some sort of new instrument - it seems that I'm always laying my eyes on something that sets my GAS/MAS in full motion. I guess that is part of the curse of playing several instruments . . . but I am NOT complaining!

[lowtone2]

For me personally, it would be nothing short of a minor miracle if I went more than 6 or 8 months without buying some sort of new instrument - it seems that I'm always laying my eyes on something that sets my GAS/MAS in full motion. I guess that is part of the curse of playing several instruments . . . but I am NOT complaining!

Mike, have you ever attended Compton's Monroe camp? Your name is kind of familiar.

I have had GAS for more years than I want to remember. At this point, I'm starting to think of putting some instruments in storage so we're not so crowded in here. Probably won't happen unless the better 3rd agrees to move out some of her paintings, too. I'm really trying hard to fight the mandolin version, MAS, but getting weaker. There's Kimble calling my name...

The only f hole mandolin I have is a KM900 and it's hard for me to imagine a better sounding mandolin, although I know there must be many. Many. And it's fully appointed, except for the nitro finish. I would hate to be a builder trying to compete with that kind of value.

[MikeZito]

Hey LowTone:

The name Mike Zito might sound familiar to you because there is a well established blues singer/guitarist who is making the rounds (internationally) these days with the same name - but I started my 'music career' (no snickering, please) before he did, so I am the 'original' Mike Zito . . . he just happens to be the Johnny-Come-Lately who has success, talent, respect, fans and all of that other stuff that is highly overrated for musicians; (excuse me now while I turn green with envy).

Anyhow - no I have never been to Compton's Monroe Camp, or any other camp for that matter . . . that would mean that people would have to actually hear me play, and the public is not ready for that kind of torture yet.

It is nice to hear good things about the Kentucky 900; at some point I really do want to put a respectable F-hole mandolin in my stash, and that one has been on my radar.

Thanks.

[jim1966]

I have played a Gibson and feel in love. I am looking for a mandolin that kind of has that feel and sound. I have heard great things about kentuckys but not sure what models to look for but open to other brands as well.

[lowtone2]

Hey LowTone:

The name Mike Zito might sound familiar to you because there is a well established blues singer/guitarist who is making the rounds (internationally) these days with the same name - but I started my 'music career' (no snickering, please) before he did, so I am the 'original' Mike Zito . . . he just happens to be the Johnny-Come-Lately who has success, talent, respect, fans and all of that other stuff that is highly overrated for musicians; (excuse me now while I turn green with envy).

Anyhow - no I have never been to Compton's Monroe Camp, or any other camp for that matter . . . that would mean that people would have to actually hear me play, and the public is not ready for that kind of torture yet.

It is nice to hear good things about the Kentucky 900; at some point I really do want to put a respectable F-hole mandolin in my stash, and that one has been on my radar.

Thanks.

Yeah, there was a guy with a similar name at a camp I went to, and i'm pretty sure he was from Connecticut.

I know the zito you're talking about though. This guy here.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsCs3UWOVZM

[MikeZito]

Several years ago the blues Mike Zito played a gig a couple of towns over from where I live. It turns out, the woman who owns a local record store, where I used to shop quite often, was sponsoring the show. Even though I was a regular customer of hers for a while, she did not know my name. (I don't use credit or debit cards, so she never saw my name anywhere.) A few days before the show I was in her store, saw a flyer for the show, showed her my drivers license and said "Tell Mike Zito that Mike Zito said hello."

It has happened on numerous occasions that I am mistaken for the blues Zito. Somewhere on the internet there is an old video of me from the mid 1990's, doing an acoustic song. I stumbled across the video one day and read the comments. One person said: "That must be Zito before he started doing blues"; but another commenter said: "I think it might be somebody else."

My 10 seconds of fame . . . being mistaken for a real musician . . .

[jim1966]

Any thoughts on 80's KM-650? Japanese I think

[jim1966]

any help? Kentucky 805 or 80's 700 or 650?