New kentucky km-1000 [Archive] - Mandolin Cafe Forum

Folkmusician.com

Jan-23-2007, 6:32pm

None of these (production version) have made it to the US yet. I spoke to our rep yesterday and ALL models except the KM-1000 are supposed to be in any day (they are stuck in customs).

The KM-1000 is supposed to be a couple month off still. I have a two on order and am also looking forward to seeing how they stack up. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

MML

Jan-24-2007, 7:20pm

Theres one at Gruhn's site, looks real nice too. I played one of the new ones about 4 years ago,, not to impressed, but mabey the new batch will have a tone to match the good looks. Lets see http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

cooper4205

Jan-24-2007, 7:49pm

that one at gruhn's looks very impressive, i wonder how it sounds though?

cooper4205

Feb-03-2007, 11:34pm

here's a new KM-1000 (http://www.themusicemporium.com/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=24920&invis=2). they look pretty nice, i wonder how they sound?

Stephen Perry

Feb-04-2007, 8:50pm

I'm impressed with the prototype I just played. Very nice.

cooper4205

Feb-04-2007, 9:53pm

it looks like it might become the jimmy gaudreau model. (http://www.jimmygaudreau.com/). how was the scroll work on it? do you think these are a response to what eastman has put on the market

Stephen Perry

Feb-04-2007, 9:57pm

The workmanship was much improved, crisp. George Gruhn suggested we should take a look. Setup wasn't anything to write home about.

I wouldn't be surprised if this was a response to Eastman's influence.

This was a prototype. No idea how the production versions will be.

But I'll get an order in so I have one to A/B compare! I really want to see what excellent setup and mandovoodoo ™ optimization does for one. Might be another winner. Will just have to see.

Kevin K

Feb-05-2007, 5:24pm

That one at Gruhn's sold rather quickly, was told George was impressed with it.

Folkmusician.com

Feb-27-2007, 3:17pm

Latest update...

Look for a few KM-1000 mandolins to ship out to dealers in early March. There will not be enough to meet the current back-orders so only dealers high on the list will be receiving them.

salleyann

Mar-01-2007, 1:51pm

THE ONE AT GRUHN'S IS A 1985, BUT GRYPHON HAS ONE OF THE NEW
ONES ON THEIR WEBSITE.

cooper4205

Mar-01-2007, 2:06pm

gruhn's had a brand new one a few weeks before they got the '85 Km-1000. the brand new one was only on the website a day or two before it sold.

Folkmusician.com

Mar-01-2007, 6:00pm

These seem to have come in early. I received one today as well. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Kevin K

Mar-01-2007, 6:24pm

Robert,
What do you think about it?

Folkmusician.com

Mar-01-2007, 7:06pm

My initial impression is good. It looks and sounds great.
I haven't had a chance to really check it out yet though... I let it sit in the case unopened for a few hours to acclimatize it... Then I only saw it for a few minutes before it was needed for photos.

I should have some pics of it here in the next hour and will hopefully get a little time to test it out a bit http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Folkmusician.com

Mar-01-2007, 10:20pm

I have a few pics up.. They did not turn out all that great and I think we will redo them... We have one hi-res version here:
http://folkmusician.com/imageshires/km-1000_h.jpg

And a few low res versions on our site: http://folkmusician.com/km-1000.html

Workmanship is good throughout. I would not call the maple "highly flamed" but it does have some http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif The pearl nut is well done and polished up nicely. The tuners are nice and smooth. There is an ebony endpin. The bridge is good quality. A vast improvement over the rest of the Kentucky line. The neck is just awesome. It has a V that feels really good in your hand. The fret work is good and the frets are bound. I personally would have liked a scooped fingerboard extension.

Tone is a personal thing, but I think this has just raised the bar on the higher end imports. It sounds surprisingly good.

Thanks!

Robert Fear
Folkmusician
Acoustic Instrument Outfitters
sales@folkmusician.com
Toll Free: 1-800-493-4922
Fax: 530-232-0157
www.folkmusician.com

45ACP-GDLF5

Mar-02-2007, 2:56am

I have a 1980 (Sumi built) KM-1000 that looks a lot better than these new ones. The top and back look like the mandolins that Gibson put out in the 20's. The flowerpot is an exact replica. It says "Kentucky" on the peghead and tailpiece. The 80's Kentuckys are by far the best ones built to date. Korea made them for a while and I think they're in China now.

Skittle

Mar-17-2007, 3:51pm

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif I just received my New KM-1000. I have played and owned Gibson MMs, Gilchrists, Dudes, and for the money..........its EXTRORDINARY!!. The arching of the top, back and all the bindings, wood, setup etc...are excellent. If they can be continually "consistant" then, they have it made. In my opinion, mine sounds in between a Eastman and a Gibson MM. That is a big jump but my opinion. Saga is doing all the right things on building these and end result is a great mandolin! All said.....I am very happy with mine.

cooper4205

Mar-18-2007, 12:23am

the scroll looks really nice on it (as well as everything else). is it a bluegrass machine?

Skittle

Mar-18-2007, 12:43pm

It has that "Loarish" type tone. It of course sounds new and will for a while, but that "tone" is there.

Red Englemann

Mar-18-2007, 4:37pm

I just received my New KM-1000.

Where did you buy your km1000?

Thanks,

red

TAD

Mar-18-2007, 8:53pm

Skittle, How is the neck on the KM-1000? Is it V shaped, oval or some other shape? It looks to be a nice F style mando. Thanks... TAD

Skittle

Mar-18-2007, 9:53pm

It is just a little thicker than most, but has a little V and some oval.......very comefy.

TAD

Mar-19-2007, 5:15pm

It is just a little thicker than most, but has a little V and some oval.......very comefy.
Very nice! I haven't seen one here in Austin yet. I know one music store carries Kentucky sometimes and that is where I entered the mando fray at picking up a KM350 to learn on. I have played guitar for so long now and really only played acoustic bluegrass - flatpick type music, now I'm finding out how cool mandolin is! Again, nice mando and I think I'd like the KM100. Have fun on it... Later, Tony

tanner

Mar-19-2007, 6:49pm

Bought me a KM-1000 from Dennis at The Mandolin Store today, can't wait till it gets here to see how long it takes that red spruce top to really open up.
Randy

Ken Olmstead

Mar-20-2007, 9:51am

I went to my local dealer, Joe as soon as heard that the KM1000 had arrived. Within just a few moments I knew I was playing something quite exceptional. It is so green it still thinks its a tree and it still sounds wonderful, wait till it matures!!! It plays like butter and keeps its volume all the way up the neck. It is strung with very light strings and the action is a little low for my tastes but nothing a set of J74s and a tweak on the thumb wheels won’t cure! Fit and finish is not on par with my Weber Fern, better than some other boutiques than I have seen. I wanted a less expensive mando to take camping and to certain gigs, but I am guessing that this will wind up getting equal play time! I was so taken with it Joe allowed me to take it home if I would bring it back tomorrow. I will be bringing cash instead!! I have not played its equal at its price point. Now...how to pay for it??? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

K3NTUCKI8oy

Mar-21-2007, 12:36am

Hey Skittle' got anymore pics of that one??

Kbone

Mar-21-2007, 9:50am

I just ordered one myself - they only had one & he said it sounded close to a MM - he also said the bar has been raised with these 1000's, the best import he's ever heard IHO.He also said there's probably only about seven in the country right now, but that'll change soon.

Russ Jordan

Mar-21-2007, 10:18am

If anyone is looking for one, there is a km-1000 listed Gruhn's now.

TAD

Mar-21-2007, 10:43pm

Hey - Can someone post an audio or video clip of them playing the KM1000? Tony http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

bluegrassjack2

Mar-22-2007, 7:10pm

How much they selling for?

jefflester

Mar-22-2007, 7:17pm

How much they selling for?
~$1300

http://www.themusicemporium.com/catalog....d=24920 (http://www.themusicemporium.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1017&products_id=24920)
http://folkmusician.com/km-1000.html
http://www.gruhn.com/catalog/mf.htm

pickinNgrinnin

Mar-22-2007, 9:53pm

That's a nice looking Mando. I like the scroll on this Kentucky better than the ones I've seen on Eastmans.

bluegrassjack2

Mar-24-2007, 6:42am

What's the difference in the scrolls btwn the eastmans and the Ky?

pickinNgrinnin

Mar-24-2007, 10:10am

Take a look at the scroll on page one. Also check the scroll on the one at Gruhn's. Then, look at the scrolls on most any Eastman F5 and you will see some differences. The scrolls on the two above referenced Kentuckys look very nice shape wise. Clean, proportional, symmetrical, pretty darn good.

hanknc

Mar-24-2007, 10:28am

"What's the difference in the scrolls btwn the eastmans and the Ky?"

Nothing.

pickinNgrinnin

Mar-24-2007, 12:41pm

Maybe not to you hanknc but I suspect most people comparing the scrolls could see a difference. They look very good on these Kentucky's. To be a good F5 copy, you have to have a right looking scroll IMO.

Skittle

Mar-25-2007, 7:16am

I used to own a Eastman myself and liked it quite well and my daughter has a 515 that is very good. My new KM-1000 sounds "very much" like a Gibson MM. I used to own one of those. Saga has gone the extra mile for "tone" which is to my ear more pleaseing.........like the vintage Loars. We can talk and comment and go back and forth on this discussion.........but I now own a KM-1000 and can speak with hands on opinion.

hanknc

Mar-25-2007, 9:45am

"Maybe not to you hanknc but I suspect most people comparing the scrolls could see a difference"

I suspect most people just wanted to read about the new Kentucky mandolin. Why start on Eastmans again?

That Kentucky is a pretty nice looking instrument for the bucks. I am looking forward to trying one out.

pickinNgrinnin

Mar-25-2007, 1:55pm

hanknc- I only brought that up as Eastman has some Mandolins priced in the same range as this Kentucky. From a visual perspective, I like how the Kentucky looks over the Eastman. I've not had a chance to see or play one yet but I'm betting they will become the new cafe buzz Mando in time.

How is the fit and finish on these KM-1000's?

J.Albert

Mar-26-2007, 12:32am

Just an off-the-wall thought (from an off-the-wall guy!), but if the KM-1000 looks to be a hit, SAGA ought to consider offering a varnished version - even with the upcharge, it might turn out to be an even _bigger_ hit.

And get somebody over there to start building "Loar copy" cases, too! #:)

- John

Skittle

Mar-27-2007, 9:43pm

Hey new KM-1000 owners..........put some pics of yours on here and some comments.......lets keep this thread alive.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

Kbone

Mar-28-2007, 7:12am

Received mine yesterday & to put it mildly, this is a great instrument.Fit and finish is great, love the tobacco dark burst, tone is great right out of the box, good as some of the $3500 mandos I owned in the past - sniff, sniff. I think this is the best buy out there for the $'s.

jim simpson

Mar-28-2007, 8:39am

How is the neck profile on the new KM1000? I used to own an all black one that sounded great but the neck was to beefy for me. Gordon Titcomb told me that his older KM1000 was the closest in sound to the Loar that he used to own.

Kbone

Mar-28-2007, 9:37am

Ken Olmstead

Mar-28-2007, 3:02pm

If I did this right, you can look at some pics of my 1 week old here:

http://s158.photobucket.com/albums....0KM1000 (http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t91/tenorbanjoguy/Kentucky%20KM1000/)

If not I will try again. You can see some of the flaws, (I tried to highlight them) to hint that this is an import. However, the sound is not import. I have become quite taken with this mandolin. It is beginning to wake up a bit but I suspect it has a ways to go. I can only imagine the sound a year from now!

Ken

tedincolorado

Mar-30-2007, 2:54pm

I got mine yesterday-if you want to see pics of it there are some good ones of the actual instrument that I just got on the folkmusician site.
I'm pretty impressed with the sound- rich tones and good volume. Maybe this sounds off when talking about a mandolin but I keep getting the impression of a cello like sound- a tiny cello with a fast decay to the note? I'm hoping it's going to sound a lot better down the road, it's too soon to tell but it's probably a good bet. I'm also not sure how many times the strings that are on it have been tuned up and down or how old they are.
The construction is close to perfect- there is one tiny indentation/noogy on the top near the tailpiece in the dark part of the sunburst. Looking closely under a really bright light it looks like maybe they filled a tiny knothole or something. Under normal light you really have to look for it to notice it at all. Otherwise, the finish is beautiful- I've noticed that these often look like a black mandolin with a little sunburst hole in the middle when they're photographed. It doesn't look anything like that when it's actually in your hands. It is a honey amber color with a very gradual burst blended into almost black. The flame on the back and sides is not bad but far from spectacular.
I'd like to put in a good word for Mr. Fear at folkmusician. com. He couldn't have been kinder or more helpful or patient. Also, this is the first mandolin I've ever bought from anywhere that I didn't have to make a new nut for and do a complete re-setup on. Very good job.
Maybe getting this will help my MAS calm down a little, or not, I still want a two point Eastman that I saw in Denver.:D

tedincolorado

Mar-30-2007, 3:10pm

I forgot to mention the frets- they are taller than on any other mandolin I have. It doesn't seem to affect the playability, at least not for me. Probably it's a good idea. They could be leveled a couple of times before it would need a refret.

fatt-dad

Mar-30-2007, 3:20pm

And get somebody over there to start building "Loar copy" cases, too! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
GWW makes a pretty good Loar case copy. Shoot them an email and they'll send you photos. The price isn't too bad either. . . .

f-d

doublestop

Mar-31-2007, 5:39pm

I ordered one for stock for our store. After reading all these rave reviews I might just have to keep it.

Michael Wolf

Apr-01-2007, 8:39am

I played it yesterday at the Frankfurt Music Fair and have to agree. It was one of the best Mandos by far. At that price it's very tempting. A similar sounding Mando, even a used one, would normally cost a multiple price in my experience. Maybe it's also somewhat nicer to have the complete features on a F5, if it absolutely has to be an F5, than a budget Model of a more expensive brand. But apart of the cosmetics, it was really the tone that was immediately evident. Very responsive and clear. I played a top of the line Eastman and it couldn't compare. I played several Lebeda top models and some of them could compare but not surpass and this at a total different price point.
When I played it, I was reminded at my friends Collings F5. Would love to compare them directly.

Kbone

Apr-01-2007, 10:55am

I'm still amazed as this K1000 is opening up more - I tell you if you don't have the $'s ...just play one if you can.

Skittle

Apr-16-2007, 8:44pm

Any new owners with any other comments? I ordered a Steve Smith bridge a week ago and put it on my KM-1000 and it was a great improvement. It seems to have better tone, more clarity and sweeter notes and volume. The bridge that comes on them is good, but the ebony seems to be of lesser quality (slightly more porus). I had also bought a Stew-Mac bridge fitter and had angled the bridge back 3 or 4 degrees. I am VERY happy with the results. This mandolin is improving greatly in the short time I've owned it.

hungry mountain boy

Apr-17-2007, 3:22pm

Just curious if anyone can compare these to the J.Bovier in terms of tone, volume, and playability. Not worried about fit or finish really. They do however, look really nice in the pictures. Glenn Hurley

Ken Olmstead

Apr-19-2007, 9:35am

I have played my second one. It sounds virtually identical and has even better fit and finish than mine. Mine is a darker finish, whereas the new one was a more traditional looking finish. Most people comment on how cool the darker finish looks but any player would be happy with the sound and playability of both of these mandos. The sound is much more Gibson like than my Weber fern, however, I still prefer my Fern. It is nice to have a Gibson sound around for those Bill Monroe channelings! I currently have mine tuned to be able to play "My Last Days on Earth." It really does a great job on that tune, that is the most moving mandolin tune I have ever heard and it is suprisingly not that difficult to play. Now. if I could just get my hand to heal and get back to playing...it is driving me insane!!!! I recommend putting one of these KM1000s on your MAS short list!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

sbarnes

Apr-19-2007, 10:12pm

i teach some at a local music store and had the owner call saga today (april 19) and ask about delivery time....
saga stated that if we ordered today it'd be a 5 month wait......
ouch

Kbone

Apr-23-2007, 8:14am

I talked to a dealer( who sold Gibsons,Webers, Deartstone, Eastmans,others)who was a player, and he told me the new K1000 was one of the best sounding mandos they had, so that was good enough for me & I'm happy as punch that i made the plunge.

bluegrassjack2

Apr-24-2007, 7:10am

I visited a music store that sold both the JBovier and the KM1000. I played both and preferred the sound of the JBovier to the Kentucky. Both sounded very good though. My wife listed to me playing and said she liked the sound from the JBovier better too. I ended up buying the JBovier.

hungry mountain boy

Apr-24-2007, 7:52am

I wonder if it was a 2007 KM1000 that you campared the the
J.Bovier.

bluegrassjack2

Apr-24-2007, 3:10pm

I cant say absolutely for sure on the year on the KY but I'm pretty sure it was 2007. Wonder how u can tell?

hungry mountain boy

Apr-24-2007, 3:12pm

Not sure other than asking the dealer/shop owner.

bradeinhorn

Apr-25-2007, 12:52pm

Just played a KM-1000 here in the city. I was floored by it. just a really a nice sounding instrument (not even with the "for the money" disclaimer. light years better than any kentucky, eastman, or other competitor in that range. i think it was selling at 1300. if i needed another mandolin, i would definately consider this. the wood wasn't terribly gorgeous, but the workmanship was pretty impressive. the tuners seemed to work well and it was set up phenomenally. played very easily and had a solid chop and even played well up the neck. i'd be scared if i was eastman. ky is striking back for sure with this one. i am normally very suspect when i read threads like these on pacrim instruments, but i must say i agree with all the positive reviews and would love to see this one go head to head with some very expensive instruments. not much to compare it to where i was, but i bet it would hold up just fine.

Ken Olmstead

May-03-2007, 11:26am

Due to an injury to my hand, some of my instruments are being sold. I am really sad to say my KM1000 is one of them. It is in the same condition as when I purchased it. I will sell it for $1150 plus shipping. Email kaolmstead@gci.net if you are interested. I posted a link earlier on this thread if you wish to see some pictures. I will post it to the classifieds later as well as list it on ebay. You guys have first crack!

MikeEdgerton

May-03-2007, 11:38am

I will post it to the classifieds later as well as list it on ebay.

Posting it on ebay and the cafe would violate the cafe's classified rules. You might consider one or the other.

hanknc

May-03-2007, 12:04pm

"light years better than any kentucky, eastman, or other competitor in that range"

Hyperbole.

pickinNgrinnin

May-03-2007, 6:28pm

hanknc - I know you are M.A.S.ing for a Kentucky 1000 http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

hanknc

May-04-2007, 7:24am

Well, let's just say that it'll take a strong gust of wind to knock me off the pony I'm riding.

sgarrity

May-04-2007, 9:37am

Shoot low, he's ridin' a Shetland! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

bradeinhorn

May-04-2007, 10:41am

burn

bluegrassdan

May-05-2007, 6:15am

Do these have a radiused board? What size are the frets?

f5joe

May-05-2007, 8:07am

Do these have a radiused board? What size are the frets?
Flat board and standard smallish frets on this one that I have borrowed.

Not that anyone is asking but here's my take. Comparison based on Loars:

Shape and carves are pretty accurate to old Gibson F5's.

Color could stand improvement. Too dark and not enough yellow.

Maple has moderate flame that can be accepted.

Setup is normal. As typical, see a good setup person to maximize performance.

Tone: Gibson-ish for sure. A little thin on the bass side. Lacks the volume I want but is still pretty good.

Grade: B++ and recommended in the bang for buck category.

May wait for improved flame on the maple and better sunburst colors.

YMMV

GTison

May-07-2007, 10:07pm

I played one Today. Background: I own a Gib. 02Fern and a 1984 KM1000. #I really like the looks of these new KM1000s. #The one I played had a good bass tone, a bit better than my old one. #The treble was not as paint peeling as my old one. #I thought it was pretty balanced across the strings. The old one has more volume but this one may have better overall tone. The action on this one was very low and easy to play (lower than I would have it if it were mine). #I played also an eastman ?615?blond really nice and loud too but the tone I favored was the KM. #I also played a webber yellowstone which was nice. #I think that for 1300 bucks it is a good value. #I'm not wild about the wide grain spruce or the wider flame maple but this may be minor also a 1 yr warranty seems kinda short. # Seems to me to be a better value than when the others came out in the 80's. I give them a thumbs up. (as if my opinion was better than yours) MAS strikes again.

GTison

May-07-2007, 10:12pm

front and back:

h2o-X

May-09-2007, 1:01pm

I am looking for a great KM1000 that has a really good set-up. Does anyone know where I can find one? Bowfinger, where was the one you played?
Thanks,
Keith

bradeinhorn

May-09-2007, 1:09pm

From his description of the others in the shop - i would guess it was rudy's in nyc.

fatt-dad

May-09-2007, 1:44pm

Easter weekend I was in Rudy's and they had one. Maybe it's still there. . . . ?

f-d

fiddler59

May-15-2007, 9:59am

I just bought one of the new KM-1000's too. Here is my take.
The fit and finish is really good. Tone is definantly in the Gibson camp...I give it a B+ It definantly compares to mando's that cost 3-4 times what this little jewel goes for. I do think a good Steve Smith or Randy Wood bridge would be an improvement. The string spacing between the E and A string pairs is a little narrow for my taste. (That will be fixed as soon as I get a new bridge in and installed.) It has a thinly applied nitro cellulose finish......big improvement over the
thick poly finish that is on the japanese KM-1000,Dawg,& 1500's of yesteryear. The setup is decent but could use some help.....(nut could stand lowering a tad as well as the bridge height was a little high as shipped). Lowering the bridge is easy, no big deal. The neck profile is very comfortable. For anybody wanting a very affordable Loar style mando the new KM-1000 is a no brainer.

David B

Kevin K

May-15-2007, 10:37am

Ok, I'm having a hard time finding one in stock, any pointers?

pager

May-15-2007, 10:54am

A PacRim mandolin that you guys actually like?
The world is coming to an end! The world is coming to an end!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

swinginmandolins

May-15-2007, 11:08am

It appears Mandolin Bros (http://www.mandoweb.com/15_MandolinFam.htm)have 2 listings. Don't know if they are in stock.

bradeinhorn

May-15-2007, 11:49am

kevin - try rudy's in manhattan

km1000 (http://www.gbase.com/Powered/GearDetails.aspx?Dealer=1068e41a-1b8c-4596-84ab-4d247c0fc5ba&Item=1649015)

fiddler59

May-15-2007, 1:01pm

Rudy's had sold that mando.....I searched all over to find one,
had to drive 500 miles round trip to pick it up. It was worth it though.

DB

bradeinhorn

May-15-2007, 1:28pm

congrats-that's a nice one. i'm sure gordon will continue stocking them.

tanner

May-22-2007, 7:52pm

I've got one of the new KM-1000 mandos I bought from Dennis @ The Mandolin Store alittle over a month ago and have yet to play it once.I'm putting it in the classifieds tonite because of some unexpected bills. I will take some pics after while. I really am impressed with the quality of this mando.$1250 TYD paypal accepted.
bluegrass4me2@hot.rr.com

gps57

May-29-2007, 4:35pm

bradeinhorn

May-29-2007, 8:18pm

I've learned that the KM-1000 has a flat fingerboard. #For those of you that have played the KM-1000, what do you think about that flat fingerboard vs a radiused fingerboard like on the KM-805 or 855?
what do you mean exactly?

it is no different from any other flat fretboard vs any moderate radiused one (as the radiused kentuckys have).

if you are wondering about playability, i found it very comfortable. i have probably said it before, but this mandolin is in a different class of quality from every other kentucky i have ever played, including one of the 7 or 800 series - which i a/b'ed the 1000 against in the same store.

b

Mandobar

May-29-2007, 9:30pm

the music emporium stocks the kentucky's also.

Kevin Briggs

May-30-2007, 8:36am

The rumor about these is that Saga is already looking ahead to new 1500s, and they will be where they are putting all of there focus. The trend seems to be Saga will come out with an outstanding mandolin, and then the luthier(s) who is/are primarily responsible for the great quality leave (see Sumi).

The fella from Acoustic Music Works was telling this to me. He's been delaing Kentuckys since the late 70s or something, and he said the trend is undeniable.

danmills

May-30-2007, 10:51am

If anyone's still looking, I noticed there is one of these available at Gryphon Stringed Instruments (http://www.gryphonstrings.com/instpix/27229/27229.html) in Palo Alto, CA. It's priced at $1465.

Cheers,
Dan

gps57

May-30-2007, 1:01pm

what do you mean exactly?
Yes, playability is what I'm curious about. #One person I talked to about the KM-1000 said for them, the flat fingerboard was a negative. #They preferred a radiused fingerboard.

It may not make a big difference to someone like me that has been playing the mandolin for only about 2 years, but I just really don't know. #I thought I would get some other opinions about playability of the radiused -v- flat fretboard.

Is it worth fretting ( http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif ) about?

fiddler59

May-30-2007, 1:13pm

MML

May-30-2007, 3:02pm

I have to admit I am a bit courious about these mandolins. I have heard mostly good reports(by reading this thread) though I person spoke with said they are so so. I have an early DAWG model that I really like for its playability and tone not to mention its cool looks.
So are they as good as everyone is saying, or just a lot better than the other imports. Are they in the same "tone"
range as Gibson, Weber, Collins etc.

fiddler59

May-30-2007, 3:51pm

The KM-1000 that I bought is really good. It is not in the same class as my Collings MF5 . It is much better than my Weber Abseroka that had tone bars (I sold that mando). It is better than than the old Sumi KM-1000's I have played. It is also better than a KM-Dawg I once owned (the Dawg was not as good as other Dawgs I have played). As new as this mando is I think it has great potential. It is already starting to open up some as my wife plays it a lot (and I do too). For 1300 bucks it was a no brainer for a second instrument. I needed another mando as my wife has really taken to playing mandolin.
This fit the bill perfectly. I enjoy playing it as much as she does. In the words of Borat....."Much success" !!!!! "High Five"....

David Blackmon

Truckadero

May-30-2007, 11:09pm

I have one on the way. Come on Fed-Ex! Will post my thoughts after stretching it out some.

bradeinhorn

May-31-2007, 2:24am

I have been playing mando for 35 years and from my experience, the neck profile, string height at the nut as well at the bridge, and the amount of relief in the neck are far more important concerning playability than if a FB is radiused or not.

David B
good point. i second that. it is really just personal preference. i like both.

gps57

May-31-2007, 9:49am

Folkmusician.com

Jun-01-2007, 9:07am

Assuming nothing is wrong with the particular mandolin, string height and relief can be set to match the player's preference or playing style. I tend to set our mandos up with a slightly low height at the nut and then an average height at the bridge. It seems to give a good balance between playability and tone. If a customer requests that the action be slammed, that is not a problem. A good quality mandolin with a nice setup can be adjusted from low to high action without problems.

Personally, I like the neck on the KM-1000 it has a nice V to it and feels comfortable.

Eddie

Jun-19-2007, 10:27pm

This thread was a seriously great read! If I didn't have one coming tomorrow, I would have some serious MAS!!! Now just chomping at the bit waiting for it to get here!

http://www.bernunzio.com/pictures/0710835.jpghttp://www.bernunzio.com/pictures/0710835b.jpg

Soupy1957

Jun-20-2007, 4:58am

I remember looking seriously at the KM-1000 after buying the KM-620B, but at that time there were no more new KM-1000's to be found.

I'm glad to see they are coming back..and will grab one up after our furnace is paid for...teehee.

What's the best source? Saga's page?

-Soupy1957

AlanN

Jun-20-2007, 5:52am

Man, that sucker looks right!

Eddie

Jun-20-2007, 6:08am