View Full Version : Best new or used F-style Mandolin under $1,000?
PAMandoMan
Jun-19-2012, 9:42pm
After playing mandolin for just under two years using a c.1970 Harmony I've been thinking about a upgrade. I like the cosmetics of The Loar LM-700 and the Kentucky KM-1000. I'm willing to buy a used model if necessary to get under a grand or so. I prefer the traditional dark sunburst finished F-style look. Can anyone recommend a new or used mandolin from these specs? Also, would a $1,000 mando be better than my old Harmony?
Fstpicker
Jun-19-2012, 9:48pm
The KM-1000 has an adirondack spruce top, and the solid back and sides are maple from Michigan, I believe. Unlikely to find one used for $1000 though, unless you really luck out. Probably a little better made and refined than the LM-700 material-wise and possibly QC. The LM-700 is still a very, very good sounding mandolin as well.
Jeff
tburcham
Jun-19-2012, 10:01pm
I have owned both the KM-1000 and the LM 700. They are both great mandolins for the $1000 price range. I preferred the KM-1000, for it's tone. They were both plenty loud.
mandotrout777
Jun-19-2012, 10:49pm
I've had two KM-1000s. You could find a used one for under a grand and they would be pretty hard to beat in that price range.
almeriastrings
Jun-20-2012, 8:22am
I concur.
The KM-1000 is a beautifully made, great sounding mandolin.
Here's two examples.
88202
88203
88204
88205
I found one of these for the equivalent of $725..... the other was just over $1K. They are both excellent instruments.
Steve Ostrander
Jun-20-2012, 8:40am
I would also go for the km1000. I've only seen 1 for under $1000, but you might get lucky and find one.
Ben Milne
Jun-20-2012, 8:42am
A secondhand Eastman should be thrown into the mix with the above options, though perhaps not resold all that often. Probably a 515 but maybe an 815 if you're lucky.
Capt. E
Jun-20-2012, 10:38am
I know you said F, but the Kentucky KM-900 is every bit as good an instrument as the KM-1000 and can be purchased new for well under 1K.
A secondhand Eastman should be thrown into the mix with the above options, though perhaps not resold all that often. Probably a 515 but maybe an 815 if you're lucky.
I got a new 615 beautifully set up by Gianna Violins for just under $1000 last year. It sounds and plays beautifully. I heard that they were selling fewer instruments and their inventory online is rather sparse right now, but I'd recommend taking a look at the Eastman mandolins, too.