Looking to buy an upgrade

[Megaphone]

Hi all. I am looking to upgrade my mandolin and decided that for the money, the Kentucky KM-1500 seems to get a pretty good bang for the buck and is in the price range I am looking for. Problem is, it seems that anywhere I look they are either sold out or the price is greatly inflated. I have actually tried to call the Mandolin Store to see when they thought they would be getting more but haven't had any luck getting anyone to answer.

Any tips on where I may want to look? I would probably be looking to order online as I don't believe there is much in my area. I would also be looking for somewhere fairly reliable to do the initial setup. Thanks much for any help!

[George R. Lane]

What are playing now? The KM-1000 and KM-1050 get great reviews and I would suspect they and the KM-1500 sound very similar. Another plus is the Mandolin Store has them in stock.

[Megaphone]

I am playing a KM-150 right now. Just took a look at the Mandolin Store and it looks like the 1050 has sold out as well! It looks like the 1500 may be due to be delivered at the end of the month and I'm not in any huge hurry to get it. Does anyone have any experience with the KM-1000/1050/1500?

[colorado_al]

I owned a km 1050 for a while and enjoyed it. I think the difference to the km1500 is mostly cosmetic. I'd save the money and go with the km1050.

Frankly, if I had $2000 to spend, and was interested in an F style, I'd buy this Northfield for $1900
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/114425#114425

Edit- the Northfield above has some playwear which is why it is priced at $1900. I wouldn't let that bother me, but some folks like their instruments in new-ish condition when they buy them.
If that sounds like you, then you could get into a like-new Northfield for around $2300
Like this one https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/114846#114846
or this one https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/114747#114747

I'd still go for the Northfield over the Kentucky, if you have the money.
Let us know what you decide to do.
Best, Al

[Sothoth]

I owned a km 1050 for a while and enjoyed it. I think the difference to the km1500 is mostly cosmetic. I'd save the money and go with the km1050.

Frankly, if I had $2000 to spend, and was interested in an F style, I'd buy this Northfield for $1900
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/114425#114425

I would prefer the Northfield over the Kentucky as well, but if you are set on the Kentucky please post your feedback on it when you get it.

[colorado_al]

PS- If you really want to go Kentucky and would stick with an A style, you can get the Kentucky KM-900 or KM-950 for $900 or less. Similar appointments and same factory as the KM-1000, KM-1050, and KM-1500. (And most would say - same sound)
KM-900 $750
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/114574#114574

KM-950 $750
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/114831#114831

Main difference on KM-900/KM-1000 is flat fretboard and traditional frets vs KM-950/KM-1050/KM-1500 is radiused fretboard and banjo size frets.

[colorado_al]

PPS- Another stellar F5 for under $2000 is the JBovier F5 for $1600
http://www.mandolins.ecrater.com/p/1...t-or-black-top

Or in Zebrawood For $2000
http://www.mandolins.ecrater.com/p/2...unburst-finish

I think these are better than the Kentucky models as well. Excellent setup by Jeff the owner of JBovier.

A5 for $900
http://www.mandolins.ecrater.com/p/1...er-w-black-top

Used JBovier F5 Special (previous edition to the current F5) starting on ebay at $1000
http://www.ebay.com/itm/J-Bovier-Cus...-/292237349608

[Megaphone]

Hey all I really appreciate all of your feedback! I am one of those guys that tends to like their instruments new but I was actually eyeing those Northfields earlier.

I'm in the military and travel a fair bit so some of my instruments have traveled the world with me. For me there is something about making your own memories with your instrument. That being said, I would never completely turn down the idea of buying used.

I don't know much about the JBovier's but it is in my price range of $2000-$2500. It sounds like they are well regarded instruments? Again, thanks much for the help. Great community here.

[Caleb]

For me there is something about making your own memories with your instrument.

I feel exactly the same way. I remember when I started mandolin in 2006 I wanted to get THE instrument then so I could learn on it and have the history with it when all was said and done. Different personalities, I suppose. I don't care for getting new things all the time.

[pops1]

I got my mandolin, several of them used. My main mandolin has more of my memories by a long shot than anything the previous owner did. It now has a lot of play wear and bumps and bruises from performing. I have memories with my '22 Gibson A2 in the 20 years I have owned it, and while I am older did definitely not purchase that new. You can make memories with anything. I would be willing to say when you are married you will make many memories with your wife, but you did not even know her when she was new. Get what speaks to you and don't worry about it being new or old. Some used mandolins don't even look like they have been played anyway.

[colorado_al]

If you have $2500 to spend, I would buy one of those barely used Northfields. They are far and away a step above the Kentucky. If you buy the one from Fiddler's Green, you can be assured that it will be well setup.
Regarding the JBovier, they are a smaller brand but quite terrific, and well regarded on the Cafe. Jeff Cowherd has them hand made to his specifications in China and then he does the setup in his shop in Kentucky (fret level, bridge fitting, nut cutting, truss rod, etc). They are quite well regarded and have all of the same upgrades that the Kentucky KM-1050/KM-950 have, radiused fingerboard and larger fret wire, and additionally have a solid cast tailpiece.
I own a JBovier A5 and find it better than the Kentucky KM-1050 that I owned. Not quite the equal of my Collings MT, but a very close second.
So, if it were my money, if you can live with a slightly previously played instrument, I'd go for the Northfield. If it has to be new, I'd go with a JBovier.

[Eric Platt]

Another vote for buying used. The Breedlove Cascade I just purchased is over 20 years old, but looks new. There's not a single scratch on the instrument. And I paid considerably less than your budget.

Just saying keep looking. Mint used instruments are out there.

[Jeff Mando]

Another vote for buying used....... Mint used instruments are out there.

Good point. Some people take good care of their instruments.

[Megaphone]

Thanks again for all of your help. I went ahead and purchased the Northfield F5S from Fiddlers Green. Sounds like its a great buy for the price and I should be able to count on a good setup. I'm looking forward to getting her in my hands!

[colorado_al]

Nice! Jealous! Let us know when it shows up!

[colorado_al]

Has this mando arrived yet? Just curious regarding the headstock (inlay or maybe decal?) you inquired about.
Hope it is there soon!

[The Mandolin Store]

I'm sorry you have had trouble reaching us. Brian and I are usually in the shop from 8:00 to 5:00 weekdays. We normally return all missed calls, even when a message has not been left. Enjoy your new mandolin

[Nick Gellie]

Well done Megaphone with your purchase of a Northfield F5-S taking the sound advice of the folks on the cafe.

I look forward to hearing a review.

I have just rebought my Model M back after two years which I bought direct from Northfield. I changed the setup on it and it complements my Collings MT nicely.

[Br1ck]

The high end Kuntuckys are pretty good mandolins, but the Northfield is better. Of course this comes at a price, one worth paying in my opinion. They are very nice.

[Megaphone]

Hey all, sorry it's taken a few to get back, been playing the new mando! I am very happy with the purchase and appreciate all the help and advice all of you provided.

There is indeed a decal on the headstock, hence the question on another post, but it looks pretty good other than what appears to be a very small cut where there may have been a re-alignment. Other than that she looks and sounds great. Volume and tone are fantastic, especially on the lower end where I had a couple of issues with my KM-150. I don't have a whole lot of experience with mandolins in general so it could be that the setup on this mandolin may just have a more accommodating action for me.

Thanks again for everyone's help. Next step is trying to find a group that plays around my area!