Kentucky Mandolin Info

[John Brubacher]

I have had a Kentucky mandolin for at least 15 years now, and I am thinking about selling it. The label inside is hard to read, but I believe it says KM-626S. I have done a bit of research, but found nothing. Is this a model they made? How do I go about finding its worth?

[FLATROCK HILL]

Post a few clear pics. Someone here will be able to help.

[CES]

Agree, post a pic or two. I have a 675-S built in the early 2000s, but they do change models/#s fairly often in their lower-intermediate models (no disrespect intended, but the KM 900/1000/1500 models are different beasts than the 600 series models)...

[Eric F.]

I don't think Kentucky ever made a 626. I would guess that it is a 620. These were all laminated, if I remember correctly. Lots of people spoke highly of them as affordable f-style instruments. I think you'd do well to get $400 for it.

[John Brubacher]

Sorry guys, I am new here, and I was going to post pictures on my original post. Here are 2 pictures. Hope they are clear enough.
Attachment 160682

[EdHanrahan]

... they do change models/#s fairly often ...

... but seem to mostly use the last digit to differentiate cosmetic details like finish, sunburst shade, etc., so that a 626 is most likely a cosmetic variant of a 620, which itself is probably not radically different from other "600-series" instruments. But I speak in generalities only, not from specific knowledge of any 600-series models. Likewise, the Pac-rim companies, again in generalities, tended to add an "S" suffix to indicate an upgraded solid-top version, then later dropped the suffix when the solid top became a standard feature of that level instrument. Can be most confusifying! Unfortunately, your model # looks like notes I used to write while riding the NYC subway, so it's accuracy & intent is a good question.

[multidon]

Robert Fear is our resident Kentucky model expert. Hopefully he will chime in. We need pictures of the entire instrument, not just the label, so we can see details like headstock designs and such. These can help with the ID. Based on what you've told us, my guess is Korean manufacture (at the very end of it ) or very early Chinese, laminated back and sides with solid top. Decent entry level instrument, but the laminated construction is a non starter for many. These usually go for around 300 dollars.

[CES]

Agree that the S indicates a solid top upgrade, likely pressed not carved (though maybe not). Yeah, that label is tough to read

[MikeEdgerton]

It is an S.

[Willie Poole]

I had a KM-900 and that label was also hard to read the number on it, looks like they put the numbers on after the label is installed inside of the mandolin and that makes it hard to write on them...

[John Brubacher]

Here are more pictures of my Kentucky. Hope these will help.

[colorado_al]

Kentucky KM-675S
Here is one that was listed on Reverb for $580, for reference
https://reverb.com/item/941320-kentu...sunburst-km675

Here's another that was at Mass St Music
https://www.flickr.com/photos/300593...57608901290048

Likely made in China shortly after production moved there

[multidon]

Al nailed it. These are all solid, not laminate. Makes them more desirable so my previous price was a bit low. Still, I think the reverb listing is a a bit ambitious.