300$ budget for a friends first mandolin. Where to buy?

[Otis_Spunkmeyer]

A friend of mine is looking for a mandolin with a 300$ budget. I've heard good things about the Kentucky KM-150 and was wondering what are some trusted sites you guys would recommend that come with a 150, hopefully setup already.

[Caleb]

Can't go wrong with The Mandolin Store or Folkmusician.com - both are legit.

(I was in Guitar Center in Arlington, Texas the other day and there was a used Kentucky A-style [KM250, I think?] on the wall. It had rusty strings [not a shocker] but sounded and felt pretty good. Tag was $199. Your friend might try and track that one down. They'll ship between GC stores.)

[MoreThanQuinn]

I was in a similar position with a similar budget just last week. The resounding advice I got was go with a Kentucky, and if you care more about sound than looks then go with an A-style mandolin. I found a used 2017 Kentucky KM-252 with a professional set up done by Robert at Folkmusician for $300.

So I would say do some searching--the classifieds here, reverb, craigslist (maybe), etc--and see what you can find. The KM-150 and the KM-250 line both receive stellar reviews here.

One last thing, Robert told me that the A style mandolins produced by Kentucky in the last year are some of the best sounding mandolins available in that price range.

Good luck on the search! Let us know what your friend ends up getting.

Edit: There's a recently listed (in the classifieds) KM-270 for $300 with a pro set up, Al posted it below.

[colorado_al]

If they want an oval hole A4/A5 hybrid, this is a great one. Used Kentucky KM-270 for $299 with case
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/119490#119490

Normally $450

If they want an F hole A5 style, the Kentucky KM-150 can be bought new from Elderly for $315. ($350 - 10% off with code "SONG"). No case.
https://www.elderly.com/acoustics/ma...0-mandolin.htm
You can get a good case for $40 here:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...-mandolin-case
Use code "PARTY18" to get it down to $40

Either one of those will be well setup.

I would personally go for the KM-270 as a first mandolin. It will be better than the KM-150 and the savings is really good. I don't think oval vs F makes any difference for a starter.

[Torpedotom]

KM150 all the way. I have one that has been set up and is a killer. My teacher really liked it. Hey did you guys and gals know they have larger frets? I thought that was pretty cool.

[MoreThanQuinn]

I was actually going to ask about the difference between the oval hole and f hole at this level of build. I have a KM 252 on the way and it seems essentially the same as the KM 270 but with the f holes. Curious what is different about the sound, etc due to the difference? I am new to the world of mandolins.

[B381]

I have both, a KM 150 and KM 250. I equally enjoy both, both sound great.

A KM 250 just showed up on Guitar Center used a day ago for $199. It won't be there long, they never are.

[MoreThanQuinn]

^ That sounds like a score. He could spend the extra $100 on a set up or, if it doesn't need a set up, a case, picks, strap, stand, etc.

[OneChordTrick]

I was actually going to ask about the difference between the oval hole and f hole at this level of build. I have a KM 252 on the way and it seems essentially the same as the KM 270 but with the f holes. Curious what is different about the sound, etc due to the difference? I am new to the world of mandolins.

O.K. I’ll try, I’m fairly new too but as a wrong answer often gets more responses than the question

f-holes have more punch and project better whereas oval holes have a more balanced sound and better sustain. Description of sounds is fairly subjective and this is based on what I’ve understood from here and my highly scientific test; a 2 minutes back to back play of the f and oval versions of the same instrument, in this case Eastman 504 vs 505. Test didn’t last long as I do. Realised that I preferred the sound of the oval hole for what I play.

[MoreThanQuinn]

Thanks for the response OneChordTrick. The information is much appreciated!
What type of music do you play?

[OneChordTrick]

No problem, if your ask my family they’d say discordant, badly timed and sometimes in tune. But that’s more a reflection of my abilities than my choice of music which is mainly Celtic, but I’ll try any (simple) tune that takes my fancy.

[Charlie Bernstein]

At the Mandolin Cafe classifieds!

[MoreThanQuinn]

New KM 250 listed today in the classifieds. It's a bit out of your friend's budget ($375), but it comes with a hard case and it's already set up.
(fyi, I am not the seller, but I just saw it when I looked at the classifieds today.)

[B381]

Not an "F" style or hole but an oval......I almost bought it but don't need another....GASP!!!!! DID I JUST SAY THAT????

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Ken...LE-Mandolin.gc

Kentucky KM-171A
$59.99

[Otis_Spunkmeyer]

What are some good online companies that pre set up the mandolins they sell for a km150?

[colorado_al]

https://www.elderly.com/kentucky-km-150-mandolin.htm

https://themandolinstore.com/product...-with-gig-bag/

[CES]

Yup. Will also add folkmusician.com to that list...

[Rootes]

Boeh Mandolins in Minneapolis.

He has an F-style, foreign made, that he sets up for you.

http://www.boehmandolins.com/index.p...lins-and-Video

I have had my “Stephens” mandolin for a year now. I have nerve damage in my left hand and arm. I explained that to Steve and he put some lighter weight D’Addario strings and did an excellent set up.

I’ve had several experienced people play mine and they all commented that it is much more instrument than the price would suggest.

Take a look. Talk to Steve.

Whatever you end up with, enjoy!