Sell KM-505 w/CA bridge for J. Bovier A-5???

[bbaker2050]

I'm thinking about selling my Kentucky 505 A style with CA bridge. I just want something different and only want to spend what I could get for the Kentucky. I was looking at the J. Bovier A-5. Would that be any better or just a lateral move? Any suggestions?

[pheffernan]

There's been a lot of love for the Jbovier mandolins lately, but the swap of one import A5 for another seems like a lateral move. If you want something different, consider an oval hole or perhaps even a flattop. Otherwise, I'd advise you to save for an upgrade.

[mandobassman]

I've heard a couple of recordings of the Kentucky 505, but have never played one. They are very nice, but I would still go with the JBovier. The ones that are being built now are consistently good and I feel are a big step up from any mid-level Kentucky.

[gforeman]

And let me stress you do not want to get one from Amazon or such, get it direct from Jeff. If you get direct from Jeff, he does a superb job of setting it up for you. Not to mention a better price.

[almeriastrings]

I would say very much a lateral move. The KM-505's are seriously good mandolins in that price range. Better than some at considerably more money. There will some differences.. for better or worse, who knows.... but swapping two very similar priced/specified mandolins rarely brings significant gains. I would save your pennies until you can get something that constitutes a real leap up. I would be thinking of something along the lines of a used (Montana/Nashville) Flatiron A-5, a KM-900, a used Silverangel A-5, or others in the $1K to $1.5K range.

[Dave Weiss]

I've had both. In my opinion it's a lateral move. Different tone and feel, not better, just different... That Kentucky is a pretty fine mandolin.

[bbaker2050]

Thanks everybody. Maybe I'll just hold onto it until I can afford a real upgrade.

[lflngpicker]

The J Bovier A5 Special has very select flame maple back and sides. The tone is exceptional. They are in a different price range-- the J Bovier A5 Special is in the high $700 range. I agree with others though, that the Kentucky KM-505 should be relatively similar-- both are nice.

[Ken Olmstead]

Lateral, 505s are sweet mandolins. Save your $$ for a bigger improvement which may take awhile. Meanwhile, experiment with strings, picks, setup and God forbid, technique to get the tones your looking for. Practice will get you lots of tone enhancement!!