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Thread: Would it be a dumb move?

  1. #1

    Default Would it be a dumb move?

    I have a Kentucky KM-505 which I am pretty fond of. I have had a serious amount of MAS for an F-Style lately and got a offer to trade my Kentucky for a Michael Kelly Legacy Deluxe from 2004.

    The guy with the MK lives some miles away, so before I deicide to go ahead with the deal and give it a go I thought that some of you probably have played both of these and maybe could give me a comparison?

    Have a great saturday!

  2. #2
    Mediocre but OK with that Paul Busman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    How far is "some miles"? The only real way to tell if it's worth it is for you to try both mandolins side by side.
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  4. #3

    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Yeah, I guess so! Its a 4 hour drive. I just don't know much about MK as a brand. Extremely rare here in Sweden.

  5. #4
    F5G & MD305 Astro's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Probably. Individual instruments vary but I've heard lots of folks pleased with their Kentucky. I cant recall many bragging about their Kelly. Also have to ask yourself why the other guy would trade his F for your A. Maybe it doesnt have much volume/tone?

    I wouldn't consider it unless I played them.
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  7. #5
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    I wouldn't trade a Kentucky KM-505 for a Michael Kelly. I have played several of both and the sound of the Kentuckys have all been better.

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    Registered User Eric Hanson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    I TOTALLY understand MAS, and the power of and F5 on MAS.
    I would probably be a good idea to do a little research on MIchael Kelly mandos here on the Cafe Forum.
    From all that I have read they tend to have a finish that is a bit thick. Their tone tending to be compressed.

    FWIW. If you have a luthier anywhere near you might check out Pango/Afaniti mandolins on ebay. I bought one 2nd hand. It needed to have the bridge set to the top, and the truss rod adjusted. I think my luthier also spent a little time on making sure the frets were right.
    Mine is quite powerful. It has a really strong A and D string courses. The G and E are also strong, just not as much so.
    The Luthier also has another friend who has one. His is also pretty nice.
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  10. #7
    Registered User Steve-o's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Yes.

  11. #8
    Registered User mandobassman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Bad move. The 505 is one of Kentucky’s better models. I have yet to play a decent MK. I’ve played four of them. None were even close to decent. The desire for a F5 should not come at the expense of good tone.

  12. #9
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Personally, I wouldn't do it. Especially in Sweden in winter. And without playing either mandolin, would just rather have a Kentucky, rather than a Michael Kelly. Not saying the latter is bad, but Kentucky has a good reputation.

    I would save your money and look at either a Kentucky or Eastman F style mandolin. See a number of Swedish bands with Eastman mandolins when they tour here in the US.

    But I also have a preference for A style mandolins and think the Kentucky KM-505 is a very nice looking instrument.
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Keep what you have and never trade unless you can play the other model to compare.

  14. #11

    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Thanks guys! Always helpful. I'll keep the Kentucky.

  15. #12
    Fingers of Concrete ccravens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    I'll pile on.

    Owned both brands. The MK was immediately sold. The Kentucky was kept.

    Don't do it!
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  16. #13
    I really look like that soliver's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Good call, IMO, Kentucky is a much more reputable name than MK,... I hear more people that have problems with their MK than those with Kentucky.
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  17. #14
    Registered User slimt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Keep your Good Kentucky and save your gas money for something better in the future,, I wouldnt do the trade.. if it was me..

  18. #15
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Agree with everyone. Don’t let the siren’s call for a scroll lead you to do something you’ll regret later!!

    Edit: See you decided, good call!!
    Chuck

  19. #16

    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    If you get a MK with a scroll, all it will do is make you want a better F style. Better to bite the bullet and get a good F style now. In your part of the world, I'd check out a Lebeda or some such, or a Kentucky master series.
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  20. #17
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    MAS + Scroll envy creates a powerful desire! Dont let it take you for this silly trade. Those KM505s are nice and as you said, you're fond if it as well.

    Keep it and save for an actual upgrade!

    Waiting is hard, I'm in the same spot trying to stay patient for an oval A.

  21. #18

    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    I have a long history of unsatisfactory outcomes when I get fixated on wanting particular a feature or brand, for my next instrument. Even if it didn’t sound like an uneven deal to start with, the emotional (and $$) investment in driving 4 hours (8 round trip?) for only one possible deal-or-no-deal would prejudice the driver towards making the trade and hoping for a happy ending, instead of coolly trying the offered instrument and makng an unbiased choice.

    So yeah, you came to the right decision imho.

  22. #19
    Mediocre but OK with that Paul Busman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Quote Originally Posted by Zach Wilson View Post
    MAS + Scroll envy creates a powerful desire!.
    That just gave me an idea for a funny mandolin gag gift. An add-on kit to convert your A style mando to an F style, with mock scrolls and points.They could even be plastic since it would just be a gag. Maybe a stick on cover for a round or oval hole, with stick on F holes.
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Quote Originally Posted by Roda View Post
    Thanks guys! Always helpful. I'll keep the Kentucky.
    Glad to hear this as you've made a good decision to keep the Kentucky.

  25. #21

    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Don't give up.
    km 505 for a mk

  26. #22
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Kentucky - you are the sweetest thing outside of Heaven, to me.

    Or, so the old song says.

    Glad to hear that you are holding on to yours - my 272 is a 'keeper'.

  27. #23
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul Busman View Post
    That just gave me an idea for a funny mandolin gag gift. An add-on kit to convert your A style mando to an F style, with mock scrolls and points.They could even be plastic since it would just be a gag. Maybe a stick on cover for a round or oval hole, with stick on F holes.
    That would be hilarious!

    ... but wait! There's more! Order now and receive not only one scroll-er-iser, but get two!

  28. #24
    Registered User Jim DeSalvio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    NEVER get rid of an instrument you like. Believe me, I know..................

    I had "scroll envy" for a while too, and eventually got a wonderful Eastman F Style.

    Save for #2.
    Jim D

  29. #25
    Registered User Bob Buckingham's Avatar
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    Default Re: Would it be a dumb move?

    Save up your money. Keep the Kentucky until you find an instrument you like better. I know about one MK that sounds good. It has been played regularly for a long time and that is a big part of it. Most sound kind of dead to me. Get an Eastman, I have oen and they are great.

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