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Thread: Back to f-holes?

  1. #1
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    Default Back to f-holes?

    Long story short . . . I am in the process of doing a new album, and realized that I could probably use an f-hole mandolin; (both of my current mandolins are ovals). I am leaning towards looking into something in the Kentucky 750 series. Anybody own or have experience with these?

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Registered User Doug Brock's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    Why f-holes? I just watched some of your YouTune videos and the oval hole mandolins you have sound good. (Thanks for sharing those videos! I enjoyed them.)
    Doug Brock
    2018 Kimble 2 point (#259), Eastman MD315, Eastman MDA315, some guitars, banjos, and fiddles

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    The tunes that I am working on right now need a 'tighter sound . . . almost more of a 'chop'. The oval holes are great for melodic playing, but they just don't seem to be working for this batch of songs.

    Oh - and since I am willing to bet that somebody will soon suggest that I save lots of money by getting an 'A' model, instead of an 'F' . . . . I am considering something from the Kentucky 250 series as well.

  4. #4
    Registered User Gunnar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    If you can financially justify the 750 series, go buy a 500 or 505, it'll be just *that* much more sound for about the same money. Prettier too
    Mandolin: Kentucky KM150
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  5. #5
    Pittsburgh Bill
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    With you on different songs needing a different sound. Thus why I switch between my Collings and my Kentucky. The Collings performing better on softer melodic tunes
    As for A style or F style, that is totally a personal preference. I find A styles to be not only better looking but more comfortable to play. Not to mention less parts sticking out to break. For me 2 points are the real lookers.
    Big Muddy EM8 solid body (Mike Dulak's final EM8 build)
    Kentucky KM-950
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    Rogue 100A (current campfire tool & emergency canoe paddle)

  6. #6
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    Take a look at this ham sandwich in the classifieds.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  8. #7
    I really look like that soliver's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    I personally prefer A's myself, but I have played a KM 750 and was very impressed. Outside of the Loar Signed Gibsons I played in the presence of Mr Gruhn himself, I've only ever liked the sound of a few specific F style instruments that I've played and the KM 750 was one of them!

    That list:
    1. Gilchrist F-jr
    2. Silverangel (played in Carter's)
    3. Kentucky KM 750

    Good luck in you endeavor!
    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
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  10. #8

    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    Take a look at this ham sandwich in the classifieds.
    Is Mark Agnesi OK with you posting that?

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  12. #9
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    If they trademarked ham sandwich Allen Hopkins is going to be very angry
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  14. #10
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    If they trademarked ham sandwich Allen Hopkins is going to be very angry
    Nah, just honored to have contributed a useful (IMHO, anyway) phrase and concept to our ongoing discussions of "what mandolin should I buy?"

    For those unfamiliar, I was reacting to the threads where OP asks, "Should I buy the Eastman MD315 or the MD515?" -- and someone responds, "You should consider the Kentucky KM-500" or "Loar LM-600" or whatever non-Eastman mandolin the responders like.

    I likened it to someone asking "What deli makes a good ham sandwich?" and getting responses like "You should buy a tuna melt" or "corned beef on 'wieck" or whatever other choice that doesn't respond to the question. My point of view is that we should first make an effort to respond to the inquiry as asked, and then wander off into what other mandolin we might suggest.

    Of course, some ask for "other suggestions," and in that case, we can feel free to say that the String-O-Matic 9000-X is the hottest mandolin in the OP's price range (unless, of course, we're trying to sell the OP our String-O-Matic 9000-X, which is a real bow-wow that we've been trying to unload on CraigsList for six months).

    Anyway, that's the story behind "ham sandwich," for those who find the reference obscure...
    Allen Hopkins
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  16. #11
    Registered User Eric Hanson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    Eric Hanson
    Click #016/ Born on 2/29/08 - Sold to the next Conservator of this great mandolin!
    The search has ceased! (At least for now)
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  17. #12

    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    MikeZito
    My first mandolin is a KM-700, lots of chop.
    " Practice every time you get a chance." - Bill Monroe

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    Registered User Russ Donahue's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    Perhaps all first-time posters here should be introduced to the mandolin beyond all others that must not be named. Might as well set the bar high and unattainable!
    Make America Grateful Again!

    2013 Collings MF, 2017 Northfield NF2S, 2019 Northfield Big Mon F
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  20. #14
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    Quote Originally Posted by Russ Donahue View Post
    Perhaps all first-time posters here should be introduced to the mandolin beyond all others that must not be named. Might as well set the bar high and unattainable!
    Would that be the legendary (and seldom seen) Schmergel Devastor?

  21. #15
    Registered User Gunnar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    The seldom scene had a devastator?!? (Unless you're referring to the knock offs, I believe it's spelled Shmergel, but I'm not a historian )
    Mandolin: Kentucky KM150
    Other instruments: way too many, and yet, not nearly enough.

    My blog: https://theoffgridmusician.music.blog/
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  22. #16
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    Mike, I definitely like your approach-- you are looking for that certain sound that will work on your latest compositions. I have owned both vintage Kentucky's and a recent KM 1000. All three were tonally very pleasing. I agree though that most sound for the money would be the KM505, as often seen in Bluegrass Unlimited magazine. Good luck choosing, my friend.

  23. #17
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    Default Re: Back to f-holes?

    I have a KM-756 that I am quite happy with

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