Anybody Familiar with the newer Kentucky KM-855 artist mandolins

[stinkoman20xx]

I am trying to find if anybody has any first hand experience with the later/updated Kentucky KM-855. Quality, issues, ect. this is what im specifically referring to, and not the older one with the inlays. https://www.sagamusic.com/products/p...px?item=KM-855

Guitar center has them listed for $964, but chatting with the rep I can get one out the door shipped with taxes to me for about $900, and I already have a $300 credit so it would be about $600 before having to pay for a setup. It seems like a decent deal all said and done, but can't seem to find much information on the quality of these or really anybody having one of the newer versions. I have found some less than favorable reviews on 855, but they all seem to be older ones.

[Barry Smith]

Looks like a steal compared to this one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kentucky-KM...QAAOSwl89b-xQQ

[Northwest Steve]

I can't give you specific information on the 855 but Kentucky overall is making some really good mandolins. This is a mid tier mandolin in the line up so should be good to very good. Two things about buying from GS - it will need at least a minor set up to a full set up and they have a liberal return policy. So go for it, especially since you have the credit and no real nee for it.

[Eric Platt]

I played one locally at a store. They employees there were saying I had to try it as it was so good. It was. Didn't end up buying it, but was tempted. This one sounded good enough that many folks would have no problem playing it on stage. Oh, and this is just personal, but I think that rose inlay in the headstock is a very nice touch.