Re: Which mandolin to buy
Originally Posted by
Kasura
I am wanting to upgrade to a better quality mandolin. I currently own a epiphone MM-30. I am looking at the Kentucky KM-150 or getting an Eastman MD504. I really like the look of the oval hole in the mandolin. From your guys experience which one do you recommend and prefer when it comes to the sound, action etc. I play mixed genres such as alternative, celtic, italian. Thank you so much
You don’t say where you’re located, which can often affect what instruments are available and how they’re priced.
The Kentucky KM-150 is an A5 with f-holes which lead to a percussive midrange attack and then a faster decay. While they are versatile instruments, originally designed to play classical music in orchestras, their sonic properties lend themselves to bluegrass, where you don’t want a bunch of notes hanging around while you play a string at lightning speed. You should also expect that it will have more traditional playability features, such as small frets and a flat fingerboard.
The Eastman MD is more of an A4 with an oval hole that also has a 12th fret body join which shifts the bridge back to the tailpiece. The combination of these design choices typically leads to mandolins with more bass response and longer sustain. The Eastman line also employs more modern playability features like bigger frets and a radiused board.
To muddy the waters, Eastman makes a lower-priced line in the MD304/305 with an oval and f-holes respectively. And Kentucky makes its own oval in the KM272.
Plus, if you share your location and budget, you’ll receive a whole host of suggestions that you didn’t even think to ask.
Good luck in your search!
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