Has anyone played the Kentucky KM-670

[Joseph P]

I am thinking about getting a round hole F style mando. Right now I have a $1400 budget until I sell a guitar. Just wondering what your thoughts are on this Kentucky and maybe something better in my budget..

Thanks so much
Joseph

[Charles E.]

I would consider this Eastman 514....

http://www.fiddlersgreenmusicshop.co...md514-sunburst

NFI

[Charles E.]

Another option, not quite an F style but American made....

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/164668#164668

NFI

[Zach Wilson]

I have only played a km670 once and it was a while ago. What I remember liking was...

The size of the neck, it was comfortable in my hands.

The radius fretboard. Made playing it easier feeling to me.

The 14th fret body join. Puts the bridge further up and makes the tone less "tubby" to me.

Things I didn't like...

It was really, really glossy. I'd probably at some point take some steel wool to it if I owned it.

The neck was glossy too. Felt sticky. Probably just needed to be played some.

Felt, played, sounded stiff. I think it needed to be played more but I didn't have the time or cash.

Overall I think for the money you cant do better. I like the neck/body joint at the 14th fret better then the 12th fret design of the Eastman ovals.

Heres one I saw on reverb. NFI

https://reverb.com/item/37034576-ken...setup-20090751

[Charles E.]

To play Devils advocate to Zach, the Eastman offers better wood selection, by joining the neck at the 12th fret it puts the bridge in the "sweet spot" for optimal sound for an oval hole.

Good luck with your search!

[Joseph P]

To play Devils advocate to Zach, the Eastman offers better wood selection, by joining the neck at the 12th fret it puts the bridge in the "sweet spot" for optimal sound for an oval hole.

Good luck with your search!

Wow, I didn’t even notice that difference between the Eastman and the Kentucky.

[Joseph P]

Another option, not quite an F style but American made....

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/164668#164668

NFI

Charley, I have eyed those Breedloves for years. I’ve tried to talk myself into getting one because I think they are a good bang for the buck (used) and being made in the USA. But I just can’t get passed the sharp angles....

[Charles E.]

It looks like in your price range your choices are the Kentucky and the Eastman. The next step would be the Northfield FS2 but that adds a grand to your price.
Mandolins can vary even between models, hopefully you can play some before you buy.

[Zach Wilson]

To play Devils advocate to Zach, the Eastman offers better wood selection, by joining the neck at the 12th fret it puts the bridge in the "sweet spot" for optimal sound for an oval hole.

Good luck with your search!

This is all very true The two instruments do have differences. Another one is, and correct me if I'm wrong, the Eastman ovals fretboard is not elevated??? But I think that the Kentucky's is. These differences have key roles in the tone you're after.