Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of Kentucky Mandolins at Guitar Center. Most orders are eligible for free shipping! Kentucky KM-272 Mandolin, A-Model, Oval Hole, Transparent Amber & Gigbag.
Looking for Kentucky Mandolin reviews? We are reviewing every model Kentucky make! We will be looking at the materials used, the build quality and of course the tone and playability. Kentucky has been making mandolins for close to 40 years, so we have our work cut out for us with this list! Over the years Kentucky has made models from The KM-140 all the way up to the KM-5000.
Kentucky Standard A-model mandolins
From the very beginning, Kentucky has been a world leader in the manufacture of high-quality mandolins for players at every level, especially the beginner. As a result, instruments that make up the standard series include reasonably priced a-models with all professional features; to slightly more expensive models with features often found on instruments costing much more. Kentucky has never offered better value and performance than it does in its standard series and you owe it to yourself to find out why. Whether you play bluegrass, country, folk or rock, these instruments have the loud, responsive bark so prized by musicians of every type and will inspire even the beginner!
Standard a model mandolin featuresWood selection
High-quality alpine maple is used for the backs, sides and necks, with the exception of the KM-140 which is made of mahogany. For the tops, solid German spruce is used to bring out a tone you’d expect from a more expensive mandolin. We select these woods for their inherent tonal properties without sacrificing quality or playability.
Construction
It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to make a great instrument. Because our instruments exhibit meticulous workmanship in every detail by following traditional construction methods to achieve a level quality not found in other instruments in this price range. Each neck joins the body in a dovetail joint that is guaranteed to last a lifetime and it is often the mark of higher end instruments.
Finger board and fittings
The fingerboards are beautifully shaped from top quality rosewood for easy playability durability and affordability. The frets are accurately positioned and polished to perfection to enhance playability while a compensated and adjustable Rosewood Bridge is perfectly shaped to make set up easy. High-quality tuners are also used to provide smooth action and tuning accuracy for years to come.
Finish
Even our most affordable Kentucky mandolins are skillfully finished with a beautiful vintage Sunburst or transparent brown in gleaming high-gloss lacquer. This type of finish not only looks great but brings out the figure of the woods used during construction, but also provides a durable layer of protection that allows the wood to breathe as it ages.
Each instrument has a traditional look and accurate design unlike other competitive instruments at this price point. Combine that with unsurpassed build quality with a price point within the reach of any player from season pro to budget minded beginner and you know why players still prefer Kentucky mandolins.
There are three models in the Standard Series of Kentucky’s.
Kentucky Deluxe A-Model Mandolins
Kentucky Mandolins are today’s best value in handmade profes- sional level instruments. Each Artist Series mandolin is hand- shaped from the finest German spruce and Alpine maple utilizing traditional construction methods proven to provide the best tone possible and still be well within the budget of beginning or advanced players. All features and fittings are selected to be the highest quality possible to assure that, when combined with the select tonewood, each instrument perfectly balances a rich, powerful tone with a traditional design.
Wood Selection:
Solid and figured Alpine maple is used for the backs, sides and necks; while select solid German spruce is used for the tops. This combination of materials brings out the woody articulate tone you’d expect from a high quality mandolin in addition to stunning looks.
Construction:
Every detail of construction exhibits refined and artistic work- manship by using methods and techniques proven to achieve a level of quality that cannot be found in other instruments in this price range. From the dovetail neck body joint, and meticu- lously hand-carved tops, to the delicate lines of the body shape and perfectly applied binding—the fit and finish is exceptional.
Fingerboard and Fittings:
The fingerboards are made from the finest ebony for its durability and beauty, then compound radius for increased playability. The frets are accurately positioned and polished to perfection to facilitate chord changes. The compensated and adjustable bridge is perfectly shaped and allows for minute action adjustments, and perfect intonation, while the high-quality tuners provide smooth action and tuning accuracy for years to come.
The master luthiers at Kentucky Mandolins have given our top-selling KM-500 series a total revision adding more tone, volume, style and VALUE! The slim, comfortably-shaped neck of figured Alpine maple has the feel of a fine, vintage instru- ment and the ebony fretboard has a modern extension and with 22 smooth, low nickel-silver frets. On the peghead, white and exotic red mother-of-pearl are set in a gleaming, black overlay for a stunning effect. The solid German spruce top and flamed Alpine maple back and sides are hand-shaped with elegant white binding with black and white lines on top and back edges. A lovely amberburst or sunburst lacquer finish covers the entire instrument and all metal parts are gold-plat- ed. The exclusive Saga black and white layered pickguard is a vintage touch that is both practical and elegant. The tone and volume of these magnificent instruments are “tops in class” and actually rival boutique mandolins at three times the price!
Kentucky Master Model A-style mandolins represent some of the finest instruments we’ve ever created and are held in high regard by professional musicians who demand the best. The designs take inspiration from the rarest, most sought after and best sounding examples ever produced during the early 1920s— often considered the most important period for this instrument with priceless originals that still stand as the pinnacle of design and function. When you own a Kentucky Master Model, you know why they are the choice of working professional worldwide. MASTER A-MODEL MANDOLIN FEATURESWood Selection:
The finest, hand selected and most highly figured Alpine maple is used for the backs, sides and necks of all Master A-Model Instruments while choice, narrow-grained solid German spruce is used for the tops. These aged woods are chosen for their inherent tonal properties as well as their visual appeal.
Construction:
All instruments exhibit refined and artistic workmanship in every detail of construction and follow traditional methods and techniques to achieve a level of quality that surpasses other instruments— regardless of price point. From the dovetail neck body joint, to the delicate lines of the body shape, perfectly applied binding and tops hand-carved and graduated to perfection—the fit and finish is exceptional and the tone is second to none.
Fingerboard and Fittings:
The fingerboards are beautifully shaped from select, highly polished ebony for beauty, playability and durability. The frets are accurately positioned and polished to perfection. The com- pensated and adjustable ebony bridge is perfectly shaped and allows for minute action height adjustments. The high-quality tuners are a reverse-gear design to provide smooth action, tuning accuracy and a historical touch.
Finish:
Each instrument is skillfully finished with a beautiful vintage tobacco sunburst made from nitrocellulose lacquer. This type of finish not only looks great and brings out the figure of the woods used during construction, but also provides a durable layer of protection that allows the wood to breathe as it ages.
In the Classic Era of American Mandolins, there was only one example of a Lloyd Loar Master Model ever created in the traditional A-style shape. Originally custom ordered as part of a matching set that included an F-shaped instrument, this legendary A-model had a longer neck than other A-style in- struments of the time, joining the body at the 15th fret, had traditional F-shaped sound ports, and a Snakehead-shaped peghead. Even the finish, choice of woods, and fittings were identical to the matching F-style in the set.
The Kentucky KM-900 features a traditional flat ebony finger- board while the KM-950 features a compound radius fingerboard with medium-sized frets for extremely comfortable, fast, and accurate playability for the fretting hand.
Kentucky F-Model MandolinsKentucky Standard F-Model Mandolins
Kentucky Standard F-Model Mandolins were designed to minimize the barriers that exist to learning how to play mandolin while still offering a professional instrument in every way. It’s the perfect mandolin for the guitarist or the fiddle player looking to expand their repertoire. Kentucky Standard F-Model Mandolins are priced to fit any budget and packed with features that enhance playability and tone.
STANDARD F-MODEL MANDOLIN FEATURESWood Selection:
Exclusive to Kentucky, all Standard F-model mandolins are constructed using the same high quality close-grained German spruce and solid, Alpine maple. Combined expertly to get the most out of the materials, and promote a level of playability unmatched at this or any price point.
Construction:
All Kentucky mandolins benefit from the years of experience we’ve gained producing instruments at the highest levels—even at more modest price points. The same traditional techniques and innovations to get the most out of the materials and improve playability are applied for unparalleled quality and consistency.
Fingerboard and Fittings:
Focusing on playability and tone without sacrificing material quality, rosewood is used for the fingerboard and bridge. Beautiful to look at durable and relative affordability, rosewood can also be found on some of the most valuable instruments ever made. Accurate nickel-plated and engraved tuners complete these fine instruments.
Finish:
Standard mandolins are skillfully finished and protected by a thin, yet breathable clear coat that looks great, and provides a level of durability that will last for years to come.
When it comes to great mandolins, Kentucky leads the way at every price point. The newly redesigned KM-650 and KM-656 Standard F-Models Mandolins have all the most desirable professional features that any musician needs to be inspired, but is priced for any budget. Available in a beautiful tobacco sunburst or transparent brown. High-end tonewoods and metic- ulous attention to detail by expert luthiers assures effortless playability and world-class tone in a classic design.
Kentucky Deluxe F-Model Mandolins are the perfect choice for professional or amateur players serious about wanting to play the mandolin. Designed and priced to maintain the delicate balance of quality materials, exceptional playability, and tonal perfection—nowhere else can a combination of the most desirable player characteristics and features be found in a single instrument as dependable and ready to perform.
DELUXE F-MODEL MANDOLIN FEATURESWood Selection:
Close-grained German spruce is chosen for the tops, while solid, figured Alpine maple is used for the back, sides and necks. These high-altitude varieties are chosen for the tonal and visual characteristics they posses; which is further enhanced by a natural dry aging process imparting an already seasoned and aged tone win the finished instrument.
Construction:
Our skilled luthiers pay close attention to every detail of the construction to assure that playability, and tone exceeds the player expectation. Kentucky’s luthiers have improved upon and mas- tered the techniques required to produce instruments superior in everyway resulting in unparalleled quality and consistency in a finished product.
Fingerboard and Fittings:
For optimum playability and durability, rosewood is used for the fingerboard. Offering extraordinary player feel and relative affordability as an exotic hardwood, along with years of stability. For optimal setup, a compensated and adjustable rosewood bridge, and accurate nickel-plated and engraved tuners are complete these fine instruments.
Finish:
Deluxe mandolins are skillfully finished and available in a variety of colors options protected by a thin, yet flawless clear coat that not only looks great for years to come, but also provides a durable layer of protection that also allows the wood to season gradually over time.
Since the very beginning, the name Kentucky has been considered one of the best-valued, quality brands of mandolins on the market. The KM-750 mandolin has all the same features one would find on any vintage instrument costing thousands more. Let America’s Favorite Mandolin be your favorite too!
Kentucky Artist F-Model Mandolins are handmade, high-perfor- mance professional quality instruments priced specifically for the working musician. By producing all Artist mandolins in the same workshop as our highest level instruments, advanced pro- duction techniques and design innovations are shared to assure optimum playability and tone is achieved without compromise
ARTIST F-MODEL MANDOLIN FEATURESWood Selection:
For this series, we chose the legendary tonewoods found only in the higher altitudes of the European Alps. Responsibly harvested using ancient techniques, solid and figured Alpine maple used for the backs, sides and necks for a crisp focused attack and beauty, while solid tight-grained German spruce is used for the top for power and punch.
Construction:
Every aspect of the production process is overseen by luthiers in our own workshop. This allows us to focus on every detail and apply many of the same construction techniques used on our master-level instruments. From the meticulously hand-carved tops, and the delicate lines of the body, to the perfectly shaped neck, the fit and finish is exceptional.
Fingerboard and Fittings:
Balancing performance and tone for the working musician with- out sacrificing quality or playability, Artist mandolins are fitted with a compound radius ebony fingerboard and medium frets for increased playability, a compensated adjustable bridge, and high-quality gold plated tuners provide smooth tuning accuracy.
Finish:
Artist Series mandolins are available in a beautiful vintage sunburst or amberburst and protected by a thin, yet flawless clear coat that not only looks great for years to come and brings out the figure of the fine wood, but also provides a durable layer of protection that also allows the wood to breath as it ages.
For the working musician there is nothing more important than having great sounding and reliable instrument. Kentucky now offers the redesigned KM-850 and KM-855 to satisfy that demand. Our luthiers’ hand-select the best close-grained German spruce and figured Alpine maple to use in the construction of each instrument. The result is a thoroughly professional instrument with a tone and playability that is unmatched by any other mandolin in this price range and a true work of art to behold.
Kentucky Master F-Model Mandolins
Kentucky Master F-Model Mandolins represent the pinnacle of instrument design, and the culmination of years of experience manufacturing and improving upon traditional, and significant original designs in an effort to meet the needs of professional musicians who require the best in acoustic tone and playability. Our deep understanding and appreciation for those original, and now legendary designs, along with a meticulous attention to every detail throughout the production process of our own instruments; combined with using the best materials possible, all but assures that each Kentucky Master F-Model Mandolin produced will rival any mandolin at any price..
MASTER F-MODEL MANDOLIN FEATURESWood Selection:
Similar to the most coveted instruments of the past, Kentucky designers travelled to the Northeastern US for the highest qual- ity Adirondack spruce and figured maple. Prized for its tonal attributes, these materials are essential to unlocking the full potential of the designs.
Construction:
Master luthiers follow traditional methods to achieve a level of workmanship to unlock the hidden potential of the tonewoods we use. From the meticulously hand-carved and graduated top and back, to the perfectly shaped neck—the fit and finish is ex- ceptional.
Fingerboard and Fittings:
The fingerboards are shaped from highly polished ebony for beauty, playability and durability. Select from instruments with medium size frets and compound radius fingerboards, to more traditional flat designs with vintage smaller frets. Paired with a compensated and adjustable ebony bridge, and high-quality reverse-gear tuners that provide smooth and accurate action.
Finish:
All mandolins have a beautiful vintage tobacco sunburst and is protected by nitrocellulose lacquer. This type of finish not only looks great, bringing out the figure of the woods, but also provides a durable, thin layer of protection allowing the wood to breathe as it ages.
Originally taking inspiration from instruments produced in the early 1920s, the KM-1000 is our most popular master-level F-style mandolin. For players looking for the same great tone and build quality as the KM-1000, but want something different from other F-style instruments on the market, the KM-1000B has a beautiful Victorian-style, Black-face with a back, sides and neck finish that retains the traditional Cremona sunburst.
For contemporary mandolin players, the KM-1050 is the perfect choice. At first glance, this new master-level mandolin shares similar specifications to the popular KM-1000, but features an ebony fingerboard with a compound radius, a wider nut and saddle string spacing, frets that are taller and wider than those found on vintage instruments. All combine to make for a mandolin with a playability that is unmatched and still retains that traditional look.
Kentucky KM-1500 Mandolin
The KM-1500 Master F-Model Mandolin uses the finest, most highly figured Northern maple combined with the whitest, most fine-grained Adirondack spruce. These solid woods are meticulously handcarved and graduated—just as were the fabled originals of the early ’20s—to achieve the finest tone quality and volume possible in a new instrument. The delicately shaded Cremona sunburst finish on our KM-1500 is as close to the originals as you will ever see—and the elegantly gold- plated and engraved tuning machines and tailpiece are in perfect harmony with the understated elegance of the finish and workmanship. The body, neck and peghead are bordered with ivoroid and fine, black and white lines of inlay. The perfect replica ebony bridge has a compensated top and is height adjustable by two small thumbwheels, gold-plated. Perhaps the crowning touch of elegance on the new KM-1500 is the traditional Fern inlay of abalone pearl, carefully inlaid in the peghead just below the white pearl Kentucky logo. The ebony extension fingerboard has the full 29 frets—low, smooth and polished to perfection. The highly figured maple neck has the slender vee-shape artists prefer. A traditional, oblong case with cover is included in the price.
Whether used for Blues, Country, Jazz, Rock or Swing, the KM-300E electric mandolin has a style and sound that is sure to be a hit with any guitar or mandolin player looking to add a new dimension to their playing style. From the very first note, you will experience the infinite amount of tonal possibilities at your fingertips and you’ll know why this is the best value in a professional level electric mandolin on the market today.
We will be adding more Kentucky Mandolin reviews on a regular basis, so check back. If there is a particular model you would like to see us do, leave a comment!
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