The most common scheme is sunburst with a few variations. Most Kentucky mandolins have a very classic and elegant finish.
The most common types of finish used for the Kentucky models are lacquered and polished, although you will find some exceptions. You will see this combination on lower tiers like the KM-150 and KM-272.įor the high-grade models like the KM-1000 and KM-1500, they use Adirondack spruce and flamed Michigan maple for the back and sides. Kentucky mandolins are well-known for their mix of spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides.
But here and there you can find some variation in wood types and color schemes. Kentucky stays true to its construction formulas, as they made this company so popular among mandolin players. This model comes with a classic but truly elegant finish that will bring joy to your eyes as well as your ears. The KM-1500 is considered a top-notch mandolin that can easily compete with any Gibson model out there.
This mandolin is very affordable, which makes it a perfect choice for beginners and even some intermediate players. The Kentucky KM-150 Standard A-model Mandolin is one of the most popular models made by Kentucky. Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back, sunburst finish.Kentucky KM-150 Standard A-model Mandolin From the KM-252 to the high-grade KM-1500, each one has a unique set of features well worth your money. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Kentucky mandolins. Most F-styles have a brighter sound than A-style mandolins. F-Styleį-style mandolins can sometimes cost more because of their distinctive design with decorative scrolls near the neck and the head of the mandolin. This type is commonly used in folk music. Oval hole A-style, as the name indicates, has a big oval hole in the middle, which provides better projection and sustain. Kentucky A-style mandolins can cost a little less than their F-style counterparts. A-StyleĪ-style mandolins offers a round-shaped body type and a mellow sound that will fit perfectly in folk music. Here we’ll find A-styles, F-styles, and some variations on those two. Kentucky mandolins are quite classic in their design and shape. Kentucky offers a great selection of mandolins for every level, which makes them so popular nowadays. You can find some accessible models like the KM-150, as well as some of the most expensive ones like the KM-1500 and KM-1050. A great definition of low tones and a pleasant warm brightness makes them quite unique compared to other mandolin brands. Most Kentucky mandolins have a woody and folky sound, which makes them perfect for bluegrass music. Most Kentucky mandolins have an A-style or F-style shape, with some exceptions like the oval hole A-style KM-270 and KM-120, which are inspired by smaller instruments of the 1920s. But some models can differ in size, shape type, and tonal qualities. Kentucky mandolins are quite constant in the type of wood used and overall quality. Things to Consider When Choosing a Kentucky Mandolin If you’re looking for a serious instrument with an all-American flavor, Kentucky is the way to go. Their classic design and finish are often admired for their simplicity and elegance. Kentucky specializes in creating unique and powerful instruments that can fit in folk and bluegrass music. With over 40 years of experience creating mandolins, Kentucky offers consistent sound quality and a great value for its price tag. The Kentucky Mandolin Company is based in San Francisco and is currently owned by Saga Music, an American manufacturer and distributor of traditional acoustic instruments.