Kentucky mandolin history
While this instrument might not be the most affordable one in comparison to other beginner and intermediate models, after playing it or listening to this model, it becomes quite clear that the quality cannot be bought for cheap. The volume on the KM-140 is very impressive while not taking away from nuances tonal range. The solid spruce top with narrow-grains combined with solid back and sides produces a very crisp, punchy sound. Overall, the setup is pretty easy and the final product is a very well rounded, a durable instrument with nice hardware.
Speaking of, you will probably need to change the strings because they are not that great in quality and don’t bring out the best sound in this instrument. The tailpiece is easy to remove if you need to change the strings. Apart from that, you will notice quality Gotoh Deluxe tuning machines and nickel-plated hardware.
KENTUCKY MANDOLIN HISTORY FULL
You get full control and can adjust the action to your liking. Moving on to hardware, Kentucky has equipped the KM-140 with an adjustable compensated rosewood bridge and truss rod. All of this is completed with high-gloss sunburst lacquer finish that lets your instrument shine and age beautifully. The fingerboard is very nicely polished and provides stunning smoothness and playability. This ensures that your mandolin will feel like an actual mandolin and not a toy you are too scared to hold in fear of breaking it in two pieces. dot inlays and a solid joint with the body (dovetail). The sleek maple neck has bound rosewood fingerboard with M.O.P. This helps with the solid construction, comfort and, as you will see once you pick up the instrument, the sound. With this more affordable model, they still went with quality materials such as solid spruce top, maple back, and sides. If you are new to mandolins let me tell you that when it comes to choice of tonewood and construction, there are few that compare to Kentucky’s quality. It would be a great addition to an intermediate player looking for a quality, durable instrument or an amazing start for a beginner. The KM-140 is one of their more affordable models that sell under $300.
Company’s mandolin choice ranges from mid-range to high prices but the price does not change the fact that their models are some of the best ones on the market nowadays. They are known for quality tonewood, great craftsmanship and astounding sound that cannot be mistaken for anything else. Celtic, U.K.Kentucky mandolins have been around for about 25.Jazz/Blues Variants, Bossa, Choro, Klezmer.Old-Time, Roots, Early Country, Cajun, Tex-Mex.Rock, Folk Rock, Roots Rock, Rockabilly.Bluegrass, Newgrass, Country, Gospel Variants.Technique, Theory, Playing Tips and Tricks.Jams, Workshops, Camps, Places To Meet Others.Looking for Information About Mandolins.Quick Navigation General Mandolin Discussions Top But those "Grassland" F-models certainly were ahead of the Gibson revival - would it be cool to get your hands on one of those? Who knew? I had a chance to buy one around 1997 at the Old Time Picking Parlor in Ludlow,OH for a ridiculously low asking price and didn't - really dumb. All of those Kentucky F-styles I've seen are from the early 1980s? But what a bargain they were at the time. He was trying already in 1976 to talk some sense into Norlin-owned Gibson and the first F-5Ls were released in 1978. No, I believe Roger Siminoff was ahead of them by several years. I seems to me I've seen part of it before but never the stuff on the last page. A "small shop" making 30 mandolins a month with 4 luthiers!Fascinating article. And, correct me if I'm wrong, it looks like they (Kentucky) were doing it concurrent with Gibson or perhaps slightly ahead of Gibson - not sure, the article seems to jump from 60's to 70's with the Grassland model, but the main focus seems to be 1978-83 with emphasis on the Siminoff book and the Monteleone designed Dawg model. I had no idea they were going for such an accurate Loar tribute, especially with regard to the materials.