Proud Kentucky Pickers - Let's see 'em!!

[MojoDaniels]

Sorry. I left out the top photo.

[Andrew B. Carlson]

Sorry. I left out the top photo.

They really nailed the binding on those 1500's!

[lflngpicker]

Thanks Ben, I "liked" it and posted it on my soundcloud page. Very well written and performed. Thanks. I just bought a Kentucky KM-650 early 80's MIJ. I can't wait for it to arrive!

To hear my KM650 go to
https://soundcloud.com/ben-shavers/dark

I need to redo the track soon but anyways..

[Ken Olmstead]

I have 2 a Chinese KM-700 and what I believe is a early 80's SN 207XX KM250S. I traded for the KM700 and paid 75 bucks for the KM250S, Its a little worse for wear but he price was right.

2 nice Kentuckys my man!!!

I took delivery of my KM-1500 Friday Feb 7th. I'm not sure if it is considered a 2013 or a 2014 but I waited all month for Saga to get some in. Robert at folkmusician.com Shipped it on to me after installing the LR Baggs Radius internally and the Cumberland Acoustics bridge.

I am already in love with this instrument. It plays so well. I can finally retire my Fender Fm63s (by retire I mean let the kids play with it). I am in love with his new Mandolin. I couldn't be happier with the feel and sound, though I must admit I am a bit envious of one or two of the real gems in this thread when it comes to detail in the wood. I think they are going a little heavy on the black in the sunburst these days.

DROOL!!!!!

I think that looks great... nice wide-flame back. Lots of flame in the neck, too... what's the top like?

They do seem to have changed the 'bursts somewhat. This is my other KM-1000, built 2007:



I've noticed that with the 900's and 1500's too. They appear to have had more red in there a few years ago, with a less dense 'tobacco' type fade at the edges, and now they seem to have more black. Not sure when this changed, or if you still get the paler, reddish ones showing up?

I agree. Mine has that darker burst and I do prefer the lighter ones. I guess like Gibson of past, some slip through with different shades. But the darker one is more traditional-ish. Yours is a beaut!

[BenShavers]

Thanks Dan! That really means alot to get positive feedback! I do quite enjoy your Take A Stand track. Great singing.
The 650 has all the solid wood components as any other high-priced mandolin in my opinion.
I went down to the Guitar Center in Lexington KY and played a 98 gibson fern, then played
the KM650 that was hanging next to it to find out it was louder and woodier.
So when one showed up at a music store close to home I had to have it.

[Jim Ferguson]

Well, Alaska is fairly dry. It is common to have a "winter and summer" bridge for many acoustic instruments. While I keep mine well humidified, I think it still is a bit dry.

The "Tall Boy" is a bit of a misnomer. It only adds 3/32" to the height of the normal, 3/4" bridge. The original will work but I think I will like the CA a bit better is all. I will let you know. He sure did a great job on the frets and fingerboard and nut slots though. Perfect!!

Heh Ken.........I lived in Nome for a # of years & there was/is a community of devouted blue grass & old time pickers 'n grinners there.......the Midnight Sun Folkfest is a blast.........make the journey some summer........loads of fun........& take your mando...:-)
Peace,

[multidon]

Kentucky KM 600 bought used from The Mandolin Store and received as a Christmas present from MAS enabling wife! I put on the ebony CA arm rest but have since replaced it with a sunburst flame maple McClung that looks like it was made for it! This is now my beater. Pretty fancy schmancy for a beater, no?

[Zissou Intern]

Nice "beater"!

[Ken Olmstead]

Heh Ken.........I lived in Nome for a # of years & there was/is a community of devouted blue grass & old time pickers 'n grinners there.......the Midnight Sun Folkfest is a blast.........make the journey some summer........loads of fun........& take your mando...:-)
Peace,

I've been to Nome once. As western Alaska towns go, that one is the bees knees!! If I go again, I'll take the mando as you suggest!

Kentucky KM 600 bought used from The Mandolin Store and received as a Christmas present from MAS enabling wife! I put on the ebony CA arm rest but have since replaced it with a sunburst flame maple McClung that looks like it was made for it! This is now my beater. Pretty fancy schmancy for a beater, no?

Great looking beater man!!! Nice wife too? You are walking on sunshine!

[lflngpicker]

Here's my early 1980's KM-650 Japan Made. We're just getting acquainted!

[Ken Olmstead]

Here's my early 1980's KM-650 Japan Made. We're just getting acquainted!

How's the honeymoon treating you??? Looks great BTW!

[samlyman]

Here's a side by side of my KM 950 and Collings MT2.

[samlyman]

Doug at Hill Country Stringworks made me pickguard and McClung armrest to match the finish on the KM 950. His work is excellent and the pickguard ended up costing far less than competitors. The total cost of McClung armrest and pickguard was $74 w/ shipping.

[Clement Barrera-Ng]

Doug at Hill Country Stringworks made me pickguard and McClung armrest to match the finish on the KM 950. His work is excellent and the pickguard ended up costing far less than competitors. The total cost of McClung armrest and pickguard was $74 w/ shipping.

Looks wonderful Sam. You are making me miss that 950. I'm thinking of getting a fingerest from Doug for a MT I just picked up. I love his work and hist prices are more than reasonable.

[samlyman]

Clement: I worked a number of hours to get the 950 set up to play just like my Collings MT2. Now it has the pickguard, armrest and Tone Gard so it even feels like my MT2 and is a great alternative on those days when the Collings stays home.

[Roin]

So since I was asked to post a couple of pics, here my KM-505. It is my first Kentucky and well we'll see what comes next :D.

[AlsMusicShopNY]

Wow, some of you guys are pretty good with a camera. These are some beautiful instruments. I'd love to see some videos where I can here these played. Is there a thread for that? I thought I'd included some pics of our km-300e.

[Ken Olmstead]

Wow, some of you guys are pretty good with a camera. These are some beautiful instruments. I'd love to see some videos where I can here these played. Is there a thread for that? I thought I'd included some pics of our km-300e.

They can go right here!

(However, we do need to be mindful of advertising instruments for sale in accordance with the Mandolin Café policy)

Anything Kentucky is welcome! Since you posted a 300e, here is a video of mine!

[AlsMusicShopNY]

Sweet video. Very clean sound, love it. Also, I purposely did not post a direct link or price as too not come off as advertising, just sharing the pic. But, if anything I do or post is violating a policy I will certainly remove it.

[Mark Wilson]

This thread needs an oval hole, preferably a 172!

How 'bout a KM-171 blacktop while you wait?

Plays good. Looks good. Sounds sweet to me. A no regret choice for my first mandolin!

[Ken Olmstead]

Sweet video. Very clean sound, love it. Also, I purposely did not post a direct link or price as too not come off as advertising, just sharing the pic. But, if anything I do or post is violating a policy I will certainly remove it.

No problem Sean, I started typing and was like "hey anything Kentucky!" Then I saw you were a dealer and felt obligated to add the comment as a general reminder to all. You are totally in the clear as far as I know and I appreciate the photos of the 300e!!! Thanks for the kudos on the vid!

How 'bout a KM-171 blacktop while you wait?

Plays good. Looks good. Sounds sweet to me. A no regret choice for my first mandolin!

Nothing to regret there!! I am thrilled you posted it. They are great low cost ovals and give any oval out there a run for the money!!! Funny how the cost of the black is cheaper than the "pumpkin" huh? I do want a 172 for myself but black is as classic as they come. Thanks!!

[Roin]

No problem Sean, I started typing and was like "hey anything Kentucky!" Then I saw you were a dealer and felt obligated to add the comment as a general reminder to all. You are totally in the clear as far as I know and I appreciate the photos of the 300e!!! Thanks for the kudos on the vid!



Nothing to regret there!! I am thrilled you posted it. They are great low cost ovals and give any oval out there a run for the money!!! Funny how the cost of the black is cheaper than the "pumpkin" huh? I do want a 172 for myself but black is as classic as they come. Thanks!!

Heh since I love folk I'd like to get an oval hole some day too, the KM-174 looks quite promising but maybe this one would be my one in a lifetime buy and I'd go for something like a Collings MT-O, not sure yet and I also have loads of time to think about it anyway :D

[Richard J]

Please let me show you my KM-172. I bought it after my traumatic brain injury to recover my short-time memory. Had never played any instrument before and couldn't be happier. I'm the second owner. It sat unplayed for nearly two years, even it was set-up correctly, but the owner is a guitarist who decided he didn't like mandolins. When I was offered to buy, he played a couple of songs & I thought it sounded great. I've been playing it for two years and it sounds so much better, really got it's voice. The person I bought it from can't believe it's the same mandolin.

[Zissou Intern]

I have been thinking about buying an oval hole. I am narrowing it down to a Morris F or A or a Kentucky KM172. My brother-in-law has a 172, and it is quite nice.

[Ken Olmstead]

Please let me show you my KM-172. I bought it after my traumatic brain injury to recover my short-time memory. Had never played any instrument before and couldn't be happier. I'm the second owner. It sat unplayed for nearly two years, even it was set-up correctly, but the owner is a guitarist who decided he didn't like mandolins. When I was offered to buy, he played a couple of songs & I thought it sounded great. I've been playing it for two years and it sounds so much better, really got it's voice. The person I bought it from can't believe it's the same mandolin.

Fantastic!! I will have one, likely before the year is out!! Thanks for posting!!