Originally Posted by
eastKYmando
Some of you may know that I've posted on behalf of Ken's mandolins quite a bit. There is a reason for this. I have played Ken's mandolins since the late 90's. I've had a great deal of mandolins in my hands from many builders, some I've liked, loved and some not so much. In any case, I haven't found anything that would cause me to lay my Silverangels aside and say so long. I have owned several, not because any have been bad, but more because I just really enjoy playing them so much. I like to break them in and experience the "opening up". So, in response to some of the posts here on the thread, I have certainly had my share of new builds from Ken. Not once have I ever known Ken to be unfair in his policies, quality or prices. I currently have two F models built by Ken, one being a Redwood and the other a spruce. My spruce is probably the best playing mandolin I've ever had in my hands. It plays like butter and maintains plenty of power and tone with no buzzing on the frets. Now, with that being said...have they always been perfectly set up to my taste upon purchase, no. Ken is a wonderful builder, I challenge you to find another mandolin that sounds like Ken's. Not saying they're the end all, but for my taste the tone is a perfect blend of lows to highs. I've played others I like, but the price range is usually more than double that of Ken's. When it comes to set up, seems to me that preference and taste comes in to play and that goes with any instrument from any builder. I automatically take any mandolin that I play to my set up man, Johnny Rushing. He knows what I like in a set up and can do what I need without me even having to tell him. I understand and appreciate the craft and skill that goes into building a mandolin, but I also value a set up. If I have an instrument that's worth spending money to acquire, then I'm willing and insistent on giving it a proper set up. I know when I take mine for set up, he does it right while I'm there. As far as builders go, they may not always be the best set up guys. I've played several great mandolins by independent builders that would be even better with a good set up. I guess my point is, I don't expect setups from builders to always be spot on. I use set up guys for that. I don't even like all set up guys work, but when I find one I like, I use them on everything. If I was ever in the position to own a $20K mandolin, Johnny Rushing would be setting is up for me. As far as tuners go, blame the manufacturer. I'd venture to say we've all had our share of woes with tuners, "Had a set of (insert brand) on another mandolin and had no problems, but this set won't tune and the gears are tight and hard to turn." I know this, I've been enjoying Ken's mandolins for a very long time and look forward to enjoying them right on for years to come.
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