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Thread: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

  1. #1
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    Default Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    Hi All,

    Hope everyone is safe and well.

    A few years ago, I bought a 1964 Martin A style, sight unseen, from Guitar Center, via mail order. Turns out, it desperately needed a neck reset, a fact the sale guy didn't mention. After much frustration, I unloaded it, and forgot about learning the mandolin.

    Now, I've got the hankering to try again.

    Does anyone have any thoughts on the Hohner A style (https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/163337#163337) versus a Kentucky KM-150?

    Hohner = $199 (assuming a set up)
    Kentucky = $399 + (all the shops say they'll set up).

    $400 is my top price-wise.

    As a guitar player, would I always be thinking that the Kentucky would have been the better choice, the nicer sounding one--due to better woods (I think), better rep, etc.?

    There's nowhere for me to try these out in my area.

    Thanks much!
    john

  2. #2
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    How about a Strad-O-Lin?

    Saw this on ebay today

    You could take it in for setup and still be ahead of the game.

  3. #3
    Registered User Eric F.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    Kentucky. Not even close.

  4. #4
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    I have that same worry about buying vintage. Unless I can view and play the mandolin I wont buy.... I just dont have the right skills if something comes up.

    Buying new from a reputable retailer gives me piece of mind. However, others have found very nice vintage mandolins and couldn't be happier!

    Heres one I saw on Reverb in your price range. NFI.

    I'm not sure of the difference between the Kentucky km 150 and the 140. Others might chime in.

    Kentucky km140 solid top, w/ gig bag and set up: https://reverb.com/item/29630255-ken...padded-gig-bag

  5. #5
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    Quote Originally Posted by Sue Rieter View Post
    How about a Strad-O-Lin?

    Saw this on ebay today

    You could take it in for setup and still be ahead of the game.
    Some of the later Strad-O-Lins were laminated wood. Early ones were solid. I am not sure which this is. If solid, then a great deal, if not, eh?
    Jim

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  6. #6

    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    Kentucky

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    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    I appreciate the responses/links all!

    Actually, though I wasn't entertaining an older instrument, someone a few towns over posted a 60s/70s Orpheum MIJ A model. Says it has new strings, plays nice, sounds nice, no case/pick guard. I may try to check that out. It's half my budget.

  8. #8
    Registered User Gunnar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    Kentucky
    Mandolin: Kentucky KM150
    Other instruments: way too many, and yet, not nearly enough.

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    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    Get the KM150 or an Eastman 305 from a cafe sponsor and call it a day. Both are built in the factories that build their more nicely appointed mandolins and are consistently very good, with the occasional awesome one. Well set up, you’re good to go until MAS sets in...
    Chuck

  10. #10

    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    Kentucky, hands down...

    Len B.
    Clearwater, FL

  11. #11
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    Another vote for the Kentucky.

    And looking at the eBay Strad-O-Lin, it does appear the top and back are laminated.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
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    Registered User Bob Buckingham's Avatar
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    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    Kentucky

  13. #13

    Default Re: Advice: new Hohner A style vs Kentucky KM-150

    If it’s a straight choice between the KM150 and the Hohner, then the Kentucky wins hands down.

    However, the Eastman 305 is also a great sounding mandolin.

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