Kentucky Mandolin info

[CLARKM13]

I have recently been given a Kentucky km-2000 mandolin ss#91106, would appreciate any information that someone might have on the age, where made and approximate value. The instrument is in very good condition, thats about all I know to tell you right now. thanks Butch

[earthsave]

This appear to have been built in 1991. The Dawgs are considered very good mandos. someone else can verify and give you a value

[tryingtopick]

Hello ClarkM13... I am curious about the serial number on the Saga label of your KM-2000. Does it read: " 91.10.6" or " 91.1.06 ", with decimals between the digits, or are the numbers printed without any decimals?
I have been observing some of the serial numbers recorded on the Japanese made Master Model instruments, and have not discovered any instruments with decimals in the serial number manufactured after 1985. This may indicate a pattern to the serial numbers that is not yet understood, or recorded. Thanks for your help with this process.....

[45ACP-GDLF5]

Kentucky has never made a KM-2000.

They used to make a KM-1500, and they recently brought back the KM-1000. That's the highest model numbers Kentucky has ever issued.

[MANDOLINMYSTER]

Kentucky has never made a KM-2000.

They used to make a KM-1500, and they recently brought back the KM-1000. That's the highest model numbers Kentucky has ever issued.

There was a KM-2000..it was the replacement to the KM-DAWG I recall seeing it listed in an old Mandolin Brothers catalog. I would like to see some pics of it, as I have never actually seen one.
.

[CLARKM13]

I will get my kids to put some pictures of it up asap, any ideas on the age of it??

[CLARKM13]

to TRYINGTOPICK the serial numbers just read a straight 91106, no breaks or hyphens, hand written on the label inside the mandolin

[MANDOLINMYSTER]

I would think it dates from the late 1980's thru early 1990's.
I have a 1984 DAWG model that I realy love...great instruments.

[earthsave]

From what little I've read the KM-2000s were only made between 1991 and 1995. They were John Monteleone designed instruments of which Sumi made exactly 48.

[CLARKM13]

You think they only produced 48 of these mandolins?

[fatt-dad]

Nice gift! Can't wait to see the photos!

f-d

[MANDOLINMYSTER]

You think they only produced 48 of these mandolins?

I believe there were 48 of the DAWG models built, not the KM 2000.

[CLARKM13]

Here is the KM-2000

[MANDOLINMYSTER]

Clarkm13- You got yourself a very nice mandolin there. Its just like the Kentucky DAWG model that preceided it. Enjoy it..oh yeah its quite valuable too..say $3500-4000k

[45ACP-GDLF5]

Clarkm13- You got yourself a very nice mandolin there. Its just like the Kentucky DAWG model that preceided it. Enjoy it..oh yeah its quite valuable too..say $3500-4000k

If this is a copycat of the DAWG model, then it's value would only be around $2000 max. Sumi only built the KM1000's 1500's and only 48 DAWG models. Sumi worked with David Grisman in creating the DAWG model based on the Monteleone.

It's VERY odd that the serial number is handwritten. I've handled and played Kentuckys for over 25 years and I've NEVER seen a serial number that was handwritten. Even the Korean and Chinese models were ink-stamped serial numbers. Was this model built in Japan??

[Michael Cameron]

My friends never give me stuff like that.

[CLARKM13]

the gold label inside the instrument says:

"Saga Musical Instruments"
"Kentucky Mandolin"
"style km-2000"
"number 91106"

[CLARKM13]

the gold label inside the instrument says:

"

Saga Musical Instruments"
"Kentucky Mandolin"
"style km-2000" (hand written)
"number 91106" (hand written)

[MikeEdgerton]

This model has been discussed in years past, it's a known Saga mandolin. It was built from 1991 to 1995. The Dawg production ended in 1991. The number is indeed correct, as to where they built them, that I don't know. Perhaps the original poster should contact Saga (www.sagamusic.com) for further information. As for the value, I might consider contacting Gruhn, Elderly, or Mandolin Brothers. They would probably have a realistic idea as to what the current value is.

[carlnut]

Hi 45ACP-GDLFS, I have a Kentucky 380S made in China and it has a gold colored sticker inside with handwritten serial and model numbers. I have seen others handwritten also. Richard Mauney, First chair washtub, last chair mandolin. Mooresville NC

[Desert Rose]

Maybe I can help clear up some confussion here

Sumi STOPPED building for Saga in late 1992 or early 1993, Sumi was the sole builder of the Maruko shop at this time ans when he stopped, everything stopped. By early to mid 1993 he was already making only Sumi brand instruments I own Sumi 93-003 the third instrument he ever made with his name on it

Sumi built all 48 of the Dawgs HOWEVER whether its called a Dawg signifying the relationship between Saga and Grisman or the 2000 after the contract was voided was not Sumis call, he built the mandolins and the names were added later

There were 48 of these mandolins made in total, which label they had would be a mixed bag so saying there were 48 DAWGS is not accurate, there were 48 Dawg style mandoilins built how many had the name 2000 is a question I dont think even Saga knows for sure

And lets not forget the odd dogs like the oval soundhole Dawg Sumi built, I remember this it was 1992 and sold in Japan as a custom order

Scott

[MikeEdgerton]

There you have it from someone that actually knows about the instrument. Thanks Scott.

[MANDOLINMYSTER]

DesertRose,

Thank you for the additional information. I was hoping you would see this post. Interesting 48 Montelone style instruments, not DAWG labeled specific, so the DAWG labeled ones just became fewer.I love this place.

[CLARKM13]

Deaert Rose, sorry you left me with the background on the KM-2000, just to clarify in my mind:

1. what year or years were the KM-2000 produced

2. who are you saying produced them?

[earthsave]

Deaert Rose, sorry you left me with the background on the KM-2000, just to clarify in my mind:

1. what year or years were the KM-2000 produced

2. who are you saying produced them?

What I read is:

1. Sumi made them in 1993 or before and,

2. Sumi made 48 of them and they got labeled Dawg or KM-2000 by Saga.