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Thread: Kentucky KM-630

  1. #1

    Default Kentucky KM-630

    Good afternoon,

    I have a line on a KM-630. He said he wouldn't go any lower than $300. What are your expert opinions on this mando and price? Thanks!

    Joe

  2. #2
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    Solid pressed (not carved) top, solid back and sides (at least according to Elderly). Prices seem to run $550-700 for a new one, so $300's around what one might expect for a used one.

    If you're not determined to get an F-model, Kentucky has all-solid-wood, carved-top A-models for less money. If you really want an F-model, $300's not a bad price.

    If you're getting a decent case as well for your $300, that's another plus.
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  3. #3

    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    Quote Originally Posted by allenhopkins View Post
    If you're not determined to get an F-model, Kentucky has all-solid-wood, carved-top A-models for less money. If you really want an F-model, $300's not a bad price.
    Do you recommend an A over a F? I don't own a mandolin, nor do I play yet. I'm a guitarist who's been playing for 15+ years, but no mandolin. It is my next instrument to learn. Thanks for the info so far

    Joe

  4. #4

    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    As Allen noted, 300 for the F is going to be pretty close to the real value of the mandolin. If you buy a new, cheaper A, it will depreciate, maybe even more percentage-wise. There is no appreciable difference to a beginner between A and F style, and the price range you are talking about, there might be no difference at all. A huge chunk of the cost of an F resides in that scroll and in the two points. It is just like building a house, every corner, every cut, adds to the cost. Grab that F for 300 and unless it is obviously damaged or defective, you will get your money's worth out of it.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    Gonna highjack my own post...anyone ever heard of a Woods F-Style mandolin? Never heard of it and not a lot online about them. Thanks!

    Joe

  6. #6
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    Quote Originally Posted by jpschersch View Post
    Do you recommend an A over a F?...
    No, but I would recommend a carved top over a heat-pressed top -- as a general rule. Not a major factor in learning the instrument, however. As vetus scotia points out, the scroll and points of the F-model, which are basically ornamental and don't improve its sound, do add to its price.

    Probably you'd be pretty satisfied with the KM-630, if it's well set up. Carved tops have the potential to be more acoustically responsive than heat-pressed tops, but in the mid-price range, the differences probably wouldn't leap out at you.

    And the Woods brand is a new one on me.
    Allen Hopkins
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  7. #7
    Confused... or?
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    Randy Wood??? Maybe add a few zeroes...
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  8. #8
    Barry Smith
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    I had a KM-630 that I bought for around that price. It was worth it and a decent mandolin. Definite difference in tone between it and a carved top, however. When I bought a carved top F, I sold the 630 for the same price I paid for it. You probably can't go to wrong and playability is good. The best mandolin I have gotten rid of (with regret) was a KM 180 S. Solid, carved top A model that was excellent sounding and playing as well as only $200 + used. As always, best tonal bang for the buck will be with the A-model.
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  9. #9

    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    .anyone ever heard of a Woods F-Style mandolin? Never heard of it and not a lot online about them. Thanks!
    I am familiar with the Woods Instruments. I am a dealer for their parent company so by default I am also a Woods dealer. They are fine for what they are, but nothing to write home about. I do not sell them.

    For the KM-630....
    $300 was an average price a few years back, but the way prices have been climbing, I would say that $300 is now a good deal. The newer versions are better mandolins than those with the full fingerboard extension. So $300 for one that looks like this and is in good playing condition would be something that I would jump on. Note the fingerboard extension, head-stock inlay and tuners. These will Identify it as the newer version.

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    $300 for an older version is still not a bad deal at all. Again, you just need to check things like the frets and neck.
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  10. #10
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    I picked mine up for 300..I like it play great.. good price..

    AL

  11. #11

    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    Well all, I went ahead and purchased the Kentucky KM-630 for $300. I feel pretty good about it. There are a couple small things on it that don't really "worry" me...but have me thinking a little bit..I'll submit some pics to gauge some opinions (thought, its too late to turn back now :P). Photos 3 and 4 are the spots I was talking about. Not sure why there is that tiny hole on photo 4...

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    Anyway, thanks for the advice

    Joe

  12. #12
    its a very very long song Jim's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    Hole is where a finger rest/pickguard was or could have been installed, Nice looking instrument. Hope you enjoy it.
    Jim Richmond

  13. #13

    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    Any thoughts/ideas on the spot above the neck that is missing the varnish or whatever (pic #3)? Thanks!

    Joe

  14. #14
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kentucky KM-630

    Can anyone help me with specs for the following instrument?

    KM630S
    serial # 0181616
    Made in China

    Are we still talking about a solid pressed top and solid B/S?
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