Muscle Tone - Posted - 11/17/2013:  17:42:43

First off I'd like to start off with a little background. I've been playing mando seriously for several years and I'm part of a local bluegrass band in my area that does gigs about 2-3 times a month. I have been left-handed my entire life, but I have always played right-handed instruments upside down because that's what works best for me. My main mandolin right now is a Loar LM-520VS which I love, but I've always thought an A-model looked better being played upside-down than an F and plus I have a serious case of M.A.S. I have started doing research on solid wood, hand carved A-model mandolins and I have become interested in the Kentucky KM-160 series, specifically the KM-161. Would this be as good as my Loar or better? and also would it be good enough to play gigs with? Thanks!

TI_USER - Posted - 11/17/2013:  19:33:26

The KM 161 is a decent entry level mandolin but probably not quite as good as the Loar 520VS.  A slightly better Kentucky model (but not by a lot) would be the KM162L, which is built as a left-handed model.  Folkmusician sells it with a top rate set up included in the price.  Here is a link.

folkmusician.com/Left-Handed-K.../KM-162L/

The sound from any of these entry level models is going to be hit or miss.  You may get one that is just average or you may get one that is excellent.

ErikForGod - Posted - 11/18/2013:  09:38:02

Mandoboy "A" models are actually a better bargain for the money....what kind of budget do you have?

Muscle Tone - Posted - 11/18/2013:  13:50:56

quote:

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Originally posted by ErikForGod

 

Mandoboy "A" models are actually a better bargain for the money....what kind of budget do you have?

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I really can't spend much money on a mando right now, but my budget would be around the $200-400 range.

mojohand40 - Posted - 11/19/2013:  06:38:18

quote:

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Originally posted by mandoboy1995

 

First off I'd like to start off with a little background. I've been playing mando seriously for several years and I'm part of a local bluegrass band in my area that does gigs about 2-3 times a month. I have been left-handed my entire life, but I have always played right-handed instruments upside down because that's what works best for me. My main mandolin right now is a Loar LM-520VS which I love, but I've always thought an A-model looked better being played upside-down than an F and plus I have a serious case of M.A.S. I have started doing research on solid wood, hand carved A-model mandolins and I have become interested in the Kentucky KM-160 series, specifically the KM-161. Would this be as good as my Loar or better? and also would it be good enough to play gigs with? Thanks!

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Robert Crumb plays mandolin this way also (Left handed on an upside down right handed instrument). He plays very well, IMO.  I would think an A model would be a better fit for this type of playing.  I say get the KM-160. It may not be a big "upward move" from your Loar, but it's a good mandolin and will probably be more comfortable for you to play.

I would say it would be as good as you Loar with some playing time on it (your Loar is probably aged a bit and played in by now "opened up" as they say). Would the KM-160 be good enough to gig with? Sure!

Edited by - mojohand40 on 11/19/2013 06:41:21