GlennK - Posted - 07/16/2014:  09:58:55

I'm new to the mandolin and this hangout. I'm not sure where to post this. I sure would like a little advice. I've got one of those beginner mandolin packages and I'm ready for something a little better. I've been looking at a km600 hanging in a shop that's been there awhile since it's new . They're asking $600.00 for it, I'm just not as familiar with these as much as guitars or banjos , so any advice would sure be appreciated. I play bluegrass, by the way. Thanks again .

Rob Beck - Posted - 07/18/2014:  03:48:45

I don't know much about the KM 600, but own a KM 505 that I love.  

The general rules with mandolins are that an A style will cost a lot less that an F style for comparable quality, so if you are looking to upgrade, an A style would represent better value.  I would also suggest checking to see if the mandolin has at least a solid wood top (I seem to recall reading somewhere that some of the 600 range - possibly the 630 had a laminate top), If you are upgrading, a solid wood top would probably be a good place to start. 

A good set up can also make the world of difference to a mandolin.

Kentucky mandolins are generally pretty well though of in their price range, and I would not hesitate to recommend the KM 505

Rob Beck - Posted - 07/18/2014:  04:08:58

Update after a little more research.  It seems that the KM 600 does have a hand carved solid top (which almost certainly implies that the side and back are laminate, but it is the top that most people deem to be important in producing the tone).  It also seems that Kentucky produced a mandolin in the 1980s that was also caled a KM 600.  You might want to check whether this is the newer or the older one.  

b4reich - Posted - 07/18/2014:  05:10:26

Hi, I've owned and played the frets off of a KM-630 for 8 years. At the price point, I believe they can't be beat. With the Kentucky mandolins (like many Saga products), the "money" is put into building a quality sounding instrument. Some may label it a "Plain Jane", and certainly other companies put more effort into making their instruments look fancy, but at that same price point, fancy comes at the expense of sound.   

If your local store sells more than one brand of mandolin, take a friend who also plays mandolin along to the store. Have them play the different mandolins, while you face the other direction and listen. Pick your favorite sounding 2 or 3. Then you play the same songs on each of the "top picks", while listening carefully. Make your choice, pay your money, and go home happy. If your local store isn't large enough to carry multiple lines of mandolins, see if you can find a store close enough to make a trip one day. Even if it's just to play different mandolins, that's a great day in my book!    

Good luck with whichever mandolin you decide on!

GlennK - Posted - 07/18/2014:  11:52:59

Thanks for the advice. I'm not going to jump to quick. I've done that and regretted it before so I'm going to take my time. Thanks again.