mandomary - Posted - 03/22/2015:  14:57:32

Hello,

I have a chance to purchase a gently played Kentucky KM 805 for $650. Is this a good deal if the instrument in good shape? Any reviews on it in general?

Rob Beck - Posted - 03/23/2015:  07:30:33

I don't know this particular model of mandolin, so take this with a pinch of salt, but the specs on Saga's website appear to tick all the right boxes.  Kentucky mandolins generally have a pretty good reputation.  I have a Kentucky KM-505 that I really like.  If you are in contact with the seller, it would be worth asking if the instrument has had a professional set up as that can make all the difference in it's playability. I would also ask why they are selling the mandolin, I have noticed that two examples of the same model can sound quite different from one another. The price on Saga's site is listed as $1495.00. so the second hand price seems pretty reasonable if the instrument really is only lightly used.

mandomary - Posted - 03/23/2015:  08:21:01

Hi Rob,

Thanks for your input and the link to Saga's website. The seller says he has medical bills and needs the $. It has been set up professionally recently with a CA bridge. My plan is to take it to a luthier friend to check it out and asked for a 72 hr return if necessary.

Off to the website now!

Thanks again,

mary

Rob Beck - Posted - 03/23/2015:  08:30:53

A Cumberland Acoustics bridge too? Sounds good to me :)  Are you able to play it before you decide?

Rob

mandomary - Posted - 03/23/2015:  10:59:55

Hi Rob,

Yes, but at the risk of shipping costs to return it which will be in the neighborhood of $25.00

Mary

Jim Yates - Posted - 03/23/2015:  22:33:00

This sounds like a good deal to me.

Kevin Campbell - Posted - 03/26/2015:  07:35:30

I'd buy it.

MysTiK PiKn - Posted - 03/26/2015:  13:23:33

If it has a CA BRIDGE, chances are the CA guys did a good setup on it while installing the bridge. They build their name on that. !!!!
If the bridge was purchased, and installed elsewhere, or by owner, then setup could be reduced to simple bridge height. Altho, the new bridge has to seated - and there's a test right there.
If the bridge is properly installed, THE FEET must be accurately fitted to the shape of the top - look at the feet of the bridge - if there's no daylight visible, the bridge was properly installed. Even if there is daylight, you could get that properly fitted by a competent luthier near you. That, however, is a MINOR inconvenience, and a minor expense. No worries.
This is a good mandolin - the price is cheap.
It's made of real woods, plus radiused rosewood fretboard - that's a to-die-for combo for this puppy. ;)
Should include a case for an instrument of that quality - if not, make an offer.
Buy it - before somebody else....... - never mind that.
Just buy it. It's still a deal if a repair is needed - very doubtful. Just buy it.

MysTiK PiKn - Posted - 03/26/2015:  13:40:59

folkmusician.com/Kentucky-KM-8...o/KM-805/

Item Number: KM-805
List Price: $1,495.00
Price: $1,079.95 & eligible for free shipping <<<<<<<<< !!!!!!!!! = WHAT THEY SELL FOR.=
Details
You Save: $415.05 (27%)
Usually ships in 2-3 business days

MysTiK PiKn - Posted - 03/26/2015:  13:43:29

elderly.com/new_instruments/it...KM805.htm

sold out here - lots of nice pix tho.

phiddlepicker - Posted - 04/03/2015:  05:31:45

I have one in my herd...very good for the money, looks great and you can take it places or let other people play it without having apoplexy.

The sound IMO is on par with the Gibson F-9....but the playability is better....but I only owned one F-9.

Edited by - phiddlepicker on 04/03/2015 05:34:38

phiddlepicker - Posted - 04/03/2015:  05:43:25

In contrast, the Oscar Schmidt in my pic (my deployment/camping mando) plays easily all along the fretboard, but it's made of glorified plywood....and has the tone one would expect from plywood.

However, using a Blue Chip CT-55 on it really made an amazing difference compared to the picks I tried previously....one reason I keep it aside from sentimental value since I also have 2 Martin Backpackers for trips.

In a roundabout way, I guess what I'm saying is... when ya get the Kentucky, experiment with different picks/strings. lol