The exclusive black and white layered pickguard is a vintage touch that is both practical and elegant. A lovely amberburst lacquer finish covers the entire instrument and all metal parts are gold-plated. Kentucky KM-855 Artist F-Model Mandolin Vintage Amberburst 888365093321. The solid spruce top and flamed maple back and sides are hand-carved and graduated with elegant, black and white purfling on top and bottom edges. The KM-1000 Kentucky Master Model Mandolin was introduced in the late 1970s in response to players’ and collectors’ requests for a mandolin that duplicated the best vintage instruments in every point. On the peghead, white and exotic red mother-of-pearl are set in a gleaming, black overlay for a stunning effect. Great mando, but started out very stiff sounding and playing, I thought. The entry level / intermediate market in mandolins has definitely heated up in recent years.
Robert (folkmusician) sold me a new 1500 several years ago. Recent Master models are pretty consistent as far as necks go. This is a great instrument with nice appointments - solid wood, a nitro finish, bone nut and lots of sweet tone. The current product design team at Kentucky has over 150 years combined experience in developing and refining Kentucky Mandolins. Kentucky KM-270 Mandolin/w K&K Pickup - like new FS/FT - 400 (Austin) Beautiful Sunburst Kentucky KM-270 oval hole mandolin, in magnificent shape, with professionally installed passive K&K pickup and heel-mounted strap button.
For over 40 years, Kentucky Mandolins have been the choice of musicians who seek the finest mandolins at all levels. A little more pronounced V and you do notice the smaller frets. Kentucky KM500 Mandolin w/Gig Bag & Pro-Setup. The master luthiers at Kentucky Mandolins have given our top-selling KM-505 a total revision – adding more tone, volume, style and VALUE! The slim, comfortably-shaped neck of figured maple has the feel of a fine, vintage instrument and the ebony fretboard has a modern extension and with 22 smooth, low nickel-silver frets. Re: Kentucky KM 1050 v 1500 or 1000 v 1500.