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Kentucky

Description

An artisan-level instrument, the Kentucky KM-1500 possesses all of the attributes a committed mandolin player seeks in a fine instrument. The finest, most highly figured Michigan maple combined with the whitest, most fine-grained Adirondack spruce comprise the back and sides. These solid woods are meticulously hand carved and graduated like the storied originals of the early '20s to achieve the finest tone quality and volume possible in a new instrument.

The KM-1500's delicately shaded Cremona sunburst finish is as close to the originals as you will ever see. The elegantly gold-plated and engraved tuning machines and tailpiece are in perfect harmony with the understated elegance of the finish and workmanship. Perhaps the crowning touch of elegance on the KM-1500 is the traditional fern inlay of abalone pearl, carefully inlaid in just below the white pearl Kentucky logo. The single notes sing, the fretted chords ring and the muted chops sting.
Kentucky KM-1500 Master F-Model Mandolin Cremona Sunburst
Kentucky KM-1500 Master F-Model Mandolin Cremona Sunburst
Kentucky KM-1500 Master F-Model Mandolin Cremona Sunburst

Features

  • Finest solid, handcarved and graduated Adirondack spruce top
  • Solid, flat-sawn highly-flamed handcarved and graduated Northern Michigan maple back
  • One-piece, highly figured maple neck with dovetail joint at 15th fret, 29 frets total
  • Ebony extension fingerboard with pearl dot position markers
  • ivoroid binding on all edges
  • Peghead overlay features Kentucky logo and traditional fern inlay in abalone pearl
  • Vintage style, height-adjustable ebony bridge with compensated top and small, gold-plated adjustment wheels
  • Mother-of-pearl nut
  • Highly polished nickel-silver frets
  • Gold-plated, engraved tuning machines and tailpiece
  • Hand-rubbed Cremona sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • Shop adjusted
  • Includes a gig bag

Specs

  • Back and Side Material: Solid figured Michigan maple
  • Binding: Ivoroid
  • Body Style: F-Model
  • Bridge Material: Polished ebony with adjustment wheels
  • Fingerboard Binding: Ivoroid
  • Fingerboard Inlay: Mother-of-pearl dots
  • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
  • Finish: Sunburst High-gloss lacquer
  • Neck/Body Joint: Dovetail
  • Neck Material: One-piece maple
  • Note: Accepts loop-end strings only
  • Number of frets clear: 15
  • Number of frets total: 29
  • Nut Material: Mother-of-pearl
  • Nut Width: 1-5/64"
  • Peghead Inlay: Abalone and mother-of-pearl fern-style/logo script
  • Peghead Overlay: Black composition
  • Pickguard: Tortoise (Optional)
  • Plating: Gold-plated/Logo Hand-engraved
  • Scale Length: 13-7/8" (354 mm)
  • Soundhole Shape: Traditional F-hole
  • Tailpiece: 1920s-style stamped brass/Press-fit cover
  • Top: Premium solid Adirondack spruce
  • Top Purfling: Multi-ply white/black/white, top and back inlay
  • Truss Rod: Traditional two-way adjustable
  • Tuning Machines: Deluxe Gotoh, 4-on-a-plate, removable genuine pearl buttons

Reviews

5

1 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Wow. Incredible Mandolin.
Wow. Incredible Mandolin.
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  1. My new #1 all purpose mandolin1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced1
Pros
  1. Attention to Detail - Great Fit & Finish1
  2. Beautiful Inlay to make a Fern player jealous1
  3. Consistent1
  4. Good Tone1
  5. Great Tone from low to high1

Reviewed by 1 customers

  • Wow. Incredible Mandolin.

    5

    submitted8 years ago

    byDano

    fromGeorgetown, TX

    Wow. My new Kentucky KM-1500 Master F Model Mandolin is Fantastic. Honestly, I would put it up against any Gibson that I have ever heard or played and I'm sure the tone will develop even more with age. Its loud. Its woody. It has day long sustain. Chop cords bark so loud that the Banjo player will probably not stand by me anymore. Nothing is missing from it. It really has it all. This model Does have tone bars under the top but I did not find that in any descriptions I read prior to receiving it. Kentucky quality is absolutely Fantastic these days and my friends at Guitar Center in Round Rock, Texas helped me get this mandolin for a fantastic price.

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Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byJeremy

    fromNew Haven, CT

    Where is this mandolin built?

    Open Reply - Beau
    Japan

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byHap

    fromYuma AZ

    Where is it made?

    Open Reply - Beau
    Kentucky mandolins are made in China.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byauntie

    fromundisclosed

    Is this product made in China

    Open Reply - Gear Specialist
    That is correct.