Kentucky KM-380 Artist A-Model Mandolin (Used)
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Kentucky Mandolins prove that the Good Old Days are now.
Back in the early 1920's there was a single Master Model Mandolin made in the "A" body style with the same long neck and scale new F-5. This so-called A-5 featured an elevated fingerboard, f-holes and the top and back carving closely replicated the pattern of the F-5. Using this rare vintage example as inspiration the designers at Kentucky mandolins have produced an unbelievable value for modern mandolin players. Here is a professional quality instrument at a remarkably affordable price.
The Kentucky KM 380 A-Model mandolin has all the important constructional features of the original, including solid spruce for the top and solid flamed maple for the back. Great care was taken to exactly reproduce the sunburst finish of top and back. The shading and coloring are remarkably true to the original—just as the tone resembles the original in power, richness, and quality.
The long neck of the Kentucky KM 380 offers the player the ultimate in playing ease. The moderate price makes the KM-380 Kentucky mandolin accessible to all.
Features
- Solid spruce top
- Solid flamed maple back & sides
- Solid one piece maple neck adjustable truss rod
- Nitrocellulose lacquer sunburst finish
- Mother of Pearl Inlays on headstock and fingerboard
- High quality, nickel-plated Gotoh tuners
- Traditional Rosewood bridge and bone nut
- Dovetail neck to body joint at 15th fret
- Solid one-piece maple neck
- Adjustable truss rod
- Nitrocellulose lacquer finish
An unbelievable set of features for such a low price. Order today.
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 13 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
Most Liked Positive Review
KM-380S plays very well.
Several advised me in my search for my first starter mandolin to look for an A-frame solid-body because A-frame quality is easier to produce versus the scroll of the F-style. Solid-body construction is preferable for...Read complete review
Several advised me in my search for my first starter mandolin to look for an A-frame solid-body because A-frame quality is easier to produce versus the scroll of the F-style. Solid-body construction is preferable for ease of resonance and the resulting impact upon desirable tone. This Kentucky 380S is proving the advice to be accurate. In performance, it has mixed well along with guitars, percussion, piano, and vocals. The high register rings out well, and the play-action & sustain are very good. The finish is also very attractive. Mandolins do appear to be much more sensitive to adjustments (i.e. set-up) than do guitars, which is likely due to the relative size differences. Would have been nice to have some installation tips included within the factory box on how to set-up the bridge for optimal performance instead of my stumbling around making blind common sense adjustments.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
quality very sloppy
I purchased this mandolin after reading the reviews....the mandolin i recieved was nothing like what I read. The finish was very bad with many blems...the f-holes were different sizes. And...Read complete review
I purchased this mandolin after reading the reviews....the mandolin i recieved was nothing like what I read. The finish was very bad with many blems...the f-holes were different sizes. And the sound was just ok. No thanks.
Reviews
Reviewed by 13 customers
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Comments about Kentucky KM-380 Artist A-Model Mandolin:
I purchased this mandolin after reading the reviews....the mandolin i recieved was nothing like what I read. The finish was very bad with many blems...the f-holes were different sizes. And the sound was just ok. No thanks.
Comments about Kentucky KM-380 Artist A-Model Mandolin:
This mando has great action and fantastic sound. I have not had to fix anything in terms of action etc. I am amazed at the volume although the sound is harsher then other mandos I have played. It beats a fender I haved played and it still has the factory strings!
Comments about Kentucky KM-380 Artist A-Model Mandolin:
I have been very pleased with this mandolin. The action is some of the best I have ever seen. It is a little hard to tune but once I get it tuned it stays tuned for a day or more. The finish is very nice. I would definately recommend theis mando.
Comments about Kentucky KM-380 Artist A-Model Mandolin:
I would have to say that this is one of the best mandolin bargains on the market. I played quite a few before choosing the 380s and I am happy with my purchase. Will I eventually upgrade? Probably... My only problem with the mandolin is with the quality control. My mandolin had a couple of bad spots in the varnish and the binding along the bottom of the fretboard is cracked at each fret. This does not effect the playability and sound, but it is kind of annoying. The store cut me a significant deal due to the cosmetic defects, so I'm not really complainging. Just beware before you buy, there can be some quality issues.
Comments about Kentucky KM-380 Artist A-Model Mandolin:
I recently purchased this mando from musician's friend and am very impressed with the quality. The value is almost unbeatable, and I am happy with my purchase. I am a beginner mandolin player who has played guitar for years, and this mando has everything I want.
Comments about Kentucky KM-380 Artist A-Model Mandolin:
This is a great sounding mandolin. However, the quality is sketchy. Mine had a few hairline cracks in the binding. I had to shave the bridge a lot just to make it playable. The nut could use a little work as well because the action is a little high for my taste around the 1st few frets. Overall the string tension seems higher than other mandos that I have played.I am guessing the build quality will vary from instrument to instrument. So your experience in quality and tone may be different from mine.
Comments about Kentucky KM-380 Artist A-Model Mandolin:
Several advised me in my search for my first starter mandolin to look for an A-frame solid-body because A-frame quality is easier to produce versus the scroll of the F-style. Solid-body construction is preferable for ease of resonance and the resulting impact upon desirable tone. This Kentucky 380S is proving the advice to be accurate. In performance, it has mixed well along with guitars, percussion, piano, and vocals. The high register rings out well, and the play-action & sustain are very good. The finish is also very attractive. Mandolins do appear to be much more sensitive to adjustments (i.e. set-up) than do guitars, which is likely due to the relative size differences. Would have been nice to have some installation tips included within the factory box on how to set-up the bridge for optimal performance instead of my stumbling around making blind common sense adjustments.
Comments about Kentucky KM-380 Artist A-Model Mandolin:
After considerable research and almost buying a similarly priced Febder I choose this as my first mandolin (I've been playing the guitar for years and needed a new challenge). Compared to mandolins in the same price range the resonance and sound are amazing. It's got a great tone and is easy to play. My mandolin teacher is amazed at how little I paid for it!! I couldn't be happier.
Comments about Kentucky KM-380 Artist A-Model Mandolin:
I like my KM-380, it has a tone and playability not found on mando's costing three times as much.
Comments about Kentucky KM-380 Artist A-Model Mandolin:
I have had mine for over a year and after owning two cheaper priced Mandos I traded them for a KM380 and I am so happy I did I just wish it was Acoustic/Electric but I have installed a pickup and it sounds great. Not the best quality byut great for an Asian import.
