FAQs on Kentucky KM-380S 300 Series A-Style Mandolin

Subject: Mandolin Purchase
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 14:27:17 -0700

I'm considering buying a mandolin. Could you tell me what you think of the Kentucky KM-380S (reliability, feel, sound) compared to other mandolins in the same price range?

Nelson Lothers

Greetings Nelson,

Yes, the Kentucky is a tremendous value...what sets apart the KM-300 series, is the fact that it's braced and designed like an F-style with an A-style body...comparatively speaking, within the same price range, it's as nice a mandolin as you can ask for...the playability is entirely dependent on the set-up...there are certainly other options...only, a lot depends on what you yourself are looking for in features and tone. Be sure to call our in-house mando expert, Tradd @ 888-209-8434...he'd be glad to talk mandolins with you...and even play whatever's in stock over the phone for you...Mickey

Subject: questions prior to purchase
Date: Sun, 02 May 2004 01:22:35 -0400

Greetings Robert,

Glad to assist:

Hi- I've been browsing your website for the last couple of weeks in preparation for purchase of a mandolin and I was hoping to get a few things cleared up in my mind before I took the plunge (FYI- I am a total novice when it comes to mandolin; I do play guitar and banjo):

1. Is it really necessary to have a mandolin with more than 21 frets? What is the advantage of 29 frets?

No, it's not necessary...in fact, if you're just starting out, it might be a few years down the road before you'll find yourself playing at this high a register. Hence, no, it's not necessary to have a 29 fret neck...99% of most melodies will fall below the 21 fret mark...

2. Is a 15th fret neck-body joint better than a 12th fret neck body joint?

It's not necessarily better...only, it does add an easier access for the higher register...and, we've discussed the higher register in the previous question...

3. What is the difference between the Kentucky 350S and the 380S?

The only difference is purely aesthetic...they both are constructed the same with all solid woods...only, the 380S offers the Flamed Maple back and sides...either would serve you well as a solid mandolin at a tremendous value.

Specific Features to the KM-350S:
Solid Spruce Top
Solid Maple Back & Sides
Maple Neck with 15th-fret neck/body joint
Classic mother-of-pearl script
Kentucky peghead inlay

Specific Features to the KM-380S:
Solid Spruce Top
Solid Maple Back & Sides
Flamed Maple Back & Sides
Maple Neck with 15th-fret neck/body joint
Classic mother-of-pearl script
Kentucky peghead inlay

Are they the same price? (The listing under new mandolins doesn't have a price for the 350S. There is a 350S listed under used mandolins - is that one still available?)

Kentucky A-Style Artist 300 Series Order Code Retail FOTW Price as of June 05, 2004 (Prices Subject to Change)

Kentucky KM-340S KM-340S $349.00 $235.00
Kentucky KM-350S KM-350S $395.00 $265.00
Kentucky KM-380S KM-380S $449.00 $295.00

I"m not too sure if we have a used one in stock now...you might want to contact our sales manager James @ 888-209-8434....

You're website is fantastic. I've learned an incredible amount and plan to buy from you because of your policies (also you have the best prices I've seen anywhere).

Thanks so much for noticing...we do try our best to offer a support system over and above a retail operation....

Looking forward to assisting you...Mickey

Thanks for your time. Looking forward to your reply.

Robert Marcovich

Subject: Kentucky A style 380s
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 19:26:33 -0500

Hi Mickey,

Greetings Al,

First I must say that your site is the best I've ever seen for useful info and customer service. I have played guitar for 31 years and presently have a Guild D40 and Martin 000-15s. I've been wanting a mandolin for a while now, but not quite sure what to get. For sure I must have solid woods. I've read many of your reviews concerning Kentuckys and other brands as well as A versus F style and so I have just a few questions.

Glad to assist...and, thanks for the kind words regarding our website:

1. Will the KM 380s work ok for bluegrass as far as volume?

Yes...this instrument has the same construction as an F-style only without the scrolls...and, since it's all solid woods, it should serve you fine...

2. Which typically has a sweeter tone between A's and F's?

An A-Style with oval soundhole will have a more resonant, and usually, have a sweeter tone than a standard F-style...the F-style, with F soundholes was designed to slice through a wall of sound...similar to the big band era where archtop guitars with F soundholes were commonly used...an A style, with oval soundhole, was designed more for sweetness of tone than for volume...which is sought for within celtic settings...

3. I like bluegrass, folk, and classic rock. Since in my case a mandolin will be played more as a second instrument to the guitar, would the Kentucky KM 380s work as a good intermediate level for these venues?

Most definitely...as long as it's set up correctly...whomever you do decide to purchase one through, only make sure that they set it up for perfect intonation and ease of playability...

Mickey

Thanks so much for your time and expertise Mickey?

Sincerely, Al Belville