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The archtop, also known as the carved-top mandolin has an arched top and a shallower, arched back both carved out of wood. The round-backed version has a deep bottom, constructed of strips of wood, glued together into a bowl. There are many styles of mandolin, but the three most common types are the Neapolitan or round-backed mandolin, the archtop mandolin and the flat-backed mandolin. Also, like the violin, it is the soprano member of a family that includes the mandola, octave mandolin, mandocello and mandobass.
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The courses are typically tuned in an interval of perfect fifths, with the same tuning as a violin (G3, D4, A4, E5). It most commonly has four courses of doubled metal strings tuned in unison, thus giving a total of 8 strings, although five (10 strings) and six (12 strings) course versions also exist. Crisp, sweet sound, quality build, and nice hardware prove, once again, that paying a little bit more always pays off.Ĭlick here to view more from Best Mandolin.Problems playing this file? See media help.Ī mandolin ( Italian: mandolino pronounced literally "small mandola") is a stringed musical instrument in the lute family and is generally plucked with a plectrum. But I definitely did not expect as much as this baby brings to the table. When picking up a Kentucky KM-140 Standard A-model mandolin I did expect a good quality instrument, after all, it is Kentucky. Close to perfect resonance and articulation and woody sounds are just a few things that describe this versatile instrument that looks, sounds and feels like one of the best mandolins I have tried out in a while. While this instrument might not be the most affordable one in comparison to other beginner and intermediate models, after playing it or listening to this model, it becomes quite clear that the quality cannot be bought for cheap. The volume on the KM-140 is very impressive while not taking away from nuances tonal range. The solid spruce top with narrow-grains combined with solid back and sides produces a very crisp, punchy sound. Overall, the setup is pretty easy and the final product is a very well rounded, a durable instrument with nice hardware. Speaking of, you will probably need to change the strings because they are not that great in quality and don’t bring out the best sound in this instrument. The tailpiece is easy to remove if you need to change the strings. Apart from that, you will notice quality Gotoh Deluxe tuning machines and nickel-plated hardware.
#Kentucky mandolin history full
You get full control and can adjust the action to your liking. Moving on to hardware, Kentucky has equipped the KM-140 with an adjustable compensated rosewood bridge and truss rod. All of this is completed with high-gloss sunburst lacquer finish that lets your instrument shine and age beautifully. The fingerboard is very nicely polished and provides stunning smoothness and playability. This ensures that your mandolin will feel like an actual mandolin and not a toy you are too scared to hold in fear of breaking it in two pieces. dot inlays and a solid joint with the body (dovetail). The sleek maple neck has bound rosewood fingerboard with M.O.P. This helps with the solid construction, comfort and, as you will see once you pick up the instrument, the sound. With this more affordable model, they still went with quality materials such as solid spruce top, maple back, and sides. If you are new to mandolins let me tell you that when it comes to choice of tonewood and construction, there are few that compare to Kentucky’s quality. It would be a great addition to an intermediate player looking for a quality, durable instrument or an amazing start for a beginner. The KM-140 is one of their more affordable models that sell under $300.
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Company’s mandolin choice ranges from mid-range to high prices but the price does not change the fact that their models are some of the best ones on the market nowadays. They are known for quality tonewood, great craftsmanship and astounding sound that cannot be mistaken for anything else. Kentucky mandolins have been around for about 25.