Submitted by jazzrambler (see all reviews from this person) on 7/28/2013

Where Purchased: eBay

Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 200 ($US)

Sound

I like it! It plays good and the sound is full and richer than any of the new instruments available in stores around Jacksonville, Fl. Previously I owned a Breedlove Quartz OM. It was great, but I felt it was a better mandolin than I was a player. I sold it to buy a Dobro. With the surplus, I purchased this mando. I own a 1981 Flatiron SB-1. I judge all other purchases by it. The Kentucky KM-174 sounds better.

Sound Rating: 8

Setup

I had to do some tweaking, as with any used instrument. Some of the slots were uneven, one fret was high. It was a couple of easy fixes.

Setup Rating: 5

Appearance

I like it simple. The previous owner had taken the gloss off the finish with steel wool. I have done the same thing on at least one instrument. I really like satin finishes. It ain't pretty. I didn't buy it to hang on the wall as art. I like a vintage look.

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

The instrument is solid, the hardware is functional. It is dependable.

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

N/A

Customer Service: not rated

Components

The instrument is solid, the hardware is functional. The grain is showing under the finish, I can only assume that means the sound is too.

Components Rating: 8

Overall Comments

I really like this mando. I have played bluegrass, swing, country and rock stuff at jams, gigs, and hanging out. Every time, someone makes positive comments on the sound of my mando. It ain't because I'm some great player. Judging from the serial number the mando is a 2001. Age and playing really affect the sound of an instrument in my opinion. I can't vouch for every KM-174, but this one is a keeper.

Overall Rating: 10