Folkway Music -- Instrument Sales

Last updated: February 26, 2010 Questions? Please email info@folkwaymusic.com.

Folkway is a Kentucky mandolins dealer; we have been for a while - but we thought it would be a good idea to show them off a bit. Like all instrument sold though our shop, all of out Kentuckys are lovingly set up (not a small task), and play perfectly when we're through. Our set ups include adjusting the nut and truss rod, polishing the frets, widening the string spacing at the bridge and adjusting the string slots; adjusting the action, tightening the tailpiece, and oiling the tuners...

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NEW Kentucky KM-1000
We really can’t think of anything else that's both as nice and as affordable an F5 as this model. The flagship of the Kentucky line really IS that much nicer than any other Chinese-built instrument we've ever encountered. The fit and finish are flawless, the top and back carving work is meticulous, and the woods used in its construction are top notch. Quarter sawn Adirondack spruce top with no run-out and perfectly even grain, flamed flat-sawn Michigan maple back, sides, and quarter sawn highly flamed neck. Ivoroid bound ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlays, and perfectly carved binding nubs at the end of each fret. Bound headstock with pearl and abalone flowerpot inlay and logo. Ebony adjustable bridge, pearl nut, silver-plated engraved tailpiece and matching silver plated Gotoh vintage style tuners. Vintage Cremona sunburst Nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Soft V neck carve, 1-1/16" nut width, 13-7/8" scale. This instrument is easily comparable to any high-end North American made F-5 in all aspects.

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Kentucky KM-350s
The KM-350s features solid carved spruce and maple tone woods, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and a high gloss finish. The best entry-level priced mandolin out there.

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NEW Kentucky KM-855
Kentucky's KM-855 checks in at roughly half the price the KM-1000, but it can hardly be considered half the instrument. Like the KM-805, the 855 features hand carved and finely graduated spruce tops and maple backs. The dark vintage sunburst finish is nicely accentuated by cream bindings, and the radiused ebony fingerboard is inlaid in a "Bella Voce" pattern in pearl. The instrument's one piece maple neck measures just shy of 1-1/8 at the nut and its scale measures 13-7/8". Bone nut, ebony bridge, gold-plated hardware finish it off. An affordable and fine sounding F style mandolin.

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NEW Kentucky KM-505
The A style equivalent of the KM-805, the 505 features hand carved and finely graduated spruce tops and maple backs with a dark vintage sunburst finish that is nicely accentuated by cream bindings. Radiused ebony fingerboard, ebony bridge, bone nut. Stylish "mountain rose" headstock inlay in pearl and abalone, gold hardware, and glossy Nitrocellulose finish. Soft V neck with 1-3/32" bone nut, 13-7/8" scale.

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Kentucky Artist KM-805
Our first chance to offer the new generation of Kentucky Artist F-model mandolins comes with the 805. With the pearl block inlays and the torch headstock, all you have to do is play it for 75 years to make a dead ringer for Sam Bush's trusty steed. Kentucky mandolins continue to be today's best value in hand-made professional quality instruments that can be afforded by all. Each Artist series f-model mandolin is hand carved and graduated from the finest mountain spruce and northern maple for the best tonal characteristics. The KM-805 has a radiused rosewood fingerboard for comfortable easy play and the traditional "torch-style" peghead inlay for those who like a more simple vintage look. One piece maple neck with dovetail joint at 15th fret. Bone nut and high-quality nickel-plated Gotoh tuners with engraved plate and removable buttons.
$1099

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Kentucky KM-700
The KM-700s features solid carved spruce and maple tone woods, F-style body and headstock, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, intricate pearl headstock inlay and a high gloss finish. A great bluegrass mandolin on a budget.

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Headstock Detail Tuners Detail

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Contact Folkway Music --
Mail: 163 Suffolk Street West, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 2J7 Directions to Guelph/Folkway Music
Telephone: (877)763-5524 toll-free or (519) 763-5524
e-mail: info@folkwaymusic.com
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