This 1983 Kentucky KM-600 is a mandolin with a serious bluegrass resume. Having previously been owned by the late mandolin master and renowned educator Joe Carr, and later by the legendary banjo pioneer Alan Munde, this instrument has clearly spent its life in the hands of masters. In Fair Condition, there is a repaired top crack under the tail piece, as well as two small cracks on the lower F holes and a small crack on the back near the bout. Otherwise it has the play wear you'd expect from its forty-plus years of history. It remains a solid-wood powerhouse that delivers the kind of warm, woody resonance you can only get from an instrument that has been played—and loved—by the best in the business.

Hailing from the highly-regarded Japanese production era, the KM-600 was built with a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides. Because this one has been played extensively by professionals and the woods have had decades to settle, the tone has "opened up" beautifully. It offers a sweet, mellow midrange and a surprisingly clear, percussive high-end response that cuts through a jam. It’s the kind of mandolin that carries the "mojo" of the stages and recording studios it has likely inhabited.

There is a certain magic in an instrument that has been selected and used by players of Joe Carr and Alan Munde’s caliber. While it has clearly worked hard for its living, the result is a mandolin that feels "broken-in" and exceptionally responsive to a light touch. For the musician who values authentic vintage character and a direct connection to bluegrass royalty over a pristine factory finish, this Kentucky represents a rare chance to own a professional-sounding piece of history at a fraction of the cost.

SPECS
Body Shape: A-Style
Top: Solid Spruce
Back and Sides: Solid Maple
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bracing: Traditional Parallel Bracing
Bridge: Adjustable Rosewood
Tuners: Nickel-Plated 4-on-a-plate
Finish: High-Gloss Sunburst
Pickup: None
Nut Width: 1-1/8"
Scale Length: 13-7/8"
Case: Includes Hard Case

Notice: This is a used item. While we do a basic cleaning and setup before shipping, we are unable to make any modifications to, or guarantees of condition, and or history, outside of what we have personally found, or been informed of by the original owner, which will be included in the description.