Kentucky KM-150 vs KM-250 Mandolin
Here is another one that comes up often. What is the difference between the Kentucky KM-150 and the KM-250 mandolin?
In mid-2012 the Kentucky KM-150 mandolin production was moved to a new shop. This new shop produced a much better version of the KM-150 shortly after, it became one of the most recommended of the lower priced mandolins. Fast forward to 2015, and The KM-250 production was also moved to this same shop. So from 2015 on, these mandolins are very similar.
The main differences will be that the KM-250 Mandolin uses slightly higher grades of woods, upgraded tuners and has a radiused fingerboard. Whether or not the flat fingerboard on the KM-150 is a disadvantaged, is really more of a personal call.
Neither of these mandolins include a case from the factory, but we often offer package deals and bundle cases with the (check our current offers).
Both the KM-150 and KM-250 mandolins now include a pick guard. The current KM-250 is sunburst and the coloring between it and the KM-150 are very similar. We do notice slightly better finish quality on the KM-250 though.
As with most of the Kentucky mandolins, these have been made for decades and there are quite a few variations out there. The above differences only apply to the years mentions. Previous years were entirely different mandolins.
So which would we choose between the KM-150 vs the KM-250 mandolins?
Cost aside, the KM-250 is the obvious choice, but the differences are not so much that you need to feel like going with the KM-150 gets you an inferior mandolin. The KM-150 is quite nice as well.
We sell both of these models, or you can often get great deals on Amazon:
6 Responses
mike
I recently obtained a KM250S model #13550. Any idea what year it was made?
Robert Fear
Hi Bob,
The “Deluxe” is just the new name for the 200 series Kentucky mandolins. This in itself doesn’t mean anything. The important thing is the year. As a general rule, the mandolins change every few years, something like a new version of a car. The current KM-250 came out in 2015. The “S” was used in the past and tells us that it is an older version. An “S” version would most likely be early 2000’s.
Filippos Antotsios
Hello!
What are the differences between KM 250S and KM 250 Deluxe?
Robert Fear
Hi Bob,
While Kentucky has not always followed and standard serial number system, in the case of your KM-250 mandolin, it would have been made July 2011. This was made in China. Nice mandolins!
Bob Avery
Looking at a KM-250 , the only number I can see from the photo is ,11070805. How do you read that number, is the 11 starting out the year and if so can you figure where it was made ? Thanks Bob
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Robert Fear
December 12, 2018
Mike,
There are some Kentucky mandolins where the date was not included in the serial number. Yours is one of these. Without researching, I would guess 80’s, made in Japan.