US
Kentucky

Kentucky KM-272 Artist Oval Hole A-Style Mandolin

  • Oval sound hole, A-style body
  • 8 strings, alloy steel
  • Spruce top, maple back and sides
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • 5 pounds, 26.25 x 10.25 x 3.25 inches
  • 1 year limited warranty

Updated 2 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

An oval-hole A-style mandolin with a hand-carved spruce top, maple back and sides and a rosewood fingerboard, for players who like the vintage voice. No case or pickup is listed.

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ASIN: B00M2YZ9FSModel: KM-272Category: Mandolins

Colors Available

Traditional SunburstTransparent Amber Finish

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Overview

Hand carving and graduating the spruce top and the maple back and sides gives this oval-hole A-style mandolin its voice. A rosewood fingerboard and a transparent amber lacquer finish complete the build.

The reason to consider it is the vintage-style oval hole combined with hand carving and graduation, aimed at a collectible-instrument tone. The limit is that the listing is silent on accessories and electronics.

Who it's for

A beginner or advanced acoustic player who likes the old-style A-model look and voice. Players who need to plug in, or who want the treble emphasis of F holes, should choose a different layout.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Oval sound hole voicing
  • Hand-carved, graduated top and back
  • Maple back and sides
  • Transparent amber lacquer
Cons
  • No pickup or electronics
  • Case not listed
  • Setup quality not described

Performance notes

Hand carving and graduation set the thickness of the top and back, which governs how freely the plates vibrate. The oval sound hole gives the distinctive voice of the old A-style design, while the spruce top and maple back and sides supply the crisp, bright tone with projection the listing describes.

Specifications

BrandKentucky
ModelKM-272
Dimensions & fit
SizeA-Style
Dimensions26.25 x 10.25 x 3.25 inches
Weight5 pounds
Construction & materials
TopSpruce
FingerboardRosewood
Back and sidesMaple
Body materialMaple
StringsAlloy Steel
ColorTransparent Amber
FinishLacquered
Warranty & support
Warranty1 year limited
Other details
InstrumentMandolin
Strings8
Sound holesOval
SoundCrisp, bright tone with extra punch and projection
Operation modeManual

Frequently asked questions

Is the Kentucky KM-272 mandolin for beginners or advanced players?

The title positions it for both beginner and advanced players.

Does the Kentucky KM-272 have an oval hole or F holes?

It has an oval sound hole in an A-style body, the design popular before 1922 according to the description.

Can the Kentucky KM-272 mandolin be plugged in?

No pickup is listed, and the operation mode is manual, so it is a purely acoustic instrument.