Since Ky. In one factory when they finsih a mandolin and want to give it a serial number they would he to check and see what number the other factory used last That would be time consuming, one thing they could do is after they have finished one would be to send it to a central holding place and then have serial numbers assigned The Japanese Kentucky mandolins went thru a few different numbering systems, even within the same maker.

The Maruko mandolins system changed about three times and the Kasuga made instruments were a totally different system that likely changd as well. Some can be determined by the style of the number some not Scott. All I know from the original owner, is it is mids, from Japan.

Originally Posted by J Mangio. I just bought a used KMs, and the serial number ishand written in ink.

I know that they stopped using the "s" designation a few years ago. Any ideas on where this one was made? I emailed Saga over the weekend, trying to extract any info they might have regarding my own KM The company's first response was that serial numbers from instruments made in Japan expressed no clues whatsoever about the actual year it was made.

Tom at Saga mentioned that he could give me some relevant info if I emailed him pics of my top plate, the peghead, and the paper inside the body. Here's his subsequent answer: This Kentucky is definitely from that factory in Japan Sumi was the inlay guy in that perio which shut down sometime in the late s-the label inside confirms that.

I can narrow this one down to approximately, but there's no fool-proof way to know for sure.

I've seen 4 digit SN's from the early '80s and 5 digits starting with 19XXX from the mid to late '80s, so this is the best estimate I can come up with. We have very few records from that period of production when the company was much smaller than it is today.

For the last 15 years or so the serial numbers begin with the year of production, but before that it is hard to pinpoint the exact year of manufacture. Eric C.

The only question you really need to ask yourself is which Kentucky mandolin is right for you? There are plenty of options here so you should have no trouble finding the one that suits your needs, but if you're not sure where to begin your search, you may want to check out our best sellers. For example, the KM Standard A-Model All-Solid. Aug 14,   The Japanese Kentucky mandolins went thru a few different numbering systems, even within the same maker. The Maruko mandolins system changed about three times and the Kasuga made instruments were a totally different system that likely changd as well. Some can be determined by the style of the number some not Scott. Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of Kentucky Mandolins at Guitar Center. Most orders are eligible for free shipping!

The following members say thank you to Willie Poole for this post: Joey Anchors. Originally Posted by Willie.

Joey, I have no idea about the varnished ones but it should be easy enough to find out on their website, try it and see what it says Mine is the lighter colored one, beautiful grain on the back and sides Is there a serial number list for the km I just purchased one last week.

It has bee very used. I cleaned it up polished the frets.

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Slightly straightened the neck and adjusted the bridged. Great sound but would like to know the year. Five digit number saga musical inst.

Kentucky KM Standard A-model Mandolin - Sun The Kentucky KM mandolin is the best value available in an all-solid, traditionally designed, A-style instrument that bea Read more MSRP: $ Item: KM Add to Compare.

San Francisco ca. If you have any input please.

Kentucky KM Artist A-Style Mandolin. 1 available from $ Eastman MD A-Style Mandolin. 3 available from $ The Loar LM Supreme F-Style Mandolin. 7. 7 available from $ Eastman MDV Mandolin. 7. 4 available from $1, Gold Tone F . Dating Kentucky Mandolins Zeigen Sie der Welt doch einfach mal Ihr schonstes Lacheln und erhalten Sie viele nette Nachrichten von Singles auf Ihre Kleinanzeigen zuruck. Unser Portal soll Herzen miteinander verbinden und aus Einsamkeit Zweisamkeit machen/ Apr 07,   Looking for Information About Mandolins; Kentucky Serial Numbers. STOLEN: in Tulsa - a Martin HD 28 and Gibson F5 L Mandolin. Please share on social media. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.

Originally Posted by gotitmade. Welcome to mandolincafe!

Pictures of the instrument and the label would help. I would but I don't see how to attach the pictures to the sight I'm sure I have missed something These are the words of J.