Robert from FolkMusician will hopefully chime in with his view of the difference between the 3 Kentucky models you have mentioned. That's a big enough price difference to sway me. The price for a 160 shipped from a sponsor would be less than the local price of $270 being asked for the 140. That way you are guaranteed excellent set-up and service. Honestly, you cannot go wrong picking up a 150 or 160 from any one of the cafe sponsors. I would certainly verify the solid top prior to purchasing. $270 though for a 140 does seem high, particularly if it turns out to be old stock and therefore a laminated top. Theoretically the 150 and 160 should have have better tone than the 140, however I can't say because I've never played either.
The 150 is the same as the 140 with the exception that the sides and back are also solid, while the 160 series is also all-solid and is one step up from the 150. I own a 140S and it is a fine starter mandolin with very nice tone. Essentially the new 140 is for all intents and purposes the same mandolin as the old model 140S. Theory, tools, and techniques needed are discussed, and enough information is given to do this yourself if you like. Prior to 2009 the 140 was laminated top, back and sides, while the 140S had the solid top and laminated back and sides. Setting up a Kentucky KM-140S This series shows the complete process of setting up a KM-140S, from assessment to final optimal playability.
I'm somewhat of a newbie too, so my advice will have to be taken with a grain of salt.Īssuming the KM-140 your local store has in stock is a 2009 or newer model, it should have a solid top and laminated back and sides.