The Kentucky KM-675 is a high-quality F-style mandolin from Kentucky’s earlier Korean production period, built before manufacturing later moved to China.

Dating from the 1990s / early 2000s era, this KM-675 uses an all-solid carved construction, with a carved spruce top and carved maple back and sides, giving it the projection, clarity and traditional chop associated with a proper F-style bluegrass mandolin.

This example has also been fitted with an aftermarket passive pickup, making it considerably more practical for live performance while retaining its fully acoustic character.

This Pre-Owned example is in Very Good condition, weighs 2.34 lbs, and includes a hardcase.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	Kentucky
Model	KM-675
Era	1990s / Early 2000s
Country of Manufacture	Korea
Body Style	F-Style Mandolin
Top	Solid Carved Spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Carved Maple
Electronics	Added Passive Pickup
Weight	2.34 lbs
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned
Case	Hardcase Included

PRE-OWNED / VINTAGE CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned Korean-made Kentucky KM-675 in Very Good condition.

The Very Good condition grade reflects an instrument showing some cosmetic signs of previous use consistent with careful ownership while remaining fully functional and ready to play.

This particular mandolin has been fitted with an aftermarket passive pickup for amplified use.

The modification expands its practicality for live performance without changing the basic acoustic operation of the instrument.

Actual weight: 2.34 lbs.

A hardcase is included.

KOREAN-MADE KM-675

Earlier Kentucky KM-675 mandolins were produced in Korea before later production moved to China.

These Korean-made examples are frequently sought after by players because of their solid carved construction and strong value on the used market.

Surviving late-1990s examples confirm the KM-675 was already in production in Korea by at least 1999.

PASSIVE PICKUP MODIFICATION

This individual KM-675 has been fitted with an aftermarket passive pickup.

This allows the mandolin to be connected to:

• Acoustic amplifiers

• PA systems

• DI boxes

• Recording interfaces

• Pedalboards

Because the pickup is passive, it requires no onboard battery.

The exact pickup manufacturer and model have not been supplied and have therefore not been assumed.

KEY FEATURES

• Kentucky KM-675

• Korean-made production

• 1990s / early 2000s era

• Traditional F-style body

• All-solid carved construction

• Solid carved spruce top

• Solid carved maple back

• Solid maple sides

• Carved arching

• Traditional f-holes

• Adjustable compensated bridge

• Traditional tailpiece

• Bound neck and body detailing

• Added passive pickup

• Acoustic and amplified capability

• Actual weight: 2.34 lbs

• Very Good Pre-Owned condition

• Hardcase included

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

The KM-675 sits in a particularly appealing position for players who want the response and projection of a proper carved F-style mandolin without moving into much more expensive boutique territory.

Its spruce-and-maple construction provides the traditional combination of:

• Clear attack

• Strong projection

• Crisp chord chop

• Good note separation

• Focused bluegrass tone

The added passive pickup also makes this example much more practical for gigging than a fully acoustic-only KM-675.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

F-Style Body

The KM-675 uses the traditional F-style mandolin shape, complete with the familiar upper scroll and decorative points.

This design has become closely associated with bluegrass and American roots music.

Solid Carved Spruce Top

The top is made from solid carved spruce.

Spruce provides a strong combination of volume, responsiveness and clarity, making it particularly well suited to rhythmic chop and articulate lead playing.

Solid Carved Maple Back

The back is carved from solid maple.

Maple helps give the mandolin a focused, projecting response with plenty of definition.

Solid Maple Sides

The maple sides complement the carved back and help produce the bright, controlled response associated with traditional F-style construction.

Traditional F-Holes

Twin f-holes provide the classic F-style appearance and help project the acoustic sound efficiently.

Adjustable Compensated Bridge

The bridge is adjustable for action height and compensated to help maintain accurate intonation across the paired courses.

Traditional Tailpiece

The conventional mandolin tailpiece provides secure anchoring for all eight strings while maintaining the familiar F-style aesthetic.

Passive Pickup

The added pickup allows the mandolin to be amplified without the need for onboard battery power.

This is especially useful in band situations where microphone-only amplification can become difficult.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Kentucky KM-675 is particularly well suited to:

• Bluegrass players

• Folk musicians

• Country players

• Americana musicians

• Acoustic ensembles

• Mandolinists needing live amplification

• Players upgrading from laminate instruments

• Players looking for an older Korean-made Kentucky

• Musicians wanting an all-solid carved F-style mandolin

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The KM-675 works particularly well for:

• Bluegrass

• Folk

• Country

• Americana

• Old-time music

• Celtic-inspired playing

• Acoustic ensembles

• Rhythm chop

• Lead playing

• Live performance

• Studio recording

HOW IT COMPARES

KM-675 vs Entry-Level Mandolin

Many entry-level mandolins use pressed or laminated body construction.

The KM-675 uses solid carved spruce and maple, giving it a more responsive and complex acoustic voice.

F-Style vs A-Style

An A-style mandolin uses a simpler teardrop-shaped body.

The F-style KM-675 adds the traditional scroll and points associated with bluegrass instruments.

Korean KM-675 vs Later Production

Kentucky later moved production of the KM-675 to China.

Earlier Korean-made examples have developed particular interest among players looking for Kentucky’s pre-China production instruments.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Acoustic-Electric Mandolin
Brand	Kentucky
Model	KM-675
Era	1990s / Early 2000s
Country of Manufacture	Korea
Body Style	F-Style
Top	Solid Carved Spruce
Back	Solid Carved Maple
Sides	Solid Maple
Soundholes	Twin F-Holes
Bridge	Adjustable Compensated
Tailpiece	Traditional Mandolin Style
Strings	8
Pickup	Aftermarket Passive Pickup
Electronics	Passive
Weight	2.34 lbs
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned
Case	Hardcase Included

Specification Note: Surviving Korean KM-675 examples differ in how the fingerboard material is documented, so the exact fingerboard wood has not been assumed without inspecting this individual instrument.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

None.

The fitted pickup is passive and requires no battery or external power supply.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Bluegrass, folk and Americana players wanting a solid carved F-style mandolin with the additional practicality of live amplification.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level laminate mandolins, basic A-style instruments and lower-priced student models.

Most commonly paired with: Acoustic amplifiers, PA systems, DI boxes, compression, reverb and clean boost.

Our tip: The passive pickup makes this a much more practical gigging instrument than an acoustic-only KM-675. A good acoustic preamp or DI can help provide additional gain and tonal shaping on stage.

Showroom feedback: The Korean KM-675 has a reassuringly traditional feel, with the carved spruce and maple construction giving it the projection and crisp attack players expect from an F-style mandolin. At 2.34 lbs, this example remains comfortable for longer playing sessions.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned Kentucky KM-675 offers an affordable route into a traditional all-solid carved F-style mandolin.

This Korean-made example is in Very Good condition, weighs 2.34 lbs, includes a hardcase, and has the useful addition of a passive pickup.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging acoustic instruments and Pre-Owned gear.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Experience with mandolins and acoustic instruments

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current instrument or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of this Kentucky KM-675.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, mandolins, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own a mandolin, guitar or other musical equipment you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your existing equipment to go directly towards your next instrument.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this Kentucky KM-675 used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned Kentucky KM-675 in Very Good condition.

Where was it made?

Korea.

When was it made?

It dates from the 1990s / early 2000s Korean production period.

Is it an F-style mandolin?

Yes.

Is the top solid?

Yes. It uses a solid carved spruce top.

Are the back and sides solid?

Yes. It uses solid maple back and sides.

Does it have a pickup?

Yes. An aftermarket passive pickup has been added.

Is the pickup original?

No. It has been added to the mandolin.

Does the pickup require a battery?

No.

Can it still be played acoustically?

Yes. The pickup does not affect normal acoustic operation.

Is it suitable for bluegrass?

Yes. The carved F-style construction is especially well suited to bluegrass rhythm and lead playing.

How much does it weigh?

This individual mandolin weighs 2.34 lbs.

What condition is it in?

It is in Very Good condition.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is this the later Chinese-made version?

No. This example is from the earlier Korean-made production period.

Can I use it through a PA?

Yes. The passive pickup can be connected to a PA or acoustic amplification system, ideally through a suitable DI or preamp where required.

Can I part-exchange another instrument against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers mandolins, guitars and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.