Meaning a solid piece of wood was steam-pressed into shape. KM-140/150 models from the past had solid tops, but they were pressed. Even though the KM-140 has laminated back and sides, the top is carved from solid spruce, just like the KM-150 mandolin. The mandolins were completely redesigned, with one MAJOR change. It was 2015 before the majority of A-styles were being produced at this new factory. Saga (the owner of Kentucky), setup a new shop in 2012 and slowly began moving production of the models over, one by one. Nowhere is this more apparent, than the Kentucky KM-140. Who in their right mind would choose a partially laminated mandolins over an all solid one at the same price? Hopefully you!Īlmost without exception, mandolins have been steadily improving throughout the years. Of course everyone wants all solid woods, and it doesn’t help that you can buy all solid mandolins at the same price as the KM-140. This is where the model is often overlooked when a player is researching the best entry level mandolin. And this is something that is only apparent when you have the mandolin in your hands, or more specifically, are playing the instrument.Ībout those specs… The KM-140 is a partially laminated instrument. What makes the Kentucky KM-140 stand out is in the details. In fact, the specifications are nothing special at first glance. The Specifications alone do not tell the whole story here. This model has been one of the dominant entry level mandolins and still remains a top pick. The Kentucky KM-140 Mandolin has been a staple in the industry for decades.