Features Solid handcarved Adirondack spruce top provides you with superior note clarity and volume to spare Solid carved flamed Michigan maple back and sides ensure extra punch Slim flamed maple neck for comfortable, easy action Premium ebony fingerboard gives extra durability and striking good looks High-gloss spirit varnish finish in a traditional sunburst imparts authentic beauty and luster To learn more, please see our Product Description below Description Product Description Presenting the KM-5000 Master F-model Mandolin by Kentucky It’s like traveling in time back to 1923 when you purchase the Bill Monroe Model KM-5000! We’ve recreated this fabulous mandolin with the finest woods, subtle Cremona sunburst finish (of spirit varnish—like the original) and we include a repro oblong case and cover and a Certificate signed by Bill’s son, James! Traditional Look Distinctive Design Wood Selection The finest, hand selected and most highly figured maple is used for the backs, sides and necks of all Master Model Instruments. Choice, narrow-grained Adirondack spruce is used for the tops and is considered the secret to the tone of some of the most legendary instruments ever made. These aged woods are chosen for their inherent tonal properties as well as their visual appeal and were harvested from the same legendary forest that supplied the materials for the most highly prized collectable instruments in existence. Construction All instruments exhibit refined and artistic workmanship in every detail of construction and follow traditional methods and techniques to achieve a level of quality that cannot be found in other instrument in this price range. From the dovetail neck body joint, to the delicate lines of the body shape, perfectly applied binding and tops hand-carved and graduated to perfection—the fit and finish is exceptional and the tone is second to none. Fingerboard and Fittings The fingerboards of all Master Model instruments are beautifully shaped from the most select, highly polished ebony for beauty, playability and durability. The frets are accurately positioned and polished to perfection. The compensated and adjustable bridge is perfectly shaped and allows for minute action adjustments; while the high-quality Gotoh tuners are a reverse-gear design to provide smooth action and tuning accuracy for years to come. String changes are made easy by simply removing the tailpiece to reveal the base made of steel for added durability. Finish All Kentucky Master Model mandolins are skillfully finished with a beautiful vintage sunburst made from nitrocellulose lacquer. This type of finish not only looks great and brings out the figure of the woods used during construction, but also provides a durable layer of protection that also allows the wood to breath as it ages. Attention to Detail Kentucky Master Model F-style Mandolins - Setting the market on fire with America’s favorite mandolins! Kentucky Master F-model mandolins represent some of the finest mandolins ever created and are held in high regard by professional musicians who demand the best. The designs take inspiration from the most sought after and best sounding examples ever made during the early 1920’s—considered the most important period of design for this instrument and still stands as the pinnacle of design and function. When you own a Kentucky Master Model mandolin, you know what it is still considered, “America’s Favorite Mandolin!” Key Features Finest, most select Adirondack spruce topFinest, selected Michigan maple back and sides1-piece, highly figured maple neck joins at the 15th fretTraditional spirit varnish finishDelicately shaded, vintage sunburst finish29-fret bound ebony extension fingerboard with m-o-p dot position markersIvoroid binding on all edges with Monroe-inspired side purfling onlyDistinctive pearl peghead inlay of Bill Monroe with commemorative banner and signature in gold wireVintage-style ebony bridge with small, gold-plated adjustment wheelsHighly polished m-o-p nutFinest quality engraved, gold-plated Gotoh tuning machines w/m-o-p buttonsEngraved, gold-plated tailpiece with hand engraved coverComes with Superior CS-1520 Deluxe Vintage caseElegantly bound, imitation tortoise pickguard with authentic fastenings (optional)Shop adjusted