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.

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.

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.

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.