Before 1922 most popular mandolins had Oval-shaped sound holes which created a distinctive sound that played a significant role in shaping the sound of popular music of the day. The diminutive size unique voice and relative affordability (compared to F-dstyle mandolins) made it perfect for a wide range of musical styles. Vintage examples of these popular A-style instruments are still played by discerning musicians and coveted by collectors around the world. This legendary mandolin design is affordably manifest in the Kentucky KM-272 A-style mandolin with the oval sound hole. Incorporating the best features of vintage designs and using only the best tonewoods each instrument is expertly hand-carved and graduated to produce an instrument with a tone look and build quality of highly prized collectible instruments. So take a step back in time by playing a new instrument that combines all the best features of old and the new “priced so that is affordable to all players.