In 1922, mandolin designs began to change, as did the musical tastes of the time. The greatest Acoustic Engineer of the day began to develop designs that incorporated F-shaped sound holes instead of the Oval-hole designs that ultimately tightened-up the airy, woody nature of the traditional A-shape, and accentuated the treble frequencies often lacking in previous designs. All combined, these instruments offered the musician better balance and greater volume to meet the ever-changing musical styles to come. The Kentucky KM-252 Artist A-model Mandolin offers a professional quality instrument that is still affordably priced. All materials are hand-carved, with the tops and backs meticulously arched and graduated to achieve the correct balance of strength and lightweight rigidity for optimal tone.