Reddit mentions of Kansas K-MA1B Mandolin, Sunburst

Interesting that it's lasted so long. During the research I found that a lot of people seem to say that Kansas guitars were surprisingly high quality for the more budget price. I'm not sure if it's actually the same manufacturer they mean though as it seems to have been used by a few.

The ones with this logo are far more common and actually have a few currently unavailable amazon listings. I also found this in a forum:
> Kansas instruments are apparently Asian imports, labeled to be sold at discount stores such as Target. I have no idea what "their beginning in 1927" refers to; the Mugwumps directory of musical instrument makers doesn't list a "Kansas," though there's a "Kansas City Guitar & Mandolin Co." a long time ago. There are many many "specialty" nameplates for specific retail chains or catalog stores that are manufactured by instrument factories in China, Indonesia etc. Other than bearing different names, they're probably pretty standard designs; for the price you mention, almost certainly a laminated (plywood) instrument. Doesn't mean you can't learn on it, but it would make sense to have a qualified instrument tech check it for set-up. The lack of the word "solid" in the description almost guarantees plywood, but it does have an adjustable bridge (though apparently no truss rod), so there's some ability to tweak its set-up.

https://www.amazon.com/Kansas-Classic-Acoustic-Guitar/dp/B000KQ0O4G

https://www.amazon.com/Kansas-K-ESC8-N-Electric-Guitar-Natural/dp/B000KPZ3EI

and even a mandolin: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00166GG82

It's definitely not one of these though as they seem to be slightly more modern budget chinese/asian guitars. Mine definitely isnt just cheap plywood and stuff.