NMD - Eastman MD315

[Br1ck]

Originally Posted by Goat Mick

This thing is really easy to play. Now I've gotta work on my stretches to make those 4 finger chop chords. Who'd a thunk that picking up an instrument 1/3 the size of a guitar would require me to increase my stretch ??

Boy that brought back memories. Me with the small hands trying the chop G. Then the closed scale positions I was struggling with led to playing closed scales at the fifth fret, then dropping a fret until I was playing at the first. I did that exclusively for two months! I gained about 1/16 inch of reach, which made a big difference. Thing is, I liked and still do, playing exercises. I remember running through first position scales in all keys, and when I came to the closed scales, I could play them a lot better. It's the kind of thing that really motivates me.

[Goat Mick]

Originally Posted by Br1ck

Boy that brought back memories. Me with the small hands trying the chop G. Then the closed scale positions I was struggling with led to playing closed scales at the fifth fret, then dropping a fret until I was playing at the first. I did that exclusively for two months! I gained about 1/16 inch of reach, which made a big difference. Thing is, I liked and still do, playing exercises. I remember running through first position scales in all keys, and when I came to the closed scales, I could play them a lot better. It's the kind of thing that really motivates me.

My paws are pretty tiny too. Over the years I’ve learned to increase my stretch, or play around my limitations on guitar, but dang this mandolin is a different beast. I need to add running scales and some other exercises to my practice routine.

[ggibson189]

Nice looking instrument!

Can someone tell me how that compares to the Loar LM-600?

[Br1ck]

Originally Posted by Goat Mick

My paws are pretty tiny too. Over the years I’ve learned to increase my stretch, or play around my limitations on guitar, but dang this mandolin is a different beast. I need to add running scales and some other exercises to my practice routine.

If you play scales in every key, going counter clockwise through the circle of fifths, C,F, Bb, etc., you end up learning most of the fingerings you will need, plus if you think out the scale root, you'll learn the fretboard notes. This won't make a lot of musical sense until you realize one day you can learn a fiddle tune in half the time it used to take you, and your play by ear guesses become correct more often. Eight years on, I warm up with scales and scale exercises.

Metronome, metronome, metronome.

After you do your exercises, learn a fiddle tune or three. Mandolessons.com is a good place to start. And use your pinky from the get go. Strive for an even tone.

Metronome, metronome, metronome

PM me if you want a run through of what I'm talking about

[SalFromChatham]

Mick… still like the MD315?

[dave42]

I picked up an Eastman MD305 yesterday. The A style equivalent the 315.

I bought a beautiful Weber A style new in 2004 and sold it recently for all but $8 that I had in it. But this Eastman sounds better, plays better, and cost much less than half of that Weber. Most of all, I want to play it. It's inspiring to me.

The local store sold it to me for $599 (with a setup already done... that's their business first and foremost). I couldn't get my $ out fast enough.

Very happy!

[Puddleglum]

Originally Posted by dave42

I picked up an Eastman MD305 yesterday. The A style equivalent the 315.

I bought a beautiful Weber A style new in 2004 and sold it recently for all but $8 that I had in it. But this Eastman sound better, plays better, and cost much less than half of that Weber. Most of all, I want to play it. It's inspiring to me.

The local store sold it to me for $599 (with a setup already done... that's their business first and foremost). I couldn't get my $ out fast enough.

Very happy!

That must be a really special Eastman or a dud of a Weber. I know a guy with an older Eastman 515 F-style that is simply an amazing instrument. It happens.

[dave42]

Originally Posted by Puddleglum

That must be a really special Eastman or a dud of a Weber. I know a guy with an older Eastman 515 F-style that is simply an amazing instrument. It happens.

I really think the radiused fretboard (12") has something to do with the playability of the Eastman. Most, including my Weber, are flat.

My Weber was mortis and tenon jointed. The Eastman is dovetailed. A friend of mine (great player, great ear, and great repair person) has always said buy an Eastman. "They are just put together better" he always said. I never paid much attention to that statement, but now I'm starting to understand.

[Skydog]

@Goat Mick it’s been a year. Are you still happy with the 315?