#1
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Eastman 300 Series Mandolins
I am a big fan of the Eastman 300 series mandolins; I prefer the more open/woody (satin finish) sound... (Varnish is, of course, even better, but more than I want to spend).
I owned both the F hole versions (315 and 305) at the same time and to my ear; I heard maybe the same or a bit more volume but definitely a fuller tone and sustain from the A style (305) which a kept... over the F style 315, which I sold. I am currently looking for an oval hole model but not having the personal, in-shop A/B opportunity (F vs A) is a disadvantage in making a decision. I am very interested in any input on a tone and volume comparison between the oval hole models MD314 (F) vs the MD304 (A). Has anyone compared these two oval hole models? |
#2
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I don’t think any tonal difference between examples of those models is going to be attributable to presence or lack of a scroll. You’re likely to find just as much variation A/Bing one 304 against another 304, or one 314 against another 314, as you would A/Bing 304s against 314s. (Same with 305s and 315s.)
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Martin CS-00-18 (2015) Martin OM-28V (2011) Northfield Model M mandolin |
#3
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You need to play an oval. While I've moved on to the luthier crafted level, The 300 series impresses me for the price. I like them over the 500 series. But the 300, or any Eastman, has lacked the richness I look for in an oval. I'd look to buy an old Flatiron 1N or Mid Missouri. There are others too.
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2007 Martin D 35 Custom 1970 Guild D 35 1965 Epiphone Texan 2011 Santa Cruz D P/W Pono OP 30 D parlor Pono OP12-30 Pono MT uke Goldtone Paul Beard squareneck resophonic Fluke tenor ukulele Boatload of home rolled telecasters "Shut up and play ur guitar" Frank Zappa |
#4
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Spent a lot of time shopping for my Kid's mando.
Very general and obvious statement. In the under $1000 range, if they are within spitting distance in terms of price, The A is probably going to outshine the F. Ended up with a pretty special Kentucky. I call it "special" because it stood out among a bunch of $700 and under mandos and it was under $350 on sale. Super stoked I was able to spend so little for a starter and walk away with a very playable instrument. When my kid graduates to a nicer one, I'm keeping the Kentucky!
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I only play technologically cutting edge instruments. Parker Flys and National Resonators |