Eastman Two Point

[Onesound]

Wow! Check out this: BuffaloBrothers (http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images18000-18999/nmb18211-eastmanmd904/index.html)

Eastman sure is hitting the market in a BIG way!

Cheers,
Brian

[Billiam]

Pretty mando. I love the twopoint shape, but I'm not sure that the F-style headstock suits it.

Now, if they could borrow some labor from the violin division and come up with a scroll headstock a la L&H, they'd really have something special!

[Onesound]

Pretty mando. #I love the twopoint shape, but I'm not sure that the F-style headstock suits it. #

Now, if they could borrow some labor from the violin division and come up with a scroll headstock a la L&H, they'd really have something special!
I totally agree about the headstock; looks like it was a bit of an experiment. If Eastman decides to replicate this model I certainly hope they use a more traditional A style headstock. Like to see one with a blond face and dark stainded sides like the Lyon & Healys.

Cheers,
Brian

[man doh]

The most unexciting points I have ever seen. Why bother? It has no shape.

[dan@kins]

I like the headstock. My two point has a 'snake-head', but I like the F headstock on a two point, looks fancy!

I agree about the points.. . I prefer higher asymettrical points, but I'm jsut one guy.

Thanks for posting.

[Brad Weiss]

The most unexciting points I have ever seen. #Why bother? It has no shape.
Have to agree - the finish is so flat, and the rosette looks - blah. #I LOVE the 2-point look, but this one is like a truncated F-style. #I like a haircut headstock, meself- even for F-styles I think the scroll headstock is too busy.

I hasten to add that my opinion is of little value to anyone but me, and if you like this look, I am very happy for you!!

[Frank Russell]

I played that mando and the blonde F5 also listed a few weeks ago. Pretty wood and appointments, but the two-pointer needs to be played. I love the tubby old oval hole sound, but that one needed some different strings, and many hours of playing. It still had that "tight" new mandolin sound. Definite potential though. I was looking for something cheaper to go camping in a few weeks, and picked up a 515 that I couldn't be happier with. Just played two gigs this weekend, and it did just fine. Frank

[Lee]

Yeah, the points look atrophied. The headstock doesn't fit. Stupid fingerboard extension. Blunt rosette. What's that tailpiece? Georgous back.

[JimRichter]

All it seems to be is a reworking of the Gibson oval hole A5. #The florentine headstock on an A body isn't a new concept.

Jim

[Bill Snyder]

FWIW (which is not much)I am not a huge fan of f-style headstocks, but I do like the rest of the instrument.

[Onesound]

The headstock on a Scroll-F does appear to have more mass and weight to it over a typical paddle style. Perhaps it's design is functional as well as cosmetic. For the ScrollF experts: "Does the scroll-F headstock design help to balance the instrument?".

Cheers,
Brian

[Jim Rowland]

I am growing "curiouser and curiouser" about the Eastmans. I've still never seen or tried one,but setting aside all the inevitable diversity of opinion,some facts seem inescapable:
1.They are using beautiful materials.
2.They are hand making the instruments.
3.They are using a modified varnish finish.
4.Their shop setup and procedures seem close to those of the best makers.
5.When put to the challenge,Chinese craftsmen are equal to any in the world..pretty much an historical fact.
6.Their US service and representation seem excellent.
7.Probably Sunday samples in the ad pix,but fit and finish seem to be excellent.
8.Is there a missing link or breakdown somewhere,or why aren't they producing some of the finest Mandolins anywhere?
9.Or are they?
I am just a small time wood butcher and would enjoy your opinion.
Jim

[Jim M.]

I've played several Eastmans. They are good for the money, IMHO, but there is more to luthiery (or any other arts/crafts) than good materials. The Eastman builders are very good craftsmen, but they don't have the skill/experience of a Brentrup, Derrington, Gilchrist, etc., which is why they aren't producing some of the finest mandos anywhere. Maybe they can get there some day, but I doubt it because their business model requires larger quantities than the finest makers will ever produce all together.

Also, I've played Eastmans next to similarly priced Breedloves, and I would have chosen the Breedlove over the Eastman.

[delsbrother]

I've also played this one at BB, and there are some fit/finish issues up around the neck and FB extension.. It's not exactly perfect in every way. Fine for the price, of course, but it made me want to save up for a real L&H or a Rigel repro instead..

The rosette/headstock bothered me too - seemed like an odd marriage of Jethro and L&H.. I like both styles, but not together.

[RichM]

Jim M. makes some good points. I don't think Eastman has a mission to "make the finest mandolins anywhere." I think they are trying to make a good quality mandolin at an affordable price. I think they are succeeding, but I also think the story is still being told. I have owned three Eastmans. The first, a 615, was an early prototype. It sounded great, but had a number of fit and finish issues. I bought a second 615 a few months ago, and it was a dramatically better instrument: good tone, and much, much improved fit and finish.

Most recently, I purchased a 504, an oval-hole A-style. This one is also very well made, and has a very pleasing tone indeed. The price point of the 500-level Eastmans makes them the bargains of the line.

I own (and have owned) lots of good makes of mandolin: Gibson, Rigel, Old Wave, Breedlove, Weber. Whether one of these is "better" than the other is sort of a goofy discussion, since different folks want different things out of a mandolin. The real question is whether the instrument is pleasing to you, and is sold at a price that makes it a worthwhile investment. For me, Eastman has succeeded in accomplishing that.

[Bob DeVellis]

I think part of the issue with the points may be the high camera angle, which shows the ribs above the points. A more straight-on shot might have been more flattering, with the points silhouetted more clearly against the background. I'm pretty cold on the headstock shape. The larger of the two scrolls looks like a fracture waiting to happen. It may not be any more fragile than a standard Gibson shape but the large void makes it look less robust. I'm also not crazy about the rosette. The space between the edge of the hole and the black band seems too wide and I'm not fond of about the little wooden block inlays.

But the basic idea of an asymmetrical two-pointer is appealing and most of what I don't like could be remedied with minor design revisions. The one Eastman I've played wasn't exactly a monster but it wasn't bad for the price. They definitely have a legitimate niche, offering good quality for a relatively modest price. The higher priced models, of course, will have stiffer competition than the entry level. But I think they deserve credit for what they're trying to do.

[dwc]

I am really looking for a two point oval hole. I think Eastman makes a good product and could provide a quality two point in a price range lower than the Rigel and the Weber Bighorn. I think there are some issues with this particular two point.
1) Loose the inlay around the sound hole.
2) Make the overal body style slightly less assymetric, ie bring up the trebble point about 10% above (towards the finferboard) where it is on thid mandolin.
3) Use an A headstock.

Ok all of my suggestions are just that, suggestions and opinion. However, my personal taste asks for a simple 2 point and as such all of my suggestions are geared towards making an elegant and understated instrument.

Oh, yeah, one more thing, give it a "classic" varnish finish with w-b-w binding.

[flairbzzt]

Make it look like this...

[cbarry]

I found a really neat looking Eastman on the Buffalo Bros. site. The 805. It's almost a snake head! Those huge "paddle heads" were the only things putting me off about the Eastman A models. Now I#have no excuse--except the price of that one.
Oh, and I'd like a scooped fingerboard, please.
Chuck

[Kbone]

I just know that when i played four different ones at a local store here, they surprised the $#$$% out of me - I thought I was playing a $3500 mandolin..

[Frank Russell]

Like I said before, the 515 I bought at Buffalo Bros was money well spent. It's not the complex tone of my Givens, or as sweet as my ex Collings MF, but it's got loud to spare, and the playability is top notch. I even like the stain work and color. Best under 1K mando I've ever seen so far. The lower end A model there was also nice and loud, I just figured for an extra $100 or so, why not get an F? Frank

[EastmanGordon]

Thought that you might like to know this. John Rigsby of Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys fell in love with one of our Eastman F-hole two pointers last week at a show in Virginia. I was there with the guys from Pickers Supply in Fredericksburg, VA and John wandered in to the booth and began playing all the mandos (there were several other major brands on display). I passed him the two pointer and from that moment until he paid for it in cash about an hour later(gotta like that)he didn't put it down once. I was suprised that he would be so interested in a two pointer and his answer was that he didn't care what it looked like, he was looking for the chop and that mandolin had it. He also told me that I could quote him on that. Quite a thrill for me and I also got to shake Dr. Stanleys hand later on making it an extremely memorable day. The fried chicken was awfully good too....
Gordon

[Brad Weiss]

I was suprised that he would be so interested in a two pointer and his answer was that he didn't care what it looked like, he was looking for the chop and that mandolin had it.


That fairly sums things up! Some of us don't think much of what this 2 point looks like - but, as a picture is all we've got to go on, we're in no position to say much else.

Very happy for you, Gordo!

[Jeff Hildreth]

the prototype was a long scale

jeff

[mjsdawa]

To Gordon Roberts -- I have a new 515 -- fit & finish looking great, but not nearly as much volume as I expected, especially on the E string. Any suggestions?

[EastmanGordon]

My first thought would be that the bridge might not be seated as well as it could be. Take it back to your dealer and have him/her check the setup. If that doesn't help drop me an email offlist and I will see what can be done. I'm sure the setup will suffice though. This will be done under warranty of course.
Gordon

[mpeknox]

not nearly as much volume as I expected, especially on the E string. #Any suggestions?
FWIW the first time I changed the strings on my Eastman, I brought them up to tension with the bridge tilted forward (slightly) and the volume/sustain of the A and E suffered greatly due to the poor contact with the top. Once I straightened the bridge up, it sounded great again.

[craigtoo]

About that 2 point, I agree with the comments about the body shape and the peghead. #I've had some playing time on an Eastman F5 copy. #The instrument is priced very competitively for the level of fit and finish.

Regarding Eastman in general... #I´m watching the progress of the quality of all the Pac Rim instruments pretty close because of what's happened in the violin industry. There will always be a market for "low end" or "Low quality" instruments, but the Chinese have started making some of the best violins out there right now (with regard to high volume production). #European "mass producers" for ex. those in Bubenreuth Germany are losing business rapidly. No one can compete with those prices! #(Can you imagine buying a low end violin without finish for $20 USD??!! that's what they can go for if you buy enough...). #The TOP Chinese fiddles are going for over $3k right now. #All hand made and sound in many cases better than a comparable European mass produced instrument. #The major complaints are with the wood. So now, Chinese makers are importing European wood...(will this end up like the steel market? I hope not...)

My point.
Chinese mandos are IMHO going to really price alot of "mid range" and "Low End" mass makers out of business. Great quality, great price.

sorry for the length.

[generankin]

>[snip]
Regarding Eastman in general... #I´m watching the progress of the quality of all the Pac Rim instruments pretty close because of what's happened in the violin industry. There will always be a market for "low end" or "Low quality" instruments, but the Chinese have started making some of the best violins out there right now (with regard to high volume production). #European "mass producers" for ex. those in Bubenreuth Germany are losing business rapidly. No one can compete with those prices! #(Can you imagine buying a low end violin without finish for $20 USD??!! that's what they can go for if you buy enough...). #The TOP Chinese fiddles are going for over $3k right now. #All hand made and sound in many cases better than a comparable European mass produced instrument. #The major complaints are with the wood. So now, Chinese makers are importing European wood...(will this end up like the steel market? I hope not...)

My point.
Chinese mandos are IMHO going to really price alot of "mid range" and "Low End" mass makers out of business. Great quality, great price.

sorry for the length.
Second the motion on Eastman, for I have an 815 which was nice when I got it and gets nicer with every passing day. #I bought my daughter an Eastman 305 violin, for which I paid exactly what the local music store asked for the European-made instrument I bought her 3 years ago. Is there a difference? #Bet your boots there is! #The difference is so astonishing that you can hear it one floor and three rooms away. #The wood's gorgeous, too, and the bow's far superior. #The instrument is so good that she's actually practicing, and has asked if she could take private lessons this summer.

The proof of thispudding's in the playing.

[Jim Yates]

Check out this new Eastman at the Twelfth Fret in Toronto.
http://www.12fret.com/new/eastman_mandolins_two_point_pg.html

[Onesound]

Very nice!

[Stephen Perry]

I just got a 2 point, the one exhibited at NAMM. Very nice. I really like the tone, sort of between the hard F tone and the oval hole tone. Interesting, supple. Pretty mando, too.