Eastman 604 Oval Hole Sustain Question

[latentaudio]

I have a new Eastman 604. When I compare the open G string to the C fretted on the 5th fret of the G string, the open G sustains almost twice as long as the C.

The G sounds nice, full and resonant. Anything played above the 5th fret on the G string sounds choked.

Also, closed position chords sound choked compared to chords with open strings and do not have a lot of volume.

The strings are relatively new J74s but the mando has sounded this way since I got it. The action is on the low side but it plays cleanly up the neck.

I don't have a lot of experience with ovals. Is this typical? Is this something a new bridge or something else might help? Anyone have any experience with mandovoodoo and Eastman ovals?

Thanks

[DryBones]

how long have you had it? my 604 seems to be opening up more each day I play it but it still seems quiet compared to the 505, quieter but richer/mellower than the 505. I did go to some lighter strings when I got it so that might make a difference also.

[peter.coombe]

I suspect that has something to do with the way the soundbox is tuned. #They didn't get it right, probably carved a bit too thin. #If the soundbox is tuned to a G that is what you will get, i.e. uneven tone. #Big boom on the G string on G, rest of the notes are quieter. #I try to tune to G#, and that gives a much more even tone. What to do about it? It is built into the instrument so there is nothing much you can do about it that will make much difference.

[John Flynn]

The first thing you should try is a good, complete setup, perhaps including raising the bridge a little. You might also try strings that have less of a bright, boomy bass, meaning non-bronze strings. You might try T-Is or Monels.

Understand though, that while the Eastmans are a great value for the buck, you may have to accept some limitations in that price range. I have played multiple Eastman ovals and always found them to be very boomy on the bass end, but they drop off quickly as you move up the scale. I like them OK, but they are not perfect.

[latentaudio]

The Mando isopening up more each day. In the first position it sounds very nice and rich. But as Mando Johnny points out, things start to fade out when you get near the 5th fret. When I first got the mando I wasn't too happy with the balance between the bass and treble strings. That is not the case any longer.

A set of strings are in the near future.

Soundbox tuning? That's why I asked about mandovoodo.

[Smyers]

That was the same thing I experienced with my Eastman 615 and the reason I eventually upgraded. It was a good value for the investment.

[peter.coombe]

Well since my last past I actually got to play an Eastman oval hole for the first time. It was quite responsive, but sounded wierd to me, although I don't think the G string boomed more than usual for an oval hole. The top had a wierd combination of a cross brace and tone bar bracing, so that may explain the wierd tone. I think they have a bit more work to do to get the tone right, and sticking to a traditional, or an X bracing pattern would certainly help.

[latentaudio]

Well the 604 just got back from a Mandovoodoo treatment. #The balance between the bass and treble strings is much more consistent and fretted notes up the neck sustain much better. #Plus I noticed that I can feel mando vibrate much more than before.

I'd recommend the treatment in a heart beat. #The turnaround time was great. #Steve and Gianna were very good at keeping me informed of what was going on too!

[DryBones]

Mark,
Did you stay with J74 strings? I am thinking of going back to them.

[Stephen Perry]

Glad it worked out well for you. The mandolin will likely break in more rapidly now, assuming you play it often. Come by for a free checkup any time. I'll be at IBMA if you're headed there. Say hi (applies to all).

[latentaudio]

Yes I kept the strings the same for now. I wanted to eliminate them as a variable when judging the voodoo effect.

My other mando is an A9. I always thought that the 604 kinda sorta in some convoluted way sounded similar (but not the same) as the A9. After the 604 came back from the voodoo, I find myself wondering how I could have thought they sounded similar. They sound very different now.

Physical or psychological, voodoo is voodoo!

[Red Englemann]

Mark,
Did you stay with J74 strings? I am thinking of going back to them.



I tried others and came back to the J74's. My 504 is an exceptional sounding instrument with lots of sustain. If I found a better instrument, I would consider. I compare the 504 to the early Gibsons since there are not other brands that are similar that I am aware of. #After playing several old Gibson ovals, the Eastman just has the better sound. Pretty cool for $500, huh?





Red

[Stephen Perry]

I'm tempted to put JM11 JazzMando strings on an Eastman oval. Might be a nice match. I put some on a Draleon Royale and was very pleased.

[JEStanek]

I can vouch for how nice the JM-11s sound on my Eastman oval. YMMV but they are the strings for that mando of mine.

Jamie

[arbarnhart]

My oval is not an Eastman but another import that consistantly get high marks from owners, but I also love what the JazzMando JM11s do for it.

[DryBones]

Jamie,
Any nut or bridge slotting needed to fit the Jazzmando JM11's or will they replace J74's no problem? also, what pick are you using with this setup?

edit: I just looked on their website for sizes and they should fit no problem. I am concerned about how light the G string is at .033 Does the low end still come through low and clear?

[DryBones]

well, I couldn't resist so I ordered me a 2 pack of the JM-11's to try on my Eastman 604. So far so good, They feel and sound great and still maintain the low end I was concerned with losing with the smaller diameter G string. Time will tell after I beat on them for awhile http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[JEStanek]

Jason,
I'm sorry I missed your ealier message. #I didn't do anything with the set-up when switching from J-74s (that came with it) to the Jazz Mando strings. #I didn't notice anything other than a little quiteer overall and the low end is still strong. #So comfortable and they last forever (given how little I play - I can get 5-6 months.

Jamie
Edit: It's nice if I answer all questions... I usually use a Dawg pick on it. The bigger JazzMando picks (even the guitar size ones) are nice too. The Golden Gate didn't feel as good as the Dawg or the Jazzmando ones. Something about that/those particular plastics seem to work for my tastes.

[DryBones]

Well,
I put a set of JM11's on the 604 on saturday afternoon. I wasn't crazy about them but figured they needed time to settle in just like any other string. sunday morning I retune and the thing sounds sweet. I leave the mando in the stand until late sunday evening and pick it up,check the tuning and its fine. I start playing some tunes and I can't believe how nice it sounds, no tinny E string, everything just sounds great! So far I am loving these strings, I might have to try a set on my Mid-Mo!

[latentaudio]

I just put a set of Thomastik-Infeld 154ST's on my 604. The smaller G & D strings are better seem to balance with the A & E strings very well but they really don't give me the sound I am looking for. I'm thinking I may try something like Elixir's next.

What I'm really looking for is a more "piano like" tone. Something like a shrunken down cross between a Taylor guitar and an octave mandolin!