View Full Version : Eastman for a breedlove?
stratton7584
Aug-13-2009, 5:47pm
ok someone offered to trade me a eastman md 515 for my breedlove kf. So do you think this would be a good deal? Or would i be getting ripped?the reason why i ask is because i have never owned or played a eastman mandolin.
allenhopkins
Aug-13-2009, 10:59pm
Breedlove KF discounted price $1,400.
Eastman 515 discounted price $1,000.
Don't do it, unless you're absolutely in love with the 515. Eastman mandolins are great -- I have a DGM-1 mandolin, 615 mandola, and 800-series mandocello -- but so are Breedloves, and you have a more expensive instrument, American made, that would be worth more as a trade-in or resale.
I don't know about getting "ripped off," but it's not a deal I'd make, although I really like Eastmans.
Brad Weiss
Aug-13-2009, 11:20pm
Honestly, having played all 3 and owned only 1 of them, I think the Eastman is not as good as the Breedlove, and only about as good as the Kentucky... I'm confident in saying the Breedlove is the easiest to play. Oh, and if YOU prefer the Eastman, go for it...
Chris Biorkman
Aug-13-2009, 11:57pm
Don't do it.
Rick Schmidlin
Aug-14-2009, 12:02am
Don't do it.
Ditto
man dough nollij
Aug-14-2009, 12:12am
Why would you consider it? Don't you like your Breedlove?
stratton7584
Aug-14-2009, 4:57am
i really like my breedlove but like i said i hve never owned or played the eastman so i dont even know what they sound like.
Steve L
Aug-14-2009, 5:47am
Why would you consider trading a mandolin you really like for one you've never played? This makes no sense to me.
gibson mandoman
Aug-14-2009, 5:49am
It has already been said, but don't trade a Breedlove for an Eastman. I have played both, and I will take the Breedlove over the Eastman anyday. If you really want to hear a 515 Eastman, then visit YouTube.
Rob Gerety
Aug-14-2009, 6:04am
Why would you consider trading a mandolin you really like for one you've never played? This makes no sense to me.
Ditto.
TMitchell
Aug-14-2009, 7:03am
I'm a big fan of Eastmans--for the money. I love mine, and if you're excited about picking one up, more power to you. Owning three mandolins is no sin.
But forced to trade for one, I'd offer your Kentucky (also a fine instrument--for the money) and hold on tight to the Breedlove.
stratton7584
Aug-14-2009, 7:11am
thanks for the advice guys!
In this case (never played the Eastman, just curious) you guys are right but there is a little bit of absoluteness to situation that could be more fluid...
A players affinity to a particular mandolin is not ruled by fairness or economic factors. Most of the time it's what you hear. Given this situation where the questioner just absolutely loved the Eastman compared to his Breedlove the deal would have probably been OK.
MandoSquirrel
Aug-15-2009, 11:16am
I used to have a Quartz KO. I tried several Eastman's & the only one I'd consider losing the Breed for was a 915 or 815. I sold it only to buy a Breedlove Cascade.
Santiago
Aug-15-2009, 11:48am
I have a cheap Eastman 605 and I love it, but a Breedlove KF costs more and sounds better than a 515.
While I don't think you're crazy for considering it...lots of folks just have to have the scroll and think Breedloves look weird, even the FF models...I agree with the above posters in general and agree that the Kentucky for the Eastman would be a more even trade, depending on the mandos, of course. Also, not all Breedloves have the classic bluegrass tone many are after. In my opinion, they're superior to even the higher level Eastmans, and I'm on a buy American kick of late, so that would pretty much settle the issue for me...
The only way I would consider it would be if I just really didn't like the tone or feel of the Breedlove and could play the Eastman first. Even then, I might ask for some cash to be thrown in depending on the condition of the instruments...
JEStanek
Aug-17-2009, 8:18am
OK. I traded a used older Breedlove KF or a new Eastman 805D. I didn't actually like the Breedlove neck profile and have been comfortable with the Eastman profile (I do like Eastman mandolins and have owned 2 and still have 1). I feel their voices are pretty similar, in my experience.
If you love your Breedlove, I don't think you'll be making a considerable step up in going to the Eastman. I would consider a used KF a fair trade for a used Eastman 615. Maybe a new 515 where you get to keep the warranty only, IMO... but there will be very different feels in the neck (the Eastman is narrower, with a pronounced V shape and has skinnier frets). I would recommend you hold an Eastman in hand before considering the trade. They may not fit you.
Is this a scroll envy based trade?
User KFs can get about $800-1100 Used Eastman 515 get between $475-600. Used Eastman 815s
get 900-1200 depending on condition. Just on finances that's not a good trade, esp. if you love your Breedlove.
Jamie
Sam Bush Fan!
Aug-17-2009, 2:12pm
i would stick to the breedlove.