needing mandolin help

[bapduckman]

I have been out of the game or just havent really looked for a new one in a while. I was wondering what people thought of the eastman 615 as opposed to the kentucky 1000. Any feedback would be great. Thanks

[JEStanek]

Welcome to the Café. They are in the same league with one another in terms of price and people's reviews. Which one you might prefer will depend on which ones you get in your hands at try-out time. The Eastman has a skinnier more V shaped neck. I wouldn't expect them to sound exactly the same either.

Jamie

[Folkmusician.com]

I'm with Jamie. Once you get up to the top end of the Pac-Rim mandolins (like these), there is no wrong choice. :)

[JEStanek]

To add to your mix, consider the Loar 700 and even the J. Bovier. In a similar price range (~$1200) you can consider many fine used options. Weber A styles, Gibson A9 or Jam Master, Breedlove. You might even find a vintage Gibson Oval hole (player not a collector) in that range. If you're willing to consider flat tops there are many additional options.

Jamie

[bapduckman]

How is the loar as far as a bluegrass mandolin. Does it have a pretty good chop

[Mike Bunting]

How is the loar as far as a bluegrass mandolin. Does it have a pretty good chop
I assume you are referring to a "The Loar" since you seem to be referring to Pac-Rim instrument. When we say a Loar we are referring to a particular era of Gibson F5 mandolins.

[TDMpicker]

I have been playing a KM-1000 for about a year now and find it to be really good sounding mandolin.

[Jill McAuley]

One other thing to consider is that the KM1000 will have a flat board on it and the Eastman 615 will have a radius one, so if you've a strong preference for either/or then that will likely colour your decision if it comes to a choice between these two.

Cheers,
Jill