New Eastman Varnished Mandolins

[sgrexa]

I have seen only two oil varnished Eastmans, both from a couple of years ago, and I did not like the feel or coloration of the burst on either. It looks like they are making these again and the look and color is much nicer:

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78118

I do not like the "candy cane" scroll carving, but everything else looks nice. Does anyone have one of these newer ones that would care to offer an opinion? Thanks!

Sean

[LongBlackVeil]

agreed that does look much nicer, i was drooling at that pic earlier. i dont see anything wrong with the scroll myself

[lflngpicker]

I noticed the Mandolin Store was selling the A version, an 805 Varnished.

[RichM]

What is "candy cane" scroll carving?

[Caleb]

Beautiful finish (and scroll).

[sgrexa]

What is "candy cane" scroll carving?

If you take a good look at the ridge, it is straight and shaped like a candy cane as it continues into the body. I like to see a little curve in this area but that is just my preference.

Sean

BTW- This is what the "old" varnished ones look liked:

http://www.gbase.com/gear/eastman-md-815v-sunburst#

[StevieBGoode]

I noticed the Mandolin Store was selling the A version, an 805 Varnished.

Yes - they sold it to me!

[Zissou Intern]

That 815V in the classifieds is a beautiful mandolin.

[Ivan Kelsall]

I must say that if the new varnished Eastmans look as good as the one in your link,then they're the best looking instruments that Eastman have made to date. I've played a few Eastmans in one of the main music stores here in Manchester UK,& they've all been 'good for their price' (IMHO).The only thing that still bugs me,is the amateurish headstock logo !. It looks like somebody was let loose with a buch of 'Letraset' stick on letters,
Ivan

[Zissou Intern]

I don't mind the Eastman logo. What I can't stand is the sound hole rosette they put on their oval holes. That Art Deco touch with the white rhombuses looks cheap. If it weren't for that, I'd own an 814.

[Caleb]

I don't mind the Eastman logo. What I can't stand is the sound hole rosette they put on their oval holes. That Art Deco touch with the white rhombuses looks cheap. If it weren't for that, I'd own an 814.

Completely agree. I wish they'd consider changing to another design for their oval hole models.

[Tom C]

I agree with rosette. But I may like it more than an abalone one.

[LongBlackVeil]

weird, i really love their rosette. its very unique. Im a fan

[Zissou Intern]

weird, i really love their rosette. its very unique. Im a fan

There is no accounting for taste... good or bad. ;-)

[lflngpicker]

Yes - they sold it to me!

Congratulations! I was admiring that one, StevieBGoode! Enjoy it.