Eastman or JBovier?

[Mandolindustrial]

Hey all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I currently have a $200 oval Washburn Mandolin that my wife got for me as a gift. I'm not looking to upgrade slightly. I'm torn between the Eastman 305 and the Jbovier A5 Tradition. So I am looking for opinions on which one might be the better purchase or if there is not much difference between the two. Thanks for any insight you can offer.

[Ron McMillan]

I have one friend with the 305 and two friends with the JBovier A5. They are all very happy with their instruments. I suspect (but can't be sure since I haven't seen or played the JBoviers) that either one, well set up, will make you a very happy man. So if you can buy from a shop or an online source with a good reputation for quality set up work, I think you'll be fine either way.

ron

[mandobassman]

I have a 2013 A5 and I am still amazed at th volume and tone of this instrument. A friend of mine is a local JBovier dealer so I have had the chance to play several. From what I've seen, they are very consistently great sounding mandolins. I have not heard a Eastman that sounds as good. Eastmans can be good but the consistency just isn't there. It's hard to imagine a better mandolin than the A5T at the Mando Shop for $469.

[Michael Bridges]

Can't speak to the Eastman,as I haven't played one. However, I have the A5T, and could not be happier with it. It looks, plays, and sounds way above it's price. Kyle's price at the MandoShop is really a steal for these.

[yankees1]

I have played both and prefer the Eastman but you should play before you buy. I would recommend the Mandolin Store in Arizona as they are a sponser of this site and a highly recommended store from many members of this forum.

[DataNick]

I've owned both and they are both fine instruments. My experience was that for my purposes the JBovier had better tonal qualities/character...YMMV

I've been thinking about picking one up from Kyle at the Mando Shop just on general principle: at that price point it's like stealing candy from a baby...not that I'd like to go around stealing candy from babies...LOL!

[kevbuch]

I'm very happy with my jbovier.

[Gene Summers]

Play before you buy, is always best, but if you can't do that, buy it from a dealer that will give you a trial period. Both get good reviews on this forum. Good hunting!

[texaspaul]

I have a J Bovier A5 and really like it. It took about a year to really open up, but was good from the start. It is my opinion that the J Bovier has a bonus of nicer tuners, large frets and is completely bound. The Eastmans are well built and have a good cutting sound clear and penetrating but not a deep tone. I have had 3 and each began to show fret wear quickly. When the Eastman and the J Bovier are set up, they are good playing mandolins. They do have a different voice in general and only you can decide which you prefer.

[Cecily_Mandoliner]

Before I purchased my J Bovier A5-T, I tried out several mandolins, an Eastman among them (MD404 BK, so not an apples-to-apples consideration). It has a different voice from the J Bovier A5-T.
I chose the J Bovier A5-T, because it has the voice I wanted. I am really enjoying it!!!
Good luck making your decision!

[lflngpicker]

I gig with a J Bovier A5 and it is a high quality instrument. My guitars are Guilds, Martins and Taylors, so I am used to good quality. This J Bovier sounds wonderful, with rich tone and great projection. The frets are very comfortable. I agree that Kyle does a great job setting it up and his price is amazing.

[Mickey King]

Someone has this JB on Nashville craigslist https://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/4707958550.html