Eastman MD404

[Caleb]

The tuners on my old 505 were Schallers and were better than the StewMac tuners that came on my MT. I actually had to get a replacement set for the Collings they were so bad.

[Joey Anchors]

Correction: they look like Schaller tuners.

[Joey Anchors]

Stock..

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Schaller

[fumblefour]

I bought a MD404 last week as my first good mandolin (after starting as a complete beginner about 4 months ago on a laminated affair which cost all of £70 including gigbag- and was actually OK as an introduction). I tried a whole lot of mandos in the shop, and the Eastman really stood out for tone, sustain and comfortable playing, so far as my inexperience allows me to judge. In fact it's almost scary how much sustain it has. I'll have to learn how to mute sometimes! I did compare it to a 504 (virtually the same but with maple back and sides), and there was a discernible difference in tone, especially when I asked the shop assistant to play them for me. As I am mostly learning classical and some Celtic / folk, the mahogany really spoke to me. As for the tuners, they look like Schallers but I don't know if they are the real deal. Seem to do the job.

[Folkmusician.com]

The tuners on the MD404 are good quality.

The Mass Street image is correct. Here are pics of a 404 I have here now:

[Joey Anchors]

The tuners on the MD404 are good quality.

The Mass Street image is correct. Here are pics of a 404 I have here now:

Well in that case I'll be keeping them. They are a good design.

THANK YOU for taking the time to take these photos!

[Joey Anchors]

Update: Tomorrow is delivery day!

How long should I leave it in the shipping box before opening it?

[Folkmusician.com]

If the weather outside is close to inside temperature, approximately 5 seconds!

If there is an extreme difference, not so quick.

[guitharsis]

Received an MD404 yesterday from a Cafe member. It's in perfect mint condition and looks and sounds great! I'm getting back into mandolin after a long break. This thread answered any questions that I had.

[Trav'linmando]

Guitharsis , congrats on your 404. Happy picking.

Larry

[Joey Anchors]

Received an MD404 yesterday from a Cafe member. It's in perfect mint condition and looks and sounds great! I'm getting back into mandolin after a long break. This thread answered any questions that I had.

Congrats on the new mando! Glad this thread provided some help.

[guitharsis]

Thanks, Trav'linmando and Joey. Do love the looks and sound of this mando. It was an impulse purchase from the Classifieds but I couldn't be more pleased with it. Exactly what I need for the type of music I play. Yes, this thread was very helpful.

[guitharsis]

MD404 is a very nice instrument. I do not know the other. I have to wonder whether mahogany is superior for low-end oval hole mandolins. The MD404 is not the first mahogany oval hole I have been very pleased by.

Just wondering if The MD404 is the only Eastman with mahogany b/s. Also, what strings would you recommend?

[Joey Anchors]

Just wondering if The MD404 is the only Eastman with mahogany b/s. Also, what strings would you recommend?

For strings it depends on what sound you are going for. D'Addario's EJ74 are the standard in round wound strings for bluesgrass and a lot of other styles of music. I prefer flatwound (Pyramid 532) for a warmer jazzy tone as I don't play bluegrass.

[Trav'linmando]

Just wondering if The MD404 is the only Eastman with mahogany b/s. Also, what strings would you recommend?

I am still using EJ74 strings on my MD404. I found a pick that provides the sound I want and the 74 are available most everywhere. That said I would like to try GHS silk and bronze , I liked them on a Washburn I used to have.

[lflngpicker]

Hey Joey and Guitharsis, Congrats to both of you on your new MD404's! I have long wanted to play one. The mahogany back and sides must give it a nice round tone as Trav'lin pointed out.