Eastman MD404

[Joey Anchors]

Ok I found a good deal on an MD404 and it's pretty much what I'm looking for.

I just don't know if I should get the MD404, or go ahead and order the flat-top from Terry over at crystal forest.

[JEStanek]

Your signature looks like you've answered that question.

I've owned an Eastman Oval Hole and moved it along and my main instrument is a cant top, flat back mandolin built by Jack Spira. I've always been a fan of Eastman Mandolins, I have an 815D that's on long term loan to a friend who plays way more than I do. That said, since you are after an oval hole and seem to like that sound, I would go with the handmade Crystal Forest mandolin. I really like supporting small builders.

That's just what and why I would do it, especially if you've had hands on a CF Flat Top and it feels right. At least Eastman's are pretty consistent in neck shape for how it will feel in your hands.

Good luck on your decision.

Jamie

[Caleb]

I say get a mandolin and start making music again.

[Joey Anchors]

Your signature looks like you've answered that question.

I've owned an Eastman Oval Hole and moved it along and my main instrument is a cant top, flat back mandolin built by Jack Spira. I've always been a fan of Eastman Mandolins, I have an 815D that's on long term loan to a friend who plays way more than I do. That said, since you are after an oval hole and seem to like that sound, I would go with the handmade Crystal Forest mandolin. I really like supporting small builders.

That's just what and why I would do it, especially if you've had hands on a CF Flat Top and it feels right. At least Eastman's are pretty consistent in neck shape for how it will feel in your hands.

Good luck on your decision.

Jamie

That's the way I was leaning, but the Eastman is like a carrot dangling in front of my nose. No wait time, but not 100% exactly what I want, but it is less money upfront.

[Joey Anchors]

I say get a mandolin and start making music again.

That's another reason I would go with the Eastman.. no waiting until March/April until it would be finished.

[Caleb]

Based on my experience and on what I've seen here, I highly doubt that whatever you buy will be what you will keep. That's why I say just get back into playing. I owned an Eastman. Great mandolin. Liked it a lot but was never truly smitten like I am with my Collings. But the Eastman helped me make great music for six years, and now it's doing the same for another Cafe member.

[CES]

Get the Eastman now and sell (if you need the funds) in February as you're approaching delivery of the CF...

Assuming, of course, that you could swing both if necessary. Wouldn't want to leave CF hanging...

[Joey Anchors]

Yeah I think I'll be going with the CF as Terry is a good guy, less than 9 hours away and will be building the flat-top to exactly how I want it.

In the mean time I'll just have to bug the guys at Fiddlers Green by playing all their mandos until it arrives.

[Stephen Perry]

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.

[Joey Anchors]

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.

How would you describe the tone of the MD404? I do like mahogany as a tone wood in other instruments I've had.

[JEStanek]

Mahogany should be a darker warmer tone than a maple backed instrument. YMMV.

Jamie

[CES]

As Jamie said, and offering perhaps a bit more sustain than maple, while maintaining good note separation and clarity. IME, anyway.

[Joey Anchors]

Hmm.. food for thought.

[red7flag]

With an oval hole, it sounds as though you are not focused on bluegrass. As such, mahogany is a wonderful warm sounding tone wood, especially well suited for an oval hole. It might take some of the brightness off the Eastman, for me not a bad thing. Would be a very nice instrument for duets, ballads, Celtic and folk music.

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BTW, a flat top would also be strong for those music types.

[Joey Anchors]

With an oval hole, it sounds as though you are not focused on bluegrass. As such, mahogany is a wonderful warm sounding tone wood, especially well suited for an oval hole. It might take some of the brightness off the Eastman, for me not a bad thing. Would be a very nice instrument for duets, ballads, Celtic and folk music.

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BTW, a flat top would also be strong for those music types.

I'm looking at using it for jazz/jump blues music. Maybe I should go for the MD404.

[Folkmusician.com]

The MD404 is beautiful instrument. Tonally I think it is very good, but have a slight preference for the MD504 myself.

You wouldn't go wrong with an MD404, but don't be so quick to pass up the Crystal Forest flat top. Flat tops also have great, full tone. We all have difficulty waiting, but don't let it influence your choice.

Now owning both sounds like a great idea!

[Trav'linmando]

Joey I positively love my 404. Not only the sound but the looks to me are right. Other folks have described the sustain (oh yeah) and tone. Eastman calls it 'round liquid tone' ok sure. However you want to describe it , but the fact is that I don't chop, I play lots of melody and the notes do pour out of my 404.
Larry

[Joey Anchors]

After giving it some serious thought this past few days.. I'll be going with the MD404 (buying from TMS) and will see how it goes during the 48 hour period. If we mesh.. great! If not, I'll go ahead and go with the Crystal Forest.


Thanks everyone for all youur input and help! This is way I love the mandolin community and this forum.

[RodCH]

I have to agree with everybody who says get something now. It will never be your last mandolin (well, I guess someday everybody has a last, but not for a while). But meanwhile, how can you get by day to day without something to play? That is something people do that I just don't understand.

[Caleb]

Great choice, Joey. Looking forward to your review.

[allenhopkins]

And, of course, one can never have too many mandolins.

[Bill Cameron]

I'm a partisan, but objectively, almost any Eastman mando you can get at a good price is a good acquisition. It amazes me what people are asking for used 300-series ones now. My student bought a 404 when they first came out and likes it very much. Myself, I wanted to upgrade the tuners which I found a bit slippy and fussy. Retail price on it was up to $300 more than she paid, a year or two later.

[Joey Anchors]

Great choice, Joey. Looking forward to your review.

I'll keep everyone updated to when it arrives and my thoughts. It will be interesting to hear how an oval hole sounds compared to the KM900 I use to own.

[Joey Anchors]

Speaking of tuners on these Eastmans. Some sites say they have Schaller. Is that true?

[JEStanek]

Speaking of tuners on these Eastmans. Some sites say they have Schaller. Is that true?

Ask the dealer when you order it. They will have all the technical specs on it. Best source.

Jamie