Thanks for the replies so far.
I already found out that I like v-necks on mandolins as much as I do on guitars.
I also like skinny frets. Weber have 10" radius vs. 12" for the Eastman. Not a huge difference but it would be nice, as well as the extra 1/32 at the nut. And Weber are built better and sound better... There is a nice Weber Custom Vintage A with a black top at the shop, but it's out of my price range, that's why I have to stick with Eastman.
I have played the two Eastmans each day since Monday. I prefer the price and the easthetics of the MD404 (blacktop, oval hole), but I prefer the long neck of the MD805/V. Since they both feel nice and play well, it's really down to the sound, and I am not sure which one I prefer yet. I like different things about the way they sound.
I am sure the tonal differences are partly due to the choice of tonewood for the back and sides, mahogany for the 404, maple for the 805. The 404 is mellower and sweeter, and the G string sounds big and fat. I like that. The 805 sounds tighter and more lively,
and it has more overtones, giving it richness and more complexity. Both different, both good. So I will keep playing them and hopefully find out soon which sound will serve me better once I am a better player...
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