Midmo vs Eastman

**RobP** · Sep-20-2006, 1:50pm

Hey Gang,

I have seen oval-hole eastmans in the $500-600 price range. The new Midmo I want is 650. I am buying a second mandolin for the office etc (I already have a Rigel A+deluxe that I love).

How do Eastsman ovals compare with Midmos?

(There are no Eastman's in my area to play at the moment)

Thanks

Rob

**DryBones** · Sep-20-2006, 2:24pm

My Mid-Mo seems a bit easier to play and is a bit louder. Not sure if the ease is from the bigger frets. I like my Eastman 604 in the evening when I want to play a bit quieter. Might be the thing for the office as well. On the other hand, I would not want to get my 604 banged up at the office and would probably prefer the Mid-Mo for that environment, also makes a great camper mandolin. YMMV, what do I know?

edit: sound-wise I find the Eastman cleaner,richer,more mellow than the Mid-Mo.

**Michael H Geimer** · Sep-20-2006, 3:51pm

Last year, I had the chance to A/B Mid-mo's and Eastman's. The store carried both, and I also had my M-0 with me (in fact I had just bought it for that trip).

I held my tongue at first, figuring my opinion was probably biased by my adoration for all thing Mid-mo.

It's was my friends who later commented, "I can't believe how much better the plain looking one's sounded!"."Do fancy looks detract from the sound?", they wondered.

I know lot's of people rave about the Eastman's, but I don't get what all the fuss is about.

Total Speculation: Come upgrade time, I think more folks will get rid of their Eastmans than will get rid of their Mid-mo's.

- Benig

**DryBones** · Sep-20-2006, 3:56pm

Originally Posted by (Benignus @ Sep. 20 2006, 16:51)

Total Speculation: Come upgrade time, I think more folks will get rid of their Eastmans than will get rid of their Mid-mo's.

- Benig

probably right

**pager** · Sep-20-2006, 6:47pm

Yes - that WOULD be total speculation. And I don't agree. I would take the Eastman over the Mid Mo any day.
Of course some of us are just trouble makers.

**otterly2k** · Sep-20-2006, 9:03pm

Rob- If you can go play them and compare, do it, and choose what you like. If there's no way you can do that, and you have to buy without trying, I'd go with Mid-Mo... I have found them to be consistently good quality, playability and sound from instrument to instrument, store to store, etc. I have played several Eastmans and only met one that I thought sounded really good (a two-point oval). I have found them to be more variable. So if it's a gamble, I'd say Mid-Mo is a better bet.

IMHO / YMMV

**Soupy1957** · Sep-21-2006, 4:45am

Well obviously I'm not as "informed" as I thought I was.........what's a Mid-Mo?
-Soupy1957

**arbarnhart** · Sep-21-2006, 5:06am

Originally Posted by (Soupy1957 @ Sep. 21 2006, 05:45)

Well obviously I'm not as "informed" as I thought I was.........what's a Mid-Mo?
# -Soupy1957

Mid-Missouri Mandolins

**Soupy1957** · Sep-21-2006, 5:21am

ty arbarnart
-Soupy1957

**Steve L** · Sep-21-2006, 7:14am

I guess I'll state the obvious and point out that they are completely different types of mandos. #The Mid Mo is a flat top and the Eastman is a carved top. The inherent structure will make the mandolins sound very different.

My feeling is that for a flat top the Mid Missouri is a very, very good instrument of its kind and for a carved top the Eastmans are though to be good considering the price. #I've only played a handful of Eastmans in stores and wouldn't really want to own any of those. #I own a Mid Mo and like it very much. #It's ultimately a matter of taste, though I think the consistency point is well taken.

**jim_n_virginia** · Sep-21-2006, 7:45am

The only mandolin I have ever owned and sold and later regretted doing this was the M-2 Mid-Mo mandolin I owned a few years ago. It had an awesome sound and was twice as loud and clear as any Eastman. Very easy to play too. One day I'll get another... I keep telling myself that.

It was perfect for Celtic and Old Time music.

The Eastmans sound OK and look the part if you want to play Bluegrass.

Like someone said already two completely different kinds of instruments and mostly used for different genres of music.

**Hondo** · Sep-21-2006, 8:00am

They’re very different critters, and I enjoy playing both. I prefer the Eastman for jazz and classical tunes, and prefer the Mid-Mo when using a lot of drones, say for medieval pieces or old time. I’d probably agree with Benignus – in the long run, I’m more likely to upgrade and get rid of the Eastman than the Mid-Mo.

**Soupy1957** · Sep-21-2006, 8:29am

When I went to the website, I have to honestly say that I was "turned on" by any of the models I saw there, but it truly is a matter of opinion. Perhaps I'm not seeing all there is to see there? (Mostly noted some "A" models).
-Soupy1957

**Bob Borzelleri** · Sep-21-2006, 8:36am

If I have learned anything over the years with regard to personal opinions about acoustic instruments, it's that where people stand on them pretty much depends on where they sit.

When I mentioned in a post that I had been checking out Eastmans (I didn't really ask anyone's opinion about them), I received at least one response questioning why I wasn't considering one of the smaller domestic makers. ÿI found that to be interesting primarily since it came across as an attempt to save me from myself; as though I was blindly wandering down a path to dispair and disappointment, or perhaps I was about to be guilty of not supporting builders living in my own country.

The only valid answer to any of these "Which is better" questions is to try to find a reasonably set up model of each instrument with decent strings and play them. ÿYour ears and your fingers will tell you pretty much all you need to find out about both instruments. ÿThat feedback will go a whole lot farther than anyone's opinion about offshore vs. domestic, new vs. older, flat vs. arched, which is likely to traded off some time in the future or any other mindset that really has nothing at all to do with what you are really looking for; an instrument that feels and sounds good at a reasonable price.

**brunello97** · Sep-21-2006, 8:39am

Originally Posted by (Soupy1957 @ Sep. 21 2006, 09:29)

When I went to the website, I have to honestly say that I was "turned on" by any of the models I saw there, but it truly is a matter of opinion. Perhaps I'm not seeing all there is to see there? (Mostly noted some "A" models).
-Soupy1957

I'm not sure if it is a matter of "seeing" here. Most testimonials viz this company (Mid-Mo) are in regards to their sound.

I'm as attracted to how a mandolin looks as the next guy, but "hearing all there is to hear" might be an alternate way to get turned on.

Mick

**JEStanek** · Sep-21-2006, 10:06am

Soupy,
Mid-Mo only makes flat top tear drop shaped mandos. #No scrolls there. #They are plain jane looking great sounding mandos. #I think short of buying custom mid mo may be the best flat top out there. #A nice range of tone woods for the backs. Quality product that is well supported and stood behind by the company. Not much in terms of fancy finishes / sunbursts going on there either. #They will burn intricate patterns into the tops though.

Eastman and Mid-mo are very different animals. #RobP ask Dennis at the mandolin store or Steve from Gianna Violins to play some Eastmans over the phone. #I won't recommend any over the other as I have yet to play a mid mo and I'm not sure what you want to do with either of them.

If you just want to have a less expensive mando at your office to practice on maybe the Eastman is better b/c it will be shaped/voiced more similarly to what you have (but an oval holed Eastman will sound different from the ff holed Rigel). #If you want to broaden your styles or mando voices the mid mo may be the way to go. Either way it doesn't seem as if you plan on Upgrading a 2nd/beater/office mando or is that always an option?

Don't discount the value of a decent Flatiron Pancake mando either (deffinately in your price range).

Jamie

**morgan** · Sep-21-2006, 10:54am

I don't own a mid mo or an Eastman, but I've played both, and I much preferred the mid-mos, which have that very sweet oval hole sound. I found the Eastmans to be tinnier. For what its worth, I also love my A+ deluxe so maybe we have similar tastes. Mid Mos seem to come up for <$500 on the classifieds with some frequency, so if you're patient it might also be the better deal.

**arbarnhart** · Sep-21-2006, 11:00am

BTW, if you want a good oval for a low price, I am guessing that the one I have and love flew under your radar. For some opinions (not just mine but including mine) take a look at this Cafe thread on the Washburn M1SDL. It's a plain jane (sort of; playing blues I like the "baby grand" finish) with cheap hardware but has a solid spruce carved top and really good sound.

**Soupy1957** · Sep-21-2006, 3:00pm

Thanks for all your various thoughts......I find myself viewing Mandolins like the catagory on Mandolin Cafe called "Eye Candy" first, then "sound" second. I suppose, given the love for old beat up instruments from the 1920's that sound great but look like they've been through the washing machine is a valid point. (to the point where I would not be surprised if some folks intentionally "distress" their instruments.
I was just noting that from an "eye candy" (admittedly subjective) point of view, I didn't happen to like the style I was looking at on that site. I wouldn't be so presumptuous as to believe that because they aren't "scroll" Mando's they aren't worth anything.
If I've been accused of anything, it wouldn't be true that I was known as a "Bill Monroe wannabe" (from an ownership point of view), although I DO like the F5 Styling, and have owned two.
-Soupy1957

**mandomadman** · Sep-21-2006, 3:58pm

Hey Soupy, Sorry I did'nt make it down to the last Bethany jam. It was real nice meeting you and jamming with the gang. I'm the mando guy that showed up with the Kentucky KM-Dawg and I remember you commenting on my playing and tone....Thanks man! You had that fancy blue MK F style, are you unhappy with it? I though it a decent mando that just needed a set-up. I'll do the work for you for free if your interested. In keeping with the thread IMO I feel folks should buy what speaks to them and not what it looks like or the brand name. The beauty of tone is in the ear of the holder and the beholder. If you like the way it sounds and plays... enjoy it. I've played mandos I did'nt like but sounded amazing when someone else played it and vise-versa. Finding that perfect mando seems to be a constant evolutionary process for most of us ( the advanced and pro players with money have it a bit easier). As we get better we notice things about our mandos that are missing or should'nt be there, so we quest for the next one and so often out grow that one in time also. I encourage everyone to hold onto that mando that speaks to them because finding the next one may take some time ,especially if you live in an area that does'nt have many to try out,like here in CT. Buying on a brands reputation or name alone without trying it first does'nt mean one is going to be satisfied with their purchase.. Ron

**DryBones** · Sep-21-2006, 7:49pm

I've said this before but will repeat because I like to hear myself talk.

My Mid-Mo sounded great right out of the box and has never changed, The Eastmans I own both sounded terrible/flat/dull when I first got them but after a couple days they really woke up and sound great now. I am wondering how many Eastmans in the stores are getting a bad rap because they haven't been played in yet. As far as try before you buy that doesn't work for me being a lefty. Good thing I get that 48 hour test drive when I buy on the web. Only costs me shipping if I don't like but so far I haven't had to send anything back. YMMV blah,blah,blah

**Santiago** · Sep-21-2006, 7:53pm

I tried a Mid-Mo and an Eastman before I bought the Eastman, though it was a 605 (A with f holes). I was really impressed with the sound of both for the money, but I was also knocked out by the Eastman wood -- though I suspect I'll buy an M-11 when I raise the money. I'm going to have to earn it through playing in order to justify the investment. But in a world of MAS... why not just buy both?

**DryBones** · Sep-21-2006, 7:56pm

Originally Posted by (Santiago @ Sep. 21 2006, 20:53)

I tried a Mid-Mo and an Eastman before I bought the Eastman, though it was a 605 (A with f holes). I was really impressed with the sound of both for the money, but I was also knocked out by the Eastman wood -- though I suspect I'll buy an M-11 when I raise the money. I'm going to have to earn it through playing in order to justify the investment. But in a world of MAS... why not just buy both?

so you will need a 604 too then, right?

**otterly2k** · Sep-21-2006, 10:38pm

Jason- you may be right about Eastmans in stores getting a bad rap b/c they take time to "bloom". Mid-mos generally seem to make a better first impression in terms of tone and playability. What impresses me is the number of players of Mid-Mos who keep them long term...that is, they stay good over time.

Soupy... you may have noticed on their website that Mid-Missouri's philosophy is to skip the frills and put all the cost of the instrument into quality woods and workmanship. As a result, their instruments are very good AND relatively affordable. They also have a very strong customer service record, so they have a reputation as being a very good value. Many people are turned off by their bare-bones look, and they're not right for everyone, but they do seem to have a very high proportion of satisfied customers.

**cooper4205** · Sep-21-2006, 10:44pm

i used to not like looks of the mid-mo's when i first started playing the mandolin. they definately sound good and the more i get sucked into MAS and mandos in general the more i appreciate their simple, clean designs.