Eastman with armrest

[DryBones]

I just took my armrests off my Eastmans for a good cleaning and it appears the finish has been damaged. I couldn't even buff it out. Definitely shows where the cork has been. I put both these Cumberland Acoustic armrests on right after I bought the mandolins. Each of them is less than a year old. This is the second finish issue I have seen with my Eastmans (bridge did the same thing on both the first time I tried to remove them). Anybody else have a similar problem with their Eastmans or any other mando with an armrest? I am thinking Eastman needs to look into their curing process for the finishes before attaching hardware

[Stephen Perry]

I've had armrests and bridges imprint almost everything I've worked on. The exception is very hard finished commercial guitars. I've had armrests on a couple of those that didn't imprint. But the finishes were modern super-hard finishes.

The better mandolins see to all have soft finishes, like violin finishes. Eastman mandolins seem to have relatively soft spirit varnish under the nitro, which is almost certain to allow imprinting. Happens almost every time on violins. I've never considered it a defect in the process. When I put a clamp on an instrument I expect it to leave an imprint.

As far as bridge marks, I've rarely worked on a mandolin without bridge marks. Ditto with violin family instruments.

I suppose the issue is whether or not this is a warranty issue or not. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. If you believe this is a warranty issue, then I suggest you approach the dealer you got the instrument from for warranty service. Eastman will then clarify their position on finishes. I would expect a response to read something like:

"Soft, violn-like finishes are an important feature of Eastman mandolins. These relatively soft finishes are traditional on fine instruments. The finish serves as an important distinguishing feature of our mandolin line. The soft finish helps the instruments produce the relatively quick response and full tone they are known for. This soft finish cannot resist the pressure of bridge or tailpiece without minor and expected deformation. These areas remain concealed for the most part. Certainly any aftermarket devices that put continuing strong pressure on the finish will leave an imprint. That the finish takes such an imprint is not an indication of defective materials or workmanship and is not covered under our warranty. While we understand your concern, you must expect that aftermarket devices pushing continuously on a hand brushed finish will eventually deform that finish. We trust you will continue to enjoy your fine instrument."

That's the kind of response I'd expect to get.

Now, on an Eastman spirit varnish mandolin I used with an armrest, I simply cut the finish a bit with water & rottenstone to get a fresh surface, then French polished the instrument back up to an even finish. This really wasn't much trouble and got rid of the marks. Had I pulled some finish out, this would have taken a little longer, but wouldn't have been too much trouble. Perhaps a local finish expert can help remove the marks, should Eastman not cover this type of thing.

[DryBones]

Stephen,
Thanks for the reply...you sound like you work for Eastman or something...
I am not going to worry about these issues as the armrests will be staying on them anyway. Besides, I will probably abuse the finish even more down through the years. Thanks for the clarification about soft finishes.

[mangorockfish]

Hey Dry'
Do you have the varnish finish, which I understand is a "soft" finish, or the lacquer finish? I was going to put a pickguard on my Eastman with the lacquer finish, but not if it is going to marr the finish. I was not aware that the guard was in constant contact with the top. I thought that there was a slight space and it touched only when you anchored on it.

[Tailspin]

Sam Bush Doesnt really care about the finish on his mandos.

[allenhopkins]

My 615 mandola has a soft finish, and within a few days of getting it, I was wearing through the place where my fingers touch when I pick (I know, I know, I shouldn't drag my fingers across the mando's surface, but I do).

However, not a major issue IMHO. As Tailspin suggested, I just pretend I'm Sam Bush or some such...

[steelarts]

I'm looking into getting a second-hand blonde 615 Eastman this weekend. I was thinking of putting a Fishman pickup on it (and as I understand it) these clip to the edge of the instrument. Is this likely to damage the finish too?

Stephen, would fitting a Shadow 'Nano-Flex' violin pickup work? They certainly look neat?

cheers,
Marcus

[Mace]

My experiences with armrests has led me to no longer using them due to finish issues. If I felt the armrest really made a significant difference, I guess I would'nt care. They're just one more accessory I no longer need. And, yes, I do feel they should come with warnings, my Givens and a Tucker I used to have both reacted.

[Stephen Perry]

Stephen,
Thanks for the reply...you sound like you work for Eastman or something...
I am not going to worry about these issues as the armrests will be staying on them anyway. Besides, I will probably abuse the finish even more down through the years. Thanks for the clarification about soft finishes.

I just work on instruments, produce instrument lines, etc. So I get to see the problems! I'm also used to addressing them. I'll probably put the text I wrote into my warranty information! At least the violin type finishes are pretty easy to French polish back to life. But that's only temporary. I rather like the beat up look, fortunately

Sometimes what seems obvious to one person isn't to another. I always expect any clamp to leave a mark, and have tried a wide range of things to prevent this. Without effect - still get those pressure marks.

The funniest thing I got a call on was someone who got a violin in November and called in February to complain that it had gone out of tune. That was an interesting conversation!

The whole warranty/performance issue is a tough one. Often good performance comes with light structures and thin, supple finishes. Just the things that like to fail in hard use. Difficult compromise.