I kinda shared the opinion that the bound f-holes may've made a "tiny" difference for the better tonewise. But I sure think the 800 series look better without 'em.
Nice axe Joe. How does it sound?
James,
I agree...I think the bound f-holes can tend to be just a little over the top. As to this one, it sounds great. It is at least the equal of my 515, which has a good amount of play time on it, so I expect it will only improve.
Joe
Here's mine. The main difference between this and the usual 815 is a red spruce top and oil varnish.
NoNickel
Duff F5 #196/15
Plays the "Irv Pearman" Signature Set
All misspellings intentional. Even thsi one.
The Back
NoNickel
Duff F5 #196/15
Plays the "Irv Pearman" Signature Set
All misspellings intentional. Even thsi one.
and nickel hardware. the 815 are gold now aren't they?
Jason
Lefty JBovier F5 Tradition, Lefty Mid-Mo M1
NoNickel...
Very handsome. I do like the nickel hardware...but I can adjust to the gold, which seems to be more common at the moment on the 815s.
Joe
throw some EXP strings on that 815 with the gold hardware and it will look sweet...for about a week.
Jason
Lefty JBovier F5 Tradition, Lefty Mid-Mo M1
Those Eastman's surely look nice! My buddy plays the F model that only has binding on the top, or on the top and back. He gets some good woof out of it. I know he plays it a lot, so it's usually nice and warmed up. He plays with a light hand, but I know he could pull some muscle out of it if he reared back and crushed a few chops.
Hamlett Two-Point
Eastman MD805
Schertler DYN-M + Yellow
http://www.youtube.com/ktbriggs
https://www.facebook.com/kevin.briggs.1213
I don't know whether gold or nickel are more common. Mine is pretty recent #1536 and made in 2007.
NoNickel
Duff F5 #196/15
Plays the "Irv Pearman" Signature Set
All misspellings intentional. Even thsi one.
Just checked Eastmans website. 500-600's are nickel only, 800's are nickel or gold and 900's are gold only. Personally I love the gold on the 915 with that maple binding...yummy #
Jason
Lefty JBovier F5 Tradition, Lefty Mid-Mo M1
A more recent pic of mine. #Has Mandovoodoo set up, Cumberland Acoustics bridge, Doug edwards armrest and a Bailey strap.
NoNickel
Duff F5 #196/15
Plays the "Irv Pearman" Signature Set
All misspellings intentional. Even thsi one.
Also a ToneGard removed for this picture. #Flame disappears and reappears depending on the angle.
NoNickel
Duff F5 #196/15
Plays the "Irv Pearman" Signature Set
All misspellings intentional. Even thsi one.
DryBones, or whomever can answer....just curious..why would EXP strings go with gold hardware? Does the coating give a gold cast or something?
Yes, but like he said, only for about a week.Originally Posted by (Joe-TN @ July 08 2007, 12:40)
After that they start looking pretty striped (or stripped...)
They still sound good enough.
look great for photos though when new!Originally Posted by (James P @ July 08 2007, 12:51)
Jason
Lefty JBovier F5 Tradition, Lefty Mid-Mo M1
Well, thanks. Who knew? Most everyone, apparently.
#1727 is now mine and is Nickel. Finally got rid of the 814 (lousy) and turned it into this 815. I've probably tried 50-60 Eastmans over the last 8-10 months and this one is as good as the Eastmans get for sound I believe. Hadn't run across one that could compete with my MK until this one.
Join me Thursdays from 10am - 12pm eastern as I host "The Bluegrass Beat" at www.worldwidebluegrass.com.
Sound is everything. If it sounds as good as ti looks you are a lucky human.
NoNickel
Duff F5 #196/15
Plays the "Irv Pearman" Signature Set
All misspellings intentional. Even thsi one.
Was it something particular to that one? Or, something with the 814?Originally Posted by (brady712 @ July 08 2007, 21:17)
Mine in particular was weak sounding with little volume but my understanding is the 814 in general are like that. Just didn't do what I needed it to do. It's just a different creature.
Join me Thursdays from 10am - 12pm eastern as I host "The Bluegrass Beat" at www.worldwidebluegrass.com.
had the same experience with a 604. Sounded nice with JM11's especially around Christmas but it just wasn't what I was looking for.Originally Posted by (brady712 @ July 08 2007, 21:38)
Jason
Lefty JBovier F5 Tradition, Lefty Mid-Mo M1
Regarding the MKs... I've played a few that were really good. I've also played some really good Eastmans. I've run across a few that weren't good at all, even with good setups, but I know they can be dang good.
Hamlett Two-Point
Eastman MD805
Schertler DYN-M + Yellow
http://www.youtube.com/ktbriggs
https://www.facebook.com/kevin.briggs.1213
that shows the variability between individual instruments. I played an 814 this past week that was as loud as you would want an oval-hole mandolin to be.Originally Posted by (brady712 @ July 08 2007, 21:38)
Wes
"i gotta fever...and the only prescription is more cowbell!!"
'87 Flatiron A5-JR/'25 Gibson A-JR
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