I had an Eastman 814 (F-oval) that I liked alot. The Eastman had a nice tone to me, open, good sustain, the neck was comfortable and Stephen Perry did a great set up - Voodoo on it when I got it. With my Spira (flat top oval hole) and a Brian Dean Lyon and Healy Style A repro coming next spring I didn't need another oval hole mando so I traded it for a Breedlove KF.
What I liked about the Eastman was the neck shape was comfortable, the Varnish finish was nice. It was an F4 I could afford.
What I found challenging, at least now as I deal with the Breedlove, is the Eastman had a narrower neck and thinner not as tall frets (call 'em vintage frets if you like). The Breedlove is pretty darn wide for me and I've not yet gotten used to it.
A well set up Eastman can be a joy to play. Many folks feel the Eastmans do not improve in tone substantially as you go up from the 500-900 series. Just the wood and binding get nicer. Only you can be the judge of that when you have several Eastman mandos on hand to taste.
Jamie
There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946
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