looking to purchas

**mando-dad** · Aug-04-2011, 2:47pm

Looking at an eastman md 515 . I'm a beginner would this be a good purchase $750 used . I started with a Savannah now I want something better any thoughts .

**mrmando** · Aug-04-2011, 3:16pm

Let's see ... list price is $1250, new discount price is $1125, or 90% of list. $750 is 60% of list, which is a decent price for a used instrument in good condition.

**red7flag** · Aug-04-2011, 4:04pm

The Eastman 515 is a fine instrument for the price. It has a shiny happy sound. So if you want a woody sound, this is not the instrument. It is easy to play. I suggest getting from a good dealer who will set it up. Set up, it is a fine sounding and playing instrument.

**Folkmusician.com** · Aug-04-2011, 4:36pm

would this be a good purchase $750 used?

I'll say that it is "probably" a good deal. The 515 is a very nice model. Assuming it is in good condition and has a nice setup, $750 is a good deal. If it needs any work, or the setup isn't great, it would not be a great deal.

**unclelee** · Aug-04-2011, 6:46pm

Man do-dad, If you haven't bought it yet, I have 515 for sale for $600 plus shipping. bought from the mandolin store couple of years ago. it is in pretty decent shape. i bought a f9 and really don't need the eastman now. lee

**mandodan1960** · Aug-04-2011, 7:32pm

It's easy to say Oh, just spend another $350.00,$250.00,$150.00 and harder to actually do especially in todays economy. I understand, but if it was me. Eastman 515 are 1000.00 new all day long. My advice is to forget about the scroll and get a Gibson A9. Two are for sale $900.00 and $1150.00(if I remember correctly) right here on the classifieds. They have a very nice woody bluegrass sound. You'll be going from your Savannah to a Gibson A9 and skipping the step where you try to unload your Eastman 515 to upgrade to a Gibson A9 or Gibson F9. Speaking from experience. The scroll is overrated its how you play that matters. I never heard anyone say "Man that guy can play to bad he only has an A model."

**mandodan1960** · Aug-04-2011, 7:37pm

Oh, On that $900.00 Gibson A9 in the classifieds if you inquire about it ask about fret condition. It says it was played "alot" so the frets may be worn. Refret is about 200.00

**Marcus CA** · Aug-04-2011, 8:16pm

Breedlove Quartz OF's often show up on the Classified in the $700-850 range. A lot of people don't like the satin finish on them, which (I think) makes them undervalued. To me, though, they sound, look, and play great --- especially for a mandolin in that price range.

**pager** · Aug-07-2011, 10:24pm

I love my Eastman. Bought mine in 2005. Also bought a Gibson F5G in 2005 too. I currently have a Collings and the Eastman. The Gibson went two Gibson's ago (bought a fern that I later sold too). So no, I don't accept the idea that if you buy the Eastman it will be a stepping stone to a Gibson A9 or F9. They sound different. Not better. Some of us don't like that Gibby sound. I am one of those people. You will find the sound you like. Maybe it will be the Eastman. Or a Weber. Or a Collings. You will know when you find it, but you may find like me that you love your Eastman and it will be a keeper.

Jillian

**allenhopkins** · Aug-08-2011, 12:26am

Q: Is $3.99 a good buy on this ham sandwich?
A: Why aren't you buying the liverwurst? Or the pastrami? Lotsa people love tuna...

New MD-515's seem to be going right around $1K discounted; whether $750 is a "good purchase" depends on its condition, whether a case is included, and whether you like the instrument after trying it out. Definite step up from your Savannah; solid woods, hand-carved, good fit and finish on Eastman instruments as a rule.

It doesn't sound like a Gibson, true, but you're describing yourself as a "beginner," and the MD-515 will be a much higher quality instrument to develop your skills on. As you progress, you can listen to, and try, a bunch of other mandolins, and decide whether you want a different sound or feel.

I have four Eastman instruments, and have found them quite satisfactory. They're among the quality Asian imports that make up the bulk of the mid-price-range mandolins. You're paying for the F-model shape, of course, which has little if any acoustic advantage, but is considered desirable, especially by those who play bluegrass.

Give the MD-515 a test run, and see what you think. It's your money.

**Marcus CA** · Aug-08-2011, 12:37am

Originally Posted by allenhopkins

Q: Is $3.99 a good buy on this ham sandwich?
A: Why aren't you buying the liverwurst? Or the pastrami? Lotsa people love tuna..

I'm going to disagree with you on this one, Allen.

The OP asked if this would be a good purchase for $750. I interpreted that two ways:

1) Is that a good price for an Eastman MD-515?
2) If you're going to spend $750 on a mandolin, is that model a good choice?

The OP also said that he wants something better than his current mando, and asked us for "any thoughts." So, I see that as inviting the discussion to go beyond ham.

Of course, final call on this one goes to mando-dad.

**allenhopkins** · Aug-08-2011, 12:46am

Originally Posted by mando-dad

Looking at an eastman md 515...would this be a good purchase, $750 used? I started with a Savannah now I want something better; any thoughts?

Seems pretty clear to me. How an A-9, a Breedlove, etc. is a response to this question, I dunno. "Any thoughts" seems to me to apply to the question of the MD-515, not so much the universe of alternative mandolins.

But you're right; as we both said, it's OP's money, and OP's call.

**dcoventry** · Aug-08-2011, 1:08am

I'll weigh in:

Buy the dang 515 already!!!! Jeez, get it and get to pickin' it

. It will neither be the begginning nor end of the world. If you don't like it, sell it.

You'll be buying another one soon anyway............

**ColdBeerGoCubs** · Aug-08-2011, 9:14am

I can recommend the 515. Mine surprises me with its sound and playability every time I pick it up. I was a bit unsure about buying it at first, but I have no regrets now.