Eastman MD-814 review

[bdisp]

I recieved my new 814 from Steve Perry/Gianna Violins a week and a half ago. What a super expeirence dealing with Steve and Gianna. The mando is GREAT. Eastman captures the oval hole sound to a tee. The woods, workmanship, finish and detailing are fine. I didn't expect to see detailing like I would on a $20K mando. I will say Eastman exceeded my expectations. My only reservation is to take advantage of Steve's 100% trade up policy for a 914. Let me know when you get one Steve.

Where are the Eastman oval/F mandolas? I want one......

[kurtwestphal]

I love my 814 too! Definitely one of the best bargains out there.

[J. Mark Lane]

Please don't take this the wrong way. It is not meant to be in any way an affront or even the least unpleasant.

But I would be curious to know, just how many $20k mandolins have you played (or even seen up close)?

Mark

[bdisp]

JML.........I was trying to make a point. This ain't no $5K, $8K or $20K mando. It is a bunch-o-mando for the denaro. Sounds good too.

For the record, I've played 3 Loars. Of course, they're a little more than $20K..........

[J. Mark Lane]

Fair enough. Like I said, I didn't mean to be unkind. It's just that I thought the statement was perhaps a bit much. Also, honestly, I've never seen an Eastman, and with all the talk, I was wondering just how good they really are. Given your experience in playing fine instruments, I'm inclined to credit the fact that they must indeed be pretty good (although truth be told the one Loar I've played was unimpressive <g&gt (ducking).

Anyway, I forgot to say, congrats on the new instrument.

Mark

[bdisp]

Mark,
No offense taken. I've had MAS for an F-4 too long. I'd settle for an F-2. I've tried to rationalize selling some stuff to get one. I even corresponded with Ben Wilcox (BRW-he is making some fine mandos) about making me one. Then, here comes Eastman. Looks good, sounds great, keep all my stuff, no 2nd mortgage......... They are worth a look if you're in the market.

[bdisp]

Kurt,

What's your s/n on your 814. Mine is 008.

[f5joe]

Mark, the Eastman mandos are unbelievably built ......... for the money. Incredibly, the detailing approaches most mandos currently in the $2k - $8k range. I've purchased an MD 815 that has quite incredible woods in it.

..... and yes, I've played a few expensive mandos.

[kurtwestphal]

Bob, my 814 is s/n 006. Happy Picking, Kurt

[Stephen Perry]

I like the oval F mandolins. The Eastman ovals I've had through seem to be quite consistent and have that nice warm woofy bass. I have a blonde MD914 (the fancy one) coming in, probably Monday. Maybe I'll keep it. Should be a very special thing. I'm rarely excited about instruments arriving, just interested, but this one has me excited!

Steve

[bdisp]

I want the 914 Steve...........I'll be in touch.

[Lane Pryce]

How about some pics of these F4's guys? Lp

[bdisp]

Let me see what I co do. I'm no wizzzzard on the 'puter (or mando for that matter)......

I give up. What's a URL???

[bdisp]

Email for pics.............I can do that.

[J. Mark Lane]

Mark, the Eastman mandos are unbelievably built ......... for the money. #Incredibly, the detailing approaches most mandos currently in the $2k - $8k range. #I've purchased an MD 815 that has quite incredible woods in it.

..... and yes, I've played a few expensive mandos.

Well...jeez. Doncha just love capitalism? I gotta play one of these things....

[bdisp]

JML,
$20K, you can have mine........OK...$10K.

[J. Mark Lane]

No way. But I'll give you $30k.

[Stephen Perry]

Mark, the Eastman mandos are unbelievably built ......... for the money. Incredibly, the detailing approaches most mandos currently in the $2k - $8k range. I've purchased an MD 815 that has quite incredible woods in it.

..... and yes, I've played a few expensive mandos.

While much of the detailing is rather nice, some of the other things will vary more than I like. Neck angle, neck tilt, binding fit, carving into the scroll, etc. All could be stepped up a little. I think this freedom in detail and design is rather charming, but I'm a violin guy. I couldn't hold an Eastman up against a top level professional US made mandolin and say the QA and detailing were the same. The varnish is soft, too. Which I like, but some may not. On the other other, the performance per dollar seems to be quite excellent. The contrast with the production Korean and Chinese mandolins from the larger any-instrument producers is quite great.

The big problem with the upper end mandolins from everyone is that they use this stunning violin wood that I want.

With all the interest in mandolins I'd love to have a wider range hanging on my wall. Of course, I can't get Gibson. I probably can't afford to stock Weber. And I don't know that I'd move any of the small specialty builder mandolins. Difficult. The advantage for me with Eastman is that they are very nice to me. I've known Gordon since before the archtops and mandolins. They send me mandolins when I ask, even if I ask for only 1. I hope they're as nice to everyone.

One thing various discussions have done on this board is talk me out of making a mandolin. Rough crowd, difficult job! Now if I could step into the Opry Mills Gibson line and make some for a month, that would be a thrill. Or Weber. Or any other place that really has the mix of production plus QA going.

No mistake, the consistency in basic geometry and various other aspects is astounding from the top major producers.

[J. Mark Lane]

The contrast with the production Korean and Chinese mandolins from the larger any-instrument producers is quite great.

I guess this is the point that needs to be made, then. Because I've played a number of Korean and Chinese made mandolins, of various makes, and almost all of them I put down quickly with a grimace. So if these are really in a different class, I guess that's what will get people's attention.

Oh, and Steve, not to be picky, but that's the second time I've seen you refer to the "varnish" on these instruments. Are they varnished, or laquered?

Mark

[ShaneJ]

Both...according to their website.

[f5joe]

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. My 815:

[Tiderider]

Joe, that's an great looking backside. How about one of the front. #Congrats!!! #

[f5joe]

Sure, here's one:

[Stephen Perry]

Looks like and works like varnish to me. I can touch it up just like regular spirit varnish. Whatever lacquer overcoat is on is too thin for me to see.

[bdisp]

The 'burst looks GREAT. My 814 is the classic finish. I call it "fiddle brown". It goes with Gerald Anderson F-5 of the same coloring.