Eastman or something older

[mdlorenz]

Trying to figure out if the radiused fingerboard of an eastman will help playability a ton. I did enjoy one (albeit on a collings) when I played it. I would be sacrificing tone for playability... most definately with a new instrument compared to a 20 year old one... but would playability make up for that, & then the tone would come around in a couple years w/ consistant playing/opening up. Compared to say an older A style gibson (in the $1000 price range), Flatirons, etc...

Think I be happier w/ an eastman that played good, rather then an older instrument? I wish I had shop up here, but there ain't nothing in northern VT.

[cooper4205]

the eastman 515 i have is a good sounding mandolin, but it really doesn't stand up to my flatiron in terms of tone or volume or playability. that being said, i got the eastman so i wouldn't play my flatiron all the time (it is 20 years old), and i wanted a mandolin that wouldn't be a big step down in workmanship or sound, and for the $600 i payed for it used i think it accomplishes that. if all you can afford is an eastman, i say go for it. they make good mandolins for what they are and what they cost, but if you don't need a scroll and have $1000 to spend, find an old flatiron A5 (or used gibson A9) that you like and get it. you won't regret it at all, IMO.

also, the flatiron i have is about the best playing mandolin i have picked up, i think who set it up and how they did it has more to do with the playability (as long as there are no issues with the fretboard or neck)

[DryBones]

my Eastman 505 A style is really sounding good these days (about 6 months old). almost sounds like a real mandolin! (probably would if I knew how to play it) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[acousticphd]

I really prefer a radiused FB and think it does improve playability - but it isn't the only factor. I would take into consideration FB radius/flatness, width, and neck profile. For example, I think the Eastman neck width on the f-hole models is so narrow that it hinders playability a little, for me. There are some other very good-sounding newer mandos being made with radiused FBs, such as Ratcliffs, that I don't think would be a compromise on tone.