View Full Version : Eastman 615 or Michael Kelly Elegante
garthmoore
Feb-05-2005, 11:28am
I've played both and like both. The eastman tone was alittle better, but the Elegante was very nice-looking and cheaper.
Which would you choose?
Stillpicking
Feb-05-2005, 11:40am
I have 2 MKs and like them a lot. Eastmans are a good buy also if you have a chance to play both side by side that should really help you make up your mind. If that is not possibile then you need to think about any costs involved with a good setup after the purchase assumming that both are new instruments right out of the box. If they come from different places/stores that ask if it is setup already a good setup can run from $50 to $100 depending on where/who does it and if you are making any upgrades at the same time to the mandolin such as tailpiece or bridge change.
Of course if you are just plain straped for cash then go with the best (lowest cost) between the 2. My personal guide-line is to never pay over $1000 for any instrument I am buying but that is just me. Hope this helps.
flairbzzt
Feb-05-2005, 12:38pm
Eastman. I've had 2 615's and they're the best value for the price. I particularly like the v-neck on the Eastmans for stocky hands and short fingers. Some like wider necks, MK has these.
John Flynn
Feb-05-2005, 9:06pm
Eastman
peterleyenaar
Feb-05-2005, 10:13pm
Eastman
Tim Saxton
Feb-05-2005, 11:41pm
Having owned both at the same time......Eastman!
mpeknox
Feb-06-2005, 12:16am
Eastman
Lane Pryce
Feb-06-2005, 12:32am
Eastman. Lp
PhilGE
Feb-06-2005, 12:44am
Let your ears and hands decide, not your eyes. If it sounds and feels good to you, you'll play it.
-Phil
Stephen Perry
Feb-06-2005, 11:08pm
While the Eastmans vary a bit, I haven't had any that passed below the uppermost levels of the typical factory pacific-rim mandolins. Since I started maintaining a stock of Eastmans I have sold zero of my other mandolins and am simply getting rid of them at cost.
Red Sakti
Feb-07-2005, 9:51am
noooo...gonna be different and for me its got to be the MK everytime...much sweeter tone...well to my ears!
diamond ace
Feb-15-2005, 4:05pm
Eastman!
Rob Powell
Feb-15-2005, 7:41pm
Looks like Eastman wins...don't own one yet but when those Lyon & Healy 2 points are available...can you say MAS!!!!
onlyagibsonisgoodenuff
Feb-15-2005, 8:05pm
Gibson! . . . .oh, that wasn't one of the choices =^)
emilys
Feb-17-2005, 8:12am
I like the Eastman too. But to be fair, I have not tried the Michael Kelly. I know the Eastman's made in Beijing. I'm assuming the Kelly's made in China as well.
Stillpicking
Feb-17-2005, 10:06am
No they are made in Korea.