I have a Eastman 404. My second favorite to play. Personally I like the sound and feel of it. As Al noted above, the 404 has a different feel (neck)...
That is a nice looking mandolin and case. I don't have serial number knowledge for these but there are many previous posts that may potentially give...
Objectively, A and F style mandolins with equal quality in wood sources, craftsmanship and hardware have comparable sonic and play-ability qualities....
Jeff, it's interesting you should mention context. I was thinking earlier today, prior to reading your post, I should have elaborated more as to the...
So on me eastman after changing strings several times I notice the bridge was no longer perpendicular to the top. It developed a slight lean towards...
I was born in Louisiana, been over 30 years in Texas, began playing guitar as a teen. I play guitar with friends, at small gigs and at bluegrass jams. I play acoustic blues, country blues, gospel, country, rock and bluegrass music. I bought a mandolin in 2014, got serious about playing mandolin mid-2015 and my interests are mostly in bluegrass, folk and old-world fiddle tunes.
I also have an interest in documenting information about the group, The Bluegrass Alliance (all incarnations of the previous century rather than the re-alliance group of the 2000's).
Location:
Near Abilene, Texas
Interests:
Music, lutherie, woodwork, wood finishing, web design
Occupation:
Furniture repair, architectural millwork repair, web design