Eastman 805V w mods.

[Scott from Oz]

G'day Folks,
About 2 years ago I bought an Eastman 805V, my "getting back into mandolin" errr.... mandolin. Typical of this level of mando it was good, but a bit shrill and didn't really "ring". About 6 months ago I installed a Cumberland bridge, a noticeable improvement in tone was heard, kinda like it activated the top, ringing out more clearly. I also modified my right hand technique, I used to put my pinky on the top as an anchor point, unwittingly damping the vibrations.
Consciously changing that I then began to think about how much my forearm laying across the top could be also damping it too so I ordered a McClung Rosewood angled Armrest. It came today. I've just installed it, and I've noticed a bit more liveliness again in the sound.

I really wish I had of recorded the mandolin when I first got it. It's probably opened up a bit naturally on its own, but I definately think the Cumberland and McClung are worthwhile upgrades that don't break the bank.

Cheers, Scott.

[MediumMando5722]

The armrest made a night and day difference on my MD315. My dad bought them for all his mandolins after trying mine with one.

[Stephen Perry]

There's other tweaks. Should still be a mandovoodoo guide on here somewhere to fool around with.

[Bob Buckingham]

I have a 315 that I replaced the frets with the equivalent of Martin medium guitar frets. That really improved the fullness of the mid range.

[Kalasinar]

Beautiful mandolin. I made the same mods to my own Eastman MD 504 - CA Ebony tall boy bridge and Ebony McClung. Wouldn't go back now, the bridge in particular made such a startling difference. And I love the angle on the McClung, very comfy and I think it has improved my playing position. I recently changed to GHS Silk and Bronze strings, and so far seem to be an improvement over the D'Addario Phosphor Bronze I was using.

[Mandobart]

If you keep your mando close to your body it may also benefit from a tone-gard. Mine certainly have.

[Dave Greenspoon]

Loved my McClung on the Jethro. The Rigel has had a Tone Gard on it for a decade. It's the missing piece of your no-brainer, low cost upgrade.

[Br1ck]

I've not noticed a huge sound difference with an arm rest, but a tone guard is a big improvement.

On my cheapo MK project, I made an armrest from a piece of mahogany and viola clamp hardware. Cost me $5. I'm debating a CA bridge, but the mando isn't as worthy as an 805. Same with the tonegard. Trying to figure a way to do one on the cheap.

One thing I've learned is a mandolin benefits from multiple small tweaks a la the MandoVoodoo treatment.

[Scott from Oz]

G'day folks, next stage of modifications. It's having the Baggs Radial installed internally and I'm having the fingerboard extension removed. I hate it, it's right under where I pick so I'm constantly getting clicking noises from the pick hitting it.

Stay tuned....

Cheers, Scott.

[Scott from Oz]

Looks like the photobucket "upgrades" which now cost $39 a month to share pics will ensure I don't post pics on forums anymore. Gotta love the corporate world.....

[Mandobart]

Scott - you can post pics directly from your computer/tablet here on the cafe. One of the great features of the cafe!

[mandroid]

Yea, Your Photobucket has a Hole In It,

[Scott from Oz]

[soliver]

How much real benefit do you gain from the CA bridge? ... I personally play an MD 305 and have been wondering.