Newbie with a question

[AwesomeDude]

First off, thanks in advance for the help and I'm happy to be here. Now I'm sure you guys don't ever get this question but need help with a new purchase.

I want to buy an F-style and don't want to break the bank, but want something I can keep for a long time and grow into. Based on my research, I think I have found something that fits the bill, Eastman MD315 or MD415. Anyone have personal experinace with these or Eastman's in general?

Also, any other recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Cam

[Denny Gies]

There appear to be a lot of Eastman owners on the Café. They get good reviews overall.

[Tobin]

It's hard to help you with recommendations without knowing your budget. At what price point does "breaking the bank" become an issue?

[AwesomeDude]

There appear to be a lot of Eastman owners on the Café. They get good reviews overall.

Thanks, good to hear

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It's hard to help you with recommendations without knowing your budget. At what price point does "breaking the bank" become an issue?

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Good point. Considering this is my first one and I suck, somewhere south of $1000

[colorado_al]

For a new F style $1000 or less, I'd go with the Eastman MD515 for $999.
Better hardware and finish than the 315 and better wood than the 415.
https://themandolinstore.com/product...olin-best-buy/
You might find one used for less.
Here's one for $935
https://reverb.com/item/6603091-east...id-woods-42722

This used Kentucky KM1000B for $1000 could be a good choice:
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/115980#115980

Here's a used Eastman MD615 with K&K pickup, tone-guard, armrest & tuner for $950 OBO. Looks like a nice package. Not in new condition however.
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/115920#115920

If you're going with the MD315, I'd contact themandolinstore.com to see if they are still running this special on it:
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/115864#115864
Free upgrade to cast tailpiece and free upgrade to hard case.
I'd personally ask them to upgrade the tuning machines before it leaves the shop (depending on what they would charge) and you'll have a pretty sweet setup.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Well, that answered THAT.

Welcome!

[AwesomeDude]

Awesome, thank you very much for the feedback and recs! Greatly appreciated and I will look at those now

[CES]

Excellent choices! I own a 315, and it's really a good mandolin. The tuners and tailpiece are cheap, but they're functional, and I probably won't change them out unless something wears out or breaks. The box and neck are well and cleanly constructed, and it sounds very good. Not as complex as my Silverangel A style (used for $900 many years ago), but very good. The 315 is technically my beater, but I wouldn't hesitate to play it at church or jams, and I actually like the satin finish.

[colorado_al]

Might be able to negotiate this Kentucky KM1500 down closer to your price range. Seller is asking $1200. Comes with pickup and nice hard case
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/115850#115850

[Lowlands Blue]

You may want to consider going for an A instead of an F, especially if you want to keep an eye on the price.
About a year ago I, just like you, was in the market for an affordable F and was at the shop looking at Eastman. I ended up with a Kentucky KM505 which was several hundred dollars less then the Eastman. It sounded better, had a nicer finish and although I love the look of an F, I couldn't see the point of going for the Eastman just for the look.

[Mike Arakelian]

The 315 was my second mandolin, and I played it happily for a year or so. For the money, the 315 looks, plays, and sounds good. You won't be disappointed. If you can stretch your budget to $999, the 315 is worth the extra $$$ with upgraded tuners, cast tailpiece, and better looking finish. Either way, Eastman provided good bang for your money. Good luck and have fun!

[colorado_al]

You may want to consider going for an A instead of an F, especially if you want to keep an eye on the price.
About a year ago I, just like you, was in the market for an affordable F and was at the shop looking at Eastman. I ended up with a Kentucky KM505 which was several hundred dollars less then the Eastman. It sounded better, had a nicer finish and although I love the look of an F, I couldn't see the point of going for the Eastman just for the look.

+1 on this.
You will get a better mandolin for your money if you can look past the scroll and go with an A5 model instead of an F5. The OP asked specifically about F models, so I provided what I could on F5 models. If you do decide to go with an A5, you can get the same sound and playability for less $. For example, the MD305 (A style) costs $220 less than the MD315 (F style), The MD505 (A style) costs $300 less than the MD515 (F style).

JBovier A5, I personally think is better than the Eastman or Kentucky, and new is $900
http://www.mandolins.ecrater.com/p/1...er-w-black-top
Here's one used for $750 & might be able to negotiate it down
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/115711#115711

Here's an Eastman MD505 for $500
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/115685#115685

Here's a used Kentucky KM900 for $700
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/115571#115571

But if you're set on the F5 style, then there are plenty to choose from in your price range that will be great too.

[themandocello]

For less than $700 you can get a Breedlove Premier crossover F Style that is really quite good

[AwesomeDude]

Thanks to all who responded

[Br1ck]

Hey, if you want a scroll, you want a scroll.