Re: Selecting a first step upgrade in the UK
Originally Posted by
danjec
Eastman MD305 - lovely to play, although perhaps a little quiet. Felt like a delightful instrument. Compared to the MD304, sounded almost violin-like? I wondered if this might also be something that would open out with playing?
Eastman MD304 - lovely again - seemed distinctly louder than the 305 and a lot warmer and more resonant
While I probably preferred the 304 tone wise, I prefer the looks of the 305 - and asking for advice in the shop, suggestion was many start with an oval hole, but then look for an F hole when they often get a little more sophisticated.
Sometimes an oval will sound more open from behind the instrument than a mandolin with f-holes which projects sound away. You might ask someone in the shop to play them so that you can hear how they sound out front. Alternatively, you could try playing the MD305 into a highly reflective surface, such as a walled corner, and see if you notice a difference.
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