NMD Eastman 515
MAS started scratching as I was looking at some nice mid-late '70's MIJ axes. Comping the price points I got distracted by something shiny, namely the gold tops from Eastman and Kentucky. After a bit of research I spoke to a couple of Cafe members who are retailers. Both Robert Fear and Dennis Vance were gracious, helpful, and forthcoming. I am grateful to them both. The KY is rare, and the Eastman not really what I am looking for in an F-5 sound. Dennis gave me an early-in on the imminent sale and shipped the 515. I picked it up from FedEx this morning. Dennis' rep for awesome and friendly customer service is well deserved in my experience.
First, the new Eastman shaped cases are something. For instance, there is a cut-out for the lower treble point that I find smart. Certainly seems deep enough to accept a Tone Gard which will likely get ordered at some time.
Fit and finish are excellent; the couple small things I note are totally acceptable at this price point. I especially love the subtle maple back binding and the antique violin finish. It is an instantly classic visual aesthetic. Tuning up the instrument allowed me to appreciate the excellent feel and movement of the tuners.
Finally, there is the sound. This instrument already sounds great out of the box; you'd think it was a much more expensive instrument. I look forward to hearing what a whole bunch of hours of playing time will do to the woods and the tone. All in all, I am thrilled. This is a great sounding instrument at a great value with an excellent case, and enjoys Eastman's standard lifetime warranty. My MAS is now happily in remission.
UPDATE: Quick set with the preschool crowd in the sanctuary, and I am even happier. The neck is making my hand really happy, and the tone is even better than I heard the on the test spin.
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Originally Posted by Dave Greenspoon
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