This Weber would be a major step up and much better value than the Eastman, if you could scrounge up the extra hundred bucks.
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/157016#157016
Axes: Eastman MD-515 & El Rey; Eastwood S Mandola
Amps: Fishman Loudbox 100; Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Head & R212 cab; Laney Cub 10
Thanks for all the input. I've solved the problem, at least temporarily, and with a stroke of luck. My wife found an Oscar Schmidt electric at a garage sale this morning, so for $40 I couldn't go wrong for what amounts to an experiment. It was missing a string, so...I had to run to get a set. I went to Bernunzio's in Rochester, NY (great shop!) I tried a couple I hadn't tried before and found the right one for me, an Eastman MD415-GT (gold top). So I ended up with my electric and an upgrade, but not all in the same instrument.
2014 BRW F5 #114
2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model
YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"
Here is just one example of a well played Eastman and how great it can sound:
2014 BRW F5 #114
2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model
YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"
I'm nowhere close to as experienced as most members here, nor have I played a huge amount of different mandolins, but I think the MD 415 is gonna keep you warm and happy for years to come. Even though your probably in for a long haul of MAS one way or the other
And since you've had the very much recommended possibility of trying out several mandolins to find the one that speaks to you I'm tempted to change my "think" to sure.
Myself, I didn't have the possibility of going to a big store and playing a bunch of different ones, a boat I suspect plenty of folks like me are in, so I relied on advice from the Cafe, talked to Dennis at TMS and ordered a MD515CC. I literally couldn't be happier with my new axe! Beautiful tone, great sustain, easily played, and very comfortable. The fact that it's drop dead gorgeous doesn't hurt either)
Hope your enjoying your picking as much as I am!
I upgraded three years ago from a beginner level instrument to an Eastman 615 F-Style and I am very glad I did. I tried several in that price range with the assistance of the fine folks at Pickers Supply in Fredericksburg, VA. I kept picking up the Eastman.
"All of us contain Music & Truth, but most of us can't get it out." - Mark Twain
Eastman MD615SB
Martin D35
Gibson SG
Not quite the same mandolin, but I have an Eastman MDO305 that I didn’t care for very much. Someone suggested putting Mandola strings on it. It was like I had a whole different instrument. The intonation completely changed.
Little things can make a big difference.
2014 BRW F5 #114
2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model
YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"
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