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Thread: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

  1. #1
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    US Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan. My wife purchased me an Eastman MD315 as a gift and did not realize that a setup would be probably be needed. Tuned it last night (with a Fender electronic tuner) and everything sounded good in the open string position, but when I fret the G and D strings up and down the fretboard I get this plunky/tinny sound.

    I am not able to find a luthier here on Okinawa. Really do not want to send it back to the states for a proper setup. Have been in touch with Dennis at the Mandolin Store and they are willing to help. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I am new to the mandolin and very excitied about learning.

    Semper Fi,
    Roby

  2. #2
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    If you're handy, contact board member Rob Meldrum (robster) for his free set-up guide.
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  3. #3
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Rob has sent it to me. Just a little nervous about trying the setup myself.

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    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Any Base Hobby shop you can use?

    or going to 'Builders' and typing in 'Japan' I get these:
    http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/...&submit=Search

    15 to ask .
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  5. #5
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Yes. We have a very nice one at Kadena AFB.

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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    It's not liable to need much. Make sure the bridge is set in the right place and to a good height. The nut slots can be filed down a bit . Save your dust . If you get it too low you can mix the dust with super glue and raise it back up a bit. Insofar as adjusting the truss rod. Never move it more than 1/4 of a turn at a time . Then wait 24 hours before you turn it again........ It's not too unforgiving ... Read Rob's book and be patient . I'm sure you can get it to a place where it is playable...and mandolins even when adjusted properly are still tough on the finger tips of a newbie... Be patient ... don't over grip ... Luck.. R/
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

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  8. #7
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    From an Honorably Discharged "Doc" from 84-90'...keep at it Gunny!

    There's also bound to be a devil dog on base who's handy with guitar set-up who could lend a hand disecting Rob's e-book.
    The Eastman MD315 is a good mando to start with. Once the set-up has been done right, you'll really enjoy it!

    Nick(Doc)
    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


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    Bark first, Bite later Steve Zawacki's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Gunny,

    Check out the folks at MCAS Futemna. The base entertainment office has what they call the "Rockin Cabana Rehearsal Studio" at Building 104 complete with various instruments. They probably have someone hired/assigned to maintain the instruments and gear. If they can't help you, they should know who locally can. Their phone is DSN 636-1015.
    ...Steve

    Current Stable: Two Tenor Guitars (Martin 515, Blueridge BR-40T), a Tenor Banjo (Deering GoodTime 17-Fret), a Mandolin (Burgess #7). two Banjo-Ukes and five Ukuleles..

    The inventory is always in some flux, but that's part of the fun.

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  11. #9
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Doc,
    Thanks for the advice.

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  13. #10
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Steve,

    Thanks for the info. I am an Air Traffic Controller at Futenma. Gave them a call and hopefully hear back from them sometime today.

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    Bark first, Bite later Steve Zawacki's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Quote Originally Posted by lsu_gunny View Post
    Steve,

    Thanks for the info. I am an Air Traffic Controller at Futenma. Gave them a call and hopefully hear back from them sometime today.
    Good luck. Was assigned to Oki (1972-74) at the now-closed Torii Station in Yomitan. Keep us posted and Thank You for your service.
    ...Steve

    Current Stable: Two Tenor Guitars (Martin 515, Blueridge BR-40T), a Tenor Banjo (Deering GoodTime 17-Fret), a Mandolin (Burgess #7). two Banjo-Ukes and five Ukuleles..

    The inventory is always in some flux, but that's part of the fun.

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  17. #12
    Slow your roll. greg_tsam's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    I'm constantly and pleasantly surprised at the closeness the Mandolin Cafe allows and the comradery of it's membership.
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    Registered User Mike Arakelian's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Gunny...I got a new 315 a couple of weeks ago, and absolutely love it. It plays and sounds great as I know yours will with the set up.
    Good luck, welcome to the Cafe, and thanks for your service to this country...

    Mike

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    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Sent off to Robert Fear for the setup. Thanks for all of the advice.

  20. #15
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Gunny,

    you give your spouse unit a great big hug for us , for taking care of you.
    My wife has been there for me in my 20 yrs in, and for some reason they seem to know us better then ourselves. At times...

    Get playing and let us hear you..

    De Oppresso Liber.

    AL

  21. #16
    Must. Keep. Practicing. Ben Cooper's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Welcome to the Cafe Gunny! Enjoy your new mandolin, and thank you so much for your service!!
    Benjamin C
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Do you ever get to the Japanese mainland? My understanding is that Japan has a good mandolin culture, and perhaps you could find a luthier in Tokyo or some other city. Best of luck with it. bb

  23. #18
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Wanted to says "Thanks" to Mr. Robert Fear for an outstanding job on the Eastman. She sounds great!!!!!
    Northfield NF5S

  24. #19
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Glad to hear it Gunny!

    A good set-up makes all the difference in mandolin world...happy pickin Brother!
    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


    "Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
    "If you wanna get soul Baby, you gots to get the scroll..."
    "I would rather play music anyday for the beggar, the thief, and the fool!"
    "Perfection is not attainable; but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence" Vince Lombardi
    Playing Style: RockMonRoll Desperado Bluegrass Desperado YT Channel

  25. #20
    Bark first, Bite later Steve Zawacki's Avatar
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    Default Re: US Marine needs help with Eastman MD315

    Congrats!
    ...Steve

    Current Stable: Two Tenor Guitars (Martin 515, Blueridge BR-40T), a Tenor Banjo (Deering GoodTime 17-Fret), a Mandolin (Burgess #7). two Banjo-Ukes and five Ukuleles..

    The inventory is always in some flux, but that's part of the fun.

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