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Thread: Eastman MD315 Setup

  1. #1
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Eastman MD315 Setup

    I need to send an Eastman MD315 from Japan back to the US for a setup. Any recommendations on luthiers? Have found luthiers in Tokyo, but the language barrier is an issue.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    I heard those Folkmusician guys are pretty good.

    When I saw your previous thread, it didn't dawn on me that you may be able to use Military mail. That should make it quite a bit more affordable to get back and forth to the USA.
    Robert Fear
    http://www.folkmusician.com

    "Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.
    " - Pete Seeger

  3. #3
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    Robert,
    What address should I ship the mandolin to?

  4. #4
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    Can't go wrong there, Gunny!

    Mr. Fear will take care of ya,

    Doc
    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

  5. #5
    Bark first, Bite later Steve Zawacki's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    Ditto to DataNivk's comments. If you want to know what a real set-up is, Robert's website gives a stellar description.
    ...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.

  6. #6
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    Thanks Doc. No luck with mandolin experts here on island. Not too confident in my skills on doing the setup and would rather have it done professionally. Also having problems finding strings. One music store did have D'addario J67 nickel strings. Any thoughts on those?

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  8. #7
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    Appreciate all of the advice. Since I am new to the mandolin just want to make sure I am starting off on the right foot. Think I have found a solid instrument in the MD315 and want to make sure it is setup properly.

  9. #8
    Registered User polaskya's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    Might as well grab a bunch from Folk Musician if you are already going to ship it out there.

  10. #9
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    Gunny,

    I use J75s on alll my mandos; if you want to maximize volume and low-end response, I don't think you can do any better...

    Doc
    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

  11. #10

    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    +1 on j75's, I use them on my 315.....however since the OP is a beginner I would probably stick with 74's or equivalent for comfort until you get them caliuses built up some. Would help make it that much easier IMO.

  12. #11
    Registered User CeeCee_C's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    George Youngblood - contact him through Acoustic Music in Guilford, CT www.acousticmusic.org

    I should add that this is not meant to detract from the folks at folkmusician.com.

    It's just that George is the one who set up my 315 and I thought he did a very nice job.
    CeeCee, Self-appointed Supreme Arbiter of All that is Good, Just, and True
    1 Spousal Unit, 4 cats
    1919 Gibson A1, Girouard custom F5, Collings MF, Northfield F5-S, Eastman 815, Eastman 514, Eastman 315, JBovier ELS-VC electric mando

    The difference between theory and practice is smaller in theory than it is in practice. anon

  13. #12
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    Quote Originally Posted by DataNick View Post
    Can't go wrong there, Gunny!

    Mr. Fear will take care of ya,

    Doc
    Sent it off to Robert Fear yesterday.

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  15. #13

    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    The world is becoming such a small place! We were discussing this a few days ago and look what arrived today!

    Gunny's 315 is in good condition and just needs setup work and a couple of small things addressed. We will have him taken care of shortly!

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Robert Fear
    http://www.folkmusician.com

    "Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.
    " - Pete Seeger

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  17. #14

    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    That will be one fine playing mando once Robert gets done with it. I second the thought of the j74's, maybe Robert can pack some sets in the case when he sends it. It would be great to get your thoughts on how it plays when you get it back!
    Kentucky KM 140 (Sold)
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  18. #15
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    This Marine has found a new friend in Robert Fear. A True Professional!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Folkmusician.com View Post
    The world is becoming such a small place! We were discussing this a few days ago and look what arrived today!

    Gunny's 315 is in good condition and just needs setup work and a couple of small things addressed. We will have him taken care of shortly!

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_3153.jpg 
Views:	197 
Size:	105.3 KB 
ID:	114154

  19. #16
    Registered User lsu_gunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    As soon as it makes it back to Japan, I will let everyone know how she sounds. Thanks everyone for the help and advice given to this newbie!!!!

  20. #17

    Default Re: Eastman MD315 Setup

    OK, the 315 is on its way back to Gunny!

    The fret ends were protruding and sharp. Filed these down.
    Bridge foot wasn't fit well and was leaning forward. Refit this.
    Some fret issues. Nothing too bad, just not perfectly level. Leveled and dressed these.
    The nut was a bit high on a couple of strings. Brought these down and cleaned up the top.
    End pin was loose. Fixed this, it now has a really snug fit.
    There was too much relief in the neck and the truss rod nut felt tight. The nut was slightly digging in to the washer. Pulled the nut, sanded/polished up the back side and edges, lubed the threads and now it is working much better. It was able to pull the neck flat. I didn't test to see if it would go into a back bow.

    Finished all of the basic adjustments, set the action relief and intonated pretty close.
    Put on a fresh set of J74s and fine tuned the action and intonation and it is playing great.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Robert Fear
    http://www.folkmusician.com

    "Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.
    " - Pete Seeger

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