Godin A8 versus Eastman for beginner

[Krabo]

Hi,

I'm looking at learning the mandolin and I've been looking at second hand instruments. Recently I was at a folk musical festival and a musician there was offering to sell me a Godin A8. In the alternative, some friends of mine were recommending that I travel and grab an Eastman mandolin as it was less specialised. What should I do? Thank you.

[multidon]

If you are planning to play primarily acoustic, then the Eastman. Even if you want to play amplified in the future a pickup can be easily added. The only way the Godin would be the right choice is if you're planning to play amplified all the time. It can be played acoustically but the acoustic sound is not very good. The Godin is designed as an electric, primarily.

[Brian Evans]

Godin makes very high quality instruments in their factories in Canada and in New Hampshire (the NH location is more of an assembly factory so they can put "Made In USA" on instruments where that is important.) Their manufacturing is state of the art CNC enabled, and they make OEM bodies, necks and parts for some very surprising customers where Made In USA is very important. Eastman is the exact opposite. They manufacture in China, in traditional lutherie techniques, and boast they hand carve their tops and backs, hand bend the rims, etc. They are also known for top quality, particularly in their higher end stuff.

One quirk of the Godin is that it actually would make an excellent practice instrument where the muted acoustic tone becomes a blessing. They are known for having very good amplification of acoustic instruments where the acoustic sound is retained and enhanced. But they sure are not traditional! Eastman's offerings are far more traditional.

Just some thoughts.

Brian

[Nashville]

For learning it is probably best to have just an acoustic mandolin. But the Godin A8 is fine if you plan to play plugged in all the time.

[Zach Wilson]

Those two mandolins seem world's apart to me.

What kind of music do you play? What kind do you want to play?

What sound are you looking for? Or do you like?

I would search YouTube for those models and listen to sound clips... Or even better, play both (if it's possible) (and everything else in your price range) before buying.

However, with that said, I usually suggest starting out on an all acoustic instrument because, imho, you can cover up a multitude of sins with amplification, effects, EQ. Etc.

Good luck and happy pickin'!

[Jill McAuley]

I was always told "when you buy, you sell". I would go for an Eastman, as they have a good reputation (I've played a variety of them in shops and had one meself for awhile and always found them quite playable). If you ever wanted to sell it to upgrade you wouldn't have a problem moving it on. The Godin has a niche, but that limits it's appeal for broader purposes.

[Barry Wilson]

I find the Godin has a fair amount of volume unplugged. I was surprised really. The neck width is tiny compared to the acoustic I have. I have only played 1 Eastman so can't really comment.

I play amplified most of the time and if you have to play louder, it never has a problem with feedback (something I have to be wary of with the octave mandolin with an lr baggs pickup and pre amp)

[ccravens]

I'd go with the Eastman.

Choose one that suits you and have it set ip.