Re: Eastman MD314?
Any of the cheaper Eastman ovals will sound about the same, 314, 305, 514, etc.
Same for the F-hole models.
So it doesn't matter if you get a 314 or a 514 tone-wise.
But f-hole vs oval hole is a big difference, they are built to produce a different tone. Oval holes are darker, more low end, and more sustain down low. Old-time and even classical can be played on them. Their loss of upper mids and highs however make them less useful in an acoustic jam where you need raw power to cut through.
For at-home-alone playing however (and I do a lot of classical too), I have found I prefer ovals, even when playing bluegrass, because I love the richer fuller sound.
As always YMMV.
Davey Stuart tenor guitar (based on his 18" mandola design).
Eastman MD-604SB with Grover 309 tuners.
Eastwood 4 string electric mandostang, 2x Airline e-mandola (4-string) one strung as an e-OM.
DSP's: Helix HX Stomp, various Zooms.
Amps: THR-10, Sony XB-20.
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