Pianist and uke player looks for mandolin

[Minstrelle]

I would like a nice mandolin to be able to play orchestral and also bluegrass, and would like a sweet sound. Would the Eastman 315 work for a beginner?

[allenhopkins]

Eastman MD315 is a very good first (or second) instrument. It is an f-hole mandolin (the soundholes in the top are similar to those of a violin), and f-hole mandolins are noted more for their strong attack and quick decay, than oval-holes, which may sound "sweeter" to your ears. Bluegrassers tend toward f-hole instruments, since in a bluegrass band, the mandolin often plays percussive off-beat "chops," and needs sufficient volume to allow its solos to cut through over that damn banjo. As for orchestral (classical?) music, it can be played on any type of mandolin, though many classical players favor oval-hole bowl-back mandolins.

If you can, I'd recommend side-by-siding f-hole and oval-hole instruments; the Eastman MD304 is an oval-hole, "A-bodied" mandolin that might be a good comparison. I own or have owned several Eastman instruments, and have found them good quality and decently priced.

[Doug Brock]

I play an MD315 and like it a lot - loud woody sound with strong clear trebles, plays easily up and down the fretboard. I was ready and willing to buy a higher priced model but preferred this model. To me the only negatives are tuners that didn’t turn very smoothly (so I replaced them) and the matte finish does show wear and gets dings more easily than any of the glossy mandolins I’ve owned. I don’t know how it would do with orchestral ensembles.

[Gunnar]

MD 315 should be great for a beginner

[Minstrelle]

Thanks for your advice. I will try and do what you suggest. Either side by side sound samples or in person.

[Minstrelle]

MD 315 should be great for a beginner

Thanks.

[Minstrelle]

Thanks