Eastman 514 vs 314

[Dan in NH]

I’m thinking of treating myself to a new Christmas mandolin. I know I want an F-body, and as a lot of what I play isn’t blue grass I’m considering an oval hole. I know I like Eastman mandolins, so I’m thinking either a 314 or a 514.

A 314 would run me ~$850, while a 514 would run ~$1225.

What the consensus? Is the 514 worth the extra money?

I know the “right” answer is to play them side by side, but no one in reasonable driving distance stocks oval hole 300 or 500 series Eastmans.

[David Rambo]

There's a good looking 814v in the classifieds you might consider, also. It's more money, but it should be worth it.

[pit lenz]

I‘d say: It depends.
I once bought a 514 that sounded nicer than the 314 next on the wall that day, but I know two 314s around town that sound and play just as good.
Finish is nicer, yes, but to me they don‘t sound ~400$ up in general.
As you said yourself, it boils down to „play them side by side“…

… why not get a 314 and invest 100$ in a good setup from a local (mando-savvy) luthier?

[Charles E.]

In the past I have owned both, albeit some years ago. The 514 will have a glossier finish, nicer tuners and more figure in the maple sides and back. The 314 has a thinner, matte finish and plainer wood but can sound very good. If the finish and wood choice is not important to you, I would go with the 314 and perhaps upgrade the tuners to Grovers if they pose a problem down the road.

[Dan in NH]

There's a good looking 814v in the classifieds you might consider, also. It's more money, but it should be worth it.

I’m holding out for an 815/v, and might be able to swing one sooner rather than later.

[Chompa]

I've been an Eastman owner for 10+ years. I chose an MD314 over a MD514 for the same reason I chose an MD305 over MD505. I prefer the drier, woodier tone that I believe the thin matte finish tends to bring out in the instruments. I also own 3 Eastman acoustic guitars with open pore matte finishes (AC108ce-LTD, E2D and E2OM-CD).

[greensea]

I’m thinking of treating myself to a new Christmas mandolin. I know I want an F-body, and as a lot of what I play isn’t blue grass I’m considering an oval hole. I know I like Eastman mandolins, so I’m thinking either a 314 or a 514.

A 314 would run me ~$850, while a 514 would run ~$1225.

What the consensus? Is the 514 worth the extra money?

I know the “right” answer is to play them side by side, but no one in reasonable driving distance stocks oval hole 300 or 500 series Eastmans.

I would definitely go for the 514. More money yes, however, it has better tune and sound.

[gspiess]

If appearance is an issue, you can buff the finish of the 305 with Dupont auto polosh to a gloss with about an hour of elbow grease.[ATTACH=CONFIG]204348

[Dan in NH]

I actually prefer the matte finish