NMD - Eastman 514

Just got back from the UPS store with my new Eastman MD-514 mandolin - F body, spruce top, maple back & sides, and an oval sound hole.

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I wish there was some flame...

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My first impressions so far are mostly about the case. First, the accessory compartment is tiny. Not even large enough for a pack of strings. I've got the factory truss rod wrench in there, and I added some Primetones, and I think that's all that will be going in there.

Second, the mandolin does NOT fit in the case with the Tone-Gard attached. Or rather the lid doesn't close all the way without me pressing on the top, which I am NOT going to do.

Now regarding the mandolin itself, the body seems smaller than my Kentucky. I had to tighten down the arm rest much more than I had to loosen it to get it off the Kentucky and on the Eastman. And I had to do a little bending to get the Tone-Gard to stay on the Eastman without slipping off, where as it clung to the Kentucky just fine.

Other than that, I'm currently braiding a paracord mandolin strap. Once I'm done I will tune up the Eastman and give is a good and proper go.

But for now Dan is happy. :grin:

Wow, you robbed the armrest off the Kentucky? That poor mando, I see it spending more time in the case.
Have fun with the new one, though. It looks nice :mandosmiley:

The fretboard is more pronouncedly radiused than the Kentucky. And it has a lower action.

I'm going to have to play it some more before I decide if it's buzzing or if I'm just playing badly. Probably me playing badly.

And I'll probably be bringing the Kentucky to Strings & Things to put on consignment, along with my 1986 Guild D-25. All my savings went toward this one, and while it's perfect for folk and for fiddle tunes, I still also want a 'grasser.

The braided paracord strap is too slippery. The head keeps wanting to dive. That's OK, though. I have a Lakota Leather flat braided elk hide strap on its way to me. I expect it tomorrow.

Yes, the 514 body is thinner, like an original Gibson F-2 (or F-4). My bandmate has a 514 and I really like it.

Surprised you can't fit it in the case with a tone gard. My bandmate has one on his and it fits. But his is older and maybe the cases fit differently a few years ago.

I didn’t try closing the lid all the way.
I noticed that it didn’t close all the way by itself with the tone-hard attached like it did with the tone-hard not attached, so I didn’t try. I’m paranoid about driving the bridge through the top.

Looks great, Dan!

I’m glad you finally scratched that itch to get a new mandolin.

You’ll be amazed how easily your hand flies around the fingerboard with the lower action.

Enjoy!

Congratulations Dan! That’s a beauty!
Everything about your post makes sense except the part where you get rid of your other mandolin. I thought mandolins are for buying, not selling…?
I must be doing something wrong:)

Congratulations! Looks nice.

I think an Eastman F4 is something to really play and cherish. I hope that it brings you years of enjoyment as a musician. Congrats!

You can’t go wrong with an Eastman.

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Originally Posted by Dan in NH

I didn’t try closing the lid all the way.
I noticed that it didn’t close all the way by itself with the tone-hard attached like it did with the tone-hard not attached, so I didn’t try. I’m paranoid about driving the bridge through the top.

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That's smart. Definitely sounds like it doesn't fit with it on.. Wouldn't be surprised if the case sizes have been tweaked over the years.

Congrats on the Eastman. I love the F oval holes.