NMD -- Eastman MD805/V Vintage Varnish

[lflngpicker]

I opened the beautiful case, took her out and tuned up. This mandolin is impressive. The Violin Varnish, distressed finish is authentic but not overdone. The varnish immediately lends me to believe it opens up the tone. Sounds like it was made in the twenties. The action is crazy sweet-low and no buzzing. The ringing is just powerful. I am thinking "volume, sweet tone, sustain, richness and chop"-- everything I could ask for in a mando. The fit and finish is superb... and beyond. I love the varnish and the distress marks-- tastefully employed, not beat up. Nice bit of tarnish on the tailpiece. Beautiful Abalone inlays--- The case is deluxe with the extra satin lined velour blanket. A snappy certificate in the bottom of the case. Intonation spot on. Street is $1250 and I paid $849. The set up is expert. Well, I think these guys in Beijing know what they are doin'! (don't have my own photo yet, so I am posting one from a site that sells the same)
https://www.guitarriot.com/listing/e...dealer/6983408

[Zach Wilson]

Dude! That's sweet Looks like you got a good one for sure!

Congrats and happy pickin'

Zach

[lflngpicker]

Thanks Zack! Here are some photos:

[Br1ck]

I played an 815v yesterday, and it was the first Eastman that had a nice G. They are getting better all the time.

[lflngpicker]

As Rainman would say, "Definitely a nice G..." This one has bass and it is a woody richness... I will post a vid soon. Thanks for saying so Br1ck.

[Caleb]

Nice score!

[JEStanek]

Congrats and enjoy!

Jamie

[lflngpicker]

Here is my modest playing so you can hear the sound. I am using a Blue Chip CT55 pick and I have installed a Cumberland Armrest. Mic is a Blue Snowball recorded straight into the computer without effects added. Fighting the tremors, but what matters is that we enjoy our music, right?

[Denman John]

Congratulations!

Looks and sounds great ~ enjoy it in good health.

John

[Caleb]

That’s a sweet-looking and sounding mandolin! Congratulations, Dan.

[lflngpicker]

Thank you, friends. I appreciate the encouraging words.

[pheffernan]

Dan, I can't believe that you can play that seventh fret B on the E course from the first position with your ring finger! If you include your pinky, can you cover the whole octave?

[MikeZito]

Congrats and enjoy!

+1.

I think that the picture of your smile in Post #3 tells the whole story!

[lflngpicker]

Dan, I can't believe that you can play that seventh fret B on the E course from the first position with your ring finger! If you include your pinky, can you cover the whole octave?

They don't call me "mitt hands" for nothin'! Thanks Pat. The maneuver to avoid relying on my pinky was something to practice... I do use my pinky constantly on the guitar, but less on the mandolin. I do need it for chop chords. Thanks for the smile.

[lflngpicker]

+1.

I think that the picture of your smile in Post #3 tells the whole story!

Hey Mike! Is this the year for the Mets?! Hope you have a great season. Thanks!

[doboing]

Hi, after a few years of use how is the mandolin? Has the sound changed? Are the frets badly worn? I'm thinking about getting one like it

[lflngpicker]

Hi, after a few years of use how is the mandolin? Has the sound changed? Are the frets badly worn? I'm thinking about getting one like it

Hi, Thanks for checking back. I actually sold that beautiful Eastman MD805/V, but I remember it well. An excellent playing and sounding instrument. The action was comfortable. It was beautifully appointed. The varnish finish contributed a lot to its warm and woody tone. The distressed look was well done and gave it that vintage vibe. It was a bit easily marred and I found it needed to be kept in the case and treated with care. I actually would recommend an MD805 with the gloss finish, rather than vintage varnish. The build quality and playability of the Eastman line is excellent and these top of the line A5’s are worthy to be called their best A style mandolins.

[b4idie]

Hey Dan, I have two [a 304 and a 504 oval hole] and love them both. Not that I would know anything about mandolins but I played classic guitar for 55 years. My 504 has a deep sweet tone and plays really well too. Three cheers for this maker ........ they are doing a few things right for sure and I could afford them. Liked your video! I still might stumble upon a nice early Gibson b4idie.
lane

[lflngpicker]

Lane, I love those Eastman oval hole versions you own and play. I really admire your classical guitar talent and experience. Just getting into classical guitar, lately. I recently acquired a Cordoba C9 Luthier.

[b4idie]

That is a beauty. My last one is 48 years old this year and is an Alvarez Yairi Grand Concert Master and has a really pure tone. My other Alvarez was given to my son so I only have this one and play it every day. I had bought a Fender [cheapie] mandolin about 25 years ago but didn't play it enough so I sold it and bought the two Eastmans and have re-dedicated myself to learning to play the mando (b4idie). BTW - I don't have any guitar talent for sure but have enjoyed it through the years. Classical guitars' repertoire is one of my life passions.
lane