Re: Are Eastmans a keeper?
Any brand can produce a keeper, or a non-keeper. Judgments about whether to stay with whatcha got, or shell out some buxx for a new one, are subjective. Deciding by brand is an approximation, firing ranging shots to get in the neighborhood of your next target. To hit the bullseye, you find the individual instrument that floats your proverbial boat.
Good suggestions above, but having a mandolin built for you, is to some extent a leap of faith. The faith may be warranted -- probably is, given the builders suggested -- but no real guarantees. I personally prefer to have the instrument already built and in my hands, and then make the comparison. YMMV, for sure...
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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