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Thread: Thoughts on latest version Eastman MD915 blonde?

  1. #1
    Registered User meow-n-dolin's Avatar
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    Default Thoughts on latest version Eastman MD915 blonde?

    Any thoughts about the latest version of the Eastman MD915 blonde mandolin? I have a couple of Eastman mandos as well as the 'cello and octave, so I am familiar with the quality. Interested in your take of the 915 series.

    Thanks in advance!

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Thoughts on latest version Eastman MD915 blonde?

    I'm no help except to say it sho looks nice. I've only had the 305 A style, sold it and moved to another brand but I do own an Eastman E10 OM acoustic and the AR 372 CE archtop and I really like both. I guess that's at the top of their mandolins. I looked and saw the mandolin store has one and the vid sounds good and I'm sure they alone could tell answer any questions concerning playability, tone etc....

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  4. #3
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    Default Re: Thoughts on latest version Eastman MD915 blonde?

    Mishtake...

  5. #4

    Default Re: Thoughts on latest version Eastman MD915 blonde?

    It looks nice and sounds good.

    At $2600 you're bumping into some pretty tough competition. Used, you could save money and get a Northfield NF5S or a Collings MT. Even if it HAS to be F style and HAS to be new, take a good look at a Ratliff Country Boy, a Weber Gallatin F, and the Eastman 815 Varnish.
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  7. #5

    Default Re: Thoughts on latest version Eastman MD915 blonde?

    Quote Originally Posted by Chuck Leyda View Post
    It looks nice and sounds good.


    At $2600 you're bumping into some pretty tough competition. Used, you could save money and get a Northfield NF5S or a Collings MT. Even if it HAS to be F style and HAS to be new, take a good look at a Ratliff Country Boy, a Weber Gallatin F, and the Eastman 815 Varnish.
    For sure. I have talked to Audey Ratliff about building a Country Boy F-style mandolin. Really good price for a hand built F-style mandolin!

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  9. #6

    Default Re: Thoughts on latest version Eastman MD915 blonde?

    I bought the mandolin that was played in The Mandolin Store's Demo. Was a very lightly used model built in 2020 and was priced at $2,000. I already had my sights set on the 815V but for the small upcharge I was happy to take the used 915. I could not believe the upgrade that this mandolin is from my starter Loar! Sounds beautiful and the setup from TMS was just as nice. The only other higher end mandolin that I have played was a Weber Yellowstone A-14. Thought they compared nicely but I wasn't able to A-B them. I did also have the Ratliff Country Boy as a consideration but went with the Eastman in the end. I liked it so much that less than 4 months later I picked up an Eastman E10D guitar as well. I'm a big fan of the brand overall now. A lot of value and I truly believe that the craftsmanship is on par with some of the American shops.

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  11. #7
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Thoughts on latest version Eastman MD915 blonde?

    Quote Originally Posted by MandoMan1 View Post
    For sure. I have talked to Audey Ratliff about building a Country Boy F-style mandolin. Really good price for a hand built F-style mandolin!
    I'd second that. Punchy bluegrassy instruments. I have an A and an F.
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  13. #8
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    Default Re: Thoughts on latest version Eastman MD915 blonde?

    Looks pretty sweet to me...

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