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Thread: Eastman md315 vs md515

  1. #1

    Default Eastman md315 vs md515

    Hi,
    I’m looking at either buying a new Eastman md315 or used md515.
    The price of the used 515 would be about the same as a new 315.
    Any recommendations or suggestions on what I should be looking out for with either mandolin?
    Thanks

  2. #2
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Eastman md315 vs md515

    It's' been my experience -- which is limited -- that Eastman mandolins basically get better-looking as the model number goes up, but that the "300" series mandolins don't sound inferior to the "500" and "600" models. I haven't played but one "800" series Eastman, an MDA815 mandola, and I bought an MDA615 that I thought sounded better, and saved me a couple hundred or so.

    The "300" series instruments have tuners that several Cafe members have complained about and replaced, and their brown matte finish is sorta "basic" looking, but I'd go by your hands-on evaluations of the two mandolins, assuming you can play both of them pre-purchase. There is the matter of original-purchaser warranties, but Eastman makes good-quality instruments that don't as a rule require owners to take advantage of warranty protection. On the other hand, I owned an MDC615 (think I have the number right) mandocello whose tailpiece broke at the hinge when sitting in its case, and I did get Eastman to replace it with a better one free of charge. If I weren't the original purchaser, that might have posed more of a problem -- don't know...

    You'll be able to sell or trade in the 515 for more if you go for an upgrade, condition being equal, if that's any consideration,
    Allen Hopkins
    Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
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