Re: Advice on buying a new mandolin? Been playing for 15+yrs
Originally Posted by
danwarning
...I have two good friends who are both luthiers and both said that the body caving in under the bridge was pretty common in cheaper mandolins (I can't imagine either cost more than a couple hundred bucks)...
Well, new Eastman "300" series models, their least expensive, start at a little over $525, so tell me where I can get one for "a couple hundred bucks!" I'll buy two...
Top collapse is not that uncommon, even on quality models (old Gibsons, e.g.), especially if a top brace loosens. And it can be an epidemic on real "cheapos," especially if you use medium-gauge strings. I'd be a bit surprised to find "pretty common" top collapse with Eastman instruments, which are generally well-made, but you could have the exception, or it could have sustained damage -- or dried out, which will often flatten the arch of the top. If you don't keep them cased and humidify them, that could be a problem.
The two models you're considering are quality instruments; the Kentucky KM-150 is the most recommended model for those wanting a quality mid-price instrument, and the MD 505 is a very nice model in the middle of Eastman's range. Used MD 505's appear to list a bit above your budget, around $650; new ones are around $850. You can get used KM-150's for less than $300; a new one should run somewhere around $450.
Neither of them qualifies as a "POS"; you'll find lots of happy Kentucky and Eastman owners on the Cafe.
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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