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Thread: 2022 Eastman Line

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    Registered User Narayan Kersak's Avatar
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    Default 2022 Eastman Line

    Curious about members experience with newer Eastman models. I played a few in the 2000's and wasn't super thrilled with them. Curious about the MD514-MD814 if anyone has any experience? Sound, tone, playability...any thoughts you feel like sharing.

    I see there are a few 2022's out. I had heard they have been significantly better in recent years.

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    Default Re: 2022 Eastman Line

    I know nothing of older Eastmans (I came to play mandolin new in 2021 from decades of guitar). I have an MD615 and am pleased with its tone, and sustain. Aside from the slightly tight 1-3/32" nut, playability is good too. I replaced the very stiff tuners with Grover 409s, but I am pleased with all else.

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    Registered User Narayan Kersak's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2022 Eastman Line

    Yeah, the 1-3/32 seemed a bit tight for me too. Haven't gotten my hands on one yet though. My mandolin nut is a bit bigger, but coming from guitar, I had asked for a wider nut. Maybe 1-3/32 is common?? Have any videos or recordings of your mando M19?
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    Default Re: 2022 Eastman Line

    Quote Originally Posted by Narayan Kersak View Post
    Yeah, the 1-3/32 seemed a bit tight for me too. Haven't gotten my hands on one yet though. My mandolin nut is a bit bigger, but coming from guitar, I had asked for a wider nut. Maybe 1-3/32 is common?? ...
    Just from observation, it seems 1 1/8" is the most common width on current f-hole models, and many of the ovals as well. Why Eastman persists with the 1 3/32" width is a little baffling (especially on oval hole models, IMO). They have, at least from some listening and comments/reviews, seemed to have loosened up the sound of their models. I can move back and forth between the neck widths, though, without a lot of adaptation. It seems like there are a few places where one or the other seems easier, but after a while I forget what that was...

    FWIW the (older) 815 I got from an old friend seemed tight and bright when I first got it, but with repeated drumming on the thing it's either mellowed a bit, or I've adapted to it. It's still not nearly as "woody" as the NF I picked up, but it doesn't take a lot of effort, and pick selection, to get them closer than I originally felt they were.
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    Default Re: 2022 Eastman Line

    I was worried about the 1-3/32 width too, but I don't have problems with it. And, one benefit is the narrower width makes the 2200 A chord easier to do with 1 finger.
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    Registered User Narayan Kersak's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2022 Eastman Line

    I got to try out an MD814 and I have to say I was really impressed. It was a little quieter than my flat top, but the notes were bell like and had amazing sustain.

    It played super easy, and didn't even notice the smaller fretboard width. Aiming to try a MD614 next week.

    Really wasn't expecting to enjoy it so much.

    This was such a sweet clear sound up and down the neck.
    Last edited by Narayan Kersak; Aug-06-2022 at 10:31pm.

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