Eastman 514 vs 314
I’m thinking of treating myself to a new Christmas mandolin. I know I want an F-body, and as a lot of what I play isn’t blue grass I’m considering an oval hole. I know I like Eastman mandolins, so I’m thinking either a 314 or a 514.
A 314 would run me ~$850, while a 514 would run ~$1225.
What the consensus? Is the 514 worth the extra money?
I know the “right” answer is to play them side by side, but no one in reasonable driving distance stocks oval hole 300 or 500 series Eastmans.
Eastman MD-514 (F body, Sitka & maple, oval hole)
Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)
And still saving my nickels & dimes & bottle caps & breakfast cereal box tops for my lifetime mandolin.
Bookmarks