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Thread: NMD - Eastman 514

  1. #1
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default NMD - Eastman 514

    Just got back from the UPS store with my new Eastman MD-514 mandolin - F body, spruce top, maple back & sides, and an oval sound hole.

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    I wish there was some flame...

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    My first impressions so far are mostly about the case. First, the accessory compartment is tiny. Not even large enough for a pack of strings. I've got the factory truss rod wrench in there, and I added some Primetones, and I think that's all that will be going in there.

    Second, the mandolin does NOT fit in the case with the Tone-Gard attached. Or rather the lid doesn't close all the way without me pressing on the top, which I am NOT going to do.

    Now regarding the mandolin itself, the body seems smaller than my Kentucky. I had to tighten down the arm rest much more than I had to loosen it to get it off the Kentucky and on the Eastman. And I had to do a little bending to get the Tone-Gard to stay on the Eastman without slipping off, where as it clung to the Kentucky just fine.

    Other than that, I'm currently braiding a paracord mandolin strap. Once I'm done I will tune up the Eastman and give is a good and proper go.

    But for now Dan is happy.
    Last edited by Dan in NH; Nov-30-2022 at 8:50pm.
    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.

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  3. #2
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Eastman 514

    Wow, you robbed the armrest off the Kentucky? That poor mando, I see it spending more time in the case.
    Have fun with the new one, though. It looks nice
    "To be obsessed with the destination is to remove the focus from where you are." Philip Toshio Sudo, Zen Guitar

  4. #3
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Eastman 514

    The fretboard is more pronouncedly radiused than the Kentucky. And it has a lower action.

    I'm going to have to play it some more before I decide if it's buzzing or if I'm just playing badly. Probably me playing badly.

    And I'll probably be bringing the Kentucky to Strings & Things to put on consignment, along with my 1986 Guild D-25. All my savings went toward this one, and while it's perfect for folk and for fiddle tunes, I still also want a 'grasser.

    The braided paracord strap is too slippery. The head keeps wanting to dive. That's OK, though. I have a Lakota Leather flat braided elk hide strap on its way to me. I expect it tomorrow.
    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.

  5. #4
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Eastman 514

    Yes, the 514 body is thinner, like an original Gibson F-2 (or F-4). My bandmate has a 514 and I really like it.

    Surprised you can't fit it in the case with a tone gard. My bandmate has one on his and it fits. But his is older and maybe the cases fit differently a few years ago.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
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  6. #5
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Eastman 514

    I didn’t try closing the lid all the way.
    I noticed that it didn’t close all the way by itself with the tone-hard attached like it did with the tone-hard not attached, so I didn’t try. I’m paranoid about driving the bridge through the top.

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  8. #6
    Registered User Mando Esq's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Eastman 514

    Looks great, Dan!

    I’m glad you finally scratched that itch to get a new mandolin.

    You’ll be amazed how easily your hand flies around the fingerboard with the lower action.

    Enjoy!
    Eastman MD515 mandolin
    Gretsch G9310 mandolin
    Eastman MDO305E-SB octave mandolin
    Eastman E20om guitar
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  9. #7

    Default Re: NMD - Eastman 514

    Congratulations Dan! That’s a beauty!
    Everything about your post makes sense except the part where you get rid of your other mandolin. I thought mandolins are for buying, not selling…?
    I must be doing something wrong

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  11. #8

    Default Re: NMD - Eastman 514

    Congratulations! Looks nice.

  12. #9
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Eastman 514

    I think an Eastman F4 is something to really play and cherish. I hope that it brings you years of enjoyment as a musician. Congrats!
    2014 BRW F5 #114
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  13. #10
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    Default Re: NMD - Eastman 514

    You can’t go wrong with an Eastman.
    “Mandolin brands are a guide, not Gospel “
    - Data Nick

  14. #11
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Eastman 514

    Quote Originally Posted by Dan in NH View Post
    I didn’t try closing the lid all the way.
    I noticed that it didn’t close all the way by itself with the tone-hard attached like it did with the tone-hard not attached, so I didn’t try. I’m paranoid about driving the bridge through the top.
    That's smart. Definitely sounds like it doesn't fit with it on.. Wouldn't be surprised if the case sizes have been tweaked over the years.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
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  15. #12
    Registered User Owl Hoo Hoo's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD - Eastman 514

    Congrats on the Eastman. I love the F oval holes.
    Steven

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