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Thread: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

  1. #1

    Default Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    I am looking for my first mandolin, and these forums have been so helpful! In my search today, I found an Eastman MD-604 CS Serial #6633 dated 4-11-11 on the Certificate of Authenticity in the case. When I search the MD-604 models online, everything shows an A-shape with oval hole. However, the one I found locally is definitely an F-shaped body style with an oval hole. It plays great and looks amazing! Can someone provide any insight into what might be going on with this model number and body style possibly mismatching? Don’t want to miss something obvious. Thanks in advance!

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  2. #2

    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    That's a 614, not a 604.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    Thanks for the quick response. Both the documentation and the sticker show MD-604. Any thoughts? Could the factory have made a mistake in 2011?

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  4. #4

    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    I have no idea. Here are the current Eastman web pages:
    https://www.eastmanguitars.com/mandolin_f_style

    https://www.eastmanguitars.com/mandolin_a_style

    If they changed numbering designations post 2011, that may be why. I am also unsure what CS means. In Fender/Martin parlance, that is Custom Shop.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    Quote Originally Posted by M19 View Post
    I have no idea. Here are the current Eastman web pages:
    https://www.eastmanguitars.com/mandolin_f_style

    https://www.eastmanguitars.com/mandolin_a_style

    If they changed numbering designations post 2011, that may be why. I am also unsure what CS means. In Fender/Martin parlance, that is Custom Shop.
    Thanks for the information M19!

  6. #6

    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    A 614 would have F holes.

    Dave H
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  7. #7
    Registered User hubrad's Avatar
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    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    I used to work in a shop selling Eastman..
    Mando model MDxyz
    x - series
    y - body - 0 for A and 1 for F
    z - soundholes - 4 for oval, 5 for f-holes

    MD mandolin, MDO octave, IIRC MDA for a tenor mandola, but could be making that up!

    There were a couple of special models on which I can't remember the numbering, but the above covers the vast majority of mandolin family.

    Did you say the internal label also says 604? Possibly somebody at the factory just wrote it wrongly, as I'm pretty sure they were hand-filled labels and docs.

    Edit/add: Yup I'd say a x14, depending on the series.
    5 was single bound, 6 and above double. For my money, 6 series was the best vfm, although they did get progressively nicer as you went upwards.
    www.stevetilston.com (double bass duties)

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  9. #8

    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    Get a good picture of the label too and send them to Eastman via the info on their site. They’ve been pretty responsive to me.

    It’s a 614 based on the looks with the bound headstock. They started putting pickups in them sometime and then switched to block fingerboard inlay a little later.

  10. #9

    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    Quote Originally Posted by hubrad View Post
    I used to work in a shop selling Eastman..
    Mando model MDxyz
    x - series
    y - body - 0 for A and 1 for F
    z - soundholes - 4 for oval, 5 for f-holes

    MD mandolin, MDO octave, IIRC MDA for a tenor mandola, but could be making that up!

    There were a couple of special models on which I can't remember the numbering, but the above covers the vast majority of mandolin family.

    Did you say the internal label also says 604? Possibly somebody at the factory just wrote it wrongly, as I'm pretty sure they were hand-filled labels and docs.

    Edit/add: Yup I'd say a x14, depending on the series.
    5 was single bound, 6 and above double. For my money, 6 series was the best vfm, although they did get progressively nicer as you went upwards.
    Yes, the inside tag reads “MD604,” as does the Certificate of Authentication that’s in the case. Thanks for the feedback!

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    hubrad 

  12. #10

    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    Quote Originally Posted by keith.rogers View Post
    Get a good picture of the label too and send them to Eastman via the info on their site. They’ve been pretty responsive to me.

    It’s a 614 based on the looks with the bound headstock. They started putting pickups in them sometime and then switched to block fingerboard inlay a little later.
    I will definitely follow your advice regarding contacting Eastman. Thanks for suggestions and feedback.

  13. #11

    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Hanson View Post
    A 614 would have F holes.

    Dave H
    No, that's a 615 (I have one!). The 1 digit means F-body, 0 digit means A body; 4 digit means oval hole, 5 digit means f-holes.

  14. #12
    Registered User gspiess's Avatar
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    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    If you like the sound, that's good. As an aside, early 6 series Eastmans have a reputation for the finish being too thick, and thus muting the sound.
    Being right is overrated. Doing right is what matters.

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  15. #13

    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?


  16. #14
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    Most assuredly a typo on the label and paperwork. That's a 614. F style Oval Hole. See their current page on models.

    Does this error affect value, no. Does it affect warranty - you're buying used so there is none from Eastman on used mandolins, no.

    It just got a funky label.

    Jamie
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  17. #15

    Default Re: Were Eastman MD-604 CS (2011) models F-shaped?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Hanson View Post
    A 614 would have F holes.

    Dave H
    Negative. That would be a 615 for F-body and F-holes.

    The x14 Eastman, whatever the first number, is always an F (scroll) body with an oval soundhole.

    One thing about Eastman, they have admirable consistency in their model naming conventions.
    2009 Eastman 505
    2011 Collings MTO GT
    2008 Toyota Sienna
    2018 Sawchyn mandola

    Mandoline or Mandolin: Similar to the lute, but much less artistically valuable....for people who wish to play simple music without much trouble —The Oxford Companion to Music

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