Good day all,
Long time reader, but first post here. I was just looking to tap some of the collective knowledge of the group. I have already scoured the forums around these two mandolins and would appreciate your thoughts.
A bit of background and context, I have been playing for about a year now and started with a Kentucky 250 to test the waters and make sure it was something that I wanted to keep going with. Needless to say the bug bit and I enjoy playing and practicing whenever I get a chance (I even take it to work and my office mate kindly puts up with me whenever I have some down time or need to take a mental break).
Anyhow, at this point I am ready to make a larger commitment and step into the next level and am looking at an Eastman 815 in classic or a Kentucky 1050. The Kentucky though is at the top of my budget. I would like to find something to carry me through the next few years, until I am ready (and able to save up) to move onwards.
While I wish I could have the chance to try both in person, unfortunately that is not doable as there are no options without dedicating a 2 day trip and buying both and returning one. is not in the cards.
I have been speaking with the folks at The Mandolin Shop and they have been very helpful, but I would love to hear what you all might have to say.
One thing I wonder about with them is the narrow nut/neck on the Eastman. I have mid to large/fat fingers, but they are also short. The nut on my current Mando is 1 1/8 (same as the KM 1050) but the Eastman 815 is 1 3/32. Just wondering if this difference is all that noticeable. The other factor would be eventual re-sale or trade. Both seem fairly comparable, but wondering if the Kentucky would hold enough value difference to justify the additional $400.
Anyhow, thank you all for the input, it is much appreciated.
-S
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