Harvest Music - Posted - 07/01/2011:  09:30:57

Hello.  I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or comparisons of the Eastman and nicer Kentucky mandolins.  I've recently become a Kentucky/Saga dealer and am trying to figure out my initial order.  I've been really happy with the Eastmans since I started carrying them, but it's sometimes hard to get  enough of them in so I'm trying make sure I always have quality stuff around at all price points.  I appreciate the input.  Thanks, Glenn, Harvest Music.  harvestmusic.com

Edited by - Harvest Music on 07/01/2011 09:47:50

Muscle Tone - Posted - 07/01/2011:  14:55:35

I haven't played Eastmans myselfs, but I've heard several soundclips of them and they sound really good. I have played three Kentucky mandolins though and they all seem to be very good quality for an inexpensive mando. I have played two different Kentucky A-Models, a KM-250S and a KM-505 which were both extremely decent mandolins. I have played one of the F-Models, a KM-805, which really blew me away! It's technically supposed to be an inexpensive copy of the Gibson Sam Bush mandolin, but I honestly felt it was much better made and better sounding than the real thing! I'm seriously planning on buying one at some point once I have the cash. On terms of Eastman V.S. Kentucky, I would go with a Kentucky mandolin any day of the week.

matrixbanjo - Posted - 07/09/2011:  09:20:54

i tried the Kentucky mandolins, and I purchased the Eastman. Hands down better built.

mandovoodoo - Posted - 07/09/2011:  10:07:34

I would tend to concentrate on factually grounded comparative aspects. Eastman has excellent warranty service. Saga has a more checkered history, although I have had nothing but good service from them.

The Kentucky line doesn't sell as well as Eastman and The Loar for me. But I do like the KM505 and the KM1000 very much. Those are the only ones I bother with.

Jim Yates - Posted - 07/09/2011:  12:26:38

I have played my brother's Kentucky  A5 style (I don't know the actual model #) mandolin many times and was quite happy with it.  It was nicely set up and had a great sound, but doesn't compare to my Eastman.

I own an Eastman 605, also an A5 style, and it is the nicest mandolin that I have owned by far. It was set up perfectly by the people at the Twelfth Fret in Toronto and everyone who plays it loves it.

Edited by - Jim Yates on 07/09/2011 12:29:16