Eastman: MD515

Submitted by mojohand40 on 10/12/2011

Where Purchased: Appalachian Bluegrass

Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: 999 ($US)

Sound

I play mostly bluegrass (85%), some old time, a wee bit of Irish. For Bluegrass, this F style really has a great chop. It cuts through the mix absolutely fine for breaks. There is a lot of "complexity" and note definition that makes it, IMO, sound good for anything. I've been playing it a little over a year now. Not really sure if it "broke in" or "opened" up, as it sounded great when I bought it.
I did try a few other MD515s and a MD615 when I bought it. This one seemed to be the best of the ones I tried, so there is a difference from mando to mando, even in the same model number. So try a few and "cherry pick" a good one.

Sound Rating: 8

Setup

Set up was good. Appalachian Bluegrass in Catonsville, MD is a great shop that knows their stuff. I lowered the action a bit and such, but really no problems at all.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

I got the "Classic Sunburst" one. I've seen some 515's with just a brown finish. I love the looks of both. The difference between the 515 and the 615's is that the 615 has binding on the back etc. This one (MD515) is very understated, just binding on the front, none on the back or headstock, no pick-guard, really kind of plain. I like that. Good Nitro finish. The finish is thin, so if you aren't careful, it will start to show wear. (some like that, but I like keeping mine shiny and new as possible) but it looks like it will wear well, and look great as it gets older.

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

Tuners, taiilpiece, etc all seem good quality. I can't see any reason that this mando won't last me ten or more years. Yes, the nitro finish can be a little delicate, but I think it will wear well and look great.

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

I don't remember the warranty details, but I did register it. Eastman seems like a good company from there emails and presence at festivals and such.

Customer Service: 5

Components

Again, everything seems good. I like the solid tail piece.

Components Rating: 8

Overall Comments

I'm giving it a high eight (I ain't never played a 10, sooo..). I sincerely think this mando holds it's own at any picking party I've been in. I've tried some more "high end" ones, everything from vintage to custom one offs, and honestly (at least at my playing level), I think my Eastman is better sounding, or at least very equivalent to MOST all of them. It's a good affordable instrument.
Personally, I can't see myself upgrading for a long time, or ever. I do have a hankering for a oval hole A style, but I would still keep this one for it's "chop" and solid bluegrass sound.

Overall Rating: 8