Are Eastman and Kentucky mandolins a good purchase? I know that they are made in China, but I've read some good things about them. Is there a noticeable difference in tone between the $1,000 Eastman and Kentucky mandolins as verses a $5,000 Northfield mandolin? Thank you.
Edited by - MandolinFret12 on 10/19/2024 09:31:02
Speaking for myself; I've owned a 02 Gibson F9 and a 2012
Kentucky KM 1000.
I sold them both when I got my
The Loar LM 700.
Thanks, I'll check out the Loar LM 700. 
Edited by - MandolinFret12 on 10/20/2024 15:56:45
More from the archives: mandohangout.com/archive/25444
I would agree with the gentleman that recommended finding a Gibson A9.
I do not own a Kentucky or an Eastman. An Eastman F, which is in the $1000.00 range, is a lot of high quality mandolin at a reasonable price.
Edited by - Maurice Mcmurry on 12/21/2024 08:24:38
Try them out if you can, and buy what sounds good. Don't get caught up in the online chatter about "...Pac-Rim is bad..." and other assorted foolishness. If it sounds good to you, brings you joy, and is a purchase that won't also get you a divorce, buy it. Let the haters hate.
I was happy with my Eastman MD305 that I bought as a beginner. Now I've upgraded to the MD505 and am very happy with it!
I always thought of Eastman as just another Instrument importer. I saw on the web that they use wood from Old Standard so I have been taking a closer look. This video shows a little about the USA side of the company.
youtu.be/3GZTKUAcxdg?si=mFohxlfSZPdChdk5
My favorite go to for entry level-mid level instruments....I use a md315 for my backup mando...
