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...
Eastman mandolins are just fine.They play above their price range and not every one can afford the super expensive Gibsons and Collings .I have been playing mandolins for five years now and guitar for over fifty .I currently play a Gold Tone F that was about $550 and with a good setup and strings it suits me . Iplan on getting an Eastman soon . Look up the videos from the Acoustic Shoppe on You Tube . Very informative .
