I have to say I do enjoy your post watch them quite often never had opportunity to play Easton mandolin did buy a used Kentucky 150 couple years ago have to say it is really pretty good sounding plan mandolin again thanks for posting hope you all have a great Christmas
When I was teaching I would go to my local music shop to find entry level mandos for some of my students. It was always between these two models, and the Eastman always won (except once, and I had a lot of setup work to do on that KM-161).
Watching the video yet again - would also love to see a video about "pro setup" and compare pre and post set up mandos. Lots of comments about the benefit of pro setup on mandolincafe, but hard to get my head around how much of an improvement to expect and where to expect it, especially for something like an Eastman.
I really appreciate that you include your own comments regarding how the instruments feel. That is really important and I believe it greatly influences how a player evaluates the sonic character. I guess some UA-cam channels are a little hesitant to reveal their own opinion, in fear of shining a negative light on any particular brand. But I like to think that we, the viewers, understand that it's "only" your opinion - not facts - and that different people have different preferences.
MD 305 was my first nice mandolin, still play it. But a year later I popped for a Collings MT2 Gloss top. Just a stunning instrument. Not 6x as stunning as the Eastman but still.
The 200 series Kentuckys are the ones that are in a similar price range and have a radiused fretboard like the MD 305. If you have the chance to play both, you would realize that tonally and overall soundwise, there is a clear winner. That brand unfortunately does not have the better playability and setup of the other more popular brand. For me, still, sound is king.
I have a Washburn, which I've had for around 2yrs or more, just bought Eastman 305 ,love it ,can't believe how much easier it is to play and sounds much better!
I was walking out the door this morning, to buy a Washburn and just happened to see a comparison of beginners instruments. Now I have to pick one of these two instead :)
I'd like to see a comparison of oval hole vs. f-hole comparison! A song suggestion for mandolin is Shalom Aleichem, in the style played by Andy Statman and David Grisman!
Great playing and advice - I'm watching these as a bass player in a bluegrass band, but I studied cello and strings in college. One note - fretboard radius does not work as described here. The fretboard curve would match the edge of a circle where the radius is 12" in this case. So if you imagine a circle that is 24" across, the fretboard would match directly up with the edge of the circle. A song request would be Blackberry Blossom if you haven't done it before.
I came here targeting the Kentucky and picked it for the sound, in the blind taste test, before the reveal. BUT, I want the playability to start with as I mean to go on. So I need to decide where I compromise.
Also, after having owned many low-mid and high-end mandos, mandolas, and octaves, I can tell ya that all/most satin-finish instruments have a less defined tinkle/jangle on the top. It is subtly audible here too, but more clear when you play it yourself. Also, despite the high end recording equipment used here, the difference you hear in YT videos is much less than what you hear in person--there, there is little similarity in the sound of these, or any instruments.
I got a killer deal on a Brand New/ Barely used MD-315 off Reverb ! Crossrock ? Hard shell case ( New) ,,, The biggest Reason I Had to have it ,, A LOT of PIC's,,, Eastman,,, Crossrock Case and That Gorgeous " Worn , Rubbed " finish ! I Bought a rosewood Wrist guard,,, Hand to " Profile sand " The Bridge base,, adjust it and OMG ! I L O V E It !
I have the K150. I find it not as loud as I'd like. Also, i replaced the nut to get a better string spread and also the bridge. So I got the action set up nicely….but it's not a loud instrument.
I purchased a Kentucky 272 oval hole and an Eastman 505cc (Eastman from you guy’s by the way) and the Eastman just felt better and became more appealing to my ear during the first few days of comparing. I’m a newbie the set up is great and easier to play than Kentucky. Thanks The Acoustic Shoppe staff!
It’s not quite fair comparing oval and f hole because they’re totally different instruments. Okay, you may prefer the sound of one over the other but that’s purely subjective. I used to have an Eastman 515 which was LOUD and sounded great but I now have an oval hole KM272 like you. I liked the sound in the shop but what I wasn’t prepared for was it opening up after a couple of months of play. It now sounds fantastic, especially after 10 -15 minutes of warm up. Give your Kentucky a chance, I doubt you’ll be disappointed. You are allowed to like both, just accept they’re not the same type of mandolin.
I hear an Eastman blowing a Kentucky out of the water! Lol no competition. I see so many guys on Mandolin Player Unite page need to see this. The question arises regularly. Bigger frets with radius changed my life.
I love my Eastman MD315. They didn't cover it, but Eastman seems to, have great QA. I couldn't find any blemishes on mine. Everything is super smooth. I did upgrade the tuners to Schallers, but I think it had more to do with my wanting to tinker than it did need. But they are a nice upgrade and much smoother than the stock tuners. The finish on the 304 and 315 is a thin varnish used on violins. I think the instrument sounds as good as it does because the finish is thin. I would like to have a gloss finish, but I fancy the dark gunstock look. The instrument actually looks better in person than on video. The Ivoroid binding is also a big upgrade over ABS. I'm glad I went with the Eastman. A beginner will be more than happy.
i like the deeper tones of a mando, but i think the eastman's a better mandolin. how 'bout comparin' plywood basses. i payed a grand for my tacoma maple flattop mandolin, & the same for a cremona sb-3 bass. i just mess around w/bluegrass, but these instruments are pretty good. i've heard this bass on stage & it sounds good.
I love my 305. I have yet to find a mandolin that feels as comfortable in my hands. Though as a disclaimer I live in the Nordics where mandolins are a lot harder to come by, so I've mostly only played around on old Gibsons and Levins at music stores, and the occasional Kentucky.
I dont know I was really thinking of getting an Eastman 515v but I want something a little better than entry and a even a low end gibson is out of my price range. What does that leave, Northfield?
The 515V is not an entry level mandolin, and a far cry from the 305 tested here. They're under-priced, IMO, and a really great buy. If I didn't have the one that I do now, I'd likely have a 515V or 815V. Northfield are also good, though. Horses/courses...
B - sounds over eq'd muffled A has more clarity volume and sparkle. I spent a fortune in plug ins to get that clarity and balance with acoustic instruments. Ps I like the pickguard - for anchoring, tapping and protection - If I did this blind id gravitate to the Kentucky - if i did it visually Id feel peer pressured into the organic looking Eastman . Folkies can be so cruel. My ears with eyes shut are the way to go . Really helpful, and enjoyable video guys - ps play the king of the fairies or george brabazon (o carolan) .
I bought an old Yamaha guitar blindfolded . I was disappointed with the finish but the tone … oh my god … never regretted it … has been admired by many …eyes shut is the way to go ….ps I play both these tunes you requested on mandolin … o Carolan is one of my favourite collections ..my specialty
I bought a MD305. It was setup at the shop. When I crosspick the strings are so close together on the E,A, and D it's difficult to geth them to ring out. Is my technique wrong? And the G string just sounds dead when I fret it. Is that normal? I lost intonation on my Rogue Mitchell when I went up the neck. But it seemed like it rang out and had much more volume than the Eastman. Any thoughts?
Jeremy suggested this may be a technique issue, the Eastman's have a pretty standard string spacing. If you're unsure about the intonation, it doesn't hurt to have a local luthier check it out! We hope this help!
Would it be worthwhile to upgrade the bridge on either of these mandolins? I'm looking for a beginner Mando, but not exactly looking to break the bank! These suckered get expensive quick!
In Jeremy's opinion, the Eastman bridges are well fit to the mandolin & does not require an upgrade. Meanwhile, he would recommend upgrading the bridge on the Kentucky's. Hope this helps!
@@masculinespeaks Jeremy has a Randy Wood mandolin bridge on his Gibson & here is a link to that: rwguitars.myshopify.com/products/randy-wood-mandolin-bridge it's easily one of the best bridges out there. Stew Mac does have a little bit of a cheaper option as well here: www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/bridges-and-tailpieces/bridges-and-tailpieces-for-mandolin/adjustable-archtop-mandolin-bridge . For whatever bridge you buy, the most important thing is that it actually needs to be fitted to the top by a luthier. That is the more expensive part of the upgrade because if it's done right, a luthier will spend a good amount of time on the project, sanding the bridge in various spots, back and forth to get it fit. Just for reference, (I'm not sure if you're local to us.) we charge $100 just to fit the bridge, not including the bridge cost. But, all that being said, it is totally worth the upgrade & that mandolin is a great find as long as it's in good condition! Hope this helps!
@@AcousticShoppe I a in NZ. when i brought my km150 the strings were miles away from the fretboard and the bridge was as low as it would go. i had to get the tools and alter it so it would adjust down more. i have set it up and it plays good now and has a lovely tone but it is still harder to play than my original cheap Carlo's mando but i think it is because the fretboard is narrower on the km150. I still play the Carlo's mostly which required very little setting up and slso has a nice tone in it's own right cheers guys for your great videos
The Acoustic Shoppe..... Great comparison! I'm not sure how long ago that this was posted, but I just went onto your store website (Monday, 9.25,2023) after just watching this video, and there are No Kentucky mandolins showing up, at all.... they're not even listed under the Brand names that you carry... what's up with that? Mostly Eastman, with a couple of Ortega's, Loar's, Bourgois & Gold Tone. The Eastman's are a little out of my price range at this moment... what is your "opinion" of the Loar LM-110-BRB that you have, in terms of build quality, etc, etc for the price point of $299.99 ?? I play electric & Ukelele Bass guitars, Lap & Console Steel guitars... and looking to learn the mandolin, so this would have to be an "entry level" mandolin to see if I even like it, therefore I cannot justify the cost of even the Eastman 305, as an "entry level" at this point in time. Thank you in advance for your response and any insight to my question(s), as well as any suggestions you may have. PS: I live about 1.5 hour drive from your store in Springfield.
For me, for various reasons - I want an instrument that inspires me to play it - I would rather spend a little more on my instrument: (1) The tone will be better, which would reach out and inspire me to continue playing, rather than giving up - this also means that I will know if it doesn’t sound good, that it is ME rather than me debating regarding the quality of the instrument… Also, (2) More expensive instruments tend to be easier to play - and again, at the beginning, you are looking for an instrument which is going to inspire you to continue to play it… ai am just saying.
@@JJ_TheGreat... Thanks "JJ" for your reply, I greatly appreciate it. That's great advice... well taken. Since I wrote my initial comment 3 months ago... I did purchase a Loar LM-310F, and I like it very much and it was completely setup (with a string change) and ready to go. I'm looking at getting a custom built Mandolin from a well known maker, here in Missouri.
I watched another of your comparisons...THESE !!! ARE NOT "BEGINNER" mandos....these are entry level high end! Like buying a $900 Taylor guitar and calling it a "beginner" guitar.... Yamaha 335 for $150 with gig bag etc...is a "beginner" set up! Rogue is a beginner mando.
The Kentucky is $540 & the Eastman is $599 at the moment. We typically refrain from saying prices because they fluctuate often but we'll consider adding it to videos in the future!
as a video editor, im quite impressed by how you do the blind tests
Thank you!
I have to say I do enjoy your post watch them quite often never had opportunity to play Easton mandolin did buy a used Kentucky 150 couple years ago have to say it is really pretty good sounding plan mandolin again thanks for posting hope you all have a great Christmas
When I was teaching I would go to my local music shop to find entry level mandos for some of my students. It was always between these two models, and the Eastman always won (except once, and I had a lot of setup work to do on that KM-161).
Thank you both. While demonstrating the various virtues of each mandolin, you made me laugh at your musical jousting. 😊
Man you guys just made my day!
Thanks, guys! Exactly the two I’m considering.
i like the stuff you'all do. thanks!
Watching the video yet again - would also love to see a video about "pro setup" and compare pre and post set up mandos. Lots of comments about the benefit of pro setup on mandolincafe, but hard to get my head around how much of an improvement to expect and where to expect it, especially for something like an Eastman.
I really appreciate that you include your own comments regarding how the instruments feel. That is really important and I believe it greatly influences how a player evaluates the sonic character. I guess some UA-cam channels are a little hesitant to reveal their own opinion, in fear of shining a negative light on any particular brand. But I like to think that we, the viewers, understand that it's "only" your opinion - not facts - and that different people have different preferences.
Thanks for the kind words! We really appreciate your support!
Beautiful playing ! 😮 🎉 🎶
Eastman all the way. The pick guard muffle is so noticeable when you go back and forth. Thanks for the videos
MD 305 was my first nice mandolin, still play it. But a year later I popped for a Collings MT2 Gloss top. Just a stunning instrument. Not 6x as stunning as the Eastman but still.
Glad you had those 305's on sale at the Small Business Saturday "event."
I have an alvarez a700 f style from the the 70s. Im liking it.
"Exactly close to being the same..." Exactly! 🙂
The 200 series Kentuckys are the ones that are in a similar price range and have a radiused fretboard like the MD 305. If you have the chance to play both, you would realize that tonally and overall soundwise, there is a clear winner. That brand unfortunately does not have the better playability and setup of the other more popular brand. For me, still, sound is king.
I have the Eastman 305. Best mandolin I have ever owned! The satin finish lets the top vibrate freely. I would never sell it!
I have a Washburn, which I've had for around 2yrs or more, just bought Eastman 305 ,love it ,can't believe how much easier it is to play and sounds much better!
That's awesome!
I was walking out the door this morning, to buy a Washburn and just happened to see a comparison of beginners instruments. Now I have to pick one of these two instead :)
I'd like to see a comparison of oval hole vs. f-hole comparison! A song suggestion for mandolin is Shalom Aleichem, in the style played by Andy Statman and David Grisman!
Thanks for the suggestions, we'll put those on our lists!
Great playing and advice - I'm watching these as a bass player in a bluegrass band, but I studied cello and strings in college. One note - fretboard radius does not work as described here. The fretboard curve would match the edge of a circle where the radius is 12" in this case. So if you imagine a circle that is 24" across, the fretboard would match directly up with the edge of the circle. A song request would be Blackberry Blossom if you haven't done it before.
I came here targeting the Kentucky and picked it for the sound, in the blind taste test, before the reveal. BUT, I want the playability to start with as I mean to go on. So I need to decide where I compromise.
Dueling Mandos!
Also, after having owned many low-mid and high-end mandos, mandolas, and octaves, I can tell ya that all/most satin-finish instruments have a less defined tinkle/jangle on the top. It is subtly audible here too, but more clear when you play it yourself. Also, despite the high end recording equipment used here, the difference you hear in YT videos is much less than what you hear in person--there, there is little similarity in the sound of these, or any instruments.
…Which is why I am using headphones - to make it easier to hear the differences!…
I got a killer deal on a Brand New/ Barely used MD-315 off Reverb ! Crossrock ? Hard shell case ( New) ,,, The biggest Reason I Had to have it ,, A LOT of PIC's,,, Eastman,,, Crossrock Case and That Gorgeous " Worn , Rubbed " finish ! I Bought a rosewood Wrist guard,,, Hand to " Profile sand " The Bridge base,, adjust it and OMG ! I L O V E It !
Nice!
Ha! I liked the Kentucky sound better. What do I know? I play banjo. 🤷♀️😂🎶
The difference between a banjo and a trampoline? You take your shoes off when you jump on the trampoline. Ha
You know the right instrument to play my fat fingers get in the way 😭
I have the K150. I find it not as loud as I'd like. Also, i replaced the nut to get a better string spread and also the bridge. So I got the action set up nicely….but it's not a loud instrument.
I purchased a Kentucky 272 oval hole and an Eastman 505cc (Eastman from you guy’s by the way) and the Eastman just felt better and became more appealing to my ear during the first few days of comparing. I’m a newbie the set up is great and easier to play than Kentucky. Thanks The Acoustic Shoppe staff!
That's awesome, we're glad you're happy with the mandolin!
It’s not quite fair comparing oval and f hole because they’re totally different instruments. Okay, you may prefer the sound of one over the other but that’s purely subjective. I used to have an Eastman 515 which was LOUD and sounded great but I now have an oval hole KM272 like you. I liked the sound in the shop but what I wasn’t prepared for was it opening up after a couple of months of play. It now sounds fantastic, especially after 10 -15 minutes of warm up. Give your Kentucky a chance, I doubt you’ll be disappointed. You are allowed to like both, just accept they’re not the same type of mandolin.
I hear an Eastman blowing a Kentucky out of the water! Lol no competition. I see so many guys on Mandolin Player Unite page need to see this. The question arises regularly. Bigger frets with radius changed my life.
At 19:35 the video on screen has the mandolin labeled as an Eastman MD 315, however it's actually a MD 305. Yes?
I love my Eastman MD315. They didn't cover it, but Eastman seems to, have great QA. I couldn't find any blemishes on mine. Everything is super smooth. I did upgrade the tuners to Schallers, but I think it had more to do with my wanting to tinker than it did need. But they are a nice upgrade and much smoother than the stock tuners. The finish on the 304 and 315 is a thin varnish used on violins. I think the instrument sounds as good as it does because the finish is thin. I would like to have a gloss finish, but I fancy the dark gunstock look. The instrument actually looks better in person than on video. The Ivoroid binding is also a big upgrade over ABS. I'm glad I went with the Eastman. A beginner will be more than happy.
That’s a good point, Eastman keeps them clean! Glad that you’re happy with you’re 305!
@@AcousticShoppe 315
Every place I look has the Eastman $80-$100 more than the Kentucky. That’s significant on a +/- $600 instrument.
i like the deeper tones of a mando, but i think the eastman's a better mandolin. how 'bout comparin' plywood basses. i payed a grand for my tacoma maple flattop mandolin, & the same for a cremona sb-3 bass. i just mess around w/bluegrass, but these instruments are pretty good. i've heard this bass on stage & it sounds good.
I love my 305. I have yet to find a mandolin that feels as comfortable in my hands. Though as a disclaimer I live in the Nordics where mandolins are a lot harder to come by, so I've mostly only played around on old Gibsons and Levins at music stores, and the occasional Kentucky.
The flat finish on that 305 will wear to shiny after a period if time
I dont know I was really thinking of getting an Eastman 515v but I want something a little better than entry and a even a low end gibson is out of my price range. What does that leave, Northfield?
I have an Eastman 515V and I love it... just sayin...
The 515V is not an entry level mandolin, and a far cry from the 305 tested here. They're under-priced, IMO, and a really great buy. If I didn't have the one that I do now, I'd likely have a 515V or 815V. Northfield are also good, though. Horses/courses...
I like the sound of the kentucky more, however i can see a lot of the tone being lost when playing with a guitar
16:06 I say that A is the Kentucky and B is the Eastman.
B - sounds over eq'd muffled A has more clarity volume and sparkle. I spent a fortune in plug ins to get that clarity and balance with acoustic instruments. Ps I like the pickguard - for anchoring, tapping and protection - If I did this blind id gravitate to the Kentucky - if i did it visually Id feel peer pressured into the organic looking Eastman . Folkies can be so cruel. My ears with eyes shut are the way to go . Really helpful, and enjoyable video guys - ps play the king of the fairies or george brabazon (o carolan) .
I bought an old Yamaha guitar blindfolded . I was disappointed with the finish but the tone … oh my god … never regretted it … has been admired by many …eyes shut is the way to go ….ps I play both these tunes you requested on mandolin … o Carolan is one of my favourite collections ..my specialty
I bought a MD305. It was setup at the shop. When I crosspick the strings are so close together on the E,A, and D it's difficult to geth them to ring out. Is my technique wrong? And the G string just sounds dead when I fret it. Is that normal? I lost intonation on my Rogue Mitchell when I went up the neck. But it seemed like it rang out and had much more volume than the Eastman. Any thoughts?
Jeremy suggested this may be a technique issue, the Eastman's have a pretty standard string spacing. If you're unsure about the intonation, it doesn't hurt to have a local luthier check it out! We hope this help!
@@AcousticShoppe Thank you I'll check that out.
Would it be worthwhile to upgrade the bridge on either of these mandolins? I'm looking for a beginner Mando, but not exactly looking to break the bank! These suckered get expensive quick!
In Jeremy's opinion, the Eastman bridges are well fit to the mandolin & does not require an upgrade. Meanwhile, he would recommend upgrading the bridge on the Kentucky's. Hope this helps!
@@AcousticShoppe thanks, I found a Kentucky for about 325, same one in this video, what bridge upgrade would you reccomend
@@masculinespeaks Jeremy has a Randy Wood mandolin bridge on his Gibson & here is a link to that: rwguitars.myshopify.com/products/randy-wood-mandolin-bridge it's easily one of the best bridges out there. Stew Mac does have a little bit of a cheaper option as well here: www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/bridges-and-tailpieces/bridges-and-tailpieces-for-mandolin/adjustable-archtop-mandolin-bridge .
For whatever bridge you buy, the most important thing is that it actually needs to be fitted to the top by a luthier. That is the more expensive part of the upgrade because if it's done right, a luthier will spend a good amount of time on the project, sanding the bridge in various spots, back and forth to get it fit. Just for reference, (I'm not sure if you're local to us.) we charge $100 just to fit the bridge, not including the bridge cost. But, all that being said, it is totally worth the upgrade & that mandolin is a great find as long as it's in good condition! Hope this helps!
@@AcousticShoppe I a in NZ. when i brought my km150 the strings were miles away from the fretboard and the bridge was as low as it would go. i had to get the tools and alter it so it would adjust down more. i have set it up and it plays good now and has a lovely tone but it is still harder to play than my original cheap Carlo's mando but i think it is because the fretboard is narrower on the km150. I still play the Carlo's mostly which required very little setting up and slso has a nice tone in it's own right cheers guys for your great videos
133rdst subscriber LIKE; 5.5K+ fan view.
Very close , i think the Kentucky could be tweaked somewhat ❤
The Acoustic Shoppe..... Great comparison! I'm not sure how long ago that this was posted, but I just went onto your store website (Monday, 9.25,2023) after just watching this video, and there are No Kentucky mandolins showing up, at all.... they're not even listed under the Brand names that you carry... what's up with that?
Mostly Eastman, with a couple of Ortega's, Loar's, Bourgois & Gold Tone. The Eastman's are a little out of my price range at this moment... what is your "opinion" of the Loar LM-110-BRB that you have, in terms of build quality, etc, etc for the price point of $299.99 ??
I play electric & Ukelele Bass guitars, Lap & Console Steel guitars... and looking to learn the mandolin, so this would have to be an "entry level" mandolin to see if I even like it, therefore I cannot justify the cost of even the Eastman 305, as an "entry level" at this point in time. Thank you in advance for your response and any insight to my question(s), as well as any suggestions you may have.
PS: I live about 1.5 hour drive from your store in Springfield.
For me, for various reasons - I want an instrument that inspires me to play it - I would rather spend a little more on my instrument: (1) The tone will be better, which would reach out and inspire me to continue playing, rather than giving up - this also means that I will know if it doesn’t sound good, that it is ME rather than me debating regarding the quality of the instrument… Also, (2) More expensive instruments tend to be easier to play - and again, at the beginning, you are looking for an instrument which is going to inspire you to continue to play it…
ai am just saying.
@@JJ_TheGreat... Thanks "JJ" for your reply, I greatly appreciate it. That's great advice... well taken. Since I wrote my initial comment 3 months ago... I did purchase a Loar LM-310F, and I like it very much and it was completely setup (with a string change) and ready to go. I'm looking at getting a custom built Mandolin from a well known maker, here in Missouri.
Gee, when I saw "beginner mandolin " I thought I had a lesson coming up. A voicing is fine.
I want east man md505
That’s a great choice!
Are they AT mics by chance? Cheers
Yes, we are using audio technicas in this video.
I love a pickguard .. it’s my golpe! I would punch a hole in that Eastman
The Eastman has best sound.
…With these particular models… In this particular comparison…
🎼🍺🍺🤙
I watched another of your comparisons...THESE !!! ARE NOT "BEGINNER" mandos....these are entry level high end!
Like buying a $900 Taylor guitar and calling it a "beginner" guitar.... Yamaha 335 for $150 with gig bag etc...is a "beginner" set up!
Rogue is a beginner mando.
Never mentioned the prices so annoying
The Kentucky is $540 & the Eastman is $599 at the moment. We typically refrain from saying prices because they fluctuate often but we'll consider adding it to videos in the future!
Stop saying "price point." You sound like a salesman.
I love a pickguard .. it’s my golpe! I would punch a hole in that Eastman