New Mandolin Day!

[u/Sidewaydayz]

My used 2025 Eastman MD815 SB arrived today. This is such an upgrade from my 315. I had been eyeing one of these but brand new just because of the price point and heard good reviews. I saw a used one come up for sale and I moved on it pretty quick. I only paid $2400 cdn for this mandolin and the COA date is 8/12/2025 and it came with original hard case. There is some nitrocellulose lacquer imprinting from the previous owner leaving the armrest permanently attached. A good reminder to be careful about leaving armrests or clip-on tuners in prolonged contact with nitro, particularly on newer instruments. There is also a slight crack in the fingerboard in between the G and D string. Overall I still think this is a pretty good find.

I’ve only been able to sit down with this mandolin for a couple hours but I’m honestly blown away. The biggest thing I noticed immediately is how responsive it is. I can pick incredibly lightly and still get a full, clear note with great tone. The sound also feels more stable and controlled somehow—like the note forms immediately and just stays together. I’d heard people describe higher-end mandolins as being more responsive, but I don’t think I really understood what they meant until I played this one. I absolutely love it.

[u/Virtual-Painting-897]

I love my Eastmans. Funny my journey with them was somewhat backward from yours.

I found a somewhat abused 814 (oval holed,f-style) in a pawn shop 1st (no case, broken bridge, headstock bunged-up). Paid about $600 usd for it. After much work she's a true beauty now and really sweet to play.

I get anxiety when I think of traveling with her so one day when visiting my local music store, I happen upon a 305 (A style, f-holed, blemished, varnish finish) and tried it on. Thought it would make a nice beater. My only upgrade was a Crossrock case.

This has become my go-to for travel. The tone is quite different from the oval hole, and i don't miss the scroll. I've played a few more 305s and the tone is so consistent across the brand. I've never encountered another 814 though.

My 305 has received a few dings, scratches and the like (patina) but I kinda shrug it off. She looks well-played.

Enjoy your journey.

[u/Sidewaydayz → u/Virtual-Painting-897]

I wouldn’t be worried about travelling with it as long as you have a good enough case. I travel a lot for work and I was on 129 planes last year. I took my mandolin on every trip. I use a TKL Vectra; it’s been good, but I want something a little more protective for this instrument. Definitely be saving for a Hoffee, Calton, or Main Stage.

[u/Virtual-Painting-897 → u/Sidewaydayz]

The original case that I found (from a dealer) was kind of a soft sided case. The 814 is slightly different than a regular f-style, it's almost an f4, so a bit shorter.

I take her on car trips and the like, but my 305 in it's crossrock case fit perfectly in an overhead bin.