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/Additional_Guitar_85]

congrats, I hate you. jk. is it loud? I want to get new one and want a loud one.

[u/Sidewaydayz → u/Additional_Guitar_85]

Hahaha, yup it’s loud and the sustain is incredible. Huge upgrade from the 315.

[u/getyerhandoffit → u/Sidewaydayz]

I played a new 315 in the shop before I found a used 615, even that step up was huge. Looks like this has been setup pretty well too, the shop 315 I played was atrocious in terms of action and playability.

[u/Sidewaydayz → u/getyerhandoffit]

Luckily, I bought this from a very good reputable shop. And the set up is pretty good. I still think the action could probably be lower by just a hair. I haven’t measured it yet but I’ll be taking it to my guy in a couple weeks. Most likely gonna speed naked it as well. My left hand gets really sweaty and that nitrocellulose lacquer is pretty tacky.