Just came from Dusty Strings in Seattle, the premier acoustic instrument dealer. Picked up a very nice used Eastman mando for $450 + case. It has a 1 3/16" nut which is a little wider than my student model Dean which has a 1 1/8" nut. I find it a bit easier to play and it sounds great! I've been wanting to upgrade for some time now and this was the right time and place.
I played several other wider neck Eastmans, both F style around 1K. There was no real difference in the sound or volume, and although I prefer an F style I went with the used A style since all I'd be paying for is the aesthetics. And for $500 more it didn't seem worth it to me.
I also played one Weber with a 1 3/16" nut and that was OK but just didn't speak to me. Also played the Red Valley Bouzouki I've been interested in, but frankly it was a bear to play. Sounded nice though, but won't be picking one of those up anytime soon.
So now I have a great sounding and playing mando and will be selling the Dean on Craigslist, as Dusty Strings didn't want it on trade. So if you know anyone who wants a nice student model mando for $200, send them my way.
Sorry, no pics!
Cheers,
RR
I played several other wider neck Eastmans, both F style around 1K. There was no real difference in the sound or volume, and although I prefer an F style I went with the used A style since all I'd be paying for is the aesthetics. And for $500 more it didn't seem worth it to me.
I also played one Weber with a 1 3/16" nut and that was OK but just didn't speak to me. Also played the Red Valley Bouzouki I've been interested in, but frankly it was a bear to play. Sounded nice though, but won't be picking one of those up anytime soon.
So now I have a great sounding and playing mando and will be selling the Dean on Craigslist, as Dusty Strings didn't want it on trade. So if you know anyone who wants a nice student model mando for $200, send them my way.
Sorry, no pics!
Cheers,
RR
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