Eastman Mandolin Build Overview
The Eastman MD514 F-Style Mandolin is a premium oval-hole mandolin designed for players who value warmth, sustain, and expressive tonal character. Featuring a solid spruce top paired with solid maple back and sides, this instrument delivers a balanced voice with clear articulation, smooth sustain, and excellent projection.
The oval sound hole design gives the MD514 a rounder, more open tonal response compared to traditional f-hole mandolins—making it especially well-suited for melodic playing, Celtic styles, and expressive lead work. Notes bloom with warmth and sustain, creating a more vocal, singing character.
Finished in a gloss finish, the MD514 offers a classic vintage look and feel while allowing the tonewoods to resonate freely. With its clean appointments, smooth ebony fingerboard, and comfortable neck profile, this mandolin provides a refined playing experience for both developing and seasoned musicians.
Why the MD514 Stands Out
The combination of a spruce top, maple body, and oval sound hole creates a tonal profile that emphasizes warmth, clarity, and musical expression.
- Solid spruce top delivers clarity, responsiveness, and dynamic range
- Maple back and sides provide projection, brightness, and articulation
- Oval sound hole produces a warmer, more open tonal character
- Excellent sustain for melodic and expressive playing styles
Features & Specifications
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Back & Sides: Solid Maple
- Body Style: F-Style with Oval Sound Hole
- Neck: Maple
- Fingerboard: Ebony, 12" Radius
- Scale Length: 13 7/8"
- Nut Width: 1 3/32" Bone
- Bridge: Adjustable Compensated Ebony
- Tailpiece: Eastman Cast Aluminum
- Binding: Top
- Inlays: Pearl Dots
- Tuners: Pingwell RM-1583N-26A
- Finish: Gloss
- Strings: D'Addario J74
- Case: Hardshell Case Included
Serving Musicians Since 1991