Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (6)
$729.00
Amazon
4.8 (31)
$729.00
Reverb
5.0 (30)
$711.72 New
$600.00 Used

Average Price: $705

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Eastman MD-305". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Eastman MD-305 is a beautifully crafted A-style mandolin designed to serve both beginners and seasoned players with its remarkable quality and resonant sound. Handcrafted using solid tonewoods, this mandolin boasts a solid spruce top paired with solid maple back and sides. This combination delivers a tone that is both warm and bright, perfectly capturing the essence of traditional mandolin sound.

Its A-style body with F-holes not only enhances its visual appeal but also adds a percussive quality, making it a favorite among bluegrass musicians. The maple neck features a "Soft V" profile, providing a comfortable grip for effortless playing across various styles. This design choice ensures that even extended practice sessions are strain-free, allowing players to focus on perfecting their craft.

Finished with a vintage-tinged satin look, the MD-305 is not just about aesthetics. The Truetone satin finish allows the tonewoods to vibrate freely, enhancing the instrument's natural resonance. The ebony bridge and fingerboard add durability and finesse, ensuring that the mandolin remains a reliable companion for years to come.

Key Features:

  • A-style body with F-holes for a striking, traditional appearance and sound
  • Solid spruce top with solid maple back and sides for a vibrant, resonant tone
  • Comfortable "Soft V" maple neck with ebony fingerboard
  • Truetone satin finish for enhanced resonance and vintage aesthetics
  • Ideal for bluegrass and a variety of musical styles

Product specs

Type Acoustic
Body Shape A Style with F holes
Finish Truetone Satin
Top Material Sitka Spruce
Body Material Maple
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Soft V
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 24
Scale Length 13.88"
Nut Material Bone
Nut Width 1.09"
Bridge Material Ebony
Tuners Quality Open Geared
Hardware Nickel
Strings D'Addario XT Coated Medium, .011-.040
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Eastman MD-305 mandolin's top and body?

The Eastman MD-305 mandolin features a top made from solid Sitka spruce and a body crafted from solid maple, providing a bright and resonant tone.

What is the neck profile of the Eastman MD-305 mandolin?

The Eastman MD-305 mandolin has a soft V neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

Does the Eastman MD-305 mandolin come with a case or gig bag?

Yes, the Eastman MD-305 mandolin comes with a gig bag, providing basic protection for transport and storage.

What kind of strings are included with the Eastman MD-305 mandolin?

The Eastman MD-305 mandolin is strung with D'Addario XT Coated Medium strings, which are known for their durability and balanced tone.

Is the Eastman MD-305 suitable for bluegrass music?

Yes, the Eastman MD-305's A-style body with F holes and solid wood construction make it well-suited for bluegrass, offering a clear and punchy sound ideal for the genre.

The Acoustic Shoppe

The Acoustic Shoppe

Beginner Mandolin Comparison! | Eastman MD305 VS Kentucky KM-150 | Which Should You Buy?

Video thumbnail for Beginner Mandolin Comparison! | Eastman MD305 VS Kentucky KM-150 | Which Should You Buy? by The Acoustic Shoppe

Beginner Mandolin Comparison! | Eastman MD305 VS Kentucky KM-150 | Which Should You Buy?

The Acoustic Shoppe

The Acoustic Shoppe

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD305 Featured Instrument by The Mandolin Store

Eastman MD305 Featured Instrument

The Mandolin Store

The Mandolin Store

Video thumbnail for Eastman Mandolin Series Explained | Which one is best for you? by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Eastman Mandolin Series Explained | Which one is best for you?

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD305 A-Style Mandolin played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by TFOA Demos

Eastman MD305 A-Style Mandolin played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD-305 Mandolin Review by COMANDOLIN

Eastman MD-305 Mandolin Review

COMANDOLIN

COMANDOLIN

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD 305 Mandolin Review by BanjoLemonade

Eastman MD 305 Mandolin Review

BanjoLemonade

BanjoLemonade

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD305 Mandolin by Guitar Gallery Melbourne

Eastman MD305 Mandolin

Guitar Gallery Melbourne

Guitar Gallery Melbourne

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD305 Mandolin by Bart Dietvorst

Eastman MD305 Mandolin

Bart Dietvorst

Bart Dietvorst

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD305 Mandolin by The Mandolin Store

Eastman MD305 Mandolin

The Mandolin Store

The Mandolin Store

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent intonation all the way up the neck

  • Comfortable fretboard for extended practice sessions

  • Solid construction with quality materials

  • Attractive vintage satin finish

  • Superb tone with rich, treble-y sound

  • Includes a well-made gig bag for protection

  • Stays in tune better than lower-priced mandolins

  • Great for both beginners and intermediate players

  • Highly recommended for working musicians

  • Easy to set up without buzzing

CONS

  • Tuners can be a bit stiff

  • Satin finish scuffs more easily than glossy finishes

  • One instance of a problematic "e" string with no volume or tone

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Eastman MD-305.

Build quality

  • Owners note Eastman MD-305 is handmade, evident in the craftsmanship and attention to detail in its construction.

    Source
  • It's noted that better wood is often allocated to higher-end models during the carving process, which can affect sound quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MD-305 is favorably compared to the Loar LM-310, with the former feeling more substantial and less like an entry-level instrument.

    Source
  • Owners find the Eastman MD-305 a better value than similarly priced F-style mandolins, which often sacrifice sound quality for aesthetics.

    Source
  • The Kentucky KM-1000 is highlighted as a significant step up in sound quality compared to entry-level models.

    Source
  • The MD505 is often preferred over the MD515 for its tone, despite the latter's higher model number, highlighting a disconnect between Eastman’s model numbers and sound quality.

    Source
  • Some owners find the MD505's tone superior to the MD515, suggesting that trying different models in person can be beneficial.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MD-305's radiused fretboard is subtle enough that many players do not notice it during play, offering a smooth playing experience.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users plan to upgrade tuners, highlighting that it's an easy modification when changing strings.

    Source

User experience

  • Guitar players transitioning to the MD-305 find it to be a "real instrument," contrasting it against budget options like a Squier.

    Source
  • A dealer with experience selling hundreds of Eastmans notes that higher model numbers have a better chance of being good right out of the box.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used Eastman MD-305 can sometimes be found for $550 or less, offering exceptional sound if properly set up.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Cheaper mandolins often require a setup to avoid a one-dimensional sound; budget for this when purchasing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A-style mandolins like the MD-305 are recommended for beginners looking for a quality build without the high cost of F-style models.

    Source
  • An owner played gigs for six years with the MD-305, emphasizing its durability and reliability for live performances.

    Source
  • The MD515V's varnished finish is praised for enhancing tonal quality, appealing to players prioritizing sound over aesthetics.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Eastman MD305 Mandolin Review

musicgearnavigator.com

The Eastman MD305 is a beautifully crafted mandolin that combines traditional methods with exceptional sound quality. Its solid spruce top and maple back create a resonant tone, making it ideal for various styles, from bluegrass to classical. The rosewood fingerboard enhances playability, ensuring both beginners and pros can enjoy its liquid tones. However, its higher price point might deter entry-level players, and the satin finish may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the MD305 is a worthy investment for serious musicians, delivering outstanding performance and craftsmanship that can elevate your musical expression.

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