Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
The Acoustic Shoppe
Beginner Mandolin Comparison! | Eastman MD305 VS Kentucky KM-150 | Which Should You Buy?
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
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
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
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.