Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $704

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Eastman MD304 A-Style Oval Hole Mandolin". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Eastman MD304 A-Style Oval Hole Mandolin is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, combining traditional aesthetics with modern playability. This mandolin is expertly crafted from solid tonewoods, featuring a solid spruce top that delivers a bright and crisp sound that is quintessentially mandolin. The solid maple back and sides contribute vibrant clarity and rich overtones, ensuring a dynamic and expressive performance.

With its A-style body and oval sound hole, the MD304 offers both comfort and ease of access to higher frets, making it an ideal companion for both novice players and seasoned professionals. The mandolin’s maple neck, shaped with a “Soft V” profile, provides effortless playability, reducing hand fatigue and allowing for smooth transitions between chords and melodies.

Each detail of the MD304 is meticulously designed; from its resonant bone nut to the ebony fingerboard, every element contributes to a balanced and articulate tone. Finished with a Truetone satin coating, the mandolin not only looks stunning but also allows the wood to resonate fully, ensuring an authentic and mature sound. Embrace the rich tradition of mandolin music with a modern twist that Eastman Guitars masterfully delivers.

Key Features:

  • A-style body with an oval hole for comfort and easy fret access
  • Solid Sitka spruce top for bright, crisp sound
  • Solid maple back and sides for vibrant clarity
  • Maple neck with “Soft V” profile for smooth playability
  • Ebony fingerboard and bone nut for articulate tone
  • Truetone satin finish for visual appeal and enhanced resonance

Product specs

Type Acoustic
Body Shape A Style with Oval soundhole
Top Material Sitka Spruce
Body Material Maple
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Soft V
Fingerboard Material Ebony
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 sound can I expect from the Eastman MD304 A-Style Oval Hole Mandolin?

The Eastman MD304 features a Sitka spruce top and maple body, producing a warm, resonant tone with a rich low end, making it ideal for folk and traditional music styles.

Is the Eastman MD304 A-Style Mandolin suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Eastman MD304 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable soft V neck profile and quality construction, offering ease of playability and a great introduction to mandolin playing.

What is the neck profile of the Eastman MD304 A-Style Mandolin?

The Eastman MD304 features a soft V neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that suits different hand sizes and playing styles.

Does the Eastman MD304 Mandolin come with a case?

Yes, the Eastman MD304 comes with a gig bag, offering protection and portability for your instrument.

What kind of strings are used on the Eastman MD304 Mandolin?

The Eastman MD304 is equipped with D'Addario XT Coated Medium strings, known for their durability and balanced tone.

The Acoustic Shoppe

The Acoustic Shoppe

Eastman MD304 & MD314 | Which Is Right For You? | Eastman Mandolin Review

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD304 & MD314 | Which Is Right For You? | Eastman Mandolin Review by The Acoustic Shoppe

Eastman MD304 & MD314 | Which Is Right For You? | Eastman Mandolin Review

The Acoustic Shoppe

The Acoustic Shoppe

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD 304 Oval Hole by The Mandolin Store

Eastman MD 304 Oval Hole

The Mandolin Store

The Mandolin Store

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD304 Oval Hole Mandolin played by Kylie Kay Anderson | Demo by TFOA Demos

Eastman MD304 Oval Hole Mandolin played by Kylie Kay Anderson | Demo

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD304 Mandolin by Guitar Gallery Melbourne

Eastman MD304 Mandolin

Guitar Gallery Melbourne

Guitar Gallery Melbourne

Video thumbnail for Eastman Mandolin MD304 by Nowa Crosby | Randolin Music

Eastman Mandolin MD304

Nowa Crosby | Randolin Music

Nowa Crosby | Randolin Music

Video thumbnail for Bebe Demos the Eastman MD304 Mandolin by Guitar House Workshop

Bebe Demos the Eastman MD304 Mandolin

Guitar House Workshop

Guitar House Workshop

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful craftsmanship with attractively crafted wood for a visually appealing instrument

  • Radiused fretboard enhances playability, making complex chords easier

  • Produces a warm, resonant sound suitable for folk, hymns, and classical music

  • Excellent sound quality that surpasses online audio samples

  • Aesthetic appeal with simple yet elegant design without being flashy

  • Well-suited for small venues like church and home settings

  • Full sound that improves over time, becoming richer with play

  • Considered a good entry-level mandolin, offering solid quality for its price

CONS

  • No built-in strap peg on the fretboard, requiring additional installation

  • Ebony peg at the bottom may deform some straps, complicating installation

  • Rosette design appears somewhat plastic, contrasting with the instrument's wooden appearance

  • Neck is heavier and girthier due to truss rod, which could affect playability over time

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Eastman MD304 A-Style Oval Hole Mandolin.

Comparisons

  • Eastman MD304 is described as having a modern, smooth, and balanced sound, while Kentucky mandolins are noted for a traditional, punchy, woody, percussive tone.

    Source
  • Eastman MD304 is likened to higher-end Eastman models (e.g., 704, 814) in sound quality but lacks additional features found in those pricier models.

    Source
  • The MD505 is often preferred for its tone over the MD515, despite the latter's higher model number.

    Source
  • The LM-110 by The Loar is considered a solid entry-level option, with some users upgrading to Eastman or Kentucky models for improved sound quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • Eastman mandolins are preferred for consistent quality and superior wood, whereas Kentucky models are criticized for inconsistent build quality.

    Source
  • Eastman mandolins can vary slightly in quality, with some MD505s outperforming MD515s despite the model difference.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find Eastman MD304 sounds thin compared to their memory of Kentucky mandolins, suggesting personal play style and familiarity might affect perception.

    Source
  • Owners experience significant tone improvement with the varnished MD515V compared to the gloss versions.

    Source
  • A user successfully transitioned from a Rogue to an Eastman, noting a significant quality improvement, indicative of a common progression among players.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MD304 is appreciated for its great sound, though some consider upgrading to a 6 series for better wood quality and additional features like a pickup.

    Source
  • An owner transitioning from guitar found the Rogue mandolin easy to learn, suggesting its suitability for guitarists exploring mandolin basics.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A proper mandolin setup should include checks on intonation, string height, and fret level, significantly enhancing playability, especially for budget models.

    Source
  • Users emphasize the importance of a professional setup to transform low-cost mandolins into playable instruments, citing improvements in sound and playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Eastman MD304 is recommended at $399 with a setup, preferred over budget models that may require an additional $100 for setup.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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