Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$1,099.00
Guitar Center
$1,099.00
Reverb
5.0 (31)
$959.00 New
$899.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$1,099.00

Average Price: $1,031

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin". 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

Discover the harmony between tradition and innovation with the Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this mandolin elevates the musical journey of both novices and seasoned players. Its hand-carved solid spruce top and timeless design deliver a sonorous tone that resonates with the soul of folk and world music. The MD315 isn't just an instrument; it's a bridge to the past, built for the modern musician.

Key Features:

  • Hand-carved solid spruce top for exceptional sound quality.
  • Classic F-style design that combines aesthetic appeal with functionality.
  • Solid maple back and sides contribute to a warm, vibrant tone.
  • Satin finish for a sleek look and feel.
  • Adjustable truss rod for easy neck adjustments.
  • Ebony fingerboard ensuring smooth playability and durability.

Product specs

Type Acoustic
Body Shape F 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 is the neck profile of the Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin?

The Eastman MD315 features a soft V neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced mandolinists.

What kind of tone can I expect from the Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin?

The Eastman MD315 produces a bright, punchy tone due to its F-style body and Sitka spruce top, ideal for cutting through in ensemble settings.

Is the Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin suitable for bluegrass music?

Yes, the Eastman MD315's bright tone and F-style design make it particularly well-suited for bluegrass and other genres requiring clear projection and articulation.

What materials are used in the construction of the Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin?

The MD315 features a Sitka spruce top and maple body and neck, with an ebony bridge, providing a classic and resonant tone.

Does the Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin come with a case?

Yes, the Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin comes with a gig bag for convenient transport and protection.

Rosa String Works

Rosa String Works

189 RSW Eastman MD315 Mandolin Setup Tips

Video thumbnail for 189 RSW Eastman MD315 Mandolin Setup Tips by Rosa String Works

189 RSW Eastman MD315 Mandolin Setup Tips

Rosa String Works

Rosa String Works

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD315 vs MD515 | Which Is Right For You? | Mandolin Comparison by The Acoustic Shoppe

Eastman MD315 vs MD515 | Which Is Right For You? | Mandolin Comparison

The Acoustic Shoppe

The Acoustic Shoppe

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD315 Mandolin Demo by Ian Meadows

Eastman MD315 Mandolin Demo

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD315 Mandolin by Guitar Gallery Melbourne

Eastman MD315 Mandolin

Guitar Gallery Melbourne

Guitar Gallery Melbourne

Video thumbnail for Inside Heid: Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin by Heid Music Co.

Inside Heid: Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin

Heid Music Co.

Heid Music Co.

Video thumbnail for Eastman MD315 by Guitar Trailer

Eastman MD315

Guitar Trailer

Guitar Trailer

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent sound quality comparable to higher-end models

  • Hand-carved solid woods for premium feel and durability

  • Crisp, classic Monroe/Loar tone appreciated by experienced musicians

  • Satin antique finish praised for its aesthetic appeal

  • Easy to play with precise intonation and commendable fretwork

  • Great value for the price, especially under $1000

  • Suitable for beginners and advanced players alike

  • Strong projection and "chop" to cut through mixes

  • Comes with a sturdy, padded case for protection

  • Highly recommended by both beginners and seasoned mandolin players

CONS

  • Factory setup may require adjustments for optimal playability

  • Stock tuning gears can be hard to turn, may need upgrading

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin.

Build quality

  • Older models have tailpieces less prone to failure compared to newer Eastman cast tailpieces, which are reported to break more easily.

    Source
  • The 315 series is known for tailpiece hooks breaking, so inspect carefully when buying used.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping original tuners for Grover 409s is recommended for improved tuning stability.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the varnish wear on older models, considering it adds character and indicates frequent play.

    Source
  • Owners frequently praise the MD315 for its impressive "chop," highlighting its suitability for bluegrass and related music styles.

    Source
  • Owners find that the 305 model provides better value when paired with high-quality lessons instead of spending more on higher models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A hard case is an upgrade from the usual gig bag that accompanies the 300 series mandolins.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used 2015 Eastman MD315 with a hard case is seen as a good deal, especially if the instrument is well cared for and broken in.

    Source
  • Many users suggest opting for an A-style mandolin like the Eastman 305 for similar quality at a lower price, avoiding the extra cost of the F-style.

    Source
  • A gently used MD515 can be found for the price of a new MD305, offering better value if sourced carefully.

    Source

Comparisons

  • For the price of an MD315, consider the higher-quality Eastman 505, which offers enhanced craftsmanship without the premium for F-style aesthetics.

    Source
  • Some prefer the thinner matte finish of the 300 series over the thicker gloss finish of the 500 series for better tone.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Ensure the bridge has room to lower; a fully lowered bridge may indicate a neck angle issue that could be costly to fix.

    Source
  • Check for cracks on the top and back of used mandolins; these can indicate structural issues.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 315 with pickups is praised for its performance when plugged in, offering versatility for live settings.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
coreyjdavidson

Excellent bang for your buck

Excellent bang for your buck. Considering this retails for under $1000 (Canada/USA), wood quality and matching, intonation, action and tone are all really good. This model also has great chop, so you will be able to cut through the mix (if required) no matter what music genre you are playing.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Pedro Aznar uses Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin

Pedro Aznar

Singer, Guitarist

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via Photo

Aznar durante la Gira 2019

See how Fred Tackett uses Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin

Fred Tackett

Guitarist, Composer

Little Feat

...
Verified via Littlefeat

In addition to his role as guitarist, Fred Tackett also plays Eastman mandolins.

See how Brett Simons uses Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin

Brett Simons

Bassist, Composer

Chicago

...
Verified via Eastman Guitars

Listed on the Eastman Guitars official website.

E

Emile Verstraeten

Singer, Guitarist

Bart Peeters en ideale mannen

...
Verified via YouTube

In the song "Mannen zijn Idioot" by Bart Peeters, Emile Verstraeten uses an Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin, as evidenced by the audio provided on YouTube by SIMPLETONE.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Eastman MD315 F-Style Mandolin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Eastman E20P
Eastman E20P Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Conn Trumpet
1
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Boss TR-2 Tremolo Tremolo Effects Pedals
1

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