Eastman MD815 Performer Mandolin

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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The Eastman MD815 Performer Mandolin is a premium instrument designed for discerning musicians seeking exceptional sound and craftsmanship. Known for its hand-carved solid spruce top, this mandolin delivers a resonant and vibrant tone, perfect for bluegrass, folk, or any genre that demands articulate sound projection. The body is constructed with a solid maple back and sides, providing both durability and a warm tonal character.

This model features a traditional F-style design, lending it both a classic aesthetic and a comfortable playing experience. The ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability and a responsive touch, while the gloss finish enhances its visual appeal. The MD815 is equipped with a high-quality bridge and a tailpiece that ensures stable intonation and tuning, making it ideal for both stage performances and studio recordings.

Key Features:

Hand-carved solid spruce top for superior sound quality
Solid maple back and sides for enhanced tonal warmth
Traditional F-style design
Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
Gloss finish for visual appeal
High-quality bridge and tailpiece for stable intonation and tuning

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Penny Lane Music Emporium

Eastman MD815 Mandolin

Penny Lane Music Emporium

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Eastman MD815 Performer Mandolin.

Comparisons

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At the $2k price point, Northfield and Collings mandolins are considered upgrades over the Eastman MD815 for those seeking higher craftsmanship and tone quality.
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Some owners prefer the Kentucky KM-850 over the Eastman MD515, noting superior tonal quality and playability.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners of the Loar LM600 note intonation issues above the 5th fret and buzzing not caused by fret noise, indicating a need for precise setup.
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A TONE GUARD accessory made a noticeable difference for some players, enhancing the instrument's sound.
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Value and pricing

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The 800 series Eastman mandolins mainly offer aesthetic upgrades over the 600 series, making them less desirable for their price.
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A used Collings MT slightly over $2k may require fretwork due to age but could offer excellent value if in good condition.
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Use cases and applications

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For $2k, used Weber mandolins, such as the Gallatin, are recommended for players seeking instruments suitable for both classical and bluegrass music.
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The Kentucky KM-850 is praised for its beauty and ease of play, encouraging daily practice.
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User experience

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It's crucial to play multiple mandolins before purchasing due to inconsistencies in craftsmanship and tonal quality, especially with Eastman models.
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An upgrade from a Loar LM110 to an Eastman MD505 showed significant improvement in sound and playability.
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Build quality

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Older American-made mandolins may have flat fretboards, while newer Eastmans often feature radiused fretboards.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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blondguru

2065

almost 7 years ago

Warm and Full

This thing is sweet! Stands out in a mix really well, without being too bright or harsh. It feels excellent in the hands.

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Music Producer

Genres:

Rock Pop Alternative rock

Artist usage

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John Osborne

Guitarist

Brothers Osborne

Verified via MusicRadar

John uses this Eastman MD915 on “Tequila Again” and when they cover “Copperhead Road”. In this article, it shows a picture of John’s guitar collection, with his mandolin being second from the left.