Eastman MD-815/V-SB

Description

While there's a lot that can be said about the Eastman MD-815/V-SB, we keep coming back to what markedly different stories the spec sheet and the price tag tell. A glance at this lovely F-style's bonafides indicates a premium, hand-built instrument that takes after the masterworks - an Adirondack spruce top with a figured maple neck, back, and sides bolstered by an antiqued sunburst varnish finish to let the tonewoods breathe freely - but with a price shy of $ 3,000, this instrument remains accessible to intermediate pickers and working musicians who don't want to bring a boutique case queen to the jam. It's this bang-for-buck factor that Eastman excel at, and the MD-815's tone backs up the great expectations that its premium materials and select craftsmanship sets. With a woodsy, rich bark, this is the F-style every bluegrasser dreams of but never thought they could afford. Included in the price is a hard-shell case.