Handcrafted for Traditional Quality
Mandolins built by Eastman Guitars feature solid tonewoods and an array of striking handcrafted appointments. The mighty MDO305 A-style octave mandolin debuts with down-tuned octave strings and an A-style body carved from solid spruce and solid maple. Spruce and maple fuel an assertive clarity that’s blended with the rich, warm bass of an extra-large sound chamber. The MDO305’s maple neck and “Soft V” neck profile lend unwavering support to your hands, which makes exploring an extended ebony fingerboard a breeze. Eastman Guitars finalizes the MDO305 A-style octave mandolin with a fit and finish rarely seen at this price point. Solid wood appointments include an ebony bridge and parallel bracing carved from spruce. The finishing touch? An inviting Truetone satin finish that guards good looks while letting tonewoods vibrate fully. The MDO305 A-style octave mandolin from Sweetwater earns straight As across the board — it’s an outstanding choice for small ensembles, singer/songwriters, recording, or your local mandolin orchestra!
Solid, mature tonewoods, expertly carved
All in all, the MDO305 preserves the quintessential brightness of a mandolin while providing richer low-end registers to explore. The MDO305’s solid spruce top is the crux of tone, and it responds instantly to dynamic changes and technique while ensuring notes are loudly projected. Maple back and sides supply vibrant clarity and shimmering overtones that sustain but never overstay their welcome, leaving you free to proceed onto the next chord or riff. Lastly, the MDO305 features a maple neck with a “Soft V” carve that simplifies accurate fretting. Even players at Sweetwater with large hands and fingers endorse this “Soft V” carve, as it tends to ward off strain and prevent cramps while giving proper support for effortless play!
Modified A-style body brings out muscular bass
The size and shape of the MDO305’s body elicit harmonious tone from the low-tuned octave strings. The body is essentially an enlarged A-style shape with a renovated sound chamber (providing superior bass and warm waves of sustain) and S-holes (providing excellent note definition and a punchy, percussive chop when played using force). Moreover, as you fret toward the body, the symmetry of the A-style body provides breezy access to more notes on your lowest string.
Eastman Guitars: thinking inside the box
Many know the Eastman Music Company as a trusted name in the realm of band and orchestra instruments. Fortunately for all mandolin lovers, Eastman Guitars has attained a similar stature with its steadfast dedication to this noble and historic instrument. Similar to how Sweetwater got its start, Eastman founder Qian Ni grew his business from its humble origins in the back of his car to its status as a burgeoning, reputable company. True to Ni’s vision, Eastman Guitars meticulously approaches each instrument, backing them with a lifetime warranty and masterful designs crafted for a superb musical experience.
Eastman Music Company President Qian NiEastman Guitars MDO305 A-style Octave Mandolin Features:
- Tuned one octave below standard mandolin tuning for rich, deep tone — perfect for filling out small ensembles, mandolin orchestras, singer/songwriters, and recording!
- Enlarged body shape produces more bass and keeps tone formidable
- A-style body with S-holes delivers a punchy response and a subtle percussive chop when played aggressively
- Punchy and resonant thanks to a solid Sitka spruce top and solid maple back and sides
- Handcrafted and finalized with a Truetone satin finish for a top-notch look and feel
- Smooth, thin maple neck with a comfortable “Soft V” profile, topped with an ebony fingerboard
- 21-inch-scale length supports accurate fretting and an extensive range
- Resonant bone nut and parallel spruce bracing fuel mature, professional tone
