joemed - Posted - 04/13/2021:  16:28:31

I just love that word...ahem..sorry

My Eastman should be showing up at my local dealer anyday now. I know most guys say that you should buy the one that “sings to you” or “let’s you know” when you play it.

I obviously don’t have that kind of scenario. Honestly, I have never even seen a 314, but that what I have ordered. I’ve never even played an oval... anyway.....

My question is how “persnickety” (there it is again) should I be when I accept it? I’m not talking about the obvious, like “should I accept it if the headstock shipped separately” but I’m asking how far would you go examining the mandolin. What might you find that would deem your new mando “unacceptable”

I am so excited about this, I do not want to make a mistake like overlooking something just do to being so pumped up to finally get it

At the same time, I don’t want to be too....wait..... persnickety ;)

TSSN - Posted - 04/13/2021:  17:47:49

That's a tough one. I rarely buy before playing an instrument.

Have you paid for it yet? If not, you have more leverage.

Even if you have, a good retailer should be primarily concerned with your satisfaction. And its not like an Eastman will never sell...

joemed - Posted - 04/13/2021:  19:10:45

The Eastman 314 (oval hole Florentine) rarely sells in the US, mainly a European mandolin, therefore it is sometimes difficult finding one if the US. That said, I know mandolinstore has some, they’ve had them since December.

I made the arrangement with my local shop in January to order one for me. I traded in my banjo, ($250 value) and gave them $100.

I owe $400 when I pick it up.

I’m wondering what I should look for, physically?

Ya I guess I am just going to get lucky... seems like I am just going I get what I get. Just hoping it’s a good one.

joemed - Posted - 04/13/2021:  22:40:45

Sorry about some of the weird wording, I was using voice to text earlier.

So I will look for obvious blemishes. I guess I should check intonation.

The only other mandolin I have got was from Amazon, you get what you get lol. And let me tell you how true that is lol

The shop I am dealing with is fantastic, absolute wonderful reputation. So I am not overly worried about it just wondering if there were any key details that I need to pay attention to

mandosoft - Posted - 04/14/2021:  06:34:06

Check and make sure the neck isn't warped. Put the headstock to your eyes and look down the instrument towards the bridge. You'll be able to see if the neck is warped that way.

Also check and make sure the frets are not popping up and that they sound correct. Rapid changes in humidity and temperature can cause frets to pop up.

You can also have the shop check for those things and do a setup on the instrument when it arrives. I pretty much always let a shop do my setup rather than do it myself.

joemed - Posted - 04/16/2021:  02:59:56

That brings up another great question for me.

I am having this Eastman 314 special ordered for me from Eastman to my local dealer in St. Louis. The sale price ended up being comparable to other common prices that we see.

Should I EXPECT a setup in the price? I imagine they will do a “look-over” I’m not sure. Like I said they have a fantastic reputation, they are in all acoustic shop I just don’t know how much they do with mandolins on a regular basis