Eastman MDA815 Model Arch Top Mandola (2011), made in China, natural lacquer finish, spruce top, flamed maple back and sides; laminated maple neck with ebony fingerboard, original black rigid foam case.
This MDA-815 is the top of the line mandola from Eastman, a fancier cousin of the MDA-315. It is built along the lines of the impossibly rare original 1920s Gibson H-5, one of Lloyd Loar's less well remembered Master Model designs. Basically an enlarged F-5 Style mandolin tuned to viola standard, this example sports a natural finish showing off the beautifully flamed maple used for the back and sides. The 16" scale length is a bit longer than the vintage Gibson Mandola spec adding some extra resonance.
This very well made carved top-and-back solid wood instrument is about the best bargain going today in an F-hole Mandola, something many players don't even think about until they pick one up! Beyond its original Mandolin Orchestra roots the Mandola is really fun to play, applicable to Celtic styles, small ensemble use and ever solo singer/songwriter applications.
Overall length is 30 1/2 in. (77.5 cm.), 11 3/8 in. (28.9 cm.) across at the widest point, and 2 1/16 in. (5.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 16 in. (406 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.).
This instrument shows light handling marks and some plating wear but really does not appear too much played. It is ready to go in the original deluxe zippered hard foam case with warranty paperwork included. Overall Excellent Condition.
