I’m hoping to upgrade from my Gold Tone GM35 this year. I’m considering Kentucky or Eastman. Through some opinions at me. Also my Gold Tone doesn’t have a radiused fretboard. Does that make a noticeable difference?
Kentucky or Eastman
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I have only played the cheaper Kentucky mandolins, and I can’t knock them at all. They seem like really solid values. That said, the Eastmans I have played have been the kind of mandolins that I wouldn’t think anyone would ever really NEED anything more. They play and sound like instruments that cost much more. I’d talk to the folks at the general store. They could give really good feedback on comparing the two, and I’d totally trust their opinion.
The radiused fretboard makes a noticeable difference. I have two mandolins, one is a collings with a radiused board, the other is a Red Valley with a wide neck and flat board. They play and sound totally different, but I like both of them. Both necks seem to have their advantages, I don’t have issues switching between them.
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I can’t improve on @Mike_R’s reply, except that I’ve played the higher end Kentuckys and they’re super. Both mandolins are worth the price you pay for them, no doubt.
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