Eastman MD315 versus Kentucky KM-606 - Which would you choose?

We received an email asking which mandolin we thought was better. In our opinion, both mandolins are excellent. They both play easy and sound great too. We really believe you can't go wrong with either one of them. What do you think?
#mandolin #bluegrass #demo #instrumentalmusic #musicstore #papawodells

[@citori62946]

Both great mandolins for the money. Tone assessments are very equal, with slight differences to my ear. Kentucky had a better low end with an overall woody chop. Eastman makes a prettier instrument IMHO. Can't go wrong for the money with either of these. Thanks for comparing the two!

[@Mandolin_Matt]

To me the Eastman had more balance, particularly in the upper register. The Kentucky was a bit on the bright end for me, verging on harsh, but I know some people prefer that more old-time sound. I’ve also always found rosewood fretboards very unattractive - that peach-like colour can’t compare to the ebony! I also really like what Eastman do with their mandolin bodies. They seem to be a little shallower than many others, as appears to be the case in this video, but they somehow retain all the volume and sustain. Very well carved and voiced!

[@8stringman]

I’m a bit biased as I own a Kentucky KM-606, but that’s definitely my favorite of the two. It’s got slightly more punch than the Eastman.

[@danstune]

The Kentucky has the volume and mid-range bark for bluegrass. The Eastman is wonderful too, more modern sounding, nice even tone, but not as much chop. The Eastman looks a little better IMHO.

[@VictorVectorMusic]

The Eastman. Im a fan of the richer overtones. I own one thats over 10 years old now and its an absolute hoss.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Eastman sounds and looks better IMO

[@stephaneczajkowski7867]

The Kentucky sound is less metallic more precise but the e string sounds too high and too tiny.

[@rmandolin]

ive owned one forever, those medium strings dont do it justice, i run heavys and it sounds much more balanced