Eastman Md605-Gb Goldburst

An A-style with F-holes Designed for Modern Acoustic Repertoires

With its A-style silhouette and F-holes, the MD605-GB fits within the aesthetic and construction of mandolins favored in American acoustic music. Within the Eastman range, it emphasizes meticulous lutherie and high-end details (ivoroid binding, mother-of-pearl inlays and logo), while remaining focused on efficiency: a responsive, reliable mandolin ready to be amplified thanks to its K&K system.

For Which Musicians and Styles?

This mandolin is aimed at intermediate to advanced players seeking immediate dynamics and excellent note-by-note clarity. It excels in bluegrass, folk, country, and Celtic repertoires, and is very comfortable when amplified. The maple neck and ebony fingerboard with a 12" / 305 mm radius promote precise placement, suitable for both percussive chords and fast runs.

Sound Characteristics

The solid spruce top provides clarity, dynamic range, and excellent "pop" on attack, while the solid maple (back and sides) enhances definition, projection, and note separation in an acoustic mix. The F-holes emphasize a direct and focused sound, particularly appreciated for "chop" rhythm playing. The compensated and adjustable ebony bridge refines intonation and comfort, and the bone nut adds precision and articulation. When plugged in, the K&K Duotone delivers an organic sound; to get the best out of it, a high input impedance preamp/DI (1 megaohm or higher) is recommended.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To stay as close as possible to the original feel, prefer phosphor bronze mandolin strings 11-40. A chromatic clip-on tuner and a case humidifier will help stabilize tuning and lutherie throughout the seasons. For key changes, a mandolin-specific capo is perfectly suited, and a thin strap will fit well thanks to the existing strap buttons.

Technical specifications

Body style	A-style with F-holes	Scale length	13 7/8" / 352 mm
Top	solid spruce	Nut	bone, width 1" / 25.4 mm
Back and sides	solid maple	Nut height	0.018" / 0.46 mm
Body finish	Goldburst (golden body); side color: black	Number of frets	23, Jescar FW37053 fretwire
Binding	ivoroid (top, back, fingerboard, headstock)	Truss rod	single action
Tailpiece	Eastman cast aluminum	Inlays	mother-of-pearl dots; mother-of-pearl headstock logo
Hardware	nickel	Pickup	K&K Duotone (passive piezo system)
Bridge	compensated ebony, adjustable	Controls	no onboard controls
Body dimensions	4.3" / 109 mm x 10" / 254 mm x 1 7/8" / 48 mm	Tuners	Pingwell RM-1583N-26A
Case	hard case included	Strap buttons	ebony
Neck material	maple	String spacing at bridge	1.10" / 28 mm
Fingerboard	ebony	Strings installed	D'Addario XT Phosphor Bronze 11-40
Fingerboard radius	12" / 305 mm	Action height (low/high)	0.060" / 1.52 mm; 0.050" / 1.27 mm