Eastman MD805-SB Sunburst

A Traditional-Looking Mandolin Designed for Stage and Ensemble Playing

With its glossy Sunburst finish and classic aesthetics (ivoroid binding, pearl logo, pearl dot inlays), the MD805-SB fits within the spirit of "A-Style" instruments with F-holes: a design created to deliver direct response, strong projection, and excellent note-to-note clarity. The choice of solid woods and quality hardware makes it a mandolin built to last, both in rehearsals and concerts.

Who Is It For, and Which Styles?

The Eastman MD805-SB is especially suited for intermediate to advanced musicians seeking an expressive, precise, and powerful mandolin, but it will also suit a demanding beginner ready to invest in a formative instrument. Its character is very comfortable in bluegrass, folk, country, americana, and melodic playing where definition and attack are essential, particularly in acoustic contexts with banjo, guitar, and double bass.

Sound Characteristics

The solid Adirondack spruce soundboard provides a wide "headroom": it handles strong attacks without compression, with generous projection and clear highs. The solid maple back and sides enhance clarity and quick response, delivering a focused sound that stands out clearly in the mix. The A-Style body with F-Holes emphasizes punchiness and directionality, perfect for chop chords and percussive rhythms. Finally, the ebony fingerboard and adjustable compensated ebony bridge contribute to articulation, sustain, and tuning accuracy, while allowing action adjustments to suit your playing style.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To stay close to the original setup, you can plan to use a set of D'Addario XT Phosphor Bronze 1140 strings (same reference) for your next change. A pick (mandolin pick type) will also be suitable, varying thickness depending on the desired precision and attack.

Technical specifications

Body Style	A-Style with F-Holes	Inlays	Pearl dots
Top	Solid Adirondack Spruce	Logo	Pearl headstock logo
Back and Sides	Solid Maple	Neck Finish	Glossy finish
Body Dimensions	4.3 cm / 1.69" x 10 cm / 3.94" x 1 7/8" / 47.6 mm	Hardware Color	Nickel
Binding	Top, back, fingerboard, and headstock	Tuners	Gotoh MF40R-MP-NI
Binding Material	Ivoroid	Tailpiece	Eastman cast aluminum tailpiece
Side Color	Black	Bridge	Adjustable compensated ebony bridge
Body Finish	Glossy finish	Strap Buttons	Ebony
Neck Material	Maple	Nut	Bone, 25.4 mm / 1"
Fingerboard	Ebony	Nut Height	0.018" / 0.46 mm
Fingerboard Radius	12" / 304.8 mm	String Spacing	28 mm / 1.10"
Truss Rod	Single action	Action Height	0.060" / 1.52 mm and 0.050" / 1.27 mm
Frets	23 (Jescar FW37053)	Strings	D'Addario XT Phosphor Bronze 1140
Scale Length	13 7/8" / 352.4 mm	Case	Hard case