Eastman MDA815 Classic
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- This item is covered for 3 years
Essential Information About the Eastman MDA815 Classic Mandolin
Essential Information About the Eastman MDA815 Classic Mandolin
- All-solid construction (solid spruce top, highly flamed solid maple back and sides) for dynamic response and great projection.
- F-Style body with "f" holes: precise attack, excellent presence in acoustic ensembles.
- High-end finishes: ivoroid binding on top/back/fretboard/headstock, abalone "flower pot" logo, glossy finish.
- Ready to play: Gotoh tuners, D'Addario J76 strings, and hard case included (K&K Duotone pickup available as an option).
Manufacturer Information
Eastman
https://www.eastmanguitars.com
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Eastman Music Europe BV
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A "Classic" Mandolin Designed for Acoustic Standards
With its traditional luthiery (spruce/maple) and refined aesthetics, the MDA815 Classic fits the spirit of stage and studio mandolins where projection, definition, and premium finish are sought after. Its level of equipment (ebony, nickel hardware, multiple bindings) positions it as a serious model for those looking to step up in tone and comfort.
For Which Musicians and Styles?
This mandolin is especially aimed at intermediate to advanced players who want a responsive instrument capable of holding its own in a band. The F-Style body with "f" holes is very comfortable in bluegrass, folk, country, and rhythmic acoustic music, offering clear articulation for fast runs, double stops, and chop chords.
Sound Characteristics
The solid spruce top provides liveliness and a wide dynamic range: the instrument responds immediately to the pick, with a clear and detailed high end. The highly flamed solid maple back and sides promote a crisp attack, structured mids, and excellent note-to-note clarity. The choice of F-Style body and "f" holes enhances projection and a "punchy" character, ideal for standing out in an acoustic mix. The ebony fretboard and bridge contribute to precision, sustain, and stability, allowing clean playing both in rhythm and lead.
Recommended Compatible Accessories
To stay as close as possible to the original specifications, a set of D'Addario J76 strings is a reliable option for replacement. The instrument comes with a hard shell case, recommended for daily transport and protection.
Technical specifications
| Body style | F-Style with F-Holes | Scale length | 16" / 406 mm |
| Top | solid spruce | Nut | bone, 25.4 mm / 1" |
| Back and sides | highly flamed solid maple | Nut height | 0.018" / 0.46 mm |
| Body dimensions | 29" / 736.6 mm x 11.5" / 292.1 mm x 5.4 cm / 54 mm | Inlays | pearl dots |
| Finish | glossy | Logo | abalone headstock with flower pot design |
| Side color | black | Hardware color | nickel |
| Binding | top, back, fretboard, headstock | Tailpiece | Eastman cast aluminum tailpiece |
| Binding material | ivoroid | Bridge | ebony |
| Neck material | maple | Tuners | Gotoh MF40R-MP-NI |
| Fretboard | ebony | Strap buttons | ebony |
| Fretboard radius | 12" / 305 mm | Strings | D'Addario J76 |
| Truss rod | single action | Action height | 0.060" / 1.52 mm and 0.050" / 1.27 mm |
| Number of frets | 23 | Pickup | K&K Mandoline Duotone optional |
| Fretwire | Jescar FW37053 | Case | hard shell case |
Questions frequently asked
Is the Eastman MDA815 Classic suitable for bluegrass?
Its F-Style body with f-holes, paired with a solid spruce top and a highly flamed solid maple back, provides a clear attack and strong projection. This model is well-suited for bluegrass rhythm, chop chords, and fast runs.
What woods make up this F-Style mandolin?
The top is solid spruce, while the back and sides are highly flamed solid maple. The neck is maple, and both the fingerboard and bridge are ebony.
What is the scale length and playability of the MDA815 Classic?
The scale length is 406 mm (16 inches) with a 305 mm (12 inch) radius fingerboard featuring 23 Jescar FW37053 frets. The bone nut measures 25.4 mm in width. The setup action is specified as 1.52 mm and 1.27 mm depending on the string.
Is a case included with the mandolin?
A rigid Hardshell Case is included for transportation and protection of the instrument.
Can this mandolin be fitted with a pickup?
An optional K&K Mandoline Duotone pickup can be added. The factory-installed strings are D'Addario J76, which are also recommended for replacement.



