Yeah, it's worth it. The opportunity for every player to own an heirloom, American crafted instrument like your MT is a dream and a journey, something worth pursuing.
If we agree the Collings mandolin has better tone, then the question is "why "? Both mandolins are made of solid wood; spruce and maple, both are hand carved, graduated and tap tuned. What is the difference?
I love the warm depth of the Collings. The open chord voicings generated some unpleasant shrill overtones that the Collings didn’t not exhibit. That’s where the Collings REALLY was unmatched
Nicely done! I could do the same comparison with the oval hole versions of both of those mandolins, and the results would be much the same: The Eastman is fine, with a perfectly serviceable sound, but as soon as you hear the Collings, your ears perk up and say, Oh! I totally agree about the nut width comparison; I can play my Eastman 304, but it feels tight, cramped. The Collings, on the other hand, is a joy to play. Last I heard, they only have one person making their mandolins, which is why they've become more expensive and rare.
Great comparison! The Collings certainly sounded warmer to my ears and is a definite upgrade over the Eastman 305. I wonder what how much closer an Eastman 500 or 800 series would sound to the Collings.
300 series Eastmans sound better to me than 500 series. I think 500 would still be pretty far behind the Collings. 800 series might be a little closer except for they gave an Adirondack top and sound brighter/bluegrassier.
I have 2 deerings. An americana and a vintage vega star. I actually love them equally as they each put my mind in 2 different places as far as sound. Set up, strings etc go along way. I have a 350 loar mandolin and thr 100 setup and strings and bridge work made it to the 800 to 1000 dollar feel.
That was really interesting and I've always wanted a Collings MT, but I honestly don't think that it's worth the price difference, but that could be my hearing. Jesus loves you and yours too. XX
I have an Eastman 515. Very thin metallic ring to it. Neck too narrow at the nut (I don't have large hands) body too thin, not enough wood to give it mid and bass. Basically it is difficult to play, with none of the deep bassy growl / chop that I want. Also the finish has chipped off on edges, points etc. Compared to my friend's Northfield it sounds like .... well, add your own expletive here!
Ok - but compare the price of your 515 to the price of a Northfield. The Northfield needs to be better obviously for the price difference. I’ve been playing the Collings and the Eastman, and yes the Eastman 305 is not the same (of course). But it’s not bad at all. And my Eastman was set up really nicely at the Mandolin Store too. Mine is super easy to play and doesn’t have a metallic ring to it. Strings, nut and bridge, tailpiece, all of that needs to be set up properly of course. Also nut width (you can get wider widths for more $ of course).
The more expensive one was so rich sounding. But I think beauty is in the way it is played. That's #1. If you have the talent, which you do, they all sing!
@BanjoLemonade I just got a hammered dulcimer 2 weeks ago and a mountain dulcimer last week. The mountain dulcimer is sounding really harsh. I'm using a regular guitar pick. I just ordered the strings and picks you recommended! I hope that will help. Plus, I'm going to concentrate on my strumming technique. I don't want it to be painful to hear! Your playing doesn't have that metallic twang.
#banjolemonade here is a clip of me playing it... my first song. But you can hear my strumming needs work for sure. But it's "teeny" sounding. ruclips.net/video/V1pk8Kxe78w/видео.html
In person it’s a huge difference. If you have the funds, it’s an amazing sound. I’m actually selling the Collings now trying to fund something else. Thanks for your comment.
Hey - I don’t have it up on Reverb yet. It’s on FB marketplace though. - if you’d like to talk about it shoot me an email. Pics, videos, questions etc. banjolemonade@icloud.com
Is this still on FB marketplace? Thank you for the comparison video. I currently have an Eastman 304 as my first mandolin and am contemplating moving up, but there aren't any to to try locally
Me too for sure, but for the price the Eastman still sounds and plays pretty good in comparison in my opinion. And if you are in the room - the MT of course knocks it outta the park (as it should). Thanks for watching!
The collings is worth every penny of price difference. Frankly, eastman mando’s are just hard to listen to. They are so brittle, tinny sounding on their trebles.
I agree it’s worth it. But - for a decent priced mandolin (not breaking the bank) the Eastman is a good mandolin I think. The collings sounds and just feels like butter to me!
What did you think?? My full comments on the subject are in the description! Happy pickin’ y’all 😃
The Eastman is great value but the Collings has so much more depth.
Agree 💯!
Good comparison video! Eastman is certainly a terrific value but Collings is superior in warm, complexity, feel and finish.
Thanks!
Yeah, it's worth it. The opportunity for every player to own an heirloom, American crafted instrument like your MT is a dream and a journey, something worth pursuing.
I definitely agree!
If we agree the Collings mandolin has better tone, then the question is "why "? Both mandolins are made of solid wood; spruce and maple, both are hand carved, graduated and tap tuned. What is the difference?
I love the warm depth of the Collings. The open chord voicings generated some unpleasant shrill overtones that the Collings didn’t not exhibit. That’s where the Collings REALLY was unmatched
Nicely done! I could do the same comparison with the oval hole versions of both of those mandolins, and the results would be much the same: The Eastman is fine, with a perfectly serviceable sound, but as soon as you hear the Collings, your ears perk up and say, Oh!
I totally agree about the nut width comparison; I can play my Eastman 304, but it feels tight, cramped. The Collings, on the other hand, is a joy to play. Last I heard, they only have one person making their mandolins, which is why they've become more expensive and rare.
Howdy! Neat to hear from someone who can do the same comparison. You should - oval holes are awesome!
Gotta say the collings..sounds rich and warm
Great comparison!
The Collings certainly sounded warmer to my ears and is a definite upgrade over the Eastman 305. I wonder what how much closer an Eastman 500 or 800 series would sound to the Collings.
Yeah that would make for a good comparison. I just wanted to do the most contrast in price that I could.
300 series Eastmans sound better to me than 500 series. I think 500 would still be pretty far behind the Collings. 800 series might be a little closer except for they gave an Adirondack top and sound brighter/bluegrassier.
@@BanjoLemonade Oh, I totally understand. It just got me thinking.
@@jasoncothron9530 Very true about the Adirondack. I didn't take that into consideration. I love my 304 with its warm woody tone.
@@jasoncothron9530 I think the 600 series would make for a good comparison!
Nice comparison. For the money the EASTMAN has it but for the tone the Collings wins it! - Both are very nice.
I have 2 deerings. An americana and a vintage vega star.
I actually love them equally as they each put my mind in 2 different places as far as sound.
Set up, strings etc go along way.
I have a 350 loar mandolin and thr 100 setup and strings and bridge work made it to the 800 to 1000 dollar feel.
Yep agree, setup is a big deal.
That was really interesting and I've always wanted a Collings MT, but I honestly don't think that it's worth the price difference, but that could be my hearing. Jesus loves you and yours too. XX
Thank you 🙏! Yes price is very important. I found this used for a LOT cheaper. I do love the Collings though, the tone is absolutely unreal in person.
@@BanjoLemonade I agree. I hear elements when I play an instrument that I do not hear in recordings.
Recordings can’t catch the differences. I learned that when I started playing various instruments.
Very true!
WMWJP - Which mandolin would Jesus play?
I have an Eastman 515. Very thin metallic ring to it. Neck too narrow at the nut (I don't have large hands) body too thin, not enough wood to give it mid and bass. Basically it is difficult to play, with none of the deep bassy growl / chop that I want. Also the finish has chipped off on edges, points etc. Compared to my friend's Northfield it sounds like .... well, add your own expletive here!
Ok - but compare the price of your 515 to the price of a Northfield. The Northfield needs to be better obviously for the price difference. I’ve been playing the Collings and the Eastman, and yes the Eastman 305 is not the same (of course). But it’s not bad at all. And my Eastman was set up really nicely at the Mandolin Store too. Mine is super easy to play and doesn’t have a metallic ring to it. Strings, nut and bridge, tailpiece, all of that needs to be set up properly of course. Also nut width (you can get wider widths for more $ of course).
defiantly the mt butttttt in the hands of a seasoned player they can make the eastman sound mustard!
The more expensive one was so rich sounding. But I think beauty is in the way it is played. That's #1. If you have the talent, which you do, they all sing!
Thank you, I just made the video for fun and to see what people thought. I’m happy to have any mandolin, and I’m blessed to have the Collings.
@BanjoLemonade I just got a hammered dulcimer 2 weeks ago and a mountain dulcimer last week. The mountain dulcimer is sounding really harsh. I'm using a regular guitar pick. I just ordered the strings and picks you recommended! I hope that will help. Plus, I'm going to concentrate on my strumming technique. I don't want it to be painful to hear! Your playing doesn't have that metallic twang.
hmmm what is the maker on the dulcimer?
@BanjoLemonade There are no markings on it. It looks similar to yours with hearts on it. I got it from Goodwill.
#banjolemonade here is a clip of me playing it... my first song. But you can hear my strumming needs work for sure. But it's "teeny" sounding. ruclips.net/video/V1pk8Kxe78w/видео.html
Collings is warmer and clearer. Even more so in person and to me worth ecery penny. Nothing wrong with the Eastman though. 🧡
Agree 💯
The Collings sounds a bit better to my ear, but not $3,300.00 better.
In person it’s a huge difference. If you have the funds, it’s an amazing sound. I’m actually selling the Collings now trying to fund something else. Thanks for your comment.
@@BanjoLemonade Is it available on Reverb?
Hey - I don’t have it up on Reverb yet. It’s on FB marketplace though. - if you’d like to talk about it shoot me an email. Pics, videos, questions etc. banjolemonade@icloud.com
Is this still on FB marketplace? Thank you for the comparison video. I currently have an Eastman 304 as my first mandolin and am contemplating moving up, but there aren't any to to try locally
@@redmonddk yes you can email me banjolemonade@icloud.com
The Collings has a rich warm tone to it. I must also have been blessed by a priest if it is worth that much
I prefer the MT
Me too for sure, but for the price the Eastman still sounds and plays pretty good in comparison in my opinion. And if you are in the room - the MT of course knocks it outta the park (as it should). Thanks for watching!
The collings is worth every penny of price difference. Frankly, eastman mando’s are just hard to listen to. They are so brittle, tinny sounding on their trebles.
I agree it’s worth it. But - for a decent priced mandolin (not breaking the bank) the Eastman is a good mandolin I think. The collings sounds and just feels like butter to me!
Would different strings on the Eastman make it sound less tinny? Thinking of picking up a 305.