Eastman MD814-V F-Style Oval-Hole Mandolin Black Antique Varnish

The Eastman MD814-V F-Style Oval-Hole Mandolin is based on the groundbreaking designs by Orville Gibson in the late part of the 19th century, blending traditional mandolin and violin construction principles.   The F-Style mandolin has become one of the benchmark instruments for country, bluegrass, celtic, and traditional music forms.     And, if you listen to Chris Thile,  they can do Bach to the full potential of the player.

Closely related to the Eastman MD815-V model, the oval soundhole  tilts the Eastman MD814-V towards Celtic and Mandolin Orchestra repertoires, compared to the F-holes on the MD815/V.

Eastman says this about the oval soundhole found on the MD814/V: 

“Oval-hole mandolins possess throaty and vocal tonal characteristics that are wonderfully compatible with mandolin orchestras, and Celtic/folk music. These mandolins also produce a perceived ambient reverb, due to the oval-hole opening lying directly below the courses of strings.”

These two models, with the /V in the name, are finished with an Antique Varnish, hand applied and aged to give the appearance of long use.   This does not provide a ‘poured gloss’ type of surface;  many features of the wood and treatment are allowed to show.    Eastman mandolin models without the /V designation are finished with nitrocellulose lacquer.

These mandolins are new with full warranty, and come with a hard shell case.