If you're looking for a mandolin that truly delivers, you'll want to check out the Eastman MD605 A-Style Mandolin. This instrument is a real standout, built with Eastman's dedication to quality and featuring some thoughtful design choices that make it a fantastic option for players.
Built for the Stage, Ready to Go
The Eastman MD605 takes the well-loved features of Eastman's 600 series and puts them into a classic A-style body with F-holes. This means you get both a great look and a sound that's clear and strong. We've often heard the 600 series described as "Road ready" and a "stage instrument," and the MD605 definitely lives up to that reputation.
At its core, the MD605 features a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides. This combination of woods is a classic for a reason – it produces rich, lively tones that project really well. The maple neck and ebony fingerboard with a comfortable 12" radius make it a joy to play.
Plug In or Play Acoustically
One of the coolest things about the Eastman MD605 is that it comes with a factory-installed K&K Duotone pickup. As we've seen in reviews, "This was the first of Eastman's mandolins to come standard with a K&K," and it really simplifies things for performers. Having this high-quality internal pickup already installed means you're always ready to plug in and be heard clearly, whether you're playing a big gig or a more intimate session. There’s no need to add anything after you buy it – the Eastman MD605 is ready for the stage right out of its included hard shell case.
Details That Make a Difference
The Eastman MD605 also has some great touches that enhance both how it plays and how it looks:
Pearl Block Inlay on the fretboard at the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, and 15th frets makes a big impact on appearance.
Ivoroid binding around the top, back, fingerboard, and headstock gives it a nice, traditional appearance.
A bone nut (1-3/32") and adjustable compensated ebony bridge contribute to excellent sustain and accurate tuning. As one reviewer pointed out, "in this price range a lot of mandolins are going to have a plastic nut... that is a good upgrade."
Pearl dot inlays and a pearl headstock logo add subtle, tasteful details.
The Eastman Cast Aluminum Tailpiece and Pingwell RM-1583N-26A tuners are solid, keeping you in tune reliably.
There's also an unobtrusive, floating pickguard included (some players find this handy as a "finger rest"), which offers versatility without getting in the way of the mandolin's natural sound.
Pick Your Perfect Look
The Eastman MD605 comes in some attractive color options, so you can pick one that suits your style:
Classic
Sunburst
Goldburst
The Goldburst, in particular, has been described by our team as "really gorgeous," offering a unique and classy look that works well on stage.
The Eastman Promise
The Eastman MD605 truly reflects Eastman's dedication to creating instruments that offer great value. Each one features a hand-carved top and back, and they're individually tone-tapped for the best possible sound. This kind of attention to detail is often found on much more expensive instruments, ensuring every MD605 delivers a consistent, high-quality tone that's sure to inspire your playing. It is backed by Eastman's Limited Lifetime Warranty.
As we've observed in comparisons, stepping up to the 600 series often means "you are stepping up in quality of woods," which can lead to more consistent grain and a more even vibration across the instrument.
Ready to own the Eastman MD605? Check out our current availability. Which color option catches your eye?
