All Solid. Hand Carved. Ready to Plug In.
There's a moment when you pick up a mandolin and realize it's the real deal — not a pressed-wood approximation of the sound you're after, but the genuine article. The Eastman MD305E-SB is that moment. It's an A-style acoustic-electric mandolin built with all-solid, hand-carved tonewoods, a K&K Duotone pickup already installed, and a satin Truetone Sunburst finish that looks as good on stage as it does in the living room.
Eastman has long been known for pushing solid-wood craftsmanship into accessible price territory, and the MD305E-SB is a clear example of that philosophy. The hand-carved solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides deliver the kind of resonance and projection you'd expect from instruments costing considerably more. Whether you're picking through a bluegrass tune or exploring old-time string band territory, this mandolin has the voice to keep up.
The "E" in MD305E matters: this mandolin comes with the K&K Duotone passive pickup already fitted, so you don't have to choose between acoustic playing and stage performance. It's ready for both, right out of the box — no modifications, no afterthought electronics.
Tonewoods That Do the Heavy Lifting
The MD305E-SB's compact A-style body is carved — not pressed — from solid spruce on top and solid maple on the back and sides. Sweetwater describes the result as "bright, crisp, and authentically mandolin," and the F-shaped soundholes contribute percussive qualities that players in bluegrass and Celtic styles particularly appreciate. Solid maple back and sides add vibrant clarity and shimmering overtones that complement the spruce top's immediate response.
A Truetone satin finish coats the body, chosen not just for looks but to let the wood vibrate freely — a practical choice that also gives the instrument a traditional, understated appearance. Ivoroid binding frames the top with a touch of classic style.
A Neck Built for Playing
The MD305E-SB features a maple neck with a "Soft V" profile — a carve that feels natural under the thumb and suits a wide range of playing styles. The ebony fingerboard has a 12" radius, which helps with smooth fretting across the full 23-fret range. The bone nut is cut to a 1-3/32" width, standard for mandolins and appropriate for players coming from other string instruments.
Scale length is 13 7/8", and the adjustable compensated ebony bridge lets you dial in intonation precisely. Proline J-105 tuners handle the tuning stability duties, and nickel hardware throughout gives the instrument a clean, traditional appearance.
Built-In Electronics for Gigs and Recording
The K&K Duotone is a passive pickup system well-regarded among acoustic players for capturing an instrument's natural voice without heavy coloring. On the MD305E-SB, it lets you connect to a PA or recording interface while maintaining the acoustic character of the solid tonewoods. No battery compartment to worry about, no preamp to complicate things — just a straightforward output that sounds like the mandolin itself.
For players who sit in with a band, busk at a farmer's market, or want the option to record direct, having this pickup already installed is a real practical advantage.
Product Features:
- Body Style: A-style with F-holes
- Top: Solid spruce, hand-carved
- Back & Sides: Solid maple, hand-carved
- Neck: Maple with "Soft V" profile
- Fingerboard: Ebony, 12" radius, 23 frets
- Scale Length: 13 7/8"
- Nut: Bone, 1-3/32" width
- Pickup: K&K Duotone passive
- Bridge: Adjustable compensated ebony
- Tuners: Proline J-105
- Binding: Ivoroid top binding
- Finish: Satin Truetone Sunburst
- Hardware: Nickel
Brand: Eastman
Model: MD305E Sunburst
SKU: MD305E-SB
Condition: New
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