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Thanks - I'm def steering towards a Kentucky. KM270 or 272 is looking the choice for me ATM, depending on which finish looks best on the day.
The Eastman MD 305 is a thing of beauty, but I'm wanting an oval hole rather than f holes for that softer tone, out of preference.
Still, its a gorgeous example
If only they had that with an oval hole, as the M304 has a rather showy patterning on it which I'm not keen on
Haino-
I quite like the pattern on the 304 - very turn of the (last) century!
http://www.appbluegrass.com/instruments/a-style/eastman-md304/
Also worth pointing out the differences in 12 vs 14 fresh join + bridge placement
There's a 504 and a 514 on eBay at the moment
DanS
On a similar mission at the moment myself - the guy who runs mandolessons.com (amazing resource) recommends the Kentucky km150 - I think whatever instrument you get, setup is going to be key. Currently learning on a beaten up old harmony - combination of tiny/ worn frets and high action is very off putting !