[PineMarten]

It's a shame flat-top mandolins are associated with budget models, which Eastman have reinforced by placing this model in the PCH range with laminated back and sides. Outside of American makers and styles, Gibson style mandolins aren't the only game in town. As someone in Scotland who got into mandolin through UK and Irish folk styles, I could happily have a good flat top (or domed or canted) as my main mandolin.