Eastman El Rey ER7: 7 string archtop guitar

[NSJ]

This is supposed to be new, a lightweight 7 string guitar with a 14" body. No pics as of yet, here is the description from the Eastman web site:

Taking a slight departure from full-sized archtop guitars, Eastman partnered with Otto D'Ambrosio to design the El Rey. These completely handcarved 14" electric guitars are for the player who demands tomorrow's cutting edge instruments, today. With the patented 'neck block cutaway' construction and six unique models, they are ideal for any musical application. The El Rey series features Kent Armstrong pickups, gold plated Gotoh hardware, and a 25" scale length. Lightweight and versatile, these hand-crafted guitars come in five finishes: classic, sunburst, classic-sunburst, black, and custom red. Hardshell case included.

BODY STYLE 7-string Single Cut Hollow
BODY DIMENSIONS 14" X 2"
CUTAWAY Florentine Style

Anybody try one of these 7 string axes?

[derek]

I have tried the 6 string version, and think it is a very cool design and guitar. Very versatile. Pretty easy to imagine what the 7 string version would be like.

[Blair]

I've also tried the 6 string version and enjoyed it, i would think the 7 string version would also fair well

[hallpass]

I owed an El Rey 2 for a while. Very nice, versatile guitar. I stopped down to visit Otto D'Ambrosio once for a setup too. Nice guy.

[NSJ]

thought I'd bump this thread, as I just effectively traded an older Gibby 6 string for a brand new Eastman El Rey ER1- 7 string. Just arrived a few hours from J Hale Music (very professional and knowledgable dealer)--I'll try to post a pic later on, but Im not exactly sure about the pixel/dimension limitation as to attachments.

first impressions--fantastic,beautiful guitar! definitely need to get a strap though.

Playing issues--first impressions--the usual 7th chord voicings with roots on 5th string (eg, 1573) seem to be tailor made for the 7th string--barre these, and you have the same root on the same fret, but an octave lower on the 7th string, and the P5 on the 6th string. much better separation between the bass and treble.

A barre means the distance between note on 7th string and 1st string (same fret) is 2 octaves plus a P5. it is possible to do a stretch to play a 3 octave interval (eg, 3rd fret, C to C, 3 octaves up on 8th fret, 1st string).

ideally suited to be played finger style, to best take advantage of 7th string.

[paynow]

J. Hale has a video demo:

YouTube Video

I'd like to try one of these out. Congrats! Look forward to seeing your pics.

[NSJ]

Here's a basic pic.

[paynow]

Originally Posted by NSJ

Here's a basic pic.

Very cool. What did it cost?

[NSJ]

Originally Posted by paynow

Very cool. What did it cost?

Like I said, I unloaded a guitar to get this one, so it didnt cost me anything--this one was priced at 1600 USD, which seems to be cheaper than the other El Rey models--this has the factory (non hand wound ) Kent Armstrong pup.

[paynow]

Originally Posted by NSJ

Like I said, I unloaded a guitar to get this one, so it didnt cost me anything--this one was priced at 1600 USD, which seems to be cheaper than the other El Rey models--this has the factory (non hand wound ) Kent Armstrong pup.

Thanks man. I'm looking into a 7 string and this fits the price range.

[thenoviceguitarist]

That looks awesome!