Advice for finding an archtop

[Mross]

Hello, first post. I need some advice on finding an archtop with a carved top. I just recently got my first (ibanez af 120) and I really like the neck on it. I've been looking to pick something up with more acoustic volume. I tried an eastman 805 today and it was well crafted, but I was not too fond of the wide nut width. The only other brand in my price range I can think of is peerless, specifically the imperial, but I cannot find any available. I like the 1.69" nut width and shorter scale of my ibanez, I guess I'd like something similar with better acoustics and a bit higher end . I'm not looking to spend over $2500 used. Any recommendations?

[Cunamara]

In that price range, for a new carved wood instrument, Eastman is the likeliest option. But they do pretty much all come with 1 3/4" nuts. For the most part, a new luthier-carved guitar is going to be double your budget or more.

The used market is your best bet. Since your location appears to be Philadelphia, I would think there ought to be a fair number of options within a reasonable traveling distance. Keep an eye on the For Sale forum here! For example,

Daniel Slaman 1923 carved 16" archtop · Gibson L5 style · Black w/ pickup

[Boze]

My friend just got a 2010 805 that I haven't seen in person yet. I'll have to check how the neck compares to my laminate Eastman 403. I had a carved 503 but found the neck profile too chunky and traded it for its cheaper sibling. The 403 has less of a D profile and I find it way more comfortable. I have big hands though so maybe the 1.75" width is a no go for you regardless.

[nyc chaz]

Eastman 805's have a 1.72" nut width not 1.75" as far i know if that makes any difference.

[Donnd]

Several Peerless Monarchs for sale on Reverb. Highly recommended and the nut width is 1.69”.

[Mick-7]

Several Peerless Monarchs for sale on Reverb. Highly recommended and the nut width is 1.69”.

Yes, I mentioned one in this thread, it's still for sale -- goodwill - peerless monarch

[Mross]

Thanks for the replies. I have noticed that eastman reduced the nut width to 1.72" on their more recent models. I really want to like the AR810 not sure if the slightly smaller nut width would make much of a difference. The 805 I played looked to be an older model with a gold headstock inlay.

[2bornot2bop]

I’d purchase an Epiphone Premium ES175. It’s got a flat Nitro finish. There’s several on Reverb, and with its ‘57 Classic pickups it gets very close to an actual ES175. Save enough money to purchase a tube amp.

I’ve owned a Peerless Imperial. It didn’t move me at all. I’ve owned several Cremonas, both 17 and 16”. Much nicer guitars.

Unless you must have something brand new I’d get the Epiphone. See the Epiphone Premium threads on this forum. Folks truly love ‘em, and they play and punch way above their weight.

I’m not a fan of the wider Eastman necks either.

[2bornot2bop]

Thanks for the replies. I have noticed that eastman reduced the nut width to 1.72" on their more recent models. I really want to like the AR810 not sure if the slightly smaller nut width would make much of a difference. The 805 I played looked to be an older model with a gold headstock inlay.

What headstock style did it have? Eastman changed the headstock style in 2010 or so. Was the headstock script underlined? If no, then that would have been an older Eastman.

[Mross]

It was the gold logo without the line. Definitely looked like an older model but it was in good shape. It was undoubtedly a well crafted guitar, however the neck was not exactly to my liking. Not sure how the necks on the newer models compare to that one.

[2bornot2bop]

It was the gold logo without the line. Definitely looked like an older model but it was in good shape. It was undoubtedly a well crafted guitar, however the neck was not exactly to my liking. Not sure how the necks on the newer models compare to that one.

Do you prefer a 16”, or a full sized 17” archtop?

[Mross]

I currently have a 16" archtop so I'd like to go with the 17" with a 3" body depth.

[nyc chaz]

I’d purchase an Epiphone Premium ES175. It’s got a flat Nitro finish. There’s several on Reverb, and with its ‘57 Classic pickups it gets very close to an actual ES175. Save enough money to purchase a tube amp.

I’ve owned a Peerless Imperial. It didn’t move me at all. I’ve owned several Cremonas, both 17 and 16”. Much nicer guitars.

Unless you must have something brand new I’d get the Epiphone. See the Epiphone Premium threads on this forum. Folks truly love ‘em, and they play and punch way above their weight.

I’m not a fan of the wider Eastman necks either.

Totally agree with you on the Epiphone Premium 175.The thin shorter scale neck would seem to fit the OP'S needs.The only thing is it seems he would like a better acoustic sound and i would say the Epi would not fit that requirement.

[2bornot2bop]

I currently have a 16" archtop so I'd like to go with the 17" with a 3" body depth.

There’s several Eastman AR810’s with a single Humbucker on Reverb under your price.

There’s a nice Peerless Cremona with a Florentine cutaway on Reverb. 17” and 1.69” neck. It’s at Lou’s Guitar ‘n Jazz, so if you’re in the NY or NJ area you can try them out. Nice guitar. I’ve owned 3, and prefer them to an Eastman. But everyone has different tastes.

[jads57]

Look for a used Heritage Sweet 16 or H-575. As well as maybe used Stephen Holst or other luthiers 16” Archtops. Make an offer on guitars as well,especially ones that have been sitting unsold. All they can say is no?

[jim777]

I currently have a 16" archtop so I'd like to go with the 17" with a 3" body depth.

But you are looking specifically for carved tops, right?

[Mross]

Yes. My options are pretty limited given my price range.

[2bornot2bop]

Yes. My options are pretty limited given my price range.

Then, that means Eastman only?

Ever heard an Eastman AR610CE? Very warm guitar. I owned one. It’s cheaper than an AR810

Too much reverb but you can hear it…

[Mross]

Then, that means Eastman only?

Ever heard an Eastman AR610CE? Very warm guitar. I owned one. It’s cheaper than an AR810

Too much reverb but you can hear it…

I can probably find an ar810 at a reasonable price one of these days. They seem to be pretty abundant as opposed to the peerless. Another guitar I've been eyeing up is the Hofner new president. Would fit in well with my father's Hofner 500/1 bass.

[2bornot2bop]

I can probably find an ar810 at a reasonable price one of these days. They seem to be pretty abundant as opposed to the peerless. Another guitar I've been eyeing up is the Hofner new president. Would fit in well with my father's Hofner 500/1 bass.

There’s one single ar810 currently on Reverb for $1750. Better grab it if you want the floating pickup ar810

[skykomishone]

GIBSON ES125 maybe?
They made a lot of them.

[Mross]

Thank you everyone for the advice so far. I seen a thread about getting a nut made with more narrow string spacing. Does anyone have any insight on that? It would be for an eastman. I seem to be gravitating towards the eastman.

[2bornot2bop]

Thank you everyone for the advice so far. I seen a thread about getting a nut made with more narrow string spacing. Does anyone have any insight on that? It would be for an eastman. I seem to be gravitating towards the eastman.

After viewing that AR810 with the floater, I received a $150 discount, off the $1750 price. So $150 off covers the $150 shipping.

Hmm…

[Mross]

After viewing that AR810 with the floater, I received a $150 discount, off the $1750 price. So $150 off covers the $150 shipping.

Hmm…

That is a good price. I'm going to have to save a bit. I just wanted to get an idea if what I'm looking for. Want to be prepared once I have the funds.