Are all Eastman archtops solid wood?

**Loobs** · 08-26-2011, 10:39 AM

Seems to say on their site that they're all solid tops/carved...

Are any of them laminates? Do they make a laminated topped archtop with a mounted hum?

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 08-26-2011, 11:31 AM

I assumed the archtop in the prototype thread:

https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guita...prototype.html

Must be a laminate. Otherwise, why all the 175 comparisons?

**Loobs** · 08-26-2011, 11:38 AM

True, but that isn't yet available, nor do I want something with a Florentine cutaway, particularly.

**Loobs** · 08-26-2011, 11:40 AM

2007 Eastman 803D-15 #2931 Golden Age Blonde > Guitars : Archtop Electric & Acoustic - Guitars n Jazz | Gbase.com

"Aged spruce top"

**JazzVocab** · 08-26-2011, 02:22 PM

All Eastmans archtops are solid wood except the prototypes they've been doing. We managed to get a couple, one all laminate and one solid top, lam b+s. It's a natural progression for them, why wouldn't they capitalise on that sector of the market.
Great guitars!

**BigMikeinNJ** · 08-26-2011, 03:01 PM

I've owned 3 Eastman branded guitars (810ce prototype, T146smd, AR880 John Pisano) and 2 Yunzhi guitars (essentially copies of an 810ce 5th Anniversary and a John Pisano with floating pickup).

All have solid tops/backs that are all carved. I said it once I can say it 1000 times - the Eastmans (and Yunzhi's) are top flight guitars - and they look 100 times better in person than they photograph.

Great values.

And if they're going after the ES175 market and laminated guitar lovers who need to play LOUD then I am sure they'll do it with great aplomb.

**Loobs** · 08-26-2011, 04:59 PM

Dan - I really need to take a trip up to Foulds. I spent some time in Derby years ago but that was before I got into jazz. Looks like you have a great selection, and there's nowhere in London that has a decent range...

Mike - playing 'loud' isn't really a worry right now. I just want something that has a really good round (yet with clarity) plugged in tone. That is of more importance than the acoustic sound. I guess somewhere between Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, Grant Green and Benson.

**Loobs** · 08-26-2011, 05:03 PM

The AR803-16 looks very nice indeed!

I just noticed your store offers the 'take it away' thing....

**Jazzpunk** · 08-26-2011, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by BigMikeinNJ

I've owned 3 Eastman branded guitars (810ce prototype, T146smd, AR880 John Pisano) and 2 Yunzhi guitars (essentially copies of an 810ce 5th Anniversary and a John Pisano with floating pickup).

What's the neck carve on the Pisano model like?

**Loobs** · 08-26-2011, 06:29 PM

The Pisano looks great, and sounds great *here*

The blonde models are definitely the nicest looking, in my opinion.

**gglover** · 09-09-2011, 12:13 AM

There is also a new eastman AR403ce which looks like a normal 16" archtop but is all laminate. should be coming soon! look through the thread posted up above ad go to the japanese eastman site to see what is in store

**Loobs** · 09-09-2011, 05:34 AM

The 403ce definitely looks up my alley. Will the fretboard be ebony or rosewood?

**goshawk** · 09-10-2011, 08:36 PM

For those who haven't seen it, Steve from Eastman posted on another thread that the US list price for the 371 is $850, $995 from the 403CE and $1250 for the 503CE.

**Loobs** · 09-12-2011, 09:03 AM

I really want something with a bound fretboard, preferably ebony. Maybe the 503CE will have those specs.

**stegre** · 09-13-2011, 01:00 AM

Yes, the AR503 has abound ebony fingerboard and we have a limited number in stock. Making lots more though. I love the combination of the carved top and laminate back and sides. I've been playing it on gigs and loving it

Steve from Eastman

**Loobs** · 09-13-2011, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by stegre

Yes, the AR503 has abound ebony fingerboard and we have a limited number in stock. Making lots more though. I love the combination of the carved top and laminate back and sides. I've been playing it on gigs and loving it

Steve from Eastman

This is looking like my favourite now.