Eastman AR371CE Arrived - Quite Impressive

[jazzshrink]

Does anyone know the difference between the AR371-CE and the AR175-CE? They are both single-pickup 175 copies offered by Eastman except I never really see the AR175-CE either advertised or sold in North America (perhaps even Europe). I see the AR175-CE often on eBay from Japanese sellers. Is the AR175-CE the same thing as the AR371-CE except just for the Asian market?

There seems to be some key differences between the two models. You're correct that the AR175-CE was a Japan-only model. In contrast to the all-laminate AR371-CE, the AR175-CE had a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides. Both feature a 3-piece maple neck, but the AR371-CE has a rosewood fingerboard while the AR175-CE's fretboard is ebony. I've seen pictures of a 2014 AR175-CE that has a floating humbucker with controls under the pickguard. The AR371-CE has a mounted humbucker and controls. All that being said, I found listings for used AR175-CEs that appear to contradict much of these supposed differences.

[chris32895]

1417012[/URL]]There seems to be some key differences between the two models. You're correct that the AR175-CE was a Japan-only model. In contrast to the all-laminate AR371-CE, the AR175-CE had a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides. Both feature a 3-piece maple neck, but the AR371-CE has a rosewood fingerboard while the AR175-CE's fretboard is ebony. I've seen pictures of a 2014 AR175-CE that has a floating humbucker with controls under the pickguard. The AR371-CE has a mounted humbucker and controls. All that being said, I found listings for used AR175-CEs that appear to contradict much of these supposed differences.

Are you sure about the top being solid spruce? I’ve seen many listings for AR175’s and never once have I noticed a mention of a solid top of any kind.

[jazzshrink]

Am I sure? Hell no! But check this out: EASTMAN AR-175CE Solid Wood Custom: LAST GUITAR??u???O

[Mick-7]

Am I sure? Hell no! But check this out: EASTMAN AR-175CE Solid Wood Custom

These Eastman webpages show which of their models are made of laminated wood or partially or fully solid woods:

https://eastmanguitars.wixsite.com/e...itars/laminate

https://eastmanguitars.wixsite.com/e...itars/solidtop

https://eastmanguitars.wixsite.com/e...itars/allsolid

[chris32895]

1417030[/URL]]Am I sure? Hell no! But check this out: EASTMAN AR-175CE Solid Wood Custom: LAST GUITAR??u???O

To be fair, that is a custom model

[jazzshrink]

Every reputable source says it's made of laminated wood, like the guitar of which it's a copy, the Gibson ES-175.

Thanks so much for sharing

[plasticpigeon]

I've got one of these. I put a P90 on for fun. Nice guitar!

[Aiq]

Mine, the more I play it the more I like it. Stock save the tailpiece, Benedetto bridge. 2017 build.