Eastman AR403CE AR503CE similar to Benedetto Bravo?

**DanielleOM** · 01-13-2016, 10:05 AM

I noted a few additional differences:

Frets on the AR503CE are taller than the Bravo. (Not sure what the original Bravo fret height was. Might have leveled previously) For some reason the action on the AR503CE always feel higher than the Bravo, but when I measure it, it's the same.

The cutaway on the Bravo is deeper that the AR503CE.

The AR503CE has a 20 fret neck. The Bravo has 22 frets.

Distance between the bridge and tailpiece is a little longer with the Bravo.

Danielle

**6stringjazz** · 01-13-2016, 11:55 AM

I owned them both. The Bravo was a little nicer cosmetically. They both sounded very close. I would not spend the extra money for the bravo unless the name means a lot to you. The Eastman might need some set up work, but that's it.

**DanielleOM** · 01-13-2016, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by 6stringjazz

I owned them both. The Bravo was a little nicer cosmetically. They both sounded very close. I would not spend the extra money for the bravo unless the name means a lot to you. The Eastman might need some set up work, but that's it.

You no longer own both? Do you still have either? I currently own both myself.

**ESCC** · 01-13-2016, 12:37 PM

I find this thread very interesting. I have never played a Benedetto, however I do own a 2011 Eastman AR910ce, which I like very much. I also own 2 Gibson, 2 Fender and a Heritage guitar and the 910 is my favorite (most days), I love the craftsmanship, playability and acoustic tone. Eastman went through a rough period but since 2010(?) I think they have done a better job with QC. That being said, I am not advocating that I would rather have an Eastman over a Benedetto, Sadowsky or Gibson for several reasons, re-sell being one. BUT, what I paid for my 910 and the pleasure I get out of playing it and hearing it would be extremely difficult to beat and no apologies to be made for it's quality or craftsmanship, its a wonderful instrument . . . just my opinion of course.

**rpguitar** · 01-13-2016, 05:47 PM

As I navigate the world of archtops, owning everything from a $400 Ibanez to a five figure Gibson, there are a couple things that stand out:

You have to like how it feels to play.
You have to like how it sounds.

If you are a player first - rather than a collector or flipper - and these things are sorted, almost nothing else matters. Being subjective by nature, these qualities are not guaranteed to be present with expensive instruments, nor are they precluded by budget instruments.

This being said, there's a threshold at each end of the spectrum. Really cheap guitars are rarely great. And really expensive guitars are rarely great enough based on feel and sound alone (their cost is justified by other factors).

**6stringjazz** · 01-13-2016, 06:34 PM

I don't own either one now. For some reason the 25" scale and 1 3/4" nut was not working for me. I have never had a 25" scale guitar that I liked. I like 24 3/4" or 25 1/2". Not sure if it was the scale or just coincidence.

**SierraTango** · 01-14-2016, 10:45 AM

I own a Bob built Cremona and a 880. Both are working guitars. Although I am VERY partial to the Benedetto and use it on most gigs, the 880 with it's built in pickup just works better in certain situations.
I really don't see much point in having two instruments with such similar specs. However that's just me and there are plenty of players with multiple carved top and laminates out there I guess.
As for mojo, well the B is in a whole other universe compared to the 880-but they both sound great!