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I know, another "what pickup you recommend" thread.
Apologies, but wanted to see an updated thread with maybe
a few new/updated responses.
So, I picked up a 2006 AR805ce with the black floating pickup that has
"Eastman" inscribed on the cover. I was told these were their standard, overseas made, Armstrong pickups.
I know a great many folks like to upgrade to the 12-pole custom Armstrong (which I have on another guitar), but was wondering if anyone
has tried anything a little more off the beaten path......maybe a floating Charlie Christian, a Dearmond reissue, etc.
Would love to get some recommendations from Eastman owners.
Thanks!
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06-23-2021 10:43 PM
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Depends on the sound you want. Do you want a CC sound? A DeArmond sound?
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I’m a huge fan of the Biltoft floating CC. It’s articulate, sounds lush and looks great. The Creamery CC from the UK sounds amazing as well. Rob has a video up doing a very nice demo of his on an Eastman, I believe. Really nice sounding.
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Originally Posted by Woody Sound
Not sure I have an answer yet. I know the Eastmans have a certain profile
in their sound that is,in general, a bit brighter. So maybe something that might be on the warmer side but still clear?
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Originally Posted by DMgolf66
Scroll down on the page below just little bit to "Armstrong Handmade Floating Single Coil -Versatile Vintage Tone"
ac accessories
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I have both an AR810 as well as an 18" AR910, I have had great results with either the Duncan or Lollar made Johnny Smith floating humbuckers. I really can't say one has an edge over the other, they're both great. Pete Biltoft can build you a great pickup too, I have one of his CC floaters on another Eastman and it sounds great too. I can really recommend any of them over the old stock pickup.
Doug
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Interested also. I would like to change the floating pickup on my Peerless Martin Taylor Virtuoso.
It's not horrible, but the overall acoustic quality of the Virtuoso deserves a really good pickup in my opinion.
Like Eastmans, I have one, it's a little on the bright side, so a warm sounding floating pickup would be better.
The best option I've found is maybe the Lollar Johnny Smith.
I would also like to add a tone + a volume pot (the MT as only a thumb wheel volume) + a cap, that I would mount on the top.
What pot values and cap are better suited for that kind of pickup?
(Excuse me if I'm a bit off subject here)
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I like my AZ49 (?) Shadow Pickup.
It's always in need of boost pedal to clear the mud, but once it's got that special combination--nice tone while still allowing the acoustics to breath and blend at lower volumes.
I have an AR803, so it's a mounted pickup. Eastmans are a little tricky to get right, but once you do... knocks all the listeners away. I always get compliments on my tone live, not sure if it comes through in my recordings.
I also use heavier strings--mixed set. 14 up top, 52 at the bottom. All round wound.
My Eastman is a kind of a Frankenstein's Monster of a guitar, but it does what I want it to do well enough to keep it around for years to come.
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Gutted the electronics. Put in a AZ49 Shadow Pickup, because of Jimmy Raney. New wiring with "vintage" paper caps and better pots, forgot--I did a lot of this work over a decade ago. Have to look it up again...
Biggest change on the tone of the guitar came down to two additions:
1. Refret--had John Carruthers put in taller and thicker gauge frets.
2. Boost Pedal -- allows me to "clear the mud" and really utilize the volume knob as the tone control of my guitar--the tone knob stays totally open (?) and maxed out.
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Originally Posted by Woody Sound
Will arrive Saturday.
Kent Armstrong Handwound Series Resin Cast P-90 Floating Archtop Pickup Kent Armstrong Handwound Series Resin Cast P-90 Floating | Reverb
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Originally Posted by Woody Sound
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Originally Posted by PickingMyEars
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Originally Posted by DMgolf66
Looking for a "jazz box"
Yesterday, 09:57 PM in Guitar, Amps & Gizmos