Eastman AR805 vs AR805CE

**Woody Sound** · 08-22-2023, 10:11 AM

I am trying to decide between the above two guitars, both 16" carved. AR805 (non cutaway fully acoustic) and AR805CE (cutaway with floater). I am looking for the best acoustic output/tone. Does the collective wisdom here think that there would have a noticeable difference between the two? Do we think the two are carved/braced with the same acoustic output/tone in mind? Or might the CE be built heavier? My thinking is that if the non cut acoustic has more power/tone, which I want, I could always add a floater or even an acoustic pickup to it if I decided I want one. (The cutaway doesn't matter, as it will be used primarily for rhythm.)

AR805:

AR805CE:

**DanielleOM** · 08-22-2023, 10:29 AM

I have owned an AR805CE since 2005. I recall stumbling on an AR805 and also an AR605. I have to admit I found those two guitars to be extremely nice to the point where I found myself wondering if they do something special for those beyond not providing a cutaway. Perhaps it was the acoustic strings. I certainly cannot provide definitive answer.

You might want to check out Johnathan Stout's blog. I recall him writing about Eastman acoustic archtops and also the Loar LH600 and LH700.

**Woody Sound** · 08-22-2023, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by DanielleOM

I have owned an AR805CE since 2005. I recall stumbling on an AR805 and also an AR605. I have to admit I found those two guitars to be extremely nice to the point where I found myself wondering if they do something special for those beyond not providing a cutaway. Perhaps it was the acoustic strings. I certainly cannot provide definitive answer.

You might want to check out Johnathan Stout's blog. I recall him writing about Eastman acoustic archtops and also the Loar LH600 and LH700.

Yeah, if they had brass/bronze strings, that makes a big difference.

I actually owned a *real* Gibson Loar L5 from 1924. Even though it sounded fantastic, I just couldn't get on with the big neck, and it was so valuable I had to part with it. I understand The Loars have the same kind of huge V neck.

I have a rare carved spruce top L48 that I'll be parting with soon. Basically an L50 with an L48 neck. So I'll be looking for something to replace that.

**bluenote61** · 08-22-2023, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by Woody Sound

I have a rare carved spruce top L48 that I'll be parting with soon. Basically an L50 with an L48 neck. So I'll be looking for something to replace that.

I have both a L50 and an Eastman AR905CE. They have a complete different tone. The Eastman is more bright and is separating the chord tones very nice whereas the L50 has that more midranged fatter Gibson voice.
Also, I like Bronze strings on the Gibson but not on the Eastman.

I would not replace my L50 with an Eastman Archtop. Both are very fine and well sounding guitars but too different in sound.
Just my 2c.

**omphalopsychos** · 08-22-2023, 11:56 AM

I had an 810CE and a 910. I don't know if it was the cutaway or the nicer wood but the 910 was MUCH louder and fuller acoustically.

**Woody Sound** · 08-22-2023, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by omphalopsychos

I had an 810CE and a 910. I don't know if it was the cutaway or the nicer wood but the 910 was MUCH louder and fuller acoustically.

Thanks, that''s good to know. I found this video, he doesn't play too firmly, but the tone is nice. Hard to tell about volume because of the mic'ing.

**Webby** · 08-22-2023, 02:16 PM

I have an acoustic Baton Rouge archtop. That one is a prototype that was built by eastman, and as far as I can tell it's an AR 805 with a different headstock.
Even without amplification that guitar is loud enough I to keep up with a big band.

Paul

**himself** · 08-22-2023, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by omphalopsychos

I had an 810CE and a 910. I don't know if it was the cutaway or the nicer wood but the 910 was MUCH louder and fuller acoustically.

910 seems to be 17".

**Woody Sound** · 08-22-2023, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by himself

910 seems to be 17".

Yes it is, but his point is well taken and good info. The 810 is also 17". (The 10 indicates size, the 8/9 indicates appointments/details.) Thus the 810CE to a 910 is pretty much the same comparison as an 805CE to an 805/905. (I don't know about the 905.)

**himself** · 08-22-2023, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Woody Sound

Yes it is, but his point is well taken and good info. The 810 is also 17". (The 10 indicates size, the 8/9 indicates appointments/details.) Thus the 810CE to a 910 is pretty much the same comparison as an 805CE to an 805/905. (I don't know about the 905.)

Yes, you are right. I thought it was 16", thanks for clarification.