Is Eastman my only option?

[Cunamara]

Congratulations! That should work out fine; it will, in all likelihood, need a proper set up including action at the nut, setting relief, action height, intonation, etc. GC doesn't do this themselves. Until that is done, it'll be hard to give the guitar completely fair shake. As long as it basically sounds like what you want, all those other parameters that affect playability can be addressed readily. If you let us know where you live, often somebody here will know a good guitar tech to refer you to (assuming you can't do it yourself, which many of us can).

[Prof Silverhair]

Congratulations! That should work out fine; it will, in all likelihood, need a proper set up including action at the nut, setting relief, action height, intonation, etc. GC doesn't do this themselves. Until that is done, it'll be hard to give the guitar completely fair shake. As long as it basically sounds like what you want, all those other parameters that affect playability can be addressed readily. If you let us know where you live, often somebody here will know a good guitar tech to refer you to (assuming you can't do it yourself, which many of us can).

Thanks! Yeah, I expect as much. I'm comfortably doing some of this myself...but I also know my limits. I'm in the DC metro area and know a few reputable techs but I'm always open to finding another one!

[Jimmy blue note]

USA made Guilds from about the 70s-90s are not hard to find in that price range. Although they may not meet all of your desired specs, they can be some of the best jazz guitars in the sub-$2000 range in my opinion.

Westerly Guilds are the best kept secrets. They've been chronic underdogs and if you can find one, give it a good workout. You'll know what I'm talking about.

[Prof Silverhair]

Just played one but didn't purchase it. Great guitar though!

What happened to the AR480 CE? Do you still have it? Returned it?

Cheers
Avery Roberts

[Hammertone]

I've been on the hunt for a bigger body (16-17") hollow jazz unit with an ample neck profile, ebony board, and a nitro finish. I realize that if price was no object, this is a pretty easy list of requirements. I'd prefer to find a reasonably priced (under $2K) option but not compromising the list (I'd prefer a floating pickup but that may be a really tall order). Any other options I should consider? Recommendations?

There are many excellent, old German-made archtop guitars out there for less than $2,000, with carved spruce tops, in the @16"-17" size. Typically built in the 1950s - 1960s. Many have big-boy necks. Best to use a sherpa to find your way through the junk to the good stuff.

Nothing wrong with a Furutama Epi, but I'd be happy to help in the future if that interests you - I've been immersed in these instruments for over 40 years, along with a small group of like-minded folks.