Any infos on Eastman AR 805E

[Schwoop]

Hey folks,

I currently have the opportunity to purchase an Eastman AR 805E (archtop with floating pickup) for what seems to be a good price. I can’t find much information on the guitar online however - no list of specs, no original pricing, no recent sales etc.

Maybe its a long shot, but does anyone here have any of that information on the instrument from marketing materials or any other ressources?

I like the instrument, but of course I would like to know before settling on a price / pulling the trigger.

Thanks & have a good weekend

[339 in june]

Easy find :
Electric - Archtop - Eastman Guitars

Scroll down a bit to find AR805 ....

[Schwoop]

So I thought too, but the website only lists the current AR805CE and AR805. The one I am talking about is the AR805E. I think it was produced in the 2000s, and is one of their earlier archtops. I've contacted Eastman directly, but so far nothing has come out of it.

I know that there are people who keep guitar marketing material like others keep family photographs - so maybe I get lucky here

[nyc chaz]

The early Eastman's can be very hit and miss.Some sound and play fantastic while other's were very mediocre unlike the one's made the last 7 or 8 years which have been consistently good to great.Best if you can play it first and see if it is what you are looking for.

[KirkP]

Is the year not written on a label inside the f-hole? I have a 2006 AR810CE that I love. It had a lousy volume pot and Eastman replaced a cracked tailpiece on warrantee, but otherwise it’s been great.

Shortly before buying that I tried an AR905E (non-cutaway, blonde) probably made around 2004. I think it only differed from the AR805E in cosmetics. I thought it sounded amazing, but it was way more expensive for the upgraded cosmetics, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be happy without a cutaway, so I passed.

The 805/905 have a 1” smaller lower bout but a bit more body depth than the 810/910. If you play it, love it, and it’s priced right I’d say go for it. I think the original retail for the AR805 might have been around $2000.

[Woody Sound]

That’s the non-cut version, correct? If you google it you will see some older “sold” listings.

Another option would be to find an AR805 and install a pickup.

[RJVB]

Ask the seller for the serial number?

[jazzshrink]

That’s the non-cut version, correct? If you google it you will see some older “sold” listings.
Another option would be to find an AR805 and install a pickup.

Eastman AR 805 E 2005 - Spuce/ Maple | Reverb
FS: Eastman AR805E Acoustic Archtop with Fiberglass Case
Used 2004 Eastman AR805E Archtop Electric Guitar | Reverb Finland

[Schwoop]

Thanks for all your input!
It solidified my decision to buy the Eastman - but ultimately, the owner backtracked and didn't want to sell. Of course its disappointing, but there are many more fish in the ocean, so to speak. Better luck next time.
Have a good start to your weeks.

[RomanS]

Thanks for all your input!
It solidified my decision to buy the Eastman - but ultimately, the owner backtracked and didn't want to sell. Of course its disappointing, but there are many more fish in the ocean, so to speak. Better luck next time.
Have a good start to your weeks.

Was that the one recently for sale in Vienna, Austria, by any chance? I had my eyes on that one, too, and was relieved when the ad disappeared, because I didn't really need it - but the price was VERY attractive...

[Schwoop]

Was that the one recently for sale in Vienna, Austria, by any chance? I had my eyes on that one, too, and was relieved when the ad disappeared, because I didn't really need it - but the price was VERY attractive...

No, the seller was based in northern Germany, not too far from Hamburg. The story was pretty much the same though: very very attractive price, guitar seemingly in a very good condition.
I would lie if I said I hadn't been a bit disappointed when nothing came of it. Seems like I will have to make the jump from solid-body/semi-hollows to archtops at some point.

[RJVB]

ultimately, the owner backtracked and didn't want to sell.

Oh, that shucks. Happened to me with someone selling his LH-650. In fact, he withdrew TWICE. The he withdrew his initial withdrawal ("redrew"?) he actually offered a better price than before which I *should* have accepted immediately. I didn't, and maybe 12h later he had changed his mind again. Lesson learnt...