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2005 Eastman John Pisano Model
Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may by found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.
Serial#: C10, label hand signed by the artist
Body size at lower bout: 16" Body Depth: 2 3/4" Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 3/4"
Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; handcarved AAA tiger flame handcarved maple back and sides with Venetian cutaway; 3 piece tiger flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; ebony truss rod cover; 7-ply body binding; solid graphite nut.
Hardware: Solid ebony tailpiece and finger rest; gold Schaller 16X1 tuners; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; built-in Armstrong Handmade humbucking PAF pickup with ebony volume and tone controls.
Notes: All solid. All carved. Hand built, one at a time, with remarkable high-figure tonewoods. Eastman archtop guitars are individually crafted by violin-trained luthiers, without shortcuts, the old-fashioned way. And they share the appointments of the costliest high-end guitars. Solid ebony finger rest, tailpiece and fingerboard like a Benedetto. An X-braced top and 1 3/4" nut, like a Johnny Smith. All at a price point previously dominated by plywood boxes.
The Eastman John Pisano Model honors the legacy of one of the most accomplished and beloved guitarists in the jazz pantheon. Over a career spanning some six decades John has accompanied an A-list roster of musical legends including Joe Pass, Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Peggy Lee, Tony Bennett, Barbara Streisand, Chico Hamilton, Herb Alpert and many more. As teacher, mentor and impresario, John has been an inspiration to several generations of outstanding jazz guitarists. His warm personality and generous spirit have made him a personal hero here at archtop.com as well.
Built to his exacting specifications, the Eastmand John Pisano sports a comfy 16" body, slightly slimmed in depth, with a finely graduated solid bookmatched carved spruce soundboard. The maple body is available only in this deluxe version of the model, with handsome tiger flame, carefully bookmatched in a dramatic chevron pattern. Lightweight and resonant, the soundboard is finely carved and produces a notably lively acoustic voice, with exceptional balance and clarity. The neck profile is sweetly tailored to the palm in a gently flattened D profile. Finally, the true nitro lacquer finish is very lightly applied, with a satin patina, enhancing the acoustic voice of the instrument. Finally, the glowing natural blonde finish is no longer offered in this model, making it an instant collector's item.
This handsome example is one of the first ever built, with the label hand signed by the artist. The instrument is in 100% original condition, and apart from a few scattered nicks, sjows little signs of play. If you've wanted to step up to the range and depth of a true hand carved archtop, but balked at the astronomical prices, here's your chance to experience the real thing, at a realistic price.
And the frog? That's John's idea, too. He likes frogs. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original Eastman deluxe black molded plush lined hardshell case.
