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2006 Eastman AR-910CE
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Serial#: 000119-113
Body size at lower bout: 17" Body Depth: 3 1/4" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 3/4" Neck depth: .82/.87, 1st/10th fret
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; 5-ply neck and peghead binding; triple bound f-holes; solid bone nut.
Hardware: Solid ebony tailpiece and finger rest; gold 16X1 tuners with ebony keys; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; floating Armstrong humbucking pickup with thumbwheel volume control, endpin jack.
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. Even triple bound f-holes, like the Super 400. All at a price point previously dominated by factory plywood boxes.
This example is a scarce blonde example of the top of the line 900 series, bound entirely in curly maple and featuring the most highly figured tonewood the firm can offer. Constructed of extravagant tiger flame maple, it is exquisitely bookmatched in a chevron pattern along the centerseam.
The instrument has been maintained in superb condition, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. At just 5lb 7oz, the guitar is notably lightweight for a 17" guitar: the top is finely carved and produces a notably lively acoustic voice, with exceptional volume and clarity. The neck profile is comfortably tailored to the palm: not too skinny, not too big, with smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. To aid in navigation, a set of L-5 style fingerboard appliques have been affixed to the neck, and may be removed at the purchaser's discretion. Finally, the Eastman contour molded plush lined black fiberglass case is highly impact resistant, yet little heavier that many gig bags.
The 900 series are rarely seen on the vintage market, and for a good reason: owners are keepers. With a combination of workmanship, materials and design unheard of in its price range, Eastman has raised the bar for quality, performance and value in a true handmade jazz guitar. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings (.013). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" 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.
