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2011 Eastman AR-910CE
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Serial#: 8727
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 Schaller M-6 tuners with ebony keys; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; floating Handwound Armstrong PAF humbucking pickup with thumbwheel volume and tone controls, 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, with all original true lacquer finish without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. At just 5lb 14oz, 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.
A special plus, an upgrade US made Handwound Armstrong PAF floating humbucking pickup has been fitted to the maple bound ebony pickguard, with thumbwheel volume and tone controls. In addition, Super 400 style split block inlays are included, to enhance fingerboard navigation over the plain ebony fingerboard typically seen on this model.
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.
Case: Original black Eastman arched 5-ply traditional style plush lined hardshell case.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge Thomastic nickel flatwound strings. 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.
