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2009 Eastman AR-905CE
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#: 7608
Body size at lower bout: 16" Body Depth: 3 1/4" Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 3/4" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .83/.90
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 Benedetto 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 handsome guitar is a scarce violin finish 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. This splendid example is constructed of extravagant tiger flame maple, bookmatched in an elegant chevron pattern along the centerseam. Lightweight and resonant, the top is finely carved and produces a notably lively acoustic voice, with notable volume and clarity. The neck has a gentle 'D' profile, wth smooth low action over a fresh high precision setup.
At just 5lb. 8oz, the compact 16" body sits very comfortably under the arm, and is well balanced on the lap or the strap. Maintained in gleaming condition, the instrument is without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, and has all original solid ebony hardware. Finished in vintage stye nitrocellulose lacquer, this lustrous guitar shows the rare violin finish option that is no longer available on this model.
A special upgrade is the Benedetto S-6 floating humbucker, with smooth, classic tone and noise-free operation. 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 roundwound strings (.013-.056). 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.
Case: Black deluxe arched plush lined hardshell case.
