Eastman AR405E Archtop Maple Honey Amber Burst – Beautiful instrument with a great sound!
I consider myself a more of a builder. I had never owned an archtop so I built one about 4 years ago. I don’t know much about them so when I could afford this Eastman, I bought it ( about 6-7 months ago) because it’s beautiful but also to compare mine side by side to something of quality. I am very happy with my build but I sure don’t need 2 archtop guitars. I learned a couple things and I will switch my build over to P-90’s though. I love the sound of the P-90 pickups.
Please note, there is a lacquer check (ie a crack in the lacquer) (PICTURED TWICE FROM 2 ANGLES) that has nothing to do with the wood at all. Eastman uses a catalyzed lacquer that is very hard and sometimes a jolt will cause a fissure like this. Particularly around stress points like a neck joint. It is entirely cosmetic and if you look at the accompanying image, it is very difficult to see. There is also a very small 3/8″ scratch on the lower backside of the lower bout (PICTURED). It can be seen in the picture of the entire backside but it is also pictured up close. I feel the price I have set (with free shipping) takes these minor issues into consideration. I bought this guitar with both of these marks already present. This guitar hasn’t traveled outside of my home.
Please note! This model Eastman 405E has been discontinued and is no longer available.
The P-90 gives it a vintage tinged sound. Case included.