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Charles Huguley
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2024
Well-built and beautifully appointed, this guitar has excellent playability and a sweet sound. Though currently only two hundred dollars more expensive than than the model ar503 ce upon which it is based, it has a number of improved features. Although these are mostly in the cosmetic department- more binding and inlaid position markers- the upgraded Goth tuners are worth the increased price. They hold tune very well and are exquisite in appearance, with ebony knobs matching the wood used in the tailpiece, bridge, fretboard and headstock plate.Action can be set as low as you like. The sound is beautiful, both acoustically and amplified. I generally practice un-amplified and find it quite loud enough, despite its modest girth.The only thing I would change is the nut width, which is 1.75". I have short fingers and find it difficult to grab the sixth string with my thumb. I think Eastman would be well-served to offer a model with a 1/16" narrower neck width.Overall this is a wonderful guitar. It's closest competitor might be the similarly priced D'Angelico Excell model, which seems to be very popular. In my estimation the Eastman is superior with its solid, carved spruce top, better looks and arguably better sound.
Dan D V
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2020
Excellent true carved archtop (laminate sides and back). Well designed. Good sound. Easy to play. Quality workmanship (China).
Customer
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2019
I've been a guitarist for about 55 years and own or have owned may quality, US built guitars made by Gibson, Epiphone and Fender. I've owned my Eastman model AR580CE-HB since August of 2018 and I love this guitar. The workmanship is top notch and after changing out the strings to D'Addario ECG24 flat wounds (11/50) this axe plays like butter. The tailpiece and pickguard are ebony, not plastic. Every detail from the maple bindings to the pearl split block inlays to the Gotoh tuners make this a very nice guitar at an affordable price. It stays in tune wonderfully provided it is not exposed to drastic temperature or humidity changes but that is normal for any instrument. The "Honey Burst" finish is beautiful. Online, low rez photos do not do it justice. I use this guitar for my work with big band and jazz gigs. I've received many compliments on both the looks and sound of this guitar. I'm running it through a Fishman Loudbox Mini amp , generally keeping the EQ and gain controls at the 9:00 position. I occasionally wish that the single Kent Armstrong pickup would deliver just a tad more high end but for the genre of music I play with this guitar it is really not necessary and perhaps beneficial. I have other guitars that give me that tone if needed. On more than one occasion I've been asked, mostly by other respected musicians, about the Eastman brand and have been told, "That guitar sounds like an L-5" or "You sound like George Benson". Although I certainly cannot and will never come close to playing like Benson, I just smile and say 'thank you'. They're not referring to my playing skills but rather the smooth, jazzy sound the Eastman delivers. I considered buying a Gibson ES-275 but backed away due to the cost. This is a wonderful guitar and an outstanding value.
Somatic
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2019
Fantastic guitar with nice attention to detail. One of the best playing instruments I have owned. Wonderful acoustic resonance. The guitar deserves to be mic'ed when recorded in addition to using the pickup.
joe crenshaw
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2019
looks and plays beautifully and the case is first class also
Pau g. Chiodo
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2018
Seems like a nice guitar. Need to get it set up with my strings with my guy. I think that after that it is going to be nice. Was concerned with tuning machine heads. Seem s like there was a little slipping and play in them. Again I will get them checked out, and if need be will change them. Could be the way it was strung.
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