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A True Archtop for the Modern Player





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Our Product Research Team





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A stunner in terms of sight and sound, the single-cut Eastman AR503CE archtop from Sweetwater pins that historic hollowbody charm and single-pickup sound against contemporary quality and playability to bridge the very best of archtop ages old and new. Its solid carved Sitka spruce top and maple back and sides establish a bright, clear, and naturally woody tonality right off the bat, further enhanced by an ebony-topped 3-piece maple neck with a Traditional Even “C” profile for player-fluid playing comfort. A single Seymour Duncan Seth Lover humbucker at the neck conveys tubby jazz tones and moody delta blues licks alike, with proper amber bell knobs for master Volume and Tone control to find that perfect archtop voice that suits your style. Laden with old-school luster, the AR503CE exhibits charming and historically accurate detailing across the board as well, from its full binding and large F-holes to its narrow ebony pickguard/tailpiece combo and distinguished “Eastman” script logo at the headstock.





An archtop through and through





Fully hollow by design, the AR503CE boasts a single-cutaway body that’s exceptionally resonant with the articulate vividity to enable crystalline natural expressiveness. A 16-inch top of carved Sitka spruce pronounces every note and chord with balance in projection, while the rest of its maple body ensures a detailed resonance that leaves no note unheard. Its bright and vivid note response is further accentuated courtesy of a dovetail 3-piece maple neck, boasting a profile cut to a Traditional Even “C” shape that helps fall comfortably into the palms of all players. Topping the neck is a 20-fret unmarked ebony fingerboard, enhancing sustain and offering sprawling space for musical runs through any octave.





Two coils do the trick





When electric archtops first surfaced, many guitars housed just one pickup in what would ultimately became known as the rhythm position, or neck position ? and that’s just the vibe Eastman achieved with the AR503CE! A solitary Seth Lover humbucker is positioned right beneath the neck, a dual-coil beauty designed by Seymour Duncan to feature an alnico II bar magnet, vintage output coils, and an unpotted nickel cover. The sonic results facilitate heaps of smooth tone, linking warm richness to perfectly fulfill its neck position duties with an inspiring degree of articulation and top-end harmonic response. Dial in the best of both tonal realms via the onboard Tone control, and level the master Volume knob for more or less definition and grit.





Bygone charm in the details





Impeccable sonic detail aside, a 6-string like the AR503CE also nails the classy visual aesthetics of a tried-and-true archtop. The AR503CE sees full ivoroid binding throughout the guitar’s body and neck, even accentuating the larger traditional F-holes. A narrow ebony pickguard and matching tailpiece are pure class, tributing a truly bygone design and coming accompanied by a sustain-favoring ebony bridge. Handsome amber bell knobs join in the historic-themed revelry while sharp-looking sealed chrome Pingwell RM-1271 tuning machines at the headstock keep your intonation in check. Topped off with Eastman’s classic script logo, the AR503CE embodies everything it means to look and play like a classic archtop should.





Eastman Music Company President Qian Ni


Eastman Guitars: thinking inside the box





Many know the Eastman Music Company as a trusted name in the realm of band and orchestra instruments. Fortunately for all guitar lovers, Eastman Guitars has attained a similar stature with its steadfast dedication to the guitar-building process. Similar to how Sweetwater got its start, Eastman founder Qian Ni grew his business from its humble origins in the back of his car to its status as a burgeoning, reputable company. Today, Eastman is also the proud owner of Bourgeois Guitars ? as a matter of fact, Eastman’s high-end guitars are voiced by hand by luthiers trained under the multitalented Dana Bourgeois. True to Ni’s vision, Eastman Guitars meticulously approaches each instrument, backing them with a lifetime warranty. From hand-scalloped bracing to fine tonewoods to precision tap tuning, an Eastman guitar is a feature-rich instrument that will grow with you musically for years to come!





Eastman AR503CE Archtop Hollowbody Electric Guitar Features:


Genuine hollowbody build with single-cut body shape for easier upper fret access


Solid 16-inch Sitka spruce top delivers excellent balance in projection


Maple back and sides combine resonance and detailed articulate brightness


3-piece dovetail maple neck with Traditional Even "C" neck profile enhances brightness and provides a comfortable hold


20-fret unmarked bound ebony fingerboard encourages fantastic sustain


Seymour Duncan Seth Lover neck humbucker plays with a smooth and rich delivery across all frequencies


Master Volume and Tone controls permit precise sonic leveling to your heart's content


Sealed chrome Pingwell RM-1271 tuners keep your intonation in check


Classic narrow ebony pickguard, tailpiece, and bridge look incredible and also work to enhance sustain


Charming details all around, including body/neck ivoroid binding, amber bell knobs, and script headstock logo