Eastman 803 on the way.
jaz
http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=1554130
It's all solid woods, carved top, maple back and sides, 3 pc maple
neck, 25" scale, ebony board, KA pickups.Not sure if I'll keep it or
resell it but I've been wanting to play one of these new Eastmans for a
while now. It's made like an L5 in terms of woods and bracing so it
should be very cool. Supposedly it plays with fabulous action.
I'll post a review when I get it.
Phil
iinterested to read your review.
jaz
pickguard. Hopefully it'll sound as good as the other eastman's I've
played. Based on the construction, it should sound similar to an L5
assuming the KA pickups sound like PAF pickups.
jsea...@csc.cps.k12.il.us
Why did you choose this model, Jack? Which others have you played and
what did you think? I have been pulling up the couch cushions and
hoarding pennies for an Eastman myself. I would value your opinion.
jaz
are great. The 810 was one of the few modern archtops I have played
other than the Comins and a couple others that copped a '60s jazz
guitar vibe. My only complaint was that I hated the pickups.I also
prefer set in pickups to floaters.
jazzgeetar
I'm loving my El Rey...I haven't been touching my 805CE much because of
the El Rey.
-Dan
Danielle E
would be nice to have a smaller guitar and one that would be great to play
standing up.
So then we have the new thinlines in 15 and 16" lower bouts, the El Rays and
the __803__ in 15 and 16" lower bouts. I notice the dimensions of the
__803__ 16" lower bout model seem very close to the Pisanno model. (poor
man's Pisanno?)
I still have not figured out what's going on with the 803s. They still do
not show up on the Eastman USA catalogue. They are prototypes or for
distribution outside the USA?
Danielle
"jazzgeetar" <jazzg...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1166717203.8...@73g2000cwn.googlegroups.com...
jaz
> I still have not figured out what's going on with the 803s. They still do
> not show up on the Eastman USA catalogue. They are prototypes or for
> distribution outside the USA?
They're just starting to trickle into the US. Yes, I think they are
poor man's Pisano guitar. They seem to have very similar dimensions and
materials...
Mine is the 2 pickup version. Arriving tomorrow...
Danielle E
Did you order one with the 15" or the 16" lower bout?
I will be interested to hear how you find it for playing comfort sitting
down and standing up.
I will be interested in hearing how you find the neck binding alignment
where the neck binding meets the neck. (Along the length of the neck)
Danielle
"jaz" <j...@jackzucker.com> wrote in message
news:1166745963.2...@i12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
jaz
jaz
it's extremely satisfying to play. Not sure it sounds exactly like an
L5 but definitely has the vibe. It also sounds like a '60s instrument
which is something I haven't heard from many modern archtops - Even
some boutique ones.
Construction and quality are excellent.
I'll post more later.
Jaz
Max Leggett
The small body and carved top intrigue me greatly. What's the price
like? Those Eastmans are really competitive.
-------------------------------------------------------
Is it not strange that sheep's guts should hale
souls out of men's bodies?
Willie 'The Lion' Shakespeare
-------------------------------------------------------
jaz
> The small body and carved top intrigue me greatly. What's the price
> like? Those Eastmans are really competitive.
street price is $1999. I got mine for less because it has a chip in the
finish.
Max Leggett
That's always nice - I got a break on my Sadowsky because there was a
minor chip that no one would see. But even 1999 sounds like a good
price.
Kevin Van Sant
message <1166818782....@a3g2000cwd.googlegroups.com> :
>Got the 803. It sounds VERY VERY good. Not ready to say great yet but
>it's extremely satisfying to play. Not sure it sounds exactly like an
>L5 but definitely has the vibe. It also sounds like a '60s instrument
>which is something I haven't heard from many modern archtops - Even
>some boutique ones.
I'd say not from most boutique ones. They tend to be molded more to
an acoustic sound. I've liked the few eastmans I've played, though
they've all sounded a little thin to me, particularly at gig volume
level.
_________________________________________
Kevin Van Sant
http://www.kevinvansant.com
CDs, videos, mp3s, gigs, pics, lessons, info.
andy...@gmail.com
I wanted an acoustic guitar. Period. It sounds great plugged in, but
I wouldn't care if it didn't. I have a plywood box that is very hard
to beat plugged in, and these acoustic boxes aren't made for any loud
playing anyway. The Eastman I got is absolutely splendid. And if it
sounded like an L5, I would have returned it (not a knock to the sound
of an L5 -- it's just that I already have a guitar that sounds like an
L5). It is just so nice to have a beautiful sounding guitar that I
don't have to plug in to something.
jaz
> I'd say not from most boutique ones. They tend to be molded more to
> an acoustic sound. I've liked the few eastmans I've played, though
> they've all sounded a little thin to me, particularly at gig volume
> level.
Not this one. It ain't thin at all.
jaz
pattern 2 set in pickups, etc. I love the sound of the 805 and 810 but
I'm not crazy about many of the floating pickups I've heard though I
still like the original gibson mini humbuckers like the johnny smith
had. I don't care for the modern boutique floating pickups I've heard.
invisaman75
from the 2004 NAMM except that it is a 16 inch apposed to a 15 inch.
jaz
invisaman75 wrote:
> The 803 is nice! It looks exactly like the Pisano Prototype I bought
> from the 2004 NAMM except that it is a 16 inch apposed to a 15 inch.
It's available in 15" or 16".
Great stuff. I'm really loving it. I think it has a sweeter top end
than the L5 Wes or the Heritage Eagle I had recently. That may be due
to the Kent Armstrong pickups which have the warmth of a PAF but a
little more open top end.
This quality for $1500 is pretty ridiculous. If Eastman can get a full
lineup and get some PR and better marketing going they're going to give
Gibson and Fender a run for their money.
Bob
I remember you owning and selling a John Pisano model. How does this guitar
differ?
Bob
jaz
tom walls
jaz wrote:
>
> This quality for $1500 is pretty ridiculous. If Eastman can get a full
> lineup and get some PR and better marketing going they're going to give
> Gibson and Fender a run for their money.
Your lips to god's ear.
Bob
>I didn't play it. I was just selling it for a friend.
This is one of your past posts. It ended up in a flame war based on your
description of the Pisano sound. You said it sounded like an L-5 what
gives??
7 From: Jack Zucker - view profile
Date: Tues, Feb 28 2006 9:17 am
Email: "Jack Zucker" <j...@jackzucker.com>
Groups: rec.music.makers.guitar.jazz
Not yet ratedRating:
show options
Reply | Reply to Author | Forward | Print | Individual Message | Show
original | Report Abuse | Find messages by this author
Mark,
I played a bunch of eastman's last summer at washington music, some
right out of the shipping box and they all played great and were very
consistent.
I think they may have had some issues with the original run. Pisano is
a personal friend of mine and had told me that part of the deal with
him putting his name on the guitars was that they needed to maintain
consistency with his namesake guitar since his reputation was on the
line. He wouldn't have signed with them otherwise.
jaz
805 and 810 models. The one I brokered for a friend I didn't personally
play but heard direct, undoctored recordings of it and it very much
captured the L5 vibe just as mine does.
jaz
jazzgeetar
ebayer:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=019&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=290065581512&rd=1&rd=1
Mine is this same model and finish, great guitar.
jaz
Thanks. I noticed the guy changed his ID a few years ago. Wonder why???
Danielle E
I see a lot of comments regarding the Eastman 803.
However, it's not clear to me if the comments apply to both the acoustic
sound or the sound plugged in played through an amplifier.
I love my AR805CE. I find playing it at home, I rarely plug it in. I
usually just play out at open mikes where you plug into a PA. I find I
usually do not have too much trouble adjusting.
However recently I was working on "Oh, Lady Be Good" where at home I was
really attacking the instrument (rhythm) where I could really hear and bring
out the acoustic dynamic properties of the instrument. (essentially bass
note with a choppy strum for the most part).
This worked at home acoustically, but plugged into a PA I quickly found the
bass to be overwhelming.
I recall some one posting often on one of the Eastman forums indicating for
the swing playing he does the best approach he found was to use the
instrument acoustically and mike with a rode nt1. I gather most people here
play their archtops plugged in most of the time. At the same time I wonder
how many people set up to really bring out the acoustic properties
(especially dynamics) of the instrument.
I want another Eastman can't decide between the 15" / 16" lower bout or 803
/ Thinline.
Danielle
Derek
I am seriously considering an Eastman for solo guitar work. I can't
decide on the floater or set humbucker. How much does yours feedback
Danielle? Is that ever a problem for you? Do you ever play it in an
ensemble setting?
jaz
To Danielle: I haven't tried them personally but I've heard the the 146
series sounds VERY similar to the 803 even though they are thinner.
Personally, I'd opt for the 16" if you want a bigger sound. The smaller
the body, the less feedback and the smaller the sound.
To Derek:
For rhythm guitar playing go with the floating pickup setup and take
Danielle's suggestion of mic'ing for big band stuff. For electric, I
think the set pickups sound better. Floating pickups sound great for
solo guitar but I was not impressed with the floating pickups I've
heard recently on eastman or heritage guitars though I do like the
gibson mini floater...
jazzgeetar
is looking for one. Mine I bought happily from Jeff Hale.
Vince
> solo guitar but I was not impressed with the floating pickups I've
> heard recently on eastman or heritage guitars though I do like the
> gibson mini floater...
>
Jaz:
Did you try the Heritage HRW - the one that sits on the top? I have been
impressed with it.
Vince
Danielle E
Derek
I have only played mine at coffee house / open mike volumes. As the host
has to set up for a lot of people playing flat top guitars, the AR805CE does
not seem to present a problem in that environment. It is room where
feedback does seem to be a problem at times. The performers are set up
right in front of the big store front glass windows.
You will notice Jonathan Stout playing an Eastman miked with his swing group
on the front page of his web site. I know he has been a frequent poster on
the Eastman forums in the past. http://www.campusfive.com/main.html
A few people have said if you want to hear an Eastman at their acoustic best
you have try putting on a set of acoustic bronze strings. (I have not yet
tried that yet.)
Danielle
"Derek" <de...@ycoaoffice.com> wrote in message
news:1167237538....@42g2000cwt.googlegroups.com...
Danielle E
got in in archback jumbo. She says I have to stop by and hear it some time.
(Not sure which specific version is there)
Danielle
"jaz" <j...@jackzucker.com> wrote in message
news:1167238204.2...@48g2000cwx.googlegroups.com...
jaz
Those are nice but a little "twangy". Voiced almost for rockabilly but
sound good for jazz too. That's technically not a floater since the
body has to be cut out. It's really just a standard humbucker with the
mounting ring offset by washers.
jaz
> A few people have said if you want to hear an Eastman at their acoustic best
> you have try putting on a set of acoustic bronze strings. (I have not yet
> tried that yet.)
I could see that. As I've said before, the eastman is the only new
guitar I've played other than the Comins that souned like a '60s
guitar. I'm sure there are others (like the sadowsky) that I haven't
played.
Incidentally, that doesn't mean they others don't sound good either. I
get a great jazz sound out of my Suhr Tele semi hollow with a neck
humbucker. Soloway swan certainly doesn't sound traditional but gets a
great jazz tone. However, neither of those 2 guitars gets a '60s jazz
guitar vibe. They're more modern...
Danielle E
They are supposed to give you qualities of both worlds.
They definitely give a tone that I would describe as warmer. The set with12
on top seemed to feel a little stiff to me after a while and the set with 11
on top seems lose too much of the lower mid range response.
For this guitar I would say the D'addario XL jazz light set with 12 on top
is my previous reference.
Danielle
"jaz" <j...@jackzucker.com> wrote in message
news:1167240090.6...@n51g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
jaz
Danielle E wrote:
> For this guitar I would say the D'addario XL jazz light set with 12 on top
> is my previous reference.
That's what I'm using on my 803 but I'm tempted to put a set of my .012
chromes on it. :)
Danielle E
If you were making physical comfort while playing standing up, (with focus
on the right shoulder & forearm resting over the body) which Eastman model
lower bout dimension would you go for? (Based on previous threads I get the
impression you have played a wide variety of shapes body sizes)
Danielle
"jaz" <j...@jackzucker.com> wrote in message
news:1167238204.2...@48g2000cwx.googlegroups.com...
jaz
Danielle E wrote:
> Jack
>
> If you were making physical comfort while playing standing up, (with focus
> on the right shoulder & forearm resting over the body) which Eastman model
> lower bout dimension would you go for? (Based on previous threads I get the
> impression you have played a wide variety of shapes body sizes)
>
> Danielle
How tall are you? I'm 5'7 and the 16" body is and 2.75" depth is the
slightest bit too big for me. I'd be more comfortable with either the
15" body or the 16" body but thinner depth (ala the 146 model). I kind
of wish I had played one of those first.
It's much more comfortable than the Ibanez GB-200 I had for a while.
That was just too big for me. However, I think you can get used to
anything but for me, switching between my Tele and the 803 is kind of a
chore.
Danielle E
Jack
I am 5'-10". At times I wonder if the depth of the AR805CE is more than I
can comfortably handle. Although less deep than a Dreadnought it still has
considerable depth. My shoulder tends to be a problem at times.
(I have resigned myself to the fact that I can no longer comfortably play a
a dreadnought. I keep my D18 for friends / guests to play.)
I have not owned a solid body guitar in many years.
Danielle
"jaz" <j...@jackzucker.com> wrote in message
news:1167245806.8...@73g2000cwn.googlegroups.com...
oasysco
> http://www.jackzucker.com/images/803front.jpg
> http://www.jackzucker.com/images/803back.jpg
Very nice, Jack! I'll just give you my CC now for you to send it to me
when you're ready :)-
Greg
jaz
Danielle E wrote:
> Jack
>
>
> I am 5'-10". At times I wonder if the depth of the AR805CE is more than I
> can comfortably handle. Although less deep than a Dreadnought it still has
> considerable depth. My shoulder tends to be a problem at times.
So...The 803 is thinner than the 805 but not by much. Have you looked
into the 146? Maybe a 16" 146 would work for you? I'd love to try the
15" 803 (mine is a 16") .
Max Leggett
<danie...@reply.to.group.com> wrote:
>
>Jack
>
>
>I am 5'-10". At times I wonder if the depth of the AR805CE is more than I
>can comfortably handle. Although less deep than a Dreadnought it still has
>considerable depth. My shoulder tends to be a problem at times.
One of the things that's so nice about the Sadowsky JB is that it is
so comfortable and manageable. It's a 14.75" body, 2.75" thick with a
24.75" scale and it just feels so right. The comfort level, and no
stretching, makes everything that much more manageable. I'm 5'9", and
a 17" archtop is certainly playable, but my hands don't lie
effortlessly right as they do on the JB. We tend toward larger bodied
guitars as they're associated with bigger and better tone, but there's
nothing lacking in the tone of the JB. It's not size of bull, but how
bull run. I had major problems from hunching up my right shoulder over
a 17" body and ducking my left shoulder down to get my left hand
aligned.
-------------------------------------------------------
Is it not strange that sheep's guts should hale
souls out of men's bodies?
Willie 'The Lion' Shakespeare
-------------------------------------------------------
Danielle E
I did play a 146 briefly while sitting down. I was surprised the string set
had an unwound 3rd on it. Although it maintained a lot of the Eastman
guitar sound and the body depth seemed to limit volume. I had the dual
pickups. Except for quiet solo practice at home I think you would want to
use an amp with that one.
If you were playing in someone's living room other stringed instrument
players (eg fiddle, banjo, flat top guitar) do you think the 803 16" could
put out the required volume? (No one using amplification).
Danielle
"jaz" <j...@jackzucker.com> wrote in message
news:1167251502.3...@73g2000cwn.googlegroups.com...
Derek
I'm 6'6", so the bigger size doesn't scare me off. However, I am
scheduled for shoulder surgery in a couple of weeks and am uncertain
about how that will turn out, so I am waiting probably until March
before I pull the trigger. I am very interested in the Jim Hall
Sadowsky, but will probably end up with the 17" Eastman. Have played a
number of floaters but no set pups.
I have a 72 ES 175 that I really like for ensemble stuff, but it just
doesn't have that open, woody tone (maybe it's me) that I would like
for solo guitar. The 805 and 810 seems to get that sound in spades.
jaz
Danielle E
I have played Jim Hall and Jimmy Bruno models on separate occasions. I
found I liked the necks on both of them.
I have to agree the with you on the Jimmy Bruno. It was nice. And a 16"
Eastman seemed gargantuan in size after spending 20 minutes with the JB
guitar. (Still not sure if I want to have a guitar with a 24 3/4 scale in
my collection and the JB seems likes an expensive experiment)
It seems when you spot one in a store you have to decide quickly. They do
not seem to stay there for very long.
Danielle
"Max Leggett" <kidk...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:4592d03d.51810429@shawnews...
jaz
> I did play a 146 briefly while sitting down. I was surprised the string set
> had an unwound 3rd on it. Although it maintained a lot of the Eastman
> guitar sound and the body depth seemed to limit volume. I had the dual
> pickups. Except for quiet solo practice at home I think you would want to
> use an amp with that one.
Eastman lets the dealers do final setup so someone probably put that
plain 3rd on there.
> If you were playing in someone's living room other stringed instrument
> players (eg fiddle, banjo, flat top guitar) do you think the 803 16" could
> put out the required volume? (No one using amplification).
No, the 803 wouldn't work in that situation. At least not the 2 pickup
model. The 1 pickup version might be slightly louder. You can also do
custom orders so you could probably get one with no pickup and have the
dealer do an aftermarket install of a johnny smith style pickup.
jaz
> I have to agree the with you on the Jimmy Bruno. It was nice. And a 16"
> Eastman seemed gargantuan in size after spending 20 minutes with the JB
> guitar. (Still not sure if I want to have a guitar with a 24 3/4 scale in
> my collection and the JB seems likes an expensive experiment)
I've heard the JB guitar from a few feet away and it's a great sounding
instrument. I've looked into getting a Jim Hall guitar but it's a
little more than I want to spend. Maybe I'll find a used one somewhere.
I'm also interested in the semi-hollow that Sadowsky is making. Looks
very sweet. (http://www.sadowsky.com/guitars/semi_hollow.html)
Regarding the 24.75" scale, the eastman is only a 1/4" longer and to me
it's not noticable going back and forth between the 2 scales.
The eastman is an entirely different beast than the JH or JB sadowsky
guitars. Totally different personalities.
jimmyb
alot
hotguitar
floating neck and a floating pickup.
It is simply an awsome, AWESOME sounding guitar. I love it. I used to
have an L5, an ES165, etc. and there is just no comparison.
You will love your new guitar.
Bill
jaz wrote:
> The ones I played at Washington Music were not Pisano models. They were
> 805 and 810 models. The one I brokered for a friend I didn't personally
> play but heard direct, undoctored recordings of it and it very much
> captured the L5 vibe just as mine does.
>
> Bob wrote:
> > "jaz" <j...@jackzucker.com> wrote in message
> > news:1166882081.5...@79g2000cws.googlegroups.com...
> > >I didn't play it. I was just selling it for a friend.
> > Jazz,
> > This is one of your past posts. It ended up in a flame war based on your
> > description of the Pisano sound. You said it sounded like an L-5 what
> > gives??
> >
> > 7 From: Jack Zucker - view profile
> > Date: Tues, Feb 28 2006 9:17 am
> > Email: "Jack Zucker" <j...@jackzucker.com>
> > Groups: rec.music.makers.guitar.jazz
> > Not yet ratedRating:
> > show options
> > Reply | Reply to Author | Forward | Print | Individual Message | Show
> > original | Report Abuse | Find messages by this author
> >
> >
> > Mark,
> >
> > I played a bunch of eastman's last summer at washington music, some
> > right out of the shipping box and they all played great and were very
> > consistent.
> >
> >
> > I think they may have had some issues with the original run. Pisano is
> > a personal friend of mine and had told me that part of the deal with
> > him putting his name on the guitars was that they needed to maintain
> > consistency with his namesake guitar since his reputation was on the
> > line. He wouldn't have signed with them otherwise.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > >
> > > Bob wrote:
> > >> Jazz,
> > >> I remember you owning and selling a John Pisano model. How does this
> > >> guitar
> > >> differ?
> > >> Bob
> > >> >
> > >> > It's available in 15" or 16".
> > >> >
> > >> > Great stuff. I'm really loving it. I think it has a sweeter top end
> > >> > than the L5 Wes or the Heritage Eagle I had recently. That may be due
> > >> > to the Kent Armstrong pickups which have the warmth of a PAF but a
> > >> > little more open top end.
> > >> >
> > >> > This quality for $1500 is pretty ridiculous. If Eastman can get a full
> > >> > lineup and get some PR and better marketing going they're going to give
> > >> > Gibson and Fender a run for their money.
> > >> >
> > >
jaz
jimmyb wrote:
> jaz, I have that semi hollow too. It is a great, great box. I play it
> alot
That's cool. How close does it sound to your namesake guitar? Do you
have it strung up with flats or lighter strings?
jimmyb
guitars. I can play it very, very loud with no feedback or change in
tone.
Mac
A while back you posted about your top 5 archtops over the past 15
years. They included the Heritage Eagle, Gibson Wes and 165, and Ibanez
GB 5 and 200. Very interested to know where you'd slot the Eastman 803.
Thanks.
Mac
jaz
> Hey Jaz.
>
> A while back you posted about your top 5 archtops over the past 15
> years. They included the Heritage Eagle, Gibson Wes and 165, and Ibanez
> GB 5 and 200. Very interested to know where you'd slot the Eastman 803.
Here's the original order:
1) Heritage Eagle
2) mid '90s Gibson Wes Montgomery
3) Ibanez GB-5
4) Ibanez GB-200
I think the 165 should have been in that list too.
Here's my updated list.
1) mid '90s Gibson Wes Montgomery
2) Eastman 803
3) Heritage Eagle
4) late '90s Gibson ES-165
5) Ibanez GB-5
6) Ibanez GB-200
The Gibson Wes wins out over the eastman because the finishing details
are better, the woods were more striking, etc. Tonally I'd rank them
even, maybe even giving a nod to the eastman in terms of tonal variety.
I find that when I play with my bare fingers/thumb I like to add just a
little bridge pickup into the mix which wasn't a possibility on the
single pickup Wes. I also like the neck angle on the Eastman, making it
very easy to play compared to the L5.
I'm moving the Heritage down only because the neck was so thin. I think
it had to be a custom order because I had never played one with such a
slim neck. I didn't measure it but it probably was 1 5/8 wide.
Jaz