|
I've played a few Eastmans in guitar shops over the past few years... thought they were nice, but I'm a snob - having a bunch of high end Martins, Gibson Custom Shop, and Fender Custom Shop guitars.
But, I wanted a 'jazz box', despite not being a true jazz player. I've played and enjoyed AR371 and AR372 before, and always liked a GOOD es-175 (but there are many bad ones).
Found a near mint AR371-CE sunburst on Reverb at a ridiculous low price. It arrived here a week later, safely surviving UPS. I wanted the 371 - I didn't wanted a bridge pickup, so I could avoid slipping into my habit of making every guitar sound like a Telecaster.
Certificate of Authenticity says it was built October 2015, that's four years ago. Condition is at least 9/10 - it could pass for new. My thinking is that a few years of aging increases the likelihood of stability.
Final verdict - GREAT guitar! Sounds great playing jazzy stuff at home, sounded great on stage playing blues (not quietly). So far, I love this thing.
My first Eastman, but it might not be my last. Maybe a carved archtop, a semi-hollow, an OM or OO, or all of these ? 
-robert
|