NGD- Eastman El Ray O.E.

[jmcc]

Just bought this- tried it through a fishman amp and the tone is sweet!

Solid spruce top- solid mahogony b/s.

I have only owned flattops, so this is a new adventure for me.

The pic doesn't do it justice...

[Dru Edwards]

Congrats. Is the pic a little distorted or is that the actual body shape/size?

[marty bradbury]

very nice, would love to see some more pics!!

[jacothedog]

How does it sound unplugged?

I love the look.

[jmcc]

It sounds a little boxy unplugged, because of the small body size- it is 14" at the lower bout, and quite thin. However, plugged in it sounds fantastic. And SO comfortable to hold/play. This is the first archtop I have ever owned.

I loved it through the Fishman amp at the music store, but through my PA I liked it even more. It has an active Fishman pickup, with a tone and volume knob inside the soundhole. Through a pre-amp and a DI I could get a really nice acoustic tone, with a little OD sounded nice too.

Gotoh tuners, ebony fretboard, maple binding- cool looking guitar. The fit and finish are not perfect, but for what I paid frankly I can't expect boutique quality. Mainly you can see the seams of the binding and it is a tad messy inside, but nothing to affect the playability or reliability of the instrument.

For reference, I own an Eastman AC522, several Taylors and several Martins. I have owned Paragons and Bourgeous.

I am a horrendous photographer...

[michaelnel]

Very nice, definitely thinking outside the box with that one!

[jpbat]

May I ask where did you find it, and at what price ? (PM me if necessary)
I always found this guitar *very* interesting, but it seems discontinued.