As promised, here are a few pics.
This guitar is definitely a keeper! She has the bark, clarity and snap one would expect from an archtop. However, she has more acoustic presence, harmonic depth and a good bit more sustain than many I've tried (including pricey examples). She's as loud as my custom flattops w/ lots of headroom...overall an aggressive axe with a sensitive side. It came with a nice hardshell case, as well.
I had a nice Godin 5th Ave a number of years ago (bought it used and nicely set up). This Eastman has everything I liked about the Godin and so much more. Same level of acoustic presence, but more refined and resonant.
I have to say this guitar has much more depth and nuance to its voice than ANYTHING I played recently in the $500-$800 range. The playability is far superior, as well.
I'm a happy camper...
EDIT: The neck profile is very functional...sort of a medium D or C with a 1 3/4" nut. Feels very natural to me as a flattop player. Definitely not a baseball bat, not a crazy vintage V, nor a low profile shredder (Eddie Van Archtop?).
This guitar is definitely going to have me brushing up on my flatpicking. Love the picking *snap* of this guitar! I've been concentrating on flattop fingerstyle (so much to learn!) for several years.
I have to put in a plug for Django Books and Michael Horowitz...great guy with whom to do business. He has a lot of knowledge and experience to share, and is very helpful. I called him a few months back thinking about a Gypsy Jazz guitar, but after he gave me the ins and outs of of both GJs and Archtops, I decided an archtop was a better fit. He put no pressure on me, let me take my time. I finally pulled the trigger and feel good about it.
