For Sale: Eastman FV680CE Frank Vignola Signature Archtop Guitar - $2,395

[delmastro]

Eastman FV680-CE Frank Vignola Signature Archtop Guitar

Purchased new in 2023 from authorized Eastman dealer, Guitars 'n Jazz in NJ. This FV680 has a particularly tight-grained spruce top and nicely figured book-matched mahogany back. Rarely played, condition is excellent, plastic still on the pickup. Setup by master luthier Jim Millinchuck for a comfortably low action. Strong acoustic response, especially considering the 15" lower bout. $2395 net, no trades. More photos here: https://nh.craigslist.org/msg/d/keen...668392769.html

[Mark L]

I have one of these, and it is an excellent unique instrument.

There are often people on agf who are steel string flat top players wanting to try an archtop or electric guitar. While I usually recommend a Tele or Gretsch 6120, I think this FV Eastman is actually as good or even better as a choice.

There’s a great acoustic voice and feel, and a definite “archtop” sound that a flat top player can manage to create with fairly easily.

The guitar is well suited to both flatpick and fingerstyle.

It’s a very well built and finished instrument, based closely on (licensed to Eastman) the Thorell FV archtop, which iirc is in the $9-10k range if you can find one.

I could easily pen a similar general review of the Eastman Buscarino based nylon crossover…..just for qualitative context.

In any case, I have no affiliation with the seller here, or Eastman guitars. Just looking to give this one its due and perhaps clue in someone who is on the hunt.

GLWS.

[upsidedown]

More pictures please.

[delmastro]

Thank you for your endorsement, Mark L - very kind of you to take the time.

I have added a link to the local ad which has many more photos.

[tbeltrans]

These guitars are very comfortable to play with their smaller body and they set up for very easy play. I have the FV-880CE and, though I am going completely carbon fiber with my acoustic "flat top" guitars and have a carbon fiber Emerald Kestrel archtop, the Eastman stays because it is that good. The Kestrel is too, but it is quite a bit more than the guitar being offered here. I play solo chord melody and much prefer an archtop that makes it as easy as possible to move from chord to chord to create a good flow and the Eastman does that very well.

Somebody will be getting an excellent example of archtop at a good price.

Tony

[delmastro]

Tony, thank you for your endorsement!

This is indeed a uniquely comfortable design and quite the bargain in the archtop world.

[delmastro]

This is essentially a brand new guitar. To my shame I must admit to only playing it a few times - it has been out of the case for less than two hours.

[delmastro]

Accordingly, "excellent condition" is very conservative - there are no dings, dents, scratches, chips, or other blemishes...

[delmastro]

bumpin' up

[Wade Hampton]

Delmastro, both your ad here and the one on Craigslist mention that it has a bookmatched back, but there’s no mention of what the wood of the back actually is. Is it maple?


Wade Hampton Miller

[Jsparr1983]

If it’s true to form a 660 should be hog

[Mark L]

The 660 spec is mahogany. The 880 is maple.

[Wade Hampton]

Thanks. In the Craigslist ad photos the back looks like mahogany, but I wasn’t certain.


whm

[delmastro]

Thank you for the question and answers, will edit the ad to clarify. I mention that the back on this FV680CE is book-matched as they are not always thus.

[Jsparr1983]

For what it’s worth I would add that I believe Franks actual Thorell custom that this is modeled off was mahogany. Making the 660 more genuine in my opinion.