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Average Price: $1,515

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Description

The Eastman AR503CE Archtop Single Cutaway is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and timeless design, specifically crafted for jazz enthusiasts and vintage guitar lovers alike. This hollowbody electric guitar captures the essence of classic archtops with its traditional build and modern playability. The hand-carved solid spruce top paired with laminated flamed maple back and sides ensures a resonant, rich tone that is both warm and articulate. This combination of high-quality tonewoods not only enhances the sound but also contributes to the guitar's striking visual appeal.

Equipped with a Kent Armstrong humbucker pickup, the AR503CE delivers a clear, well-rounded sound that is versatile enough for various styles, from smooth jazz to vibrant blues. The single cutaway design offers easy access to the upper frets, making it perfect for intricate solos and complex chord progressions. The guitar features a traditional ebony fingerboard, adding to the overall smooth playing experience while ensuring durability.

The AR503CE also boasts a lovely Venetian cutaway and a beautiful gloss finish that pays homage to vintage aesthetics. Its classic design is complemented by modern hardware, ensuring reliability and top-notch performance for any gig or studio session. For those who appreciate the blend of tradition and innovation, this guitar is a compelling choice.

Key Features:

  • Hand-carved solid spruce top
  • Laminated flamed maple back and sides
  • Kent Armstrong humbucker pickup
  • Ebony fingerboard
  • Single cutaway design
  • Venetian cutaway with a gloss finish

Product specs

Brand Eastman
Model AR503CE Archtop Single Cutaway
Year 2010 - 2025
Made In China
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Fretboard Radius 12"
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Eastman AR503CE Archtop best suited for?

The Eastman AR503CE Archtop is ideal for jazz and blues, thanks to its warm, resonant tone and hollow body design. Its single humbucker pickup provides a rich, smooth sound that complements these genres well.

How does the single cutaway design of the Eastman AR503CE affect playability?

The single cutaway design of the Eastman AR503CE allows for easier access to higher frets, enhancing playability for solos and complex chord progressions.

What is the neck profile like on the Eastman AR503CE Archtop?

The Eastman AR503CE features a comfortable set-neck construction with a traditional C-shaped profile, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Does the Eastman AR503CE Archtop come with a case?

Yes, the Eastman AR503CE Archtop typically comes with a hardshell case, offering protection and easy transport for the instrument.

What kind of pickup is used in the Eastman AR503CE Archtop?

The Eastman AR503CE Archtop is equipped with a single humbucker pickup, delivering a warm, full-bodied tone that is perfect for jazz and blues styles.

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Eastman AR 503 CE

Video thumbnail for Eastman AR 503 CE by Bernunzio Uptown Music

Eastman AR 503 CE

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Video thumbnail for Eastman AR503ce by Bernunzio Uptown Music

Eastman AR503ce

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Carved solid spruce top offers exceptional tonal clarity and resonance

  • Seth Lover humbucker provides rich, versatile jazz tones

  • Combines acoustic and amplified sound seamlessly

  • Excellent fit and finish with a classic, tasteful aesthetic

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended play

  • Ebony fingerboard enhances playability and feel

  • Competitive price compared to high-end alternatives

  • Responsive and lively, ideal for jazz ensembles

  • Wider nut width supports fingerstyle playing

  • Solid craftsmanship that impresses even seasoned musicians

CONS

  • Factory tuners are mediocre in both look and function

  • Intonation may require adjustment for optimal sound

  • Factory volume/tone knobs are considered unattractive by some

  • Binding and f-hole finish could be improved

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Eastman AR503CE Archtop Single Cutaway.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have replaced the stock pickup with a Benedetto A6 for improved tone.

    Source
  • Some users swapped out plastic pot knobs for ebony knobs, enhancing both look and feel.

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  • An ebony compensated bridge from Stew-Mac is a recommended upgrade for better intonation.

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Features and functionality

  • The Eastman AR503CE is praised for its solid carved top and quality hardware, contributing to its strong performance in jazz styles.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to guitars like the D'Angelico EXL-1, the Eastman AR503CE holds its own, often preferred by players for its build quality and sound.

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  • The Eastman AR503CE is compared to the Eastman AR403CE, with one user leaning towards the 403 for its size and aesthetics, though both models are praised.

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  • The Eastman AR503CE and similar models are suggested as alternatives to higher-priced options like the Ibanez GB10, offering solid build at a lower cost.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Eastman AR503CE is highlighted for its suitability in jazz, with a user mentioning the T64 model for achieving classic jazz tones.

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User experience

  • A player noted the Eastman AR503CE's build quality as solid and visually appealing, enhancing their short experience with the guitar.

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Value and pricing

  • An owner chose an Eastman archtop over a GB10 due to price, saving approximately $1,000, highlighting Eastman's value proposition.

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