Eastman AR805CE

$2,959.00 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated Jun 29, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 29, 2026.

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4.0 (7)

$2,959.00 6 available New

$1,500.00 4 available Used

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Average Price: $2,230

Standard/Professional

$999

$2500+

Price Tier

In the Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Eastman AR805CE is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Designed for the discerning jazz guitarist, the Eastman AR805CE is a standout in the realm of hollowbody electric guitars. Crafted by Eastman’s skilled luthiers, this guitar boasts a hand-carved spruce top and a maple back and sides, delivering a rich, resonant tone that is perfect for warm, mellow jazz lines or intricate fingerstyle playing. The AR805CE’s traditional single-cutaway design not only offers easy access to the upper frets but also enhances its classic aesthetic appeal.

Equipped with a single floating humbucker, this guitar provides a clean, articulate sound that captures every nuance of your playing. The ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability, while the adjustable ebony bridge allows for precise intonation. The guitar’s vintage-inspired aesthetics are complemented by its gold hardware and elegant binding, making it as visually striking as it is sonically impressive.

Whether you’re playing in a small club or recording in the studio, the Eastman AR805CE offers versatility and reliability that you can depend on. Its meticulously crafted features ensure that your playing experience is nothing short of exceptional.

Key Features:

Hand-carved spruce top with maple back and sides
Single floating humbucker for articulate sound
Ebony fingerboard with smooth playability
Adjustable ebony bridge for precise intonation
Gold hardware and elegant binding for a vintage look
Traditional single-cutaway design for easy upper fret access

Product specs

Brand	Eastman
Model	AR805CE, AR805CE-SB
Year	2010 - 2025
Made In	China
Categories	Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material	Maple
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Brown, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Fretboard Radius	12"
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
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 wood is used for the Eastman AR805CE's body?: The Eastman AR805CE features a body made from solid maple for the back and sides, with a solid spruce top, providing a rich, resonant tone ideal for jazz and blues.
How does the Eastman AR805CE compare in weight to other hollow body guitars?: The Eastman AR805CE weighs approximately 5 lbs 6.6 oz, making it relatively lightweight and comfortable for extended playing sessions compared to many other hollow body guitars.
What kind of pickup does the Eastman AR805CE have?: The Eastman AR805CE is equipped with a single humbucker pickup, which delivers a warm, full-bodied sound suitable for jazz and other genres requiring a smooth tone.
Is the Eastman AR805CE suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Eastman AR805CE's combination of its hollow body design and humbucker pickup makes it well-suited for live performances, especially in jazz and blues settings, where its resonant tone and volume can be fully appreciated.
What is the fretboard material on the Eastman AR805CE?: The Eastman AR805CE features an ebony fretboard, known for its smooth feel and durability, contributing to the guitar's high-quality playability and tonal clarity.

Videos

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soundpurestudios

Eastman AR805CE Sunburst Archtop Guitar with Guest Jazz Guitarist Nate Huvard

soundpurestudios

Eastman AR805CE | Archtop Guitar Review

The Acoustic Shoppe

Why the Eastman AR805CE is the Perfect Jazz Guitar for All Skill Levels

Rich Severson

Eastman AR805CE Archtop - In-Depth Look!

N Stuff Music

Eastman ar805ce with Rich Severson circa 2010

Rich Severson

Eastman AR805CE Uptown Archtop

DjangoBooks

TONE CHECK: Eastman AR805CE Archtop Guitar Demo | Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent acoustic and electric balance, providing versatile sound for various playing styles
Kent Armstrong floating pickup offers a perfect jazz tone when amplified
Hand-carved solid maple and spruce construction enhances resonance and sustain
Lightweight design makes it easy to handle and play for extended periods
Beautiful "Violin Burst" finish and stunning craftsmanship impress visually
Responsive to touch, with low action and no string buzzing for smooth playability
Great value for money, competitive with more expensive jazz guitars
Slim neck and 1 3/4" nut width accommodate both flat pick and fingerpicking
Ideal for high-end tone seekers on a budget

CONS

Some models may have minor dings or scratches due to thin-skinned finish
Occasional issues with glued pickguard detachment causing buzzing
Musty or smoky odor reported upon initial unboxing by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Eastman AR805CE.

Features and functionality

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The Truetone Gloss finish is praised for feeling and even smelling like nitro, despite its poly nature, suggesting an innovative approach to finish application.
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The Lollar Imperial pickups are praised for delivering a high-end chime and traditional jazz sound, distinguishing them from darker tones of other pickups like those in the Gibson ES-275.
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Value and pricing

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This model can often be found around the $1,000 range, offering high value given its craftsmanship and finish quality.
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Prices on platforms like Sweetwater have increased by about $100 recently, suggesting a good time to purchase before further rises.
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Build quality

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The environmentally-friendly Truetone Gloss finish is noted for its thin, flexible, and breathable properties, aligning with high-end finish expectations.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners note that switching to Thomastik flat wound strings required adjustments for gauge changes, enhancing the guitar's playability and acoustic brightness.
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A reproduction pickguard with a floating pickup can be installed without altering the original guitar, preserving vintage value.
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Comparisons

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The Eastman AR805CE is frequently compared to high-end brands like Collings and Gibson Custom Shop, with owners believing it competes in craftsmanship and tonal quality.
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The AR805CE is perceived as thin sounding compared to vintage models like the Epiphone Triumph.
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Use cases and applications

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This model excels in traditional jazz, Bossa nova, and tango jazz, often preferred over other archtops for its resonant, snappy acoustic sound.
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The AR805CE is favored for professional gigging over the Epiphone, due to its built-in electronics.
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User experience

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Some users report the AR805CE as a "forever" guitar in their collection, highlighting its top-notch craftsmanship and preferred use over other models.
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Switching to TI Jazz Flats strings is popular among AR805CE owners, enhancing jazz playability.
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Mods and upgrades

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Consider installing a DeArmond FH-C "Guitar Mike" pickup for vintage tone without permanent modifications.
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Artist usage

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George Benson

Singer, Guitarist

The George Benson Quartet

Verified via reverb.com

Color/Finish: Sunburst

George Benson is confirmed to own an Eastman AR805CE-SB, which was given to him backstage at a show in Los Angeles. The instrument's serial number is 10455930, as documented on Reverb.com.