Eastman AJ-817 Arched Back Flat Top (2005)

This is a rather unusual guitar. It is a flattop (spruce) but the back is hand carved, arched, highly flamed, book-matched maple. The maple is reminiscent of prewar top of the line arch tops. The sides are also highly flamed book-matched maple. The neck is also maple. The bridge and fingerboard are rosewood. The back, sides and neck have a beautiful reddish-brown stain. The entire guitar has a gloss finish, including the neck and ebony faceplate.

The guitar sounds quite different from a flat top. The sound is somewhat airy, a bit like an Archtop sound. Yet, it has the unmistakable sound of a jumbo maple flat top guitar- bold and full. Dimensions: 17” lower bout; body depth: 3 ¾”-4 ¾”; nut: 1 ¾; scale ~ 25.5”.

Abalone rosette and fingerboard dots. Ivroid bound fingerboard and headstock. The body edges have multiple black-white purling and ivroid bindings. Sealed gold machines, with the body being shaped like Grover Rotomatic® but the buttons being like the Grover Imperials® of years ago.

This model is not currently being made.

Factory molded hardshell case with cabernet lining.

The list price in 2005 was $1795. Special price now is $1149

$1149.00

Click thumbnails for larger image