Eastman AR580CE, honeyburst finish, made in China 2014. Eastman started in the early 1990s as boutique violin and cello builders out of Beijing. They build guitars by hand using time honoured, labour intensive processes using some incredible timber. This slightly slimline take on the jazzbox genre is built and finished to an eye-wateringly high standard... the maple binding around the fretboard alone must take so many hours. The super thin gloss nitro finish is classy too, this is real testament to Eastman's stellar craftsmanship. The body is a whisker smaller in both depth and width to a standard Gibson style arch top, which paired with a slim rounded neck makes for a comfy player in the hands. The tone on offer is woody, percussive and warm with a lovely crisp snap on the top end. The amplified tone is remarkably true to the acoustic sound, it's got a gorgeous hi-fi clarity to it. These are nigh-on impossible to find new or used in Australia, so if you've got the itch, here's your shot.

Model: Eastman AR580CE
Made: China, 2014 (serial 14850229)
Finish: honey burst, gloss nitro
Body: carved spruce top, laminate maple back, 410mm wide, 64mm deep, fully hollow
Neck: maple, ebony board, 12" radius, 25" scale
Weight: 1.915kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Kent Armstrong humbucker
Case: basic hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock and neck are pretty clean, no major marks. The back has no major marks. The sides have a couple of light scuffs near the jack. The front is very clean, minor scuffs from play on the guard and horns only. Overall: excellent condition (9.5/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, intonation is good, action is low, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 9/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.