ALL THINGS BIG AND SMALL 2.0

 Its been about 25 years since China-made Eastman jazz archtop guitars were first available in the USA. Priced at appprximately US$1000, they were fantastically good value for money. They matched, nay even exceeded Gibson and other boutique jazz guitars in quality, specifications  at one fifth the price. Eastman jazz archtops are now established as premium instruments and widely played by top jazz artistes. However, they are now much pricier and many 'extras' are no longer given when you buy one. Here, we have a 2004 first generation Eastman AR805CE, with a hand-carved Spruced top. It came with a gorgeous fibreglass hard case. The case is lined with plush velvet, and there is a small pouch where a strap for slinging the case over your back to carry the guitar. There is  also a gold-colored humidity meter in the case.  The guitar sounds as good as any Gibson or D'Angelico archtops. In fact, it sounds even better because of the slighly smaller (16") body and Eastman'...

The sound of an electric jazz guitar playing a jazz standard in the quiet of the night, with all those luscious chords and chord melody sends thrills and chills up and down my spine. The sound of an electric jazz guitar has come to epitomise urban sophistication, cool factor and maybe wealth. Look at all those advertising clips from banks to luxury cars or chic restaurants that use the sound of an electric guitar jazz quartet playing in the background. Look at the popularity of Diana Krall's band which always includes a jazz guitarist. And marvel at how her guitarists Russell Malone and Anthony Wilson so fittingly complement her music. In my view the sound of an electric jazz guitar has a charm and authenticity all it's own. An instrument in it's own right, distinct from the acoustic guitar from which it was derived. Until about 4 years ago, a jazz guitar player who wanted a good carved- top would probably have to buy an American-made Gibson . An L-5 would set you back abo...