Looking for a good archtop

[HexaneLake]

Hey dudes,

Been really drawn to archtop guitars the past year or so, looking to pick up a good low to mid range custom / hand built. I really like the wood selection and natural style that ken parker uses (obviously thats a little out of my league), and I've also grown fond of Joe's archtops from Egan. What are some of your guys favorite builders?

 

[JSanta]

In the sub $2k category, my vote goes to Eastman. Absolutely love mine. Another company to consider is Peerless. The new Martin Taylor Maestro is an incredible value.

An American builder named Steve Holst makes some incredible guitars that start at $3300 for a full laminate. These guitars have been universally praised.

What price and features are you really looking for? Do you want something that is fully carved with a floating pickup or are you looking for something that is more feedback resistant and less acoustically lively?

 

[HexaneLake]

Thank you for the suggestions man, really.

I've heard of Eastman and Peerless, I wouldnt mind picking up an Eastman if the right one came my way.

Price wise - I'm not really ready to go above 3k at the moment, would rather just TRY and find a used rather than commission a build, see how I fair with it. Definitely looking for at least one humbucker but open for anything right now, just kind of in the gathering info stage.

Those Holst are nice!!!!!!!! So nice!

 

[JSanta]

No need to go over $3k for your first archtop. This is one of my favorite Eastman models, only available from Guitars N Jazz: 2010 Eastman JAZZ 16 CUSTOM 7 ARCHTOP 5398 TRANSLUCENT RED > Guitars : 7 String - Guitars n Jazz | Gbase.com

Call and speak to Lou, the price will be lower than advertised. The listing says 7 string, but it's a 6. Eastman does make a few 7 string models. I play a discontinued 805-7 model.

 

[Hollowway]

You looking for a 7 string or a 6 string?