The Complete Eastman Guitar Price Guide 2026: 19th-Century Methods, 21st-Century Value

Last updated: February 2026

In 1992, Qian Ni—a music student in Beijing—founded a violin workshop. Not a guitar factory. A violin workshop. He applied 19th-century European luthiery methods: hand tools, hide glue, dovetail joints, and master craftsmen who understood that resonance comes from graduated thickness and careful carving. When he extended those methods to guitars, something remarkable happened. Eastman archtops at $1,200-$3,000 began challenging American instruments costing $10,000 or more. Jazz professionals took notice. Then flat-top acoustics. Then solidbody electrics. Today, Eastman represents the most compelling value proposition in handcrafted guitars: every instrument built by hand, no CNC, no assembly lines—just the same techniques that built Stradivarius violins.

This guide breaks down Eastman pricing across archtops, solidbodies, and acoustics. Whether you're a jazz guitarist seeking an affordable alternative to Heritage or a rock player who wants LP-style quality without Gibson prices, Eastman delivers handcrafted instruments that punch far above their price point.

Eastman Guitar Market Overview 2026

Eastman occupies a unique position: handcrafted quality at prices that compete with mass-produced imports.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Eastman Price: $850 (up 5% from 2025)
• Active Listings: Approximately 1,000 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 250 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $300 (used PCH) to $5,000 (premium archtops)

Eastman's reputation has grown steadily. Used prices have appreciated 5% annually as players discover that "Made in China" doesn't mean what they assumed. Hand-scalloped bracing, hide glue, and dovetail neck joints—these are the hallmarks of American boutique building, now available at a fraction of the cost.

Understanding Eastman's Philosophy

The Violin Workshop Heritage

Qian Ni didn't adapt guitar factory methods. He adapted violin workshop methods:

Traditional Techniques:

1. Hand-Scalloped Braces: No CNC—every brace carved by hand for optimal resonance
2. Hide Glue: Traditional protein glue that ages differently than modern adhesives
3. Dovetail Neck Joints: Hand-fitted, not bolt-on or mortise-and-tenon
4. Graduated Tops: Carved to varying thickness like violin tops
5. No CNC: Every neck hand-shaped, every fret hand-leveled

Why It Matters: The same suppliers that provide tonewoods to Collings and Santa Cruz supply Eastman. The difference is labor cost—Beijing wages vs. American wages. Eastman proves that craftsmanship isn't geography; it's method.

The Archtop Revolution

Eastman's archtops became the go-to affordable alternative for jazz professionals. At $1,200-$3,000, you get hand-carved tops and backs, floating Kent Armstrong pickups, and construction that rivals Heritage and D'Angelico. The AR810CE at ~$2,500-$3,000 competes with instruments costing five times more.

Archtop Guitar Pricing: $1,200-$3,000

Handcrafted jazz archtops—Eastman's original specialty.

AR810CE (~$2,500-$3,000)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid carved spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid carved maple
• Neck: Mahogany, dovetail joint
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Pickups: Kent Armstrong floating humbucker
• Scale: 25"
• Body: 17" archtop with cutaway
• Finish: Nitrocellulose

The Flagship: Professional-grade archtop that challenges $10,000+ American instruments. Hand-carved top and back. Floating pickup for acoustic resonance when unplugged.

AR610CE (~$1,800-$2,200)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid carved spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid maple
• Neck: Mahogany, dovetail
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Pickups: Kent Armstrong
• 16" body with cutaway
• Professional construction

AR405E (~$1,200-$1,500)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid spruce
• Back/Sides: Maple
• Entry professional archtop
• Kent Armstrong pickup
• Hand-carved construction
• Best value archtop on the market

T486 / T486-RD (~$1,100-$1,400)

Specifications:

• Thinline archtop design
• Lighter weight
• Reduced feedback
• Handcrafted construction
• Versatile for jazz and beyond

Used Archtop Values: $900-$2,200 (excellent condition)

Solidbody Electric Pricing: $999-$1,899

Handcrafted electrics that challenge American brands.

SB59 (~$1,099-$1,499)

Specifications:

• Body: Mahogany with maple cap
• Neck: Mahogany, set-neck
• Fingerboard: Rosewood or ebony
• Pickups: Seymour Duncan or similar
• Bridge: TOM with stopbar
• Scale: 24.75"
• Nut Width: 1.6875"
• Binding: Real binding throughout
• Finish: Nitrocellulose options

Why It's Remarkable: The SB59 at $1,099-$1,499 is handcrafted with real binding, aged hardware, and quality pickups. It competes with Gibson Standards at $2,800+. Every neck is hand-shaped. No CNC carving. This is the guitar that challenges assumptions about "Made in China."

SB55 / SB55-DC (~$999-$1,299)

Specifications:

• SG-style double-cut
• Mahogany body
• Set-neck construction
• Handcrafted throughout
• Versatile for rock and blues

T-Series (Tele-style) (~$999-$1,299)

Specifications:

• T-style body
• Ash or alder
• Bolt-on or set-neck options
• Handcrafted construction
• Traditional Tele character

Romeo (~$1,499-$1,899)

Specifications:

• Original Eastman design—not a copy
• Semi-hollow chambered body
• Unique body shape
• Set-neck construction
• Exceptional tonal versatility
• Handcrafted throughout

The Romeo Difference: Eastman's original design. Unique shape. Chambered body. Not a clone of anything. A genuine alternative for players seeking something distinctive.

Used Solidbody Values: $700-$1,200 (excellent condition)

Acoustic Guitar Pricing: $400-$2,500

Traditional flat-tops with dovetail joints and hand-scalloped bracing.

E-Series (E20, E10) (~$1,200-$2,500)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid spruce or cedar
• Back/Sides: Solid rosewood or mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany, dovetail joint
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Bracing: Hand-scalloped
• Scale: 25.4"
• Premium appointments

AC-Series (AC622CE) (~$1,000-$1,800)

Specifications:

• Concert body size
• Solid spruce top
• Cutaway with electronics
• Handcrafted construction
• Versatile for fingerstyle and strumming

PCH Series (~$400-$700)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid spruce or cedar
• Back/Sides: Layered woods
• Dovetail neck joint
• Hand-scalloped bracing
• Entry-level Eastman quality
• Still handcrafted in Beijing

Traditional Series (~$1,500-$2,500)

Specifications:

• Thermally-cured (torrefied) tops
• Vintage tonal response
• Aged character on new instruments
• Premium construction

Used Acoustic Values: $500-$1,800 (excellent condition)

Where to Buy Eastman Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $920)

• Best selection of Eastman models
• Growing community of Eastman enthusiasts
• 6.0% price appreciation year-over-year
• Best for: Archtops, SB59, Romeo

Sweetwater (Average Price: $950)

• New Eastman inventory
• Professional setup
• 3.0% appreciation
• Best for: New purchases with warranty

eBay (Average Price: $750)

• Good for used finds
• Auction opportunities
• 4.5% price trend
• Best for: Budget SB59, PCH models

Guitar Center (Average Price: $880)

• Physical inspection available
• Used Eastman selection
• 3.5% growth
• Best for: Try-before-buy

Tips for Buying Used Eastman

1. Check the Top: Eastman acoustics use solid spruce with hand-scalloped bracing. Inspect for cracks along the grain
2. Hide Glue Joints: Age differently than modern glue. Inspect seams carefully
3. Verify Handcrafted: Eastman has no import line—every guitar is handcrafted in Beijing
4. SB59 Configuration: Check pickup and hardware specs—configurations vary
5. Romeo Rarity: Original design, fewer on used market. Premium when available
6. Growing Reputation: Eastman's profile is rising. Early buyers benefit from undervalued brand

Eastman vs. Competitors

How Eastman compares at similar prices:

Eastman Advantage: Handcrafted construction at import pricing. Real binding. Hand-shaped necks. Challenges instruments costing 2x more.

When Others Win: Gibson for brand recognition. Heritage for USA-made purists. Collings for ultimate boutique quality (at 3x the price).

Eastman Archtop vs. American Boutique

Eastman Archtop Advantage: Same construction techniques at 1/3 to 1/5 the price. Professional jazz musicians use Eastman archtops on stage and in studio.

Famous Eastman Players

Artists who have adopted Eastman:

• Julian Lage: Eastman archtops for jazz
• Howard Alden: AR series archtops
• Martin Taylor: Eastman archtop models
• Various jazz professionals: AR810CE and AR610CE on stages worldwide
• Indie and alternative artists: Romeo and SB59 for distinctive tone

Eastman's artist roster grows as word spreads about handcrafted quality at accessible prices.

Investment Potential: Which Eastmans Hold Value?

Strong Value Retention

Archtops:

• Handcrafted construction ages well
• Limited alternatives at this price
• 75-85% retention for excellent condition
• Growing demand from jazz community

SB59 and Romeo:

• Handcrafted electrics hold value
• 70-80% retention
• Brand recognition increasing

Good Value for Players

PCH Series:

• Entry-level depreciation typical
• 55-65% retention
• Exceptional value for what you get

Note: Eastman guitars are instruments for playing. Their value proposition is handcrafted quality at fair prices—not collectible appreciation. That said, used prices have appreciated 5% annually as the brand gains recognition.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Eastman

For Beginners ($300-$600)

Recommended Models:

• Used PCH: Best value at $350-$500 used
• PCH New: ~$400-$700
• Used T-Series: Electric entry at $500-$700

What to Prioritize:

• Solid top (PCH has this)
• Playable setup
• Comfortable body size

For Intermediate Players ($600-$1,500)

Recommended Models:

• SB59: Handcrafted LP-style at $1,099-$1,499
• AR405E: Archtop entry at $1,200-$1,500
• Used Romeo: Original design at $1,100-$1,400
• AC-Series Acoustic: Concert at $1,000-$1,800

What to Prioritize:

• Handcrafted construction
• Body style for your music
• Electronics if performing

For Serious Players ($1,500-$3,000)

Recommended Models:

• AR810CE: Flagship archtop at $2,500-$3,000
• AR610CE: Professional archtop at $1,800-$2,200
• Romeo: Original design at $1,499-$1,899
• E-Series Acoustic: Premium at $1,200-$2,500

What to Prioritize:

• Archtop vs. solidbody vs. acoustic
• Wood combinations
• Cutaway and electronics

For Jazz Guitarists

Recommended Models:

• AR810CE: Professional archtop
• AR610CE: Slightly smaller body
• T486: Thinline option
• AR405E: Budget professional

What to Prioritize:

• Floating pickup vs. mounted
• Body size (16" vs. 17")
• Cutaway for upper register

The Eastman Difference: Handcrafted vs. Factory

What "Handcrafted" Means at Eastman:

• Every neck hand-shaped—subtle organic variation
• Every fret hand-leveled
• Hand-scalloped bracing—no CNC templates
• Dovetail joints hand-fitted
• Hide glue throughout

Compare: Play an Eastman SB59 alongside a CNC-made guitar. The difference is tangible. Organic variation. Human touch. The same qualities that define American boutique—at a fraction of the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where are Eastman guitars made? A: All Eastman guitars are handcrafted in Beijing, China. The company uses 19th-century violin workshop methods—hand tools, hide glue, dovetail joints. No CNC machines. Same tonewood suppliers as American boutique builders.

Q: Are Eastman guitars good quality? A: Excellent. Eastman archtops challenge instruments costing $10,000+. The SB59 competes with Gibson Standards at half the price. Handcrafted construction, real binding, quality pickups. The brand has earned widespread acclaim from professional musicians.

Q: How does Eastman compare to Gibson? A: At similar prices, Eastman offers handcrafted construction when Gibson may offer factory-built. The SB59 at $1,299 has real binding, hand-shaped neck, and set-neck construction. Gibson's Les Paul Tribute at the same price has satin finish and no binding. Different characters—both quality instruments.

Q: What's special about the Romeo? A: The Romeo is Eastman's original design—not a copy of any existing guitar. Semi-hollow chambered body. Unique shape. Exceptional tonal versatility. At $1,499-$1,899, it's a genuine alternative for players seeking something distinctive.

Q: Are Eastman archtops good for jazz? A: Yes. Eastman archtops have become the go-to affordable alternative for professional jazz musicians. The AR810CE at ~$2,800 competes with Heritage and D'Angelico instruments costing 2-5x more. Hand-carved tops, floating pickups, professional construction.

Conclusion

Eastman represents a different kind of value proposition. Not "cheap imports" or "budget alternatives"—but genuine handcrafted instruments built with 19th-century methods at 21st-century prices. Qian Ni's violin workshop heritage translates to guitars that challenge every assumption about where quality comes from.

The SB59 at $1,099-$1,499 delivers handcrafted LP-style quality that competes with Gibson Standards. The Romeo offers an original design for players who want something beyond clones. The AR810CE archtop brings professional jazz guitar within reach of musicians who can't justify $10,000 for an American boutique instrument.

From Beijing to the world's stages, Eastman proves that craftsmanship isn't geography. It's method. Hand tools. Hide glue. Master luthiers. The same techniques that built the finest violins now build guitars that punch far above their price.

For the most current pricing and availability, check authorized Eastman dealers or the official Eastman website. Prices fluctuate based on wood availability and model configuration.

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