Eastman John Pisano Signature (AR880CE) vs Aria PE-180 (L5 copy)

Eastman John Pisano Signature (2007), now called AR880CE
Aria PE-180 (1977)
Mambo Amp 10" Wedge, all EQ 12 o'clock
Both guitars with 10/10 on the tone knob and 8/10 on volume
Both recorded with condenser microphone close to the speaker
Solo transcription of Peter Bernstein's impro on Lady Bird with Melvin Rhyne

[@bjdee1437]

Great playing. Surprised that the Aria sounds richer. Very cool.

[@polishbroadcast]

Awesome playing! To me this says more about how much influence speaker and amp have on tone. Thanks for sharing.

[@ponchlove2393]

Aria archtops be rule!!!!!!!! Fa-71 and pe-180..they must return.

[@rogergamon]

love your playing

[@DrewDrums]

Liked and subbed!

[@felipealonso8409]

The Aria has better string balance and cuts through the band with nicer upper mids.

[@ponchlove2393]

Can't someone tell Aria company to make pe-180 and fa71 models again..???? Come on!!...they must return same as before...we want them...!!!!!!

[@daijones101]

The aria speaks better

[@jbguitar6928]

personally prefer the aria

[@paulgerards6494]

Me 2 !! More body in the sound and sounds way more warmer !!

[@shecky308]

Hi,is the aria for sale,thanks.!

[@LorenzMichels]

I have a PE 180 in nearly mint condition with original case. I am doubting whether I want to sell it, but money can be convincing.

[@alftupper9359]

Not much in it but the Aria just tips it for me. Just a tad 'plummier'.

[@FlaxeMusic]

The Aria's treble isn't as nicely rounded as the Pisano so I'd personally pick the Eastman. Still, the real star is the mambo, those things are just killer. That aside, your right hand is extremely gentle, can't hurt to dig a bit, if only for dynamics sake.

[@hardingtestonline]

Thanks for your input. I actually have also a henriksen and had two princetons - with Jensen P10R and C10R speakers, now I have one with Eminence Lil Buddy. For me the mambo doesn't cut through in the mix - I prefer the princetons and henriksen over it.

[@FlaxeMusic]

Good to hear, I've been tossing over a Henrik/old Poly and a mambo for ages now, good food for thought.

[@hardingtestonline]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqmqXmtphauCoq8

[@gggomez9764]

Yeah the chromes are a bit nasally but at least they have some edge and life to them. The tomo strings are too dead for me. Groovy playing.