Eastman MDC805 Classic

A "Classic" Archtop in the Great Jazz Tradition

The MDC805 Classic is part of the legacy of jazz archtops that shaped the sound of big bands and swing: a carved body, "F" holes, and an acoustic response designed for clarity. This "classic" approach prioritizes balance, definition, and craftsmanship elegance, while adopting modern choices (ebony fingerboard, 12" / 305 mm radius) for reliable daily playability.

For Which Guitarist and Styles?

This guitar is especially suited for intermediate to advanced guitarists seeking an expressive acoustic archtop for jazz (comping, chord melody, walking chords), swing, and contexts where clear note definition and controlled bass are desired. Its construction highlights both pick and fingerstyle playing, with a very direct "acoustic" feel, ideal for trios, rehearsals, or studio work.

Sound Characteristics

The solid spruce top provides breathability, dynamics, and a rich response to nuances: delivering a crisp attack followed by a natural yet controlled sustain. The highly flamed solid maple back and sides enhance definition and projection, with precise mids and clean lows, particularly appreciated for jazz voicings. The archtop format with "F" holes promotes immediate presence and excellent note separation, while the ebony bridge contributes to clear vibration transmission and elegant articulation.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To maintain the jazz spirit of the instrument, a set of D'Addario J78 strings (factory-installed) or, more generally, flatwound strings in gauge 12-52 remain a safe choice for a 25" / 635 mm scale archtop. The included hard case is recommended for transport and tuning stability.

Technical specifications

Body style	Jazz Archtop with F-Holes	Nut height	0.018" / 0.46 mm
Top	solid spruce	Truss rod	single action
Back and sides	highly flamed solid maple	Frets	22 Jescar FW47104
Body dimensions	40 31/32" / 1041 mm x 16" / 406 mm x 4.4 cm / 44 mm	Inlay	pearl dots
Binding	top, back, fingerboard, headstock	Logo	elm headstock
Binding material	ivoroid	Hardware color	nickel
Side color	black	Tailpiece	Eastman cast aluminum tailpiece
Finish	gloss	Bridge	ebony
Neck material	maple	Tuners	Gotoh MF40R-MP-NI
Fingerboard	ebony	Strap buttons	ebony
Fingerboard radius	12" / 305 mm	Strings	D'Addario J78
Scale length	25" / 635 mm	Action height	3/32" / 2.38 mm - 2/32" / 1.59 mm
Nut width	44 mm / 1.73"	Case	hard case