Ibanez Artcore Anyone?

[asimmd]

Hi All

I have been wanting a new guitar for a while now and I have been loking at the Ibanez Artcore range of Semi Acoustics.

Does anyone have one,and are they any good.

I know they are not for Shads stuff.

Thanks

Alan

[edwardd]

Hi Alan,

I have an Ibanez AF125 NT Artcore. Natural quilted maple.

Pros:
- Very well built and finished. **
- Lovely sound. I can get jazz tones and can also deliver a bit of bite for blues and Rock and Roll.
- Very thin neck profile, across the nut.
- Great feel, easy to play.
- Adjustable action.
- Mine came with interchangeable metal and wood saddles/bridge.

Cons:
- ** The fret markers on the edge of the finger board. Please see the attached photo. Not sure why these are poorly done when the rest of the guitar is such a high standard. Looks like they've inserted a piece of black wood and bashed it into place.

- They smell funny! Not sure what they use to finish the guitar but it's certainly different to Nitro or Poly.

- No Whammy bar if you need one. But if needed this could be upgraded with aftermarket product I would imagine. I've not done this personally Perhaps other folks here could advise.









All the best and good luck with your decision.
Regards,
Ed.

[asimmd]

Hi Ed

That's a really nice looking guitar but as you say,no trem.

This decision in getting more difficult the more I look.

Thanks

Alan

[res5479]

Hi Alan
I have an Ibanez Artcore AS73T with a Bigsby style Tremeloe. When I bought it I had a
pick guard fitted to protect it. I have only been playing a short time and I think it is a
brilliant guitar. As you said it is not suitable for Shadows type stuff ,more of a jazz sound,
but having said that played through my Zoom G2.1u with Charlies EFTP sounds very good.
I have just bought a Fender Classic 60's Strat.which does sound better. Please contact me
if you need to know anything else. Regards Ray.

[asimmd]

Hi Ray,

Many thanks for the reply and the info.

Since asking about the Ibanez Artcore guitars,I have found the Gretsch G5120.
This would appear to be a thinner Semi than the Ibanez which would suit me as I have been
playing Strats for 50 years and one gets used to the comfort of the Strat body design.

Alan

[res5479]

Hi Alan
My Ibanez is 40 mm deep with a double cutaway body. It is very comfortable to play.
My son had an Ibanez guitar with a much deeper body,and found it uncomfortable,
so he exchanged it.
I find that it's not a problem changing from one to another ,but the best thing is to try one
first.Hope I have been of some help.
Regards Ray.

[asimmd]

Hello Ray

Thanks for the reply,it's nice to hear from someone who actually has one of there guitars.

I must say I was surprised to hear that the Ibanez is only 40 mm deep,I will compare that with the Gretsch,and I will look for demo's on Youtube.

I know that the only way to be sure is to try one for myself but it's difficult finding shops that have these sort of guitars in stock.

I see you are in Bury,I am in Preston,but closer to Southport.

Thanks again

Alan

[japstrat]

I have the Ibanez Artcore AF95. This was my first Guitar, paid just over £400.00 for it. Since then i have gone through 7 more Guitars and sold most of them on. Needless to say, this is still in my collection. I don't think i will ever sell it. All in all, a really nice Guitar and very well built.

Regards
Dave