Ibanez AM153 Artstar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar (with Case)

No longer available at zZounds
With its bound ebony fretboard, and 3-piece mahogany and maple neck set into a figured bubinga semi-hollow body, the AM153 Artstar looks and sounds amazing.

What's special about this item?

Feature: What it does:
Bubinga top Focused, with a long sustain and clear tone
Bound ebony fretboard Luxurious looks and focused tone
3-piece mahogany neck Stable and strong; withstands the test of time
ART-1 bridge Increased resonance and tone

Get ready for a rich-sounding semi-hollowbody in a comfortable solidbody size. The Ibanez AM153 Artstar is a lightweight axe that resonates beautifully. Built with premium tonewoods, the AM153's bubinga body and three-piece set-in mahogany/maple neck reverberate your playing in a warm jazzy tone with wonderful sustain. The two Super '58 Custom pickups come with a Tri-Sound switch that offers settings for a parallel, series, or coil-tapping sound. Holding it all down is the ART-1 bridge for secure intonation and longer sustain. The AM153 Artstar is a brilliant and comfortable semi-hollowbody that knocks tone out of the park with a versatile punch.

Lightweight Smaller-Sized Body

The Am153 Artstar's bubigna semi-hollowbody is compact like a solidbody, which is great if you're not used to the larger style of most semi-hollowbody guitars. Its well-balanced lightweight composition makes it a comfortable fit if you're in for a long gig or recording session. The comfortable three-piece set-in mahogany/maple neck is great for speedy licks and finger-stretching jazz chords.

Two Super '58 Custom Pickups and Tri-Sound Switch

Your pair of Super '58 Custom humbuckers complement the AM153's tonewoods wonderfully. Ranging from a dark, warm, and jazzy sound to a sharper lead tone, these two humbuckers give you room and the sonic flexibility to really test your fingers. Switching seamlessly between jazzy and rock tones is made even simpler with the AM153's Tri-Sound switch -- it read more offers positions for a traditional-sounding series setting; a brighter, more single-coil-like tone for the parallel setting; or a coil-tapping sound to get a truer single-coil result.

Great Sustain Over a Smooth Neck

Getting a nice sharp lead tone with minimal effort will allow you to take advantage of the AM153's comfortable action and smooth bound ebony fingerboard. Whether you're playing speedy runs or hesitating on sustained passing tones, you'll get a continuously smooth feel as your fingers glide over the AM153's Artstar fret edge treated neck. And you can count on the durable ART-1 bridge for longer sustain and consistent intonation.

Features:

- Two Super '58 Custom humbuckers
- Tri-Sound switch for series, parallel, or coil-tapping setting
- Three-setting pickup selector switch
- Two tone and two volume Sure Grip III knobs
- Compact bubinga semi-hollowbody with dual F-holes
- Three-piece set-in mahogany/maple neck with 22 frets
- ART-1 bridge for secure intonation and longer sustain
- Quick Change III tailpiece
- Hardshell case included
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- Neck Type: Artstar 3pc Mahogany/Maple set-in neck
- Body: Bubinga top/back/sides
- Fretboard: Bound Ebony fretboard w/Pearl & Abalone block inlay
- Fret: Medium frets w/Artstar fret edge treatment
- Bridge: ART-1 bridge
- Tailpiece: Quik Change III tailpiece
- Neck pu: Super 58 (H) neck pu (Passive/Alnico)
- Bridge pu: Super 58 (H) bridge pu (Passive/Alnico)
- Hardware Color: Gold
- Hardshell case included

Neck Dimensions:
Scale: 628mm/24.75"
a : Width at Nut: 43mm
b : Width at Last Fret: 57mm
c : Thickness at 1st: 20mm
d : Thickness at 12th: 22mm (at 9F)
Radius: 305mmR

Body Dimensions:
a : Length: 17 5/8"
b : Width: 14 1/2"
c : Max Depth: 2 5/8"

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-669-8262
Web: https://www.ibanez.com/usa/support/

Ibanez AM153 Artstar Semi-Hollowbody

As part of Ibanez's Artstar Series the AM153 is a semi-hollow compact model designed for the working pro that loves the tone, but needs more volume and sustain, and enjoys the comfort of a compact body style. There's nothing like the tone of a hollowbody. It creates a sonic quality no electronics can replicate.

The Figured Bubinga body is finished in a deep, rich Dark Brown Sunburst. The 3-piece Mahogany/ Maple set-in neck has a bound Ebony fingerboard with Pearl/Abalone block inlay, Medium frets and the Artstar Fret Edge Treatment, for a fast, smooth feel. For extended tone options the AM153 comes with two Super 58 custom pickups and a Tri-Sound switch for the neck pickup that allows you to select Humbucker in series (traditional), parallel (brighter, single coil type tone w/ lower output and hum cancellation) or coil-tapping for a single coil sound. Sure Grip III knobs provide non-slip functionality and an ART-1 bridge provides improved sustain and tuning stability. Features gold hardware and includes a hardshell case.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. (4 ratings)
Submitted June 23, 2014 by Martin G in Cheshire, CT

"Ibanez Artstar AM 153 a looker"

Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I was attracted to this guitar by the reduced size for what was described as a jazz dedicated issue from Ibanez. I own two other Ibanez guitars (George Benson GB30 and Pat Methany PM2) and have been impressed with the quality of the build and ease of playability of these Chinese built guitars. The AM153 is a beautiful guitar to look at. I couldn't locate a build flaw upon arrival. It was heavier than I anticipated but I reminded myself that this is a "semi-hollow body" as opposed to a full hollow body guitar. And although it had the same pickups as my Benson model, the tone was considerably brighter than a full hollow body jazz box. (note: I still need to switch out the included strings with some chrome flat wounds in an effort to obtain a fatter, warmer tone.) I'd also say that Ibanez might do a better job at concealing the wire works inside the guitar as viewed through the F-holes....they might be described as "in your face". The "star" of the guitar would be the neck. It is fast and smooth and lends itself to playing jazz genre chords up and down the neck with a nice clean, melodic sound. The exaggerated cut-aways, (as compared to a deeper classic jazz box cutaway) allow for easy access to the high registers, enabling more efficient finger placements with the resultant smoother tones. While I would have liked it a bit lighter (feels like 7.5 pounds) and a bit fatter in its native tone, the AM 153's shear beauty and build quality will force me to keep it for a spell. read more I'd also mention that ZZsounds had this ax in my hands in less than 24 hours. Imagine my clicking on the FedeX track button the day after ordering and getting the message...."package left on front porch" and peeking out the door only to find it there first thing in the morning. Astounding efficiency!

Musical Background:
Hobbyist

Musical Style:
blues, jazz, fingerstyle
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No longer available at zZounds

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