Thanks again zZounds for fast, efficient service and your awesome payment plans! I've literally done the 'Pay To Play' thing with you guys about a dozen times now; I have some nice equipment that I would've had to save up for, or had to forego completely because of cost. Your return policy is awesome: the very few times I've ever gotten a defective product, you either replaced it promptly or refunded my money. Outstanding!!!Now, to the Ibanez AM 53: I am truly amazed at the quality that is present in this guitar for the $299.00 cost! First, lets hit the basic, "must-haves" for a playable & enjoyable guitar: 1. Truss rod adjusted properly; Yes! 2. Frets level, no dead spots, no sharp ends; Yes! 3. Electronics function quietly & correctly; Yes! 4. Decent, playable strings from factory; Yes! 5. Smooth, well-executed neck; Yes! Subjectively, I find the 'Matte Gloss' type of finish on this guitar beautiful. The finish is also objectively very easy on the hands, as the back of the neck is smooth, and easy to move around on. I find the sound from the pickups to be very good, especially at this price range. To my ears, they do lack a bit of 'sparkle', maybe, but it's not anything to complain about at this price! In fact, when I finally get around to changing pickups (if I do), they will cost approx 2/3 the cost of the whole guitar! The pickups sound good both clean and distorted, and with the Volume knob all the way up, along with the Tone backed down a bit gives a decent amount of… read more 'growl' for a guitar of this style, especially into a decent tube amp. This guitar even sounds decent played purely acoustically: I love not necessarily needing to plug in just to try out an idea; I can get the feel of an electric while having a semblance of the sound of a real acoustic. My friend has an acoustic guitar amp, and I can't wait to hear it through that. Overall, easily one of the best purchases of a new guitar I've ever made. Highly Recommended!

Musical Background:
I play drums, bass and guitar. Played in bands, jam with friends, play at home just for fun...

Musical Style:
I focus basically on playing classic & progressive rock, blues and some country. read less