Ibanez AS73 Artcore Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

2 humbuckers. Maple body.

Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

back to product page
Write a Review:
 

"I've made a friend."

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
Remember; this is in the context of a $350-range mass produced guitar: This beauty comes with no pick guard or tremelo. I am more than satisfied with that setup, although, I've always enjoyed using a quality tremelo. And,it can be added if necessary. A Pick guard just isn't a critical item, and again, it's easily added after the fact. What you do get are two excellent pickups, a decent set of tuners, a very good bridge and tailpiece and a superbly finished neck, head and body.

Quality:
As I alluded to in "Features", you are not going to get this kind of quality materials and construction for this price in other brands without some long and careful shopping --- and maybe a friend in the guitar selling business. I found the general fit and finish to be as good as instruments costing twice as much. As far as dependability, I've had mine for about 6 months. It holds its tune very well. I haven't played gigs since the 50's and 60's, so it will not have to suffer the road as my SG's and 335's did, so I can't really say at this point. What I can see from experience is with the full body, neck and head binding and general construction, it should wear fine. You have to care for any grade of instrument.

Value:
Get one now. Don't wait.

Desirability:
I musically bonded to this understated beauty after a couple of blues runs through my trusty Princeton. She now spends about 4 hours a day in my immediate clutches. Sex appeal? Maybe not, but I'd take her anywhere that I'd take my wife.

Sound:
Sound is so darned subjective; if you don't think so just sit down with a group of guitarists and ask them to describe their favorite rock/blues/jazz, etc, guitar sound. You will hear the same guitar and setting described in many seemingly opposed ways. My best description of the overall sound of the Ibanez AM 73 is warm throatiness without the usual "Jazz" guitar muffle. And It can scream as clear or distorted as you want, but just as quickly give you those full, rich, clean lows. If I compared it to a voice type I'd say it was a Ray Charles. My old ES 335's were similar, but not as throaty (new word?).

Ease of Use:
Now, a real deal maker for me --- the neck: It is fairly wide and flat and simply feels great. Frets are on the wide range and the action was low right out of the box, but easily adjustable. This guitar neck, although bound, which on more cheaply made guitars can feel clunky; feels smooth and clean. The frets were well finished; no sharp ends. My only "rather" on usability is I'd rather have a better balance; it is somewhat neck heavy. Not a big factor, but something that needs getting used to. I don't notice it now, until I play other semi- hollows.

Support:
Short story about ZZounds: I'm retired on an extremely 'fixed' (read that as small) income. I researched and shopped local and internet sellers for the best guitar I could afford for what I had to spend. I chose mostly based on cost balanced by quality. With that in mind, I ordered a 'blemished' AM 73 with no small amount of trepidation. The Salesperson assured me that it would be in excellent condition. It arrived on time and very well packed. Unfortunately, a gouge was evident in the inner packaging, barely evident on the outer box. The blow had hit precisely on the top of the three way toggle switch, busting the switch handle off down in the threads. The guitar itself, looked spotless. It played great right out of the box. I called the ZZounds and explained the shipping damage. But no other blemeshed 73's were available, and a new switch would take days to ship from the factory. The salesperson spoke to his manager and within 5 minutes a brand new, factory fresh Ibanez AM 73 was on its way overnight. That, my friends, is top shelf support. Enough said.

Overall:
I've been a prisoner of music for about 50 ---- Jeez, 50??? ---- years. I've owned and played the good, bad and indifferent, from a pristine Gibson L7 that toppled down a high, winding attic staircase to its total destruction, to SG's, ES 335's, any number of Fenders, Gretchs, Guilds, and many lesser knowns. If I still owned half of the guitars I owned in the "days", I would be wealthy. But, for me, in the final take, an instrument either has a 'presence'---a life to it, Or, it sits there inert; just a hunk of highly polished woods with knobs. I'm sure many of you have had instruments of both kinds---many more by far of the inert type. But, for those 'live' guitars It doesn't always mean you have the greatest playing or sounding guitar; it does mean you have a special connection to that particular instrument. You are happy to pick it up and play it any hour of the day or night. We are emotional beings and we want to use emotionally 'live' instruments that convey those good vibrations. I like this dark (somewhat sexy) brown 73. It is becoming a valued friend. It talks to me (my wife has voiced some concern about that). And, when I really relax and play it well, it has some neat things to say.

5 of 5 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 
Thanks for your opinion!
 
 
 

"Exceptional quality for a steal of a Price"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
This guitar has reasonbly good stock equipment on and one can really go to town and add all the pricy extra's with little or no changes. for it's price, once again, it cannot be breaten!

Quality:
The attention to detail is very good, as for the cheaper accessories (inlays etc), one cannot really see the difference, hence a thumbs-up to good workmanship

Value:
Compare, what's there to compare? It's a model that surprises and intrigues. If you are saving up for a cheaper guitar, save some more, it will be well worth it!

Desirability:
No contest! the other players think I am a pro with an endorsment, the ladies think I have $$$. this axe MAKES you want to play better!

Sound:
Fantastic tonal response, a real "players" guitar! compared to others in its price class, it shines!

Support:
The Warranty is the standard Ibanez. but from where I bought it, I'll rather take my chances at home than send it to them. Inspect and test everthing before comitting your money, and if the supplier won't budge, move on.

Overall:
This guitar will be played until the frets are level with the fingerboard! Buy one! it's so unique, you'll stand out.

4 of 4 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 
Thanks for your opinion!
 
 
 

"I love it!"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
 
 
 
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:
Average features, nothing special.

Quality:
The finish is beatiful, the tuners are stable (it can sit for weeks unplayed & stay intune, unlike my Les Paul), the binding could be better around the sound holes but hey it's $300

Value:
The best value I've ever come across in my 15+ years of playing.

Desirability:
Very sexy, if it were a woman...ah never mind. Very classy!

Sound:
Had nearly a year now & I love it! The PUs are desent, medium output & full sounding, but some Gibson 490 & 498 would be a big improvement. Inotation is nearly perfect. Very good value & I just enjoy playing it...can't put it down.

Support:
No problems, none needed but Ibanez can be more forth coming on all their products.

Overall:
I love it!

3 of 3 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 
Thanks for your opinion!
 
 
 

""One Sweet Guitar""

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:
This guitar dosen't have a tremelo bar, but I prefer it that way. The tune-o-matic bridge is awsome.

Quality:
It's Just Great.I've found no flaws yet.

Value:
Worth more than it's price.

Desirability:
It's a sweet looking guitar, don't get me wrong, but it's not what I would classify as sexy.

Sound:
The sound of this guitar is good for almost any style of music there is. It is the best sounding guitar i've ever played! NOT JOKING

Overall:
This may be the best guitar I will ever own!

2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 
Thanks for your opinion!
 
 
 

"Killer axe! Fabulous price!"

Overall:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
4 controls, double cutaway, and humbuckers, for that price!!!!

Quality:
Not the best wood, but I'm not complaining!

Value:
Worth the price and more!

Desirability:
Bought one!

Sound:
This is the best Bang for the buck EVER! Plays great, sounds beautiful, and stays in tune. I played an ES335 for 17 years, and I know a good axe when I play one. This is a good axe!

4 of 4 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 
Thanks for your opinion!
 
 
 

"We played it and expected a $1500.00+ price tag. We were sure surprised that such an inexpensive instrument had all the makings"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
This guitar was purchased at a local music store, and did not come with any extra accessories other than what was on the guitar. The materials used in this guitar appear to be only the very best. The dual hum. pickups sound wonderful for blues/jazz/rock/blue grass/country. The hardware is high quality, easy to tune, and (get this) STAYS in tune even with a heavy playing session! Normally one would almost expect to replace the strings with a high quality string. Not this guitar! The stock strings are still being used! If you're thinking about buying this guitar and are still undecided, just go to a music store and HOLD ONE! It just FEELS right! It is well balanced, not too heavy not too light. This guitar is the least expensive guitar we own, yet is the BEST guitar we own!

Quality:
This guitar had no blemishes, defects or loose parts whatsoever. It is nothing short of near perfection! We'll come back in about 5 years or more and tell you how it's holding up. The quality of parts and workmanship tell us that we can expect this guitar to be a lifetime partner! We plan to purchase a second (third?) Ibanez Artcore AS73 to keep off-tuned for specific types of music.

Value:
The Artcore AS73 is hands-down, TOP NOTCH quality! The ONLY thing that seems to be out of line with this guitar is the price is so low! If you were to play this guitar and have no clue what the price was, you would assume the price was in the thousands.

Desirability:
The sex appeal? Well, let me tell you that my wife picked this guitar out herself! We were in a guitar store that had thousands of guitars on display and she spotted this guitar out hanging quietly in the back of the store, high on the wall. My wife is very conservative about making a "scene" about things, yet when she saw this guitar she made a gasping intake sound, followed immediately by a sound that I cannot describe, but it was a sound of complete "I want it"'ness. She picked the Artcore AS73 over a $3500.00 Les Paul she was holding when she saw the AS73 hanging on the wall. She immediately gave up the Les Paul and asked for the AS73. The hardest thing was getting her to put it down long enough for me to pay for it so we could go home. Now my wife takes it everywhere with her to show all her friends. This guitar has influenced some of her friends to start playing guitar! Try this test for yourself: take the AS73, and line it up with about 10 other style guitars. Stand back, take a look at them all, and see which one makes you want to look a little closer! Then you'll know it wasn't just my wife, you'll know that this guitar is truely something special!

Sound:
I just purchased this guitar for my wife. She picked it out of a huge store with thousands of guitars because she thought it was the most beautiful guitar she had ever seen. After we got it home and hooked it up to our equipment, I was awestruck at the sound quality! Stock "out-of-the-box", this guitar needed NO adjustments whatsoever (other than tuning of course!). The sound of this guitar is just as good, if not better, than my $1000.00 electric! The guitar even sounds great played without an amp! The only bad thing about the sound of this guitar is that the price is so low, which might give the impression that this is a cheaply made guitar. The sound quality of this guitar is what you would expect if you bought a $1500.00+ priced guitar. Finally, an affordable "expensive quality" guitar!

Support:
We've never needed any support with this guitar. It has been a real friend!

Overall:
We plan to use the AS73 as a "main-use" guitar. We also plan on purchasing another AS73 to have off-tuned/drop-tuned, etc for specific purposes. There really is nothing else on the market that would make us even look for another product. The style of this guitar is different than most first-time guitar buyers would look at, which is a shame. I would like to encourage all first-time guitar buyers to hold and play this guitar before making a purchase. I would like to encourage all pro's out there to do the same. The pro's will immediately recognize the superb craftsmanship and quality of this instrument. This guitar is one that you shouldn't pass up if you're in the market for a guitar!

7 of 8 people (87.5%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 
Thanks for your opinion!
 
 
 

"AWESOME guitar for the price. a few things it could do with, but all in all, great guitar!!"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
The pickups that come standard on this guitar are pretty bloody good. quality is definately the bang for your buck!

Quality:
The main part of the body is just a little too big and doesnt come in enough colours... everything on the guitar seems to be in order and all in all is pretty darn good.

Value:
definately value for money.

Desirability:
i wouldnt rate it too high with the looks, because the body is just that bit too big...

Sound:
A higher gauge string definately suites this guitar, otherwise its just too twangy... i too have lowered the strings and raised the neck pup, and its sounds pretty awesome. I believe this guitar is limited to the styles of music, not only does the shape say that, but in my opinion so does the tone..

Support:
im not sure, but if they lowered their price on some of their products i wouldve rated them higher ;)

Overall:
overall its a pretty darn good guitar. again, if the body wasnt so big and it had a bigger range of colours, i would probably give it a 10 because u DEFINATELY get what u paid for....

5 of 6 people (83.33%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 
Thanks for your opinion!
 
 
 

"It was fate"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
Pretty basic setup, two pickups, two volume and two tone knobs, etc etc. However, the hardware is very good. As mentioned in "sound" it has a great sound, as mentioned in "I Want It" it has a great look. Really, it doesn't fail anywhere, except I did want a bigsby on it, but I plan to buy one very soon.

Quality:
I've never looked at this guitar without thinking good thoughts about it. It's got a solid finish, and strong build, it can withstand hard playing while still looking great. It's easy to keep clean and polished, and easy to keep sounding great. The pickups are high quality and have yet to let me down in any way. Quality is a great word to describe this guitar, especially for it's value.

Value:
Are you kidding? A semi-hollow for $350-400 that sounds this good?

Desirability:
Personally, I own the red finish version of this guitar. She's got a sleek look mixed with a vintage and formal feeling that makes her both perfectly suited for playing and for making guests drool with jealousy. Sure, she doesn't say "Gibson" or "Fender," not even "Gretsch" or "Guild," but she's got her own beauty that I find incomparable.

Sound:
When I first plugged it in in the store, I played a bit of a bluesy tone. Sounded amazing. Then, I played a soft vintage chord progression. Sounded amazing. After buying it a while later, I went to jam with some friends who love to play heavy metal. I turned up the distortion and... sounded amazing. I've yet to find a way to make it sound bad, aside from letting my drummer try to play it.

Ease of Use:
Personally, the most exceptional thing about this guitar is how easy it is to move from fret to fret, bend the strings along the wood of the neck, slide up and down the neck, and overall playing. It's easy to play even the highest of frets, and only an SG's body would be more suited for slicing the high notes. Honestly, there's not much to say about the ease of use other than, it's very easy and very fun to use, able to make a wide range of sounds and tones while your fingers dance over it nicely.

Support:
Haven't needed to call on anyone about it. It's still perfect!

Overall:
When I first walked into the guitar shop I was in no financial status to afford a new guitar. I walked up and down the rows of axes in the shop and on a stand on the floor shoved between a couple of Parkers (Not sure why it was in that section... Maybe so I'd find it) was a red AS-73 with a beautiful white trim. I picked it up, pulled a pick from my pocket and ran it across the strings. It was in tune and sounded great. Within minutes I had it plugged in and it didn't take long for me to say, "This is my guitar." Saved up, and a month later I bought it. Owned it for months now, never had a single complaint... Friends and family get jealous of this guitar because I spend more time with it than with them. But, like all musicians I have a serious bond with my instruments, especially this one. It spoke to me in the store that day and still speaks to me today, a feeling that most experienced musicians know the importance of. If you dont love your instrument, it wont sound like it should, and I love this instrument.

3 of 4 people (75%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 
Thanks for your opinion!
 
 
 

"Awesome semi-hollow body guitar. Tears up Epiphone's Dot."

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
Overall:
I was looking for a semi-hollow body guitar for about half of a year. It came down between the Epiphone Dot and the Ibanez AS-73. The Epiphone was expensive and at first I thought it might be better simply becuase of the name. But I found out after playing the Ibanez, the Epiphone didn't interest me at all. The Ibanez had a much warmer tone. Very surprisingly it had very good sustain and a very fast neck. Has great lows, mids, and highs. This guitar continues to surprise me. This pickups sound the best when playing clean, but are not dissapointing when playing with distortion. If you are looking for a great sounding semi-hollow that don't put you in debt; this is the way to go.

3 of 4 people (75%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 
Thanks for your opinion!
 
 
 

"im in guitar heaven"

Overall:
* *