Ibanez AS73 Artcore Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
The Ibanez AS73 Artcore makes rich semi-hollowbody tone affordable. With a double cutaway and a pair of humbuckers, this tone machine looks and sounds great.
$449.99
- 8 x$56.25
- No Credit Check6 x$75.00
- No Credit Check4 x$112.50
Overall User Ratings (based on 128 ratings)
Submitted March 11, 2019 by Andrew C in South Windsor, CT
"Play one of these and you will buy it!"
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You will be hard-pressed to find such a beautiful, well-made instrument at this price point. I’ve never owned an Ibanez before, but they clearly pay attention to quality control. Fit and finish out of the box was flawless. I’ve been playing this guitar for a month or so now without making any adjustments and with the factory strings. I’m noticing a slight intonation issue on the G string, but that is it. The action and playability is right where I would want it. I will make the adjustment when I stop being lazy and change the strings. It is impressive how well this guitar stays in tune. I’m a blues oriented player, so I do a lot of bending and vibrato. Tuning is spot on and the tuning machines are of a high quality. Great blues/rock tones!I wanted an affordable semi-hollow and was leaning towards an epiphone 335, but then saw the AS73 hanging on the wall at a local music shop. I picked it up on a whim thinking there was no way I would ever buy an Ibanez. I’ve always assumed their product to be geared more towards the metal genre. I was so very pleasantly surprised by the tone, playability and quality of this guitar at $100 less than the epiphone. The only feature you don’t get with the Ibanez is the coil tapping, but I’m not convinced I would pay much attention to that anyway. So, if you are considering an affordable semi-hollow, you would be foolish to not take a hard look at the AS73.
Musical Background:
30 years
Musical Style:
Blues/rock
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Submitted May 18, 2013 by Jack Pointer in Waterbury, VT
"A well-kept secret"
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I've always loved that 335 semi sound but never believed that it was attainable. After all, 335s are 2 or 3 grand, and those foreign-made ones aren't even in the same neighborhood when it comes to quality, right? So I'd end up spending on a quality strat style like an American Fender or a G&L--great guitars that I would end up selling due to financial issues and the like. After a few years of not having an axe, I decided to look around for something that I could play from time to time, and decided to keep an open mind and look at these lower-price-point semis. I researched them quite a bit--as I'm sure some of you might be--and kept coming back to two models, one of which was the Ibanez AS 73. I rolled the dice and picked one up from ZZounds about this time last year.
I'll be honest: Well worth the money. I love this guitar. I love the sound, and I love the quality. It holds its own with the real deal. The pickups were OK, but I decided to upgrade to some Duncans and made the tone so much better. I'm grateful that such a great instrument is so affordable.
Musical Background:
Playing for 25 years; occasionally performing
Musical Style:
Funk, soul, R&B
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Submitted May 5, 2012 by Tom F in Lake Elsinore, CA
"BEST AND MOST VERSATILE GUITAR I OWN!"
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This guitar literally made me gasp when I opened the case. It's THAT beautiful. I looked it over from top to bottom with a VERY critical eye and didn't find a single flaw. The neck is as straight as an arrow with not curves, twists or bends. The frets are beautifully finished. I just couldn't get over the looks of it though. I got brown sunburst and it is absolutely stunning to look at.
Sound
The sound is mellow and you can get an amazing variety of tones out of this thing. It seems for most of my other guitars (including Gibsons, Fender, Shecter, Epiphones, etc.) the tone and volume controls don't do much for you. I mean you can take the edge off the distortion when using pedals, and you can tone down the highs a bit, but they're not very linear or sensitive. On the AS-73, the volume and tone controls make a BIG difference to your tone! Just little tweaks on them give you a whole new sound. You can make it sound very mellow and smooth in the background for a rhythm and then crank them up for a few fills, then really open them up for piercing leads. It is hands down the most versatile guitar I own because I can get ANY sound out of it.
Features
I LOVE the Grover tuners and they hold the axe in tune completely over days and days. The bridge and tail piece are high quality. The gloss finish is very deep and even. The wood on mine is beautiful. The burst finish is even applied.
Ease of Use
One reviewer commented on the AS-73 being neck heavy. Huh??? Mine is perfectly balanced. It's got a flatter radius and something between a Gibson 50's and a 60's neck. VERY comfortable for hours of playing and extremely easy to access the higher frets.
Quality
Usually, when you buy a high end guitar, you really can see the truth in the statement, "You get what you paid for." Not with this guitar! I gasped when I got it, and after playing it for a few years, I can see what in the world a Gibson ES-335 has over this guitar. This does not look like a cheap imitation at all. In other words, I can't imagine what the ES-335 could do better than this that demands thousands more dollars out of your pocket!
Value
You will feel guilty for not paying at least $1,000 or more on this guitar. I literally have had to check my receipt a few times to remind myself what a great deal this was. You can buy about six of these before you're even in the ball park for the Gibson, so I'd say this is an absolute STEAL!!
Manufacturer Support
Have NOT dealt with the company over this guitar. Absolutely no need to. YEARS of dependable service.
The Wow Factor
HUGE "Wow Factor" with the brown burst finish! Every time I look at it, I have to just stare at it for several minutes before I play it. It commands attention, and everyone that sees this guitar makes positive comments about it.
Musical Background:
Playing guitar for 35 years in pick-up bands, and now playing guitar and bass in a church band that plays rock-style music.
Musical Style:
Contemporary Christian, classic rock, blues
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Submitted April 13, 2020 by David Lee in Sarasota, FL
"Dont even think twice"
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Right out of the box I looked for finish flaws. I looked at every angle, in and out of the light. Every inch of this guitar. Not one single flaw. The micro line around the binding...perfect. The paint...no fish eyes, no orange peel...nothing. Smooth and shiny as glass. The pearl block inlays..perfect. The binding inside the f-holes...perfect. The fitment of all the hardware...perfect. So...I am a bass player. I have 5 basses, 3 of which are higher dollar, so I am no stranger to quality instruments. I finally wanted to learn 6 string guitar so I chose this AS73 in Olive green. Being a bass player Im not overly familiar with the sound profiles of guitar pickups. But I will say, right out of the box this thing sounded great. (Played through my bass amp) The tonal ranges are pretty wide. I hooked it up to my bass distortion pedal...that sounded great too. Neck profile is nice...of course I'm gonna have to get used to it though. Weight is nice. It feels solid and well made. Tuners are smooth and tight.I am a bass player first and foremost so more than likely this guitar will remain stock. But if youre an accomplished guitarist looking to hot rod a guitar thats bad ass to begin with.. dont pass this one up. If youre like me and just wanting to learn guitar...dont pass this one up. If youre looking for an affordable guitar that rivals those 3x the price, you will not go wrong with this one.
Musical Background:
Bass player of 30 years.
Musical Style:
Hard rock, blues, classic rock, stoner
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Submitted February 4, 2009 by a customer from earthlink.net
"Looking for a guitar bargain? Check out this Artcore beauty!"
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If it were stolen I'd try to replace it with one just like it, in fact I may buy another one just to keep in another tuning.
Sound
This is a very versatile guitar. It is satisfying to grab it and play acoustically, not because of any great volume, but because of its string to string tonal warmth, anywhere on the neck. This tone translates well through its p'ups also, with an expressive, well-rounded palette that finds its most comfortable home in anything from blues, through several rock styles with singing, sustaining, clean, to a very satisfying sweet to throaty crunch when urged by a Bad Monkey through both Fender tubes and a Roland Solid State.
Features
Nothing fancy here, but everything is solid, and attractive from bridge to tuners. It should have an owners manual providing specifications, basic care, warranty, and set-up information, etc. It's not a deal-breaker of course, especially for a guitarist with a bit of experience; however there's no excuse not to on such a well-crafted instrument that instills pride of ownership. Fender certainly does this for its similarly priced guitars.
Ease of Use
Again, no manual!! It takes my few pedals well, and it gives a wide range of tweakability from its solid humbuckers and controls. It is simple to coax very musical, controllable, feedback from it, and it performs well with open tunings, as many semi-hollows seem to. This is a guitar that a beginner could learn with and then enjoy far past the intermediate stage. It really is a lot of guitar for the money.
Quality
This is a well made guitar, unreal almost for its price A friend of mine who doesn't play but has good taste and appreciates guitars recently said simply, "That is a beautiful guitar". I expect that he'd have been quite surprised to learn what I'd pay for it.
Value
It is a bargain!!!
Manufacturer Support
No experience on contact, with Ibanez...none needed. That's good, but I'll give them a 5 for no manual, and making it difficult to find a suitable guitar case.
The Wow Factor
I purchased it from a store sitting side to side with other brands...it stood out...mine is cherry, and is much better looking than any picture I've ever seen of this guitar in a catalog or on a website.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock, Alternative, Blues, Jazz, Folk
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Submitted November 28, 2010 by a customer from yahoo.com
Ibanez AS73 Artcore Customer Review
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I expect to keep it as a mainstay for a long time.
Sound
Very responsive sound and natural sustain is incredible. Getting that Larry Carlton crunch and sustain compared to much more expensive ES335 guitars ($2000 and up) is a breeze! If you use compression and a little crunch, the sound is killer.
Features
Not a lot of bells and whistles here. 3 position pickup selector. Middle position requires naturally that you blend your neck and bridge pickups. A "magic knob" like B.B. King has on Gibson Lucille lets you set the blend and raise the volume on both with one knob. This would be a great option.
Ease of Use
Plays true throughout the neck. I recommend using 10-52 verses lighter strings to get that rich bottom end. The quick lock tailpiece is great. You barely need to strectch the stings more than 3 times and the puppy is in tune. Be sure to take the time to replace the strings and intonate immediately. As with any fixed bridge with tun-o-matic type elements, the G string can get a bit hinky at times.
Quality
Made in China under Ibanez quality control supervision. No flaws at all. I have the white on and it is a beauty.
Value
Hmmmmmm, let me think about it for a second. I play a lot of gigs and damned if I am going to bring a $3000 ES335 to a situation where I may lose it. For less than $400 this guitar is incredible.
Manufacturer Support
No need.
The Wow Factor
Nice fit and finish, pretty and I get a lot of compliments on it.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Jazz, Blues, Rock
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Submitted August 29, 2014 by peter zoni in Brewster, MA
""huge bang for your buck""
This is my 2nd Ibanez-I have the AS -53 and that guitar for $ 300 is great but the AS-73 is soooo much more . The neck is smoothly finished,frets set so no finger rash --It flows and sound -wise the sustain,the solidness , the integral feeling of the unit is impressive in its singularity and attention to detail. Finish and fit are flawless and there is so much tone flexibility that it is immensely fun to play.I am buying the AS-93 w/Super 58 custom pickups in 2 weeks -The sound of those pickups , in conjunction of the 3-pc. neck allows tone creation that is unparalled in guitars 2 and 3 times the price. Fantastic guitar!!!
Musical Background:
since 13( now 63).play piano, synthesizer,banjo ,harmonica,ukelele
Musical Style:
blues,rock, some jazz
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Submitted April 27, 2019 by Anthony Stecklein in Goodyear, AZ
"Great guitar!!!"
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Wow this is a great guitar, it showed up in flawless condition and as expected.Super easy to play with great action, takes no effort on the frets and is super smooth! Very impressive versatility it you can play just about anything on it. My guitar friends were shocked at the rock and metal this thing can put out.Also plays classic country and blues well.It makes me sound better then Iam!! Super guitar for the price.....
Musical Background:
Intermediate player
Musical Style:
Rock, country, blues
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Submitted November 2, 2004 by a customer from yahoo.com
"We played it and expected a $1500.00+ price tag. We were sure surprised that such an inexpensive instrument had all the makings"
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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!
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!
Features
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.
Manufacturer Support
We've never needed any support with this guitar. It has been a real friend!
The Wow Factor
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!
Musical Background:
Hobbyist and Active Musician
Musical Style:
Jazz, Blues, Country, Classic Rock, Oldies
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Submitted May 9, 2004 by a customer from yahoo.com
"I love it!"
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I love it!
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.
Features
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.
Manufacturer Support
No problems, none needed but Ibanez can be more forth coming on all their products.
The Wow Factor
Very sexy, if it were a woman...ah never mind. Very classy!
Musical Style:
Rock & jazz
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Submitted September 12, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Nobody's More Shocked Than I Am..."
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I'm no kid, and I've owned guitars that most people only dream about. I'm not gushing here, as most first time guitar buyers are. I have a lot to compare this to. I'm totally satisfied, and, "..nobody's more shocked than me..." I'd be proud to show up at a gig with this, whether a wedding gig or a rock gig. Plugged into one of my hot-rodded amps, this guitar is a crowd-pleasing jewel. I have fun playing it, it's good looks make me look better (and I need all of that I can get), and like I said before, it's just a classy guitar. Everyone loves this semi-hollow type of guitar.
Sound
Long ago and far away, there was an ancient form of music called "Rock and Roll". When I was growing up, everything related to what is now referred to as "Classic Rock". Larry DiMarzio invented the Super Distortion pickup because stock humbuckers wouldn't distort the old Marshall amps enough. This is the test model everyone has used since. The pickups in my AS73 are wound like a good stock Gibson humbucker in the neck (about 8K D.C. resistance), and like a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge (about 16K), which is an overwound Gibson humbucker without turning it into a distortion pickup. So, you get a lot of versatility here. Clean Jazz to Kiss! This makes the volume of the pickups more even as you switch back and forth. In the old days, all the pickups were wound the same, so the neck pickup on a lot of Gibson guitars seemed a lot louder than the bridge pickup. Through my old 50-watt half stack, this guitar totally stock does everything the way I want it to. No one is more shocked than I am. Please don't tell Ibanez what they've got here, because I need to hoard a few more before they quit making them! This is why the Gibson 335 has always been so popular, you can do ANYTHING with it! Can't afford a 335? Believe me, I've had a bunch of them. I like this Ibanez better!
Features
Come on---this is an affordable 335. It's set-up just like a Gibson, which is just what I'm used to. This is a classic guitar. These Ibanez AS73's are all maple, like the Gibson 335's were in the 70's. If you are trying to decide between the AS73 and an Epiphone Dot, listen up: I was very sadly disappointed by the Epiphones. Also, the necks on them are Phillipine mahogany, which breaks and splinters very easily. Unlike Honduran mahogany used in real Gibsons, Phillipine mahogany will not hold glue. So, if you break it, it's goodbye. The Ibanez necks are Maple, and will hold up way better. Plus, the fit and finish on the Ibanez stuff is waaaaay better. As I previously mentioned, this guitar is a steal---no one is more shocked than myself.
Ease of Use
If you have trouble playing this or operating it, maybe you should be a drummer. LOL. When the semi-hollow was invented by Ted McCarty, it was a MAJOR breakthrough in electric guitar design. This Ibanez, being an obvious 335 copy, is laid out just like a Gibson. I love it, love it, love it. No one is more shocked than I am, Holmes.
Quality
Shocked. Amazed. When I ordered this guitar, I was prepared for the worst. Ibanez proved me wrong. I cannot believe Ibanez can sell this guitar at this price. And I know all about it, believe me. The fit and finish are beautiful, and I'm not easy to please. Ibanez does their homework. They WANT your business more than the other guys, and they're really good at what they do. I've owned some 70's Ibanez Artists that made me want to throw my Les Paul in the dumpster. They put out more effort to get your business.
Value
To me an Epiphone Dot is a disappointment. The Ibanez AS73 is a revelation. Again, I do not see how they are pulling this off, and I am one picky mutha. I don't have much money these days, otherwise I'd run out and get a couple more of these.
Manufacturer Support
Pretty good. My experiences with Ibanez since the 1970's have largely been positive. Parts are easy to get should you need them. Go to their web site. There is a picture of every part for every guitar. My experiences have been such that I never needed anything, anyway.
The Wow Factor
Listen---when I open the case everyone goes, "Oooooh, aaaaaaah, where'd you get that? Did you get a job or something?" If hot chicks like it, I like it. Hot chicks love this guitar. It just exudes class, and no one can tell this thing doesn't cost $2000.00. Actually everybody, not just hot chicks, loves this instrument. It's a proven fact, that when in a store full of guitars, your wife or girlfriend will point at a semi-hollow and say, "Ooh---look at that one." I've seen them walk right past a custom shop Les Paul and put their hands on something like this. So you tell me.
Musical Background:
Active musician, and a whole lot more: luthier, amp maker, repair guy, etc.
Musical Style:
Classic Blues-Rock, Blues, Pop, etc.
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Submitted March 24, 2024 by David Bunch in Walker, LA
"I’m Overwhelmed!"
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I ordered this guitar in olive metallic around midnight on Wednesday. It shipped out Thursday and I had it in my hands at ten minutes to 11:00 on Friday! I had no idea just how great Ibanez really is. I love the color. The action and fret work are exceptional. The binding is flawless and the guitar has been perfectly set up. I’m playing through a Vox AC 30 with 2 12’s and a Vox extension cabinet with 2 12’s. I don’t use this much horsepower for volume but rather for quality at lower volume.This is an exceptional guitar at an exceptional price!
Musical Background:
Studio musician and worship leader
Musical Style:
Pop, country, southern gospel
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Submitted April 2, 2015 by Carl Ossican in Cooperstown, NY
"EXCELLENT value"
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It's too bad that Ibanez is often associated with juvenile shred-style guitars, because this is truly a musician's guitar. It's as versatile as people here and elsewhere say, and not just in a good-enough way. It's got really rich tones and very responsive controls. Nice neck and fretboard. Different amps nicely bring out different qualities in it. My own favorite is a bridge-pickup-heavy middle setting, pushing it hard through a good Fender-style tube amp. It can roar without getting muddy if you dial it in right. It also sweetens up beautifully for sustain-heavy, big-note leads and jazz. Just be sure that you get it set up well. This includes getting your pickups' height where you want them. Mine has a nagging intonation problem on the g-string, as so many electrics weirdly do. But I got it used, and intonation issues seem inherent with its Gibson-stye bridge. Anyway, it's just a great guitar--and this is from a Tele-addict. I've played Gibson 335's, and this one is almost as pretty and SOUNDS just as good as those. My only modification in mind for it is, one day, a Bigsby tremelo. (Hint, hint, Ibanez!) You'll love this thing.
Musical Background:
Playing 40 years, all kinds of guitars and amps.
Musical Style:
Everything except hip-hop and shred.
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Submitted January 3, 2005 by a customer from hotmail.com
"im in guitar heaven"
this one is a lifer
Sound
Just simply incredible what can i say it is a muscians friend the range is awesome
Features
Hey no FLAWS at this price..the fit and finish is terrific
Quality
had it for a year with some heavy use it just keeps on playing
Value
read my lips you can't and will not find another guitar with the quality and sound and finish in this price range unless you willing to pay a grand or so
Manufacturer Support
never had to use it
The Wow Factor
if you want the best there is look no further than IBANEZ ARTCORE SERIES
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
Blues rockabilly and of course godd old rock and roll
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Submitted March 28, 2012 by Michael K in Springfield, MA
"Amazing guitar"
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About 8 years ago I was looking for an other guitar to complement my '77 Strat, I was playing strictly classic R&B. I tried Gibson, Epiphone, Fender and a few others and then the salesperson suggested trying the Ibanez...yea Right those are for shredders. Boy was I wrong. This guitar has array of endless tones, believe me I'm real picky. The action was great right out of the box and quality of finish is very good. I put the Strat away for along time and this became my primary guitar. And yes, you can shred with this.
Musical Background:
35 years Pro
Musical Style:
R&B, Christian, Funk, Rock...
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Submitted June 30, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Awesome semi-hollow body guitar. Tears up Epiphone's Dot."
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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.
Musical Background:
Active Musician, Hobbyist,
Musical Style:
Rock, Jazz, Blues
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Submitted June 10, 2003 by a customer from hotmail.com
"AWESOME guitar for the price. a few things it could do with, but all in all, great guitar!!"
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....
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..
Features
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.
Manufacturer Support
im not sure, but if they lowered their price on some of their products i wouldve rated them higher ;)
The Wow Factor
i wouldnt rate it too high with the looks, because the body is just that bit too big...
Musical Style:
Blues/Jazz
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Submitted July 31, 2020 by a customer from gmail.com
"I dont know how they do it!!!"
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I dont know how ibanez makes such a great guitar at a very affordable price.The only thing for me imo opinion that I changed and made it great was the pickups. The pickups were of just not what I like.They were nice deep sounding,great for clean tone jazz type of playing but not what I wanted.That was the only thing it needed it a setup most guitars do anyway nothing surprising.It looks great and I just will try am expensive 335 again just to see what im missing.The only thing I think I would be missing is alot of money,because this guitar is fine.
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Submitted April 9, 2013 by Mike B in Avon, CT
"Best Guitar for the Money"
Great Looking, Great sounding Guitar. Very versatile you can play any style of music. Early 70's classic Rock sounds really good on it.
Musical Background:
25 yrs
Musical Style:
Classic Rock, Dan Fogelberg, Eagles Jimmy Buffett
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Submitted December 27, 2007 by hilkat
"I've made a friend."
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.
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?).
Features
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.
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.
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.
Manufacturer 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.
The Wow Factor
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.
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Submitted July 13, 2005 by a customer from amplats.co.za
"Exceptional quality for a steal of a Price"
This guitar will be played until the frets are level with the fingerboard! Buy one! it's so unique, you'll stand out.
Sound
Fantastic tonal response, a real "players" guitar! compared to others in its price class, it shines!
Features
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!
Manufacturer 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.
The Wow Factor
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!
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock/Blues
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Submitted May 17, 2011
"Awesome value."
Wouldn't mind having another tele around for variety's sake, but I can't see ever giving this guitar up.
Sound
Most of my electric experience is with cheaper guitars with cheap pickups. The pickups on these work as well as any to my ear. As you would expect, the neck position gives nice rich jazz sounds; the bridge brightens things up, but it's no tele. It pairs nicely with my AC15, which is a bright amp.
Features
Basic setup as one would expect. The components seem solid. The floating bridge allows for adjusting the intonation of each string, as one would hope on this type of guitar.
Ease of Use
Yes, the interface is, uh, intuitive. It has six strings and frets. Had the guitar setup at my favourite shop - nice action. I can't speak to using this guitar with pedals, as I don't really use them much. As you would expect, this guitar is a bit more prone to feedback than a solid body if I stand in front of the amp and crank it (so, don't stand in front of your amp and crank it).
Quality
Solid and well built. Stunning to look at with a nice finish.
Value
Incredible value. I haven't seen much else in this price range this nice.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't had any issues requiring me to deal with Ibanez.
The Wow Factor
Even after playing it for months, I still feel like I'm picking up a valuable instrument. Hard to believe this guitar comes so cheap, even from Asia.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock, bits of jazz and folk
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Submitted July 16, 2008
"It was fate"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
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.
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.
Features
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.
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.
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?
Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed to call on anyone about it. It's still perfect!
The Wow Factor
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.
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Submitted January 13, 2006
""One Sweet Guitar""
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This may be the best guitar I will ever own!
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
Features
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.
The Wow Factor
It's a sweet looking guitar, don't get me wrong, but it's not what I would classify as sexy.
Musical Background:
Full Fleged Musician
Musical Style:
Punk, Blues, Rock, Alt.
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Submitted January 29, 2005
"Killer axe! Fabulous price!"
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!
Features
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!
The Wow Factor
Bought one!
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