Ibanez ART100 Artist Electric Guitar
The Ibanez ART100 is a great looking, great sounding guitar. With a pair of Artcore pickups and sleek finishes, the Ibanez ART100 rocks.
Overall User Ratings (based on 36 ratings)
Submitted June 15, 2008 by a customer from isp2k.com
"11 out of 10 on everything"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I don't plan on ever selling it, in fact, I'm looking at buying another one.
Sound
EXTREMELY VERSITAL! I'm in a Christian metal band and a worship band and there are no boundaries to the amount of tones you can get from this guitar. I have played almost every Ibanez guitar (accept for custom models)and the only guitar I think is more versital is the SA. The neck is very comfortable, maybe even more so than the wizards. If you are a metalhead who wants to hear how it sounds just listen to anything by As I Lay Dying after 2006 (An Ocean between Us has the most guitar). Very distinct tone, yet very expressive, articulate and seems to remind you of something that you've heard before and liked. I found that the perfect death metal tone is to pear it up with a Crate "Flexwave" or Krank "Revolution". Punk: Marshall MG; Acoustic: Crate "Flexwave" (great amp, I highly reccomend it); Blues: Peavey "Windsor". Peared w/ an EMG 81, it could just be the best guitar for metal in the WORLD. With Duncan SHPG-1 it could be greatest blues guitar in the world. BUY THIS GUITAR!
Features
Don't know, bought used (still greastest guitar I've ever played).
Ease of Use
Dude, face it, the guitar is AMAZING!
Quality
Beautiful finish. amazing sound from the day I got it (even though it was used)
Manufacturer Support
?
The Wow Factor
The finish is superb and the inlay on the 12th fret complements is perfectly. but, going on just finish I would get an S prestige or maybe a '57 Gibson Les Paul goldtop
Musical Background:
Active, 6 years
Musical Style:
everything but country and hip-hop
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Submitted July 30, 2012 by Ron V in Nashville, TN
"Realistically 7 out of 10 is pretty good for a $300 guitar"
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A while back I had to choose between keeping my car or selling my $3k Les Paul. Well the car won. So I had to find a cheap guitar to play and keep recording. Well I settled on this Ibanez. It had the best feel,fit and action of the bunch I tried. So I bought it. I've had it about a year now, and can say it does the job fairly well.
If you have the right processors you can get some really good sounds out of it. But the action is nothing like a high quality Gibson or Fender or Prs and it won't ever be. It is what it is. That's not to say it's not a good guitar, it is. It does stay in tune well and it's easy to play, its just not as smooth as butter like a high end ax would play.
All in all I'm happy with my Art100. Someday I might put some hotter pups in it. But maybe not. I run mine through Reason and Pod Farm and can process it to sound like just about anything I want.
Bottom line for $300 you can't go wrong. I've been playing for 40+ years and find this guitar very workable.
Sound
I give the humbucker sound a 7, because no matter how hard you try it ain't gonna growl like a high end Gibson without new pups
Features
Features are ok
Ease of Use
with good processors you can achieve most any sound. Action is a little slow but acceptable for this price range
Quality
Quality is top notch, very well made. No flaws, intonation right on.
Value
Well worth the money, for what it is.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't used em
The Wow Factor
I have the gold edition and I get a lot of compliments
Musical Background:
playing 40+ yrs Blues,Rock,Folk,Country
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Submitted December 16, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com
"The ART100, Beautiful guitar for all levels."
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I will play this guitar to the ground and it would replace it without a thought if something happened to it. It's and very valuable instrument for the money from any stand point. Beginner's and intermediate players should love it out of the box and pro players have the low price of a well build body and nuck through design that can be upgraded to the sound that is desired.
Sound
I am a Rock and Blues player that needed a work horse guitar to set aside my JS1000 (and others)for jigs and other times. I was not impressed with the pups that came with the guitar or the strings. I replaced the strings and the pups and WOW! The strings made a huge difference in the action and the the pickups I choose were right on the money for a really great sounding and playing guitar.
Features
The set neck design from Ibanez is amazing. With my new string and pickups, This guitar plays with the best guitars that I own and that says a lot. Ibanez really made a solid base with this guitar and it shows once you add a little nicer strings and electronics. Like I said before, I play this guitar now more than any of my guitars and that says a lot. For the money I have invested into this guitar it is still way less than half the cost of my cheapest guitar.
Ease of Use
Like I said before, Replace the strings and another thing that helped, Oil the fret board. Action should be very sweet after the string change if its anywhere close to my setup and you will be off to effortlessly playing in no time.
Quality
I was amazed at the workmanship of this guitar. I have the white model and it is stunning. I give all my guitars a wipe down after I play them so I have not seen a scratch on it sense I have owned it(2 months). I play pretty hard too.
Value
Yes
Manufacturer Support
The friendliness and support were great and I will for sure be purchasing my next guitar right here at my new home ZZounds!
The Wow Factor
There is a great appeal from this guitar as far as the looks and neck through design and solid mahogany body. This is all very great for the price of the guitar because you can always upgrade. That and the guitar is Beautiful!
Musical Background:
18years
Musical Style:
Rock, Blues
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Submitted January 15, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Buy this guitar !!!!!!!!!!"
Along time,I would buy another one. This guitar stays intune much better than my paul... If you like to do dive bombs forget it.It is amazing how this guitar compares to my paul. In my own opinion If you were to put the 81 and 85 emg pick ups in this, you would see "one of the best guitarist in the world" play this guitar on stage".
Sound
Sound is pretty good, versitile,you can always upgrade pickups.
Features
whammy would be nice, I think it would be kind of weird with this style guitar though,
Ease of Use
easey to play,and use.
Quality
heavy because of the woods used,nice finnish,seems like a well built guitar.I always bring an extra guitar for gigging anyway.
Value
yes
The Wow Factor
Nice finnish,styling, easey to look at very simple and kleen
Musical Background:
Hobbiest
Musical Style:
rock
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Submitted September 14, 2011 by a customer from cmc.com
"Great for Christmas morning!"
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Sound
I bought one of these 3 years ago for my 11 year old son's Christmas present and he was not disappointed one bit! They were a little cheaper then (but hey, so was everything else). The picture does not do the semi-clear Cherry finish justice at all! It really is a beautiful guitar and has held up well. Sound is good enough that my oldest son carries it for a back up on his gigs.
Musical Background:
active Musician
Musical Style:
Christian Rock
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Submitted June 15, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Get One of These!"
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I collect guitars. I did not buy this as a collectible but I expect it to last for many many happy years.
Sound
Each instrument has it's own unique sound. This guitar sounds way better than it should for the price! Nice clear clean tones or down and dirty. All very much acceptable.
Features
No accessories.
Ease of Use
Stays tuned and comfortably laid out controls.
Quality
China Made. However, the chinese craftsmen are masters at what they do. This is a fine instrument. It should be several hundred dollars more. The fit and finish is quite nice. No flaws detected anywhere.
Value
I can't imagine more guitar for this amount of money. I own 13 guitars. I have played for 44 years. This is a great instrument at most any price.
Manufacturer Support
Never tried. I have never needed support. Looks like the need for support is not likely to happen.
The Wow Factor
I own the white one. It is breathtakingly gorgeous.
Musical Background:
Personal Amusement
Musical Style:
Melodic and Musical.
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Submitted October 30, 2011 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Great guitar for any style of music."
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Overall, I am very happy with this guitar. I may be getting another one in a different color. I expect it will last me a lifetime. If it were stolen, I would replace it.
Sound
This guitar has a great sound to it, although it is a little bit muddy, nothing to major, but could have better clarity. Easily fixed with a pickup
upgrade. Aside from that, this thing rocks! Amazing sustain, and very powerful. Great guitar for metal, blues, rock, whatever.
Features
The features of this guitar are perfect for me, simply and to the point. It has all you need, and nothing you don't.
Ease of Use
It's not rocket science, plug it in and wail! Simple rock solid bridge, tuners that actually keep the guitar in tune, and straight forward volume and tone controls. I returned an Epiphone Les Paul Standard that I could not get to stay in tune no matter what I did to it. This guitar is ten times better than the Epi.
Quality
Great guitar, solidly built, holds it's tuning very well, even with stock strings. Plays very easy, and has a great sound. I have no concerns with this guitars durability, it's built like a tank. All electronics are quiet and the controls actually make a difference in sound when you use them. Had some surface scratches but other than that, the guitar was perfect.
Value
$300.00 for a neck through screaming demon, it's a no brainer. Also at this price point, you can upgrade it to pro status and still not have a fortune invested in it.
Manufacturer Support
I bought mine brand new, opened it up and the guitar had light scratches all over it, as if it had been played before. I contacted Zzounds, they made it right, I am very pleased.
The Wow Factor
I love the design of this guitar. It has the Les Paul shape, but is about as thick as an SG, perfect. Very comfortable to hold and play, nice chunky neck, yet not to big.
Musical Background:
Semi pro
Musical Style:
Metal, Rock, Southern Rock, Blues
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Submitted August 7, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com
"Ibanez ART100 This company sets the standard for quality !"
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I plan on having this as my go to guitar for quite a while !
Sound
This guitar really sounds good. The pickups are loud and have fantastic tone.
Comes stock with D'Addario strings.
Features
No accessories. (a case would have been nice!)
Ease of Use
Guitar needed to be set up. Strings were way too high off the fretboard.
Professional set up cost me $50.00.....plan on it!
Quality
Absolutely flawless finish. Hardware, neck ,body, etc, so far appear to be in perfect condition.
Maybe I will upgrade the nut sometime in the future.
Value
This guitar is definitely worth the price !
Manufacturer Support
No experience with customer support...hopefully this never changes.
The Wow Factor
The cherry finish on this guitar gives it sex appeal, but I am just blown away by the feel of the neck and the tone it puts out!
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock,Blues
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Submitted November 4, 2012 by a customer from gmail.com in canonsburg, PA
"wd40"
A players guitar.it sounds and plays like a guitar u would spend thousands on. Ibenez truly is a guitar company that understands not all of us can afford that les paul we dream about. Ive played guitars twice as much and seriously this is truly a guitar that will make u happy u cant afford a gibson or any other guitar that cost more then ur car lol
Musical Style:
Rock,blues,metal
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Submitted December 5, 2007 by a customer from hotmail.com
"GREAT GUITAR!"
great guitar
Sound
love this guitar
Features
all i wish was if it came with EMG 81 and 85 pickups...then it would be a perfect axe
Ease of Use
amazing guitar to play
Quality
it looked perfect when I pulled it out of the box..
Value
i would have paid way more than $300 for this quality! its a steal!
The Wow Factor
first time I saw it..I had to have it
Musical Background:
Active Musician/Recording Engineer
Musical Style:
Metal/Blues
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Submitted January 26, 2013 by glen G
"Ibanez art100"
This thing kicks ass!I bought mine used for $200 and in mint shape.I play mostly metal and classic rock but this thing will adapt to almost anything.Just an all around wicked axe.Forget the bang for the buck this thing is a big boom for the buck.
Sound
It sounds sick.........yes you could upgrade the pups but why??Very versatile axe really.
Features
I think the features are great.Has everything you need and is simple and to the point.Love the finish.I have black but will be getting another in a different color.
Ease of Use
It plays like a dream.I run it through a 100 watt 2x12 marshall tube and it screams.Clean or dirty.
Quality
It is a TANK!!
Value
My opinion this axe is worth much more than what it sells for.Ive played guitars 4 times the price of this one and really the sound was no better when you do some fine tuning on the amp.
Manufacturer Support
Never had to.
The Wow Factor
Its an all around great axe.Plays,looks and holds up extremely well.
Musical Background:
about 25 years off and on.
Musical Style:
metal ,rock, classic rock, blues,country
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Submitted March 23, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com
"The best Les Paul copy on the market."
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I will not sell this, right not It is my 4th guitar in the line and up after my Gibson LP Standard and Fender Road Worn 60's and 66 Jazzmaster. It is my Gibsons backup/practice once I get it some nice pickups later it will probably see some gig time.
Sound
This guitar is awesome. The sound is wicked with a big muff. Ceramic pickups get the job done but when playing clean it is a little harsh. It gets loud and sounds something like a Flying V but the sound still holds it own with fuzz and overdrive.
Features
Guitar just came with allen wrench. The knobs surely are good enough I would be asking for to much if it had a extra tone knob. Everything is intact. One inlay and position dots on the side is all you need it really makes you look like you know your way around and fret board and will actually make you focus more on the board. I love the 24.75 scale and 12 inch radius its really Les Paul without the price.
Ease of Use
The sound you can get it from it for blues, its just great and from alternative to metal with the proper pedal or onboard effects it will sound amazing. Sunshine of your love and hideaway sound amazing with this guitar. The manual helps you set up the guitar if you need to but mines came perfect just with the exception of the G and B string slightly off with intonation. Feels like a Les Paul with out the extra bulk and twice as cheaper then a PRS SE and twice as cheaper.
Quality
Made in China, feels like it is not believe me. I can say it will be reliable and if something break it deserved to so it can get upgrade. The picks sound good for now, I havent played with Ceramic since I had a Flying V and they sound good on this baby. They will surely be the first to go once I record something because some of my work is mostly fuzz orientated and with those pick ups I get additional punch. I would definitely get a back up for this on the road and wow the finish was flawless, the frets are little sharp but luthier will help me out with that it really isn't as noticeable as some of the MIM Fenders unless you slide your hand a real close and fast.
Value
The value is great, a mahogany guitar with a set in neck for $300 come one not even a Squier, which have agathis wood, ewww. I think the price is great Im pretty sure if they remove the binding and a remove one of the volume knobs it will surely be worth around $270 but for $300 it is worth it with what it has but I think alnicos either II or V will do it even more justice. Not even epiphone for $300 or Gibson LP studios come with binded necks and body.
Manufacturer Support
I havent dealt with Ibanez but I give a 10 to zzounds for price matching and offering as play as you pay service as I really wanted this guitar after trying it out a Guitar Center and I wasnt going to pay 320 plus sales tax to some guy who wants commission, I only had $100 to spend until my next check and zzounds help me out and I am set.
The Wow Factor
I got the Gold one and it is nice and sparkly and it really has the same tone as my Gibson LP Standard, this guitar would of been killer with cream binding but the black says hey I'm not a Gibson but I am in the same league so try me, literally try me. Money is this economy no matter who says it isn't is wrong. This guitar is great for a starter even professional with the right upgrades.
Musical Background:
Guitarist
Musical Style:
Blues, Alternative, Guitarist, Drummer, Metal
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Submitted April 11, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com
"Nice price for a dual HB guitar."
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I will keep this guitar.
Sound
Nice balance between the humbuckers, and the tone controls actually do something.
Features
Sure do wish guitars came with cases, but I must be living back in the 50's to believe this would ever happen. Just a guitar, that was all I got.
Ease of Use
It is a very good player, for the price. Only complaint is that the fret edges are a little rough. The weight is excellent - I expected it to be much lighter. Not quite Les Paul heavy, and not basswood light.
Quality
Absolutely no complaints with Ibanez quality, I am a firm believer in what they do - 3rd one I've owned and again - price considered - it's an excellent value.
Value
Worth what I paid and then some, it was a nice surprise when I plugged it in at home. I won't gig with it (I do not play out much any more - had enough bars already) but for recording, just a sweet deal.
Manufacturer Support
NP.
The Wow Factor
May not be for everyone, again, it isn't a Nashville custom shop or a Corona, but the price and the guitar, love this one. And for style points, the cherry finish, the inlay, it is a really nice looking instrument. Well done, Ibanez.
Musical Background:
Active guitarist
Musical Style:
Whatever I like
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Submitted June 15, 2009 by a customer from optonline.net
"Silver Axe attack jack & for 3 beans u will never go back(BEST deal u will find ANYWHERE)"
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I will keep this one forever,just add another Ibanez or two to my ever growing collection LOL
Sound
EXCELLENT
Features
For 3 beans this Guitar cannot be BEAT!!
Ease of Use
I have not been able to put it down yet LOL
Quality
EVERYTHING about this guitar is BEAUTIFUL the finish included.
Very finely made guitar,will def add another Ibanez to my guitar collection!!
Value
At 3 bills u could not do any BETTER,BUY THIS GUITAR u will not believe what a DEAL this baby is!!
The Wow Factor
I bought the Silver one and it is Freaking AWESOME
I cannot seem tp put it down,it just feels RIGHT
DEF a real BEAUTY!!
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock,Blues
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Submitted November 30, 2011
"The Ibanez ART100 is double the value of its price simply amazing guitar!"
ill keep it! if i will buy another guitar ill buy the same one just with different color
Sound
this guitar is everything an all around guitar player needs. you can play anything on this guitar unlike other. its a must have!
Features
simple design for fast everyday playing
Ease of Use
its a 10 out of 10 for playability.. it just sounds smooth and clear no buzz at all.. the balance and shape is amazing its just a very good guitar to have!
Quality
yes it is well built from the painting to the electronics! flawless it just capture my eyes from the very first time i saw it on the guitar store! i think it will last for a long long time depending on the owners care.
Value
a lot cheaper but match the sound and quality of high priced guitars so its a worthy guitar for its price
The Wow Factor
its appeal is just simply amazing! simple as it looks and very balanced to play! the paint job and shape its just irresistable!
Musical Background:
4 years playing for hobby and band
Musical Style:
alternative,rock
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Submitted March 24, 2010
"Great for guys who like to mod things."
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If I ever decide to take on a project and mod a guitar this would be my choice. But for an off the shelf use it as it is? Not really my cup of tea.
Sound
The stock pickups aren't very good. Rather dull and lifeless. The neck pickup is muddy and the bridge is tinny.
I have had the thing to two different setup guys and neither of them can get the intonation right. And they are both very skilled at what they do. So as a result it just never really sounds in tune.
I could get into replacing the bridge and the pickups and all that kinda stuff to improve the guitar. But honestly I'm not sure I like the guitar well enough to bother.
Features
I would have marked this higher but the electronics (the pots and switches and so forth) all need to be replaced.
Really the only thing on this guitar that's really worth much is the body. If your the kinda guy who like to modify guitars and Frankenstein your own creations, then this might be your monster.
Ease of Use
Well since the intonation can't really be set right and it always sounds out of tune, it's not really that easy to use. Not to mention that the frets on mine needed some serious help.
Quality
If I were a young teenager still learning, I would have been in love with this guitar. Until I learned to play well enough to be in a band. Then this guitar would have to go.
But I'm not I'm a guy in my mid 30's and I've been playing in a band for nearly two decades. And therefore this guitar just wont due.
Value
Well it was purchased to a backup and I can't even really use it for that. Not without spending a bunch more money to mod it.
Manufacturer Support
Never had to deal with them
The Wow Factor
It's a very nice looking guitar. I'll give it that. That's how I noticed it in the first place. I love the simplistic look. No fret markers no pick guard. Just the 12th fret deco. Very cool look.
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Submitted May 3, 2009
"IBANEZ IS BAAAACK!!!!!"
Sound
Got mine new & the trans cherry finish is sizzling! The tones are great & the weight is extremely manageable! Great feel!
Features
none
Ease of Use
the dual humbucker pickups are a perfect blend of deep rhythm & crispy lead you need to play any style.
Quality
Agree with the rest, the quality is as good as my $1000 Fender, plus this is more versatile.
Value
for the money you may never find a solid mahoganey with a set neck.
Manufacturer Support
never called
The Wow Factor
this guitar oozes sex appeal!
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Submitted January 6, 2009 by a customer from yahoo.com
"GET THIS GUITAR! IT ROCKS!"
I'm buying myself another! porblyey buying 2 or 3 more!
Sound
I would rate the sound 100! I can get any sound from coutry, to jazz, to punk, pop, emo, death metal, to rock'N'Roll. this guitar can do anyhting! the tone IS GREAT! you can get cristal clear tone. sound better than a Gibson Les Paul!
Features
2 volume - master and just volume ---- and 1 tone. a 3 way pick up switch. the tuners on it ROCK! the Galibrator(spelled that wong sorry!) are probabley the best tuners on earth! the frets are great, not big buzzing, nice and clean. creat slim, and light weight body, lighter and slimmer than a Gibson SG.
Ease of Use
plug it in and jam! as i said, its SUPER LIGHT,AND SLIM, so you can frakin' shred on this baby, or power chord your way through the frets, or chord you way to the blues!
Quality
Because of its all mahogany wood, set in neck, and super slim neck, its a dream guitar. i slammed the head stock and NOT EVEN a dent in it;nor a scratch!
Value
well worth it, i bought mine used, and it look new, no nicks in it, nothing all clean,and shiny. If i ever lost it on a gig, or some one stole it, i'd buy another maybe 2!
Manufacturer Support
never delt with em' why would i even deal with them, Ibaez's proucts rocks!
The Wow Factor
definatly get it if you want a PRO Les Paul, and cant afford those crappy Gibson Les pauls that cost thousands! its better than those Gibson, trust me!
Musical Background:
Solo Artist, Active.
Musical Style:
pop rock, emo, metal,acoustic
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