Ibanez AFJ91

[rsclosson]

I have been through a lot of guitars and, surprisingly, am finding greater delight in some of the cheaper ones. When I settled on a semi hollow, I got the greatest satisfaction from an Artcore AS93 in violin sunburst. (the older, pre-pickguard and pre Super 58 model) I actually like it better than some Gibson 335s I have played. This says something about the pre Super 58, ACH pickups. It is nice and warm with plenty of versatility.

With that in mind, I found a terrific deal on an AFJ-91 in blueburst. It is a second with a "very small flaw on the back" so it says. (Fully returnable if I don't like it) I hope it will be my hollow body of choice for a while. It is the one with the controls on the pickguard and the Super 58s. It only comes in blueburst and I believe it is more current than the older redburst models. Just wondering if anybody has had an opportunity to compare the two models.

[newsense]

I played the blue AFJ91 in a shop for a while and really liked it. My hands are not so large and so I really appreciate the thinnish Ibanez necks (I also have an AS153). I much prefer the older sunset red finish, so I bought a red one mail order. I have this set up with flatwound 12s and feel I am getting a great tone for straight ahead jazz and bebop. Even though it has the same pickup as my AS153, it is in completely different tonal territory. From my short experience with the blue one, I don't believe that sonically there is any difference between the red and the blue AFJ versions, the only material difference being the position of the controls. You may get a good deal on a red one if you can find it.

Beware though, that there is apparently a design fault with the tailpiece which can start to tear along a stress crack at the hinge. This is well documented in another thread here. My example has only just developed a hairline crack and I am currently trying to decide whether to take the hit and replace the tailpiece with a non-stock item, or spend time arguing with the retailer and Ibanez about a replacement that they can guarantee will not break in the same way.

Good luck !

[Wes Fan]

Beware though, that there is apparently a design fault with the tailpiece which can start to tear along a stress crack at the hinge. This is well documented in another thread here. My example has only just developed a hairline crack and I am currently trying to decide whether to take the hit and replace the tailpiece with a non-stock item, or spend time arguing with the retailer and Ibanez about a replacement that they can guarantee will not break in the same way.

My 2013 Sunset Red AFJ91 (purchased new in January 2014) has also developed the dreaded tailpiece cracks. I called Hoshino USA, and they're replacing it under the warranty (they're actually going to do the work). They wouldn't guarantee that the replacement will be an improved version and will not crack, but knowing how widespread this problem is, I can't imagine that they'd want to make warranty replacements with--or, for that matter, continue to use in currently manufactured guitars (e.g., the Jet Blue Burst AFJ91)--a component that will just crack again. Certainly not good for brand image or PR. But of course, time will tell.

[rsclosson]

I am already looking at tailpiece options. I also wonder what the bridge is like. From the pics I have seen it looks like cheaper wood pained black. Might go with a Stewmac bridge either ebony or rw. (I just can't stop tinkering)

[newsense]

I'm not unhappy with the bridge - I trust it more than I trust my ability to correctly profile a new one !

[curbucci]

I think the difference between the 2 AFJ91 is the color and finish.
The blue I is a satin and the sunset red burst has more of a shiny finish to it.

I just recently purchased what was advertised as a used AFJ81 sunset red burst. online w/case.

Got it to find out is is an AFJ91 sunset red burst later that night when I looked at the label inside! Before I got it I was already looking to replace the ACH pickups that are on the AF81's.

Both the AFJ91 in blue and red come stock with the Super 58 "Custom" neck pickup. Custom meaning it's made in China which are now a recently made alnico instead of ceramic. The regular Super 58 pickups are made in Japan with and are on the higher end Ibanez guitars - Prestige and Signature series.

There are no cracks on tailpiece or bridge on the red AFJ91 I got.

[rsclosson]

The blue bomb has arrived! Haven't had a chance to really work with it yet, but it is beautiful to behold. While it is marked S on the headstock (for second, I presume) I haven't really been able to find a flaw. Thus far, the tailpiece looks good. Anyway, I will say more when I have a chance to put it through its paces.

[curbucci]

Unless Ibanez corrected what seems to be a design flaw with the tailpiece (cheap metal part), I would hesitate to put a set above the 11's it came with.

[rsclosson]

Unless Ibanez corrected what seems to be a design flaw with the tailpiece (cheap metal part), I would hesitate to put a set above the 11's it came with.

I normally use TI Jazz Swing 12s. I am debating on doing a pre-emptive strike with a new tailpiece. Also considering upgrading the the pots and cap. It does play very nice as is however. I will play it as is for a while and just see what happens.

I also plan on using some auto polishing compound on the guitar. It adds just enough gloss to the satin finish to make it look really cool; kind of a quasi nitro look. I did it on an Ibanez af55 I used to have (got knocked of the guitar stand at a gig and the neck was destroyed) and the effect was surprisingly nice.

[newsense]

I also use Swing 12s.

This is what I have jus acquired to replace the stock tailpiece on my Sunset Red AFJ91:



I think it will suit the subtle black gradient in burst finish. More pics when fitted next week.

[Wes Fan]

I normally use TI Jazz Swing 12s. I am debating on doing a pre-emptive strike with a new tailpiece. Also considering upgrading the the pots and cap. It does play very nice as is however. I will play it as is for a while and just see what happens.

I put TI GB114s on my Sunset Red AFJ91 and, sure enough, cracked tailpiece. As I said earlier, I'm going to have Ibanez (Hoshino USA) replace it with what is hopefully a newer, stronger version of the original tailpiece. But if it cracks again, I'll be looking for an alternative tailpiece (and maybe a different pickguard to compliment it).

[newsense]

Yes - the current pickguard will definitely come off when I attach the new TP. That may be permanent, or I may try to find a slimmer, ebony one that suits the new look better.

[Wes Fan]

I also use Swing 12s.

This is what I have jus acquired to replace the stock tailpiece on my Sunset Red AFJ91:



I think it will suit the subtle black gradient in burst finish. More pics when fitted next week.

And that fits the existing holes? Do you mind sharing where you got that? Thanks!

[newsense]

No, it won't fit the existing holes - nothing will as far as I can tell, except the Hoshino replacement. I plan to fill the visible old holes with black wood filling wax - that will be the least obvious fix, given the black figuring on the rim.

[rsclosson]

I am thinking about a finger tailpiece. I know they are pricey but I have a buddy that can get me one for his cost. (under a hundred bucks) It still may be putting lipstick on a pig so I am not sure. They look really cool, though.

[es34569]

I've had my AFJ91 for almost a year now with no signs of metal fatigue in the TP. I've been using 11's with a 12 and 16 for the e/b strings. Out of concern, I called the dealer, who said he had sold quite a few of the
AFJ91's and hasn't heard of any problems with them, but would stand behind the guitar's hardware. I told him that I was about to replace the entire set with D'Addario Chromes in 12's. He felt that it should not be a problem. BUT, the jury is out at present.
Chuck

[newsense]

I've now fitted the new tailpiece to my "old" AFJ91 and, as suggested, I have also removed the pick-guard.

The bracket for the new tailpiece is larger than the old one, so although I had to make new holes for the three screws, all the original screw-holes are hidden by the new bracket.

I won't be putting the old pick-guard back, but I may add a Benedetto style PG from StewMac if I find I miss it.

Judge for yourselves whether the new tailpiece is an improvement or not:



If anything, it sounds slightly livelier now. That may be the absence of the pick-guard rather than the different tail-piece. The old tailpiece was also metal - the wooden block was purely cosmetic. Of course, the perceived liveliness could just be the new strings that are now on it !

[rsclosson]

Tailpiece looks great. I do like the look of a pickguard on that guitar and recommend you eventually add one. The newer model, with the controls on the pickguard have pretty much forced me to keep mine. It looks pretty good, but I am not sure of the rosewood/blue combination. I think ebony would have been a better match.

I need to look at the pots on mine. The guitar sounds very nice, but a little on the bright side. If it has 250s, I may swap out for 500s. If it already has 500s than I am not sure what to do to warm it up, short of backing way off on the tone.

[hans halmackenreuter]

looks very nice! from time to time I think I should have taken a black TP too. It looks just fine without a pick guard and if it doesn't bother you than leave it as it is right now. I took off my pick guard as well and the way I pick or strum, it's also unneccesary for me to have one.

[newsense]

The StewMac Benedetto pick-guard is now on its way across the Atlantic, along with some black strap buttons and ebony vol/tone knobs. The guitar is quite comfortable to play without the PG, but I think it may look better with one of minimalist design.

[zigzag]

FYI, my AFJ91 has developed cracks in the tailpiece, and I use TI Swing 12s that have an overall tension very slightly higher (3 pounds) than the stock 11 Chromes.

I've had the guitar for about a year (bought it new), and it has also required some fret leveling, not to mention that the pickup is mounted slightly crooked. I like the sound, feel, and looks of the guitar, but I guess from a quality standpoint, you get what you pay for. Maybe I should have bought the Epi JP, instead.

[rodolfoguitarra]

I had installed a Gibson classic 57 on my AFJ91. Also I installed CTS Audio taper pots and a Orange Drop Capacitor.

The sound now is much better, it´s warmer and has more definition.

[newsense]

I did have an SD 59 on order for mine - I figured there was no point doing all the cosmetic changes if there were still improvements I could make to the sound. However, the SDs seem to be difficult to find in the UK at present and I cancelled as I got fed up of waiting after the 3rd change of delivery date. I may opt for a Bareknuckle Mule instead, as at least I know I can buy direct from the factory and avoid the uncertainties of retailer stocks.

[gingataff]

That new tailpiece looks great. I was a bit skeptical about the black but it's works.
I'm looking forward to seeing it with the Benedetto pickguard.

[rodolfoguitarra]

After thinking a lot, I decided to put the metal tailpiece....it sounds a little brighter, which is better in my opinion...I had to fill the 5 old screws holes with wood putty and make 3 new holes. After all, we can only see one hole, because the tailpiece covers the others (it was one of the things that I did not want)