A carefully finished cheap ibanez

**artb** · 12-01-2014, 04:55 PM

[QUOTE=docbop;481192]The guy showed where in the f-hole you can see the paper layer. Also this guy wasn't you typical GC grunt, he was very knowledgeable on gear and many came to that particular GC[/QUOTE

I have a similar IBANEZ odd grain flat top. Corner of headstock chipped off of the mahogany neck shows nicely the veneer and finish thichness that are both many times thicker than a thick paper. That thick transparent finish could be a tone dampener, but it sounds good anyway with a really fine pickup and controls with tuner built in. artb

**BigMikeinNJ** · 12-01-2014, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by Philly112

I have a very good condition AM103BM. Is it rare?! It has been professionally set up and plays great. I won't be selling it, just curious as to whether it's something fairly unique.

Phil

I forgot about the 80s and 90s AMs. If yours is from the 80s or 90s they have the best pickups, Ibanez Super 58s, not the cheaper Super 58 Customs. It may not be "rare" quote unquote but doggone those are fantastic guitars that truly hold their value.

I'm referring to the MIC run Ibanez released in the 2006 timeframe. And I don't know how you'd see "the paper" in the f-holes, every one of this 2006 run I've seen have flame maple bound f-holes - when I mentioned your comments over on Ibanez Collectors World today many members also found fault with that.

**hockeydad154** · 12-01-2014, 11:49 PM

I'm not sure if I'm missing the point here... but... the Ibanez 'customs', especially these 103's and 105's are an incredibly awesome value. I've have had a half dozen of these flow through my hands over the past few years and there wasn't a ''loser'' in the lot. At 350, I'll take it! (goofy decal or not). If one will upgrade the pickups to super58's or seth lovers, or sd57's or any other quality pickup these guitars become monsters. Perhaps what I've been taught is mute.. here I thought a guitar was about 'feel', 'voice', 'tone', 'flexibility', and 'comfort'... A smart man once told me... 'close your eyes and play the guitar, if it feels right, sounds right then that's the guitar for you'... true then. true today. When you can get a guitar that ''brings it to the table'' and is quality top-to-bottom then it's 'game over' At 350 this whole discussion is rather bemusing.

ARTB, if you're selling this for 350 w/case and you are in the states... pm or email me...

**artb** · 12-02-2014, 05:14 AM

HOCKEYDAD: I used to be a buyer and seller. Presently an old man with a very diversified large collection to sell for 1/2 market value. So anything I like such as this $350. bargain will stay with the expensive stuff. The major dealers that advertise to buy collections seem interested only in choosing one or a few at 1/2 value or less. Seems better for me to consign a few at a time with the many good local dealers. OR? I like your definition of a good instrument and appreciate your experience report with IBANEZ. artb

**palindrome** · 12-02-2014, 06:23 AM

PM35, AK105, AF105 (plus this text in parentheses for the forum editor to accept caps)
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**Philly112** · 12-02-2014, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by BigMikeinNJ

I forgot about the 80s and 90s AMs. If yours is from the 80s or 90s they have the best pickups, Ibanez Super 58s, not the cheaper Super 58 Customs. It may not be "rare" quote unquote but doggone those are fantastic guitars that truly hold their value.

I'm referring to the MIC run Ibanez released in the 2006 timeframe. And I don't know how you'd see "the paper" in the f-holes, every one of this 2006 run I've seen have flame maple bound f-holes - when I mentioned your comments over on Ibanez Collectors World today many members also found fault with that.

Thanks big mike. I've done some research on my guitar. The label inside says made in China. But putting the serial number into a website, says it was made in May 2008 in Korea. The pickups are stamped S58-B and N. So not too old then. Any ideas as to where it was made and what the pickups are?

Thanks, Phil

**BigMikeinNJ** · 12-02-2014, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by Philly112

Thanks big mike. I've done some research on my guitar. The label inside says made in China. But putting the serial number into a website, says it was made in May 2008 in Korea. The pickups are stamped S58-B and N. So not too old then. Any ideas as to where it was made and what the pickups are?

Thanks, Phil

3

Check in over at the ICW website and ask that question in the semi hollow section. And does your AM have flame maple binding. I always thought S58 stamped on the cover meant Custom, which is what would have come from China, website serial number data is not too reliable. The flame maple binding, stamping on the pickup covers and the label all scream China to me. Ibanez gave the factory in China the specs and they made them. Is the fretwork really remarkably well done ?? IF so that is one of the made in China special editions that came out in the 2006-2008 range. A real keeper.

**Philly112** · 12-03-2014, 04:08 AM

Originally Posted by BigMikeinNJ

3

Check in over at the ICW website and ask that question in the semi hollow section. And does your AM have flame maple binding. I always thought S58 stamped on the cover meant Custom, which is what would have come from China, website serial number data is not too reliable. The flame maple binding, stamping on the pickup covers and the label all scream China to me. Ibanez gave the factory in China the specs and they made them. Is the fretwork really remarkably well done ?? IF so that is one of the made in China special editions that came out in the 2006-2008 range. A real keeper.

Mike. Probably best for me to post a picture!
Edit. I am now fully clued up on Ibanez pickups! These are the later custom ones; they sound fine to me, but are not particularly collectable.

**hockeydad154** · 12-03-2014, 08:16 AM

Hi Philly,

I regret to inform you that your AM is swine fodder. Do not play it! It will end up inflicting a cruel Chinese / Korean curse on you and your family!! You'll develop uncontrollable obsession for more of the same!! It will manifest into a reflex compulsion which is never satiated. It will deceive you and lead to ruin!! Not unlike one who is held captive by the clutches of narcotics, you'll soon spend otherwise productive time searching for more. Heed my warning friend, run don't walk away from this instrument. Fortunately, I have a quick resolve to your predicament. Being the nice guy that I am, I'll have one of my sons come over and pick it up, so as to relieve you of its burden. Going even a step further, I'll have them provide you what you sacrificed to obtain this demon in disguise. I know how to protect others from the wiles of this shadowy character and will do the right thing and rehabilitate it. Its disposition isn't exactly its fault, it was impeccably made that way. Every aspect of it is alluring to the senses, even the less than optimal pickups are not unpleasant to the ear. So, just PM your address to me and I will dispatch one of my sons to free you of your entrapment.

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These are AM's that I have rescued.. the AM153bmblg (the only one made in blue lagoon), a dazzling finished AM200 from the 80's (which I regretfully caught and released), a subtle AM200 and their cousin in stature the Eastman T184mx.... I share these with you as an example of the infliction, your stunning 103 will be in good company

Warm Regards