Ibanez AF95RW Artcore Expressionist

[xuoham]

I'm not sure of that. I have an AK-95 that has maple over rosewood (sides and back, spruce top) and it's very warm sounding.

Warm, yes ... but loud acoustic sound... not in my case with Ibanez and poly finish.
I had a very nice AF-105, superb electric sound, excellent guitar, but the acoustic volume was really tiny and lacked bass. The AK-95 has a spruce top ? The AF-105 has a maple top, maybe the thick poly finish does not sound too good with maple, idk.

I'm not sure of that. I have an AK-95 that has maple over rosewood (sides and back, spruce top) and it's very warm sounding.

Hopefully so ! ... if it's the same with this AF-95RW.
I was mainly talking about the acoustic sound.
If GAS wins the fight and i get this one, i sure will put transducers in it.

[Para]

I have an Ibanez AF200 and the finish on it is extremely thin.

[xuoham]

I have an Ibanez AF200 and the finish on it is extremely thin.

Really !? Good to know. I guess they heard the critics since 2012. If this is valid for this 2015 generation too GAS definitely tightened its grip on my neck. <3

... or is it because the AF-200 is the top of the line and the AF-155 and below have a different finish.
Ibanez is not very clear about this.

[Para]

I have a couple of other Ibanezes and I wouldn't say the finish was that thick on them either. Personally I'm not a fan of nitro finishes, can't really see the benefit of nitro on a laminate.

[ooglybong]

I was just at the Ibanez site again, checking out the two newer Artstar models with "solid" spruce tops (SJ300 and SS300), and the pickup specs there are still confusing. Then I went over to the Musician's' Friend site—they are showing both guitars in stock—but on those pages it still states the "Super 58 Custom" pickups everywhere, and the photos still show the engraved covers (which are indicative of the Custom versions, AFAIK). IMO, this would be fairly confusing as a potential purchaser, even if they'd now been updated by Ibanez, but yet the dealers are selling out old stock, etc. Or are they?

Anyway... I also noticed something else interesting in the specs regarding the larger of these two spruce-topped models, the SJ300: it has a *slightly larger* body than (most?) other Ibie archtops. The SJ300 actually measures 16.5" across and 4.33" in depth (versus 15.75" across and 3.625" in depth for, say, an AF155, their more typical build). Also, in further checking, the AF200 is this slightly larger size, too.

Just a heads up if anyone was also looking for a slightly deeper and larger-bodied Ibanez.

[Para]

Be careful with the specs, according to the Ibanez site the AF200 max body depth is 4 1/4" it's not, rim is 2 7/8" and max depth is 3 3/4". They can be a bit vague with their specs sometimes. The specs are also wrong on the AF155, I have an AF151 single pickup version.

[Jazz_175]

GB200, AS200, PM200 - Super 58. Alnico II

The PM200 has Silent 58 PU. I don't know the difference with the Super 58 PU. Maybe Silent 58 is darker?

[GNAPPI]

The AK-95 has a spruce top ?

Yes it is spruce laminate, but the funny thing about it is the back and sides are laminated maple over mahogany, as is my AG86 with its bubinga over mahogany back and sides. Neither of these had this in their spec sheets.

[Jabberwocky]

I was just at the Ibanez site again, checking out the two newer Artstar models with "solid" spruce tops (SJ300 and SS300), and the pickup specs there are still confusing. Then I went over to the Musician's' Friend site—they are showing both guitars in stock—but on those pages it still states the "Super 58 Custom" pickups everywhere, and the photos still show the engraved covers (which are indicative of the Custom versions, AFAIK). IMO, this would be fairly confusing as a potential purchaser, even if they'd now been updated by Ibanez, but yet the dealers are selling out old stock, etc. Or are they?

Anyway... I also noticed something else interesting in the specs regarding the larger of these two spruce-topped models, the SJ300: it has a *slightly larger* body than (most?) other Ibie archtops. The SJ300 actually measures 16.5" across and 4.33" in depth (versus 15.75" across and 3.625" in depth for, say, an AF155, their more typical build). Also, in further checking, the AF200 is this slightly larger size, too.

Just a heads up if anyone was also looking for a slightly deeper and larger-bodied Ibanez.

The older solid pressed spruce topped SJ500. It has the "S58-N" and "S58-B" stamped pups. Measures 16.5" across the lower bout and 3 1/8th" at the rim. The SJ300 is the Made for the World Outside of Nippon version of the SJ500 with the AlNiCo pups, as it says on the webpage.

The spruce top is fairly thick, about 1/8th" measured at the f-hole. Loud enough to be played acoustically with flats but it is not a flattop. Resonates when played so not a dead box either. Has a woody round warm acoustic tone. Finish is all right; there are flaws under the bridge and the end of the fretboard has started "fraying" lately. I can feel fibres when I run a finger over the edge.

[r_cc_c]

If you love Ibanez single cut archtop guitar, this post may spoil your enjoyment. So, please skip this post.
I used to own an AF75.
If you pay attention, the single cut archtop shape is press by the same molding used on a double cut archtop.
The non-cutaway side arch like a horn, similar to the cutaway side.
Even the PM model and GB model are also the same.

Compare to a Korean D'angelico, the non-cut away side arch according to the body line.

Very likely, Ibanez is the highest volume guitar maker in the world.
Why not another molding????

[edh]

@Jabberwocky, I love the color of that guitar!.

[Jabberwocky]

@Jabberwocky, I love the color of that guitar!.

Eddie van halen (I know it is you), Ibanez names it VLS, Violin Sunburst.

In real life, it looks glossy golden brown. Ibanez says it is nitrocellulose. I don't know; it certainly marks easily and feels a little sticky like nitro. I have had it since 2010/2011 and the nitro has hardened...(okay, Mr. PTChris) dried.