Ibanez Hollow Bodies

**bfloyd6969** · 06-11-2009, 07:47 AM

I have two AF 75's which I think are about the best bang for the buck.

My question though is in regards to the Pat Metheny models. I notice that they offer a PM35 which sells for about $2000 less than the PM100 and PM120.

Does anyone know why such a price difference?

Is the PM35 made in Japan like the others - or perhaps it is made in China like the Artcores?

I mean, the PM35 (around $799 street) sells less than the higher end Artcores (around $999 street). Any info about this is greatly appreciated.

**Scolohofo** · 06-11-2009, 08:06 AM

The pm35 is made in china en replace the artcore af105f.

Jazzarian · 06-11-2009, 12:34 PM

Do yourself a favor and avoid the Pat Metheny model like the ugly plague it is.

You'd be far better served with a George Benson model. Trust me. A plain old GB10 is a vastly superior guitar. Avoid the Korean version however.

If you can't afford a new one, look around for a good used one.

**monkmiles** · 06-11-2009, 02:17 PM

Don't know much about the Metheny models. But check out the AK105sm model. Love mine.

**bfloyd6969** · 06-11-2009, 10:02 PM

Interesting about the Pat Metheny. The posts I have read from the search all say that they love their PM 35. Perhaps you got a dud?

The price difference between the PM 35 and the GB 10 are pretty significant. I can't afford another $2000 for the price difference. Not saying that it's not worth the price, just that I a bit of a poor boy.

I'll have a look more into the Ibby 105's. I would probably opt for the AF though as I like the bigger bodies.

**abracadabra** · 06-12-2009, 08:20 AM

There's also an AF105SM-Abr, but it seems to be almost sold out as very few sites have it. I like the Antique-Brown look. I really like the Vintage-Burst look as well.

**abracadabra** · 06-12-2009, 08:23 AM

I've not been able to find an AK105, or any other AK, to try out. Would you say the wood bridge makes much of a difference versus the AF? I know that the AF comes with an optional wood bridge, but I suppose the AK does not have an optional Tune-o-matic.

**perfischer** · 06-12-2009, 09:20 AM

I love my PM35 - I couldn't find anything just nearly as good in that price range - not even close. I also tried a PM100 (un-amplified), but I have to admit I didn't like it that much, especially the looks. I think the PM35 is a far nicer design with its rounded forms. But that's me.

I've heard feedback from about half a dozen PM35 owners, and they were are very positive.

If I had the money I would certainly like a GB10, but they are out of my league. The AGs are the "cheap" versions of the GBs, and I've heard good things about them as well. Maybe worth checking them out as well.

Per

**bfloyd6969** · 06-12-2009, 12:07 PM

Thanks. I didn't like the smaller body of the AG's. I really like the bigger sizes.

**monkmiles** · 06-24-2009, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by abracadabra

I've not been able to find an AK105, or any other AK, to try out. Would you say the wood bridge makes much of a difference versus the AF? I know that the AF comes with an optional wood bridge, but I suppose the AK does not have an optional Tune-o-matic.

They're hard to find, limited edition models. But the playability is essentially the same between all the Artcore Custom models. You'll probably find a better acoustic tone from a wooden bridge than a tune-o-matic. You'll be able to get better intonation with a tune-o-matic though.

**fomabourne** · 06-26-2009, 03:53 AM

I just ordered an AF75 it should be back from setup on Tuesday, I can hardly wait.

I have heard good things about the Silent 58 pickup in the Pat Matheny models. Have any of you who own Artcores ever switched out your ACH standard pickups for either Silent 58s or Super 58s (like are on the George Benson)?

**bfloyd6969** · 06-26-2009, 08:31 AM

I have the AF75's and love them. I've read very good things about the Super 58's from reading on the Ibanez forum. Many players love them. There is an alternative which are easier to get (I guess the Super 58's as an OEM are special order from Ibanez and can take some time to get), which are the Stewmac Golden Age pups. Players on the Ibanez forum said they are about as close to the Super 58's you can get - and the good thing is they can be had for only around $40 a pup.

The ACH pups are not a bad pup at all and you may find that you like them very much. Some players love them and others say they're ok. I find they are much, much better than most other stock pups that come on guitars in this price range. The only other guitar stock pups I found I liked comes on the Yamaha RGX 320. I would hold off and see how you like them...

**monkmiles** · 06-26-2009, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by fomabourne

I just ordered an AF75 it should be back from setup on Tuesday, I can hardly wait.

I have heard good things about the Silent 58 pickup in the Pat Matheny models. Have any of you who own Artcores ever switched out your ACH standard pickups for either Silent 58s or Super 58s (like are on the George Benson)?

I'm not familiar with the Silent 58s. But I am familiar with the Super 58s and the Custom 58s. I had Super 58s on an old AM50 I used to have and I have the Custom 58s on my AK105 (they're on all of the Custom line). I've noticed very little difference between these.

Trying the ACH pickups first is good advice. Then maybe replace the neck pickup if you so decide. Perhaps to a Gibson Classic 57, Super/Custom 58, Seth Lovers, etc.

**Chazzy** · 06-30-2009, 11:28 PM

I personally prefer the old Ibanez Hollow Bodies from the mid-late 70's; full scale with wide necks. I have a 78' FA-300 which is similar to a Gibson L5. It sounds incredible! It has a laminated spruce top, maple back and sides, and Super 70 pickups. Some models like the 2470, 2471, FA-700 & FA-800 have a carved solid spruce top but these are very hard to find. I also have a 77' 2355m (Gibson ES-175 copy) which I'm selling.

**henry b** · 07-03-2009, 12:05 PM

I,m glad I found these posts as I have ordered an AF75 to try at my local music shop, it will replace my Stagg violin jazzer.

**Innerurge1** · 07-03-2009, 02:17 PM

Another thing to note about Pat Methenys guitars... I just recently saw him with the Gary Burton quartet (AMAZING show!) and he did not once play one of the ibanezes that are the more expensive model... However, he did play an ibanez that i think was the PM35, but im sure he has a hot rodded model...

**fomabourne** · 07-04-2009, 01:26 AM

I've had the AF75 for less than a week but I love the way it plays and the way it sounds. I couldn't be happier. It's a fantastic guitar for the $$.

**pipster** · 07-18-2009, 08:34 AM

I just bought an ibanez AF105 new with case on ebay best offer 695.00..did I do good?

**monkmiles** · 07-18-2009, 09:35 AM

I'm not sure what the going rate is on the AF105, so not sure myself. You can hunt around the internet some if you'd like for that.

But I will say that I think you'll really like the AF105. I owned one for a while. I ended up selling it to go the solid top route (Eastmans) but then circled back to the Ibanez with my AK105. As I've said before, I really do love the Artcore Custom line.

**fomabourne** · 07-19-2009, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by henry b

I,m glad I found these posts as I have ordered an AF75 to try at my local music shop, it will replace my Stagg violin jazzer.

henry b, did the AF75 show up at the music shop yet, if so how did you like it?

**henry b** · 07-19-2009, 11:59 AM

No I,m still waiting for delivery, might give Whiskywheels a shout as he was selling his . How are you getting on with yours, are you still liking it?

**pipster** · 07-21-2009, 02:22 PM

I have owned the af85 vls for about 6 yrs or so..is there much of a comparison with the af105...pros cons..neck width?? as I have just bought the af105..hasnt got here yet..pipster..