Upgrading from Ibanez AF75

**whiskywheels** · 06-26-2009, 09:00 AM

Although pleased with my AF 75, I'm wondering about upgrading to something else, say about twice the price?
The AF 75 is well made, plays well (had it set up for 12-52 strings), and sounds good, but I want more!
I've read the posts about changing pups etc., but wondered what your thoughts and recommendations might be.
I've a number of guitars, my best one being a Gibson ES339, so I'm in a position to be thinking of a guitar dedicated purely to continuing to learn jazz, and I just love the hollow body archtop vibe, especially sunburst!
Bring it on!

**Dookychase** · 06-26-2009, 09:52 AM

Have you tried an Eastman? I had a chance to play a couple of them and they sounded really nice acoustically. They are well made with great attention to detail.

I think Howard Morgan endorses them and I think John Pisano also plays Eastmans.

Outside of these, our local music store carries the Ibanezes and Gretches.

Good luck.

**bfloyd6969** · 06-26-2009, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by whiskywheels

Although pleased with my AF 75, I'm wondering about upgrading to something else, say about twice the price?
The AF 75 is well made, plays well (had it set up for 12-52 strings), and sounds good, but I want more!
I've read the posts about changing pups etc., but wondered what your thoughts and recommendations might be.
I've a number of guitars, my best one being a Gibson ES339, so I'm in a position to be thinking of a guitar dedicated purely to continuing to learn jazz, and I just love the hollow body archtop vibe, especially sunburst!
Bring it on!

About twice the price... It sounds like you are pleased with your AF75; have you considered staying with Ibanez and going to an Artcore Custom? They have the better Custom 58 pups are very recommended.

**monkmiles** · 06-26-2009, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by bfloyd6969

About twice the price... It sounds like you are pleased with your AF75; have you considered staying with Ibanez and going to an Artcore Custom? They have the better Custom 58 pups are very recommended.

+1 The Artcore Custom line are fantastic guitars. Better pickups, better neck/fret work, and better components (wooden knobs, etc) than the regular line Artcores. And yet, still well priced compared to other manufacturers guitars of the same quality.

**whiskywheels** · 06-26-2009, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by bfloyd6969

About twice the price... It sounds like you are pleased with your AF75; have you considered staying with Ibanez and going to an Artcore Custom? They have the better Custom 58 pups are very recommended.

Yes, happy to stay with Ibanez, and I wonder if it's worth looking at the AF105 up, as it has the Custom 58 pups? Anyone know if the pups are available to purchase in the UK, then I could just upgrade the guitar?
I've had an initial look for Eastman guitars, but so far no actual guitars available in the UK; I'm sure there's some somewhere, but I ain't found 'em yet!

**Drifter** · 06-28-2009, 05:18 PM

I'd try and compare an Artcore Custom with a Hagstrom HJ-800. Nice guitars.

**vix9** · 06-28-2009, 10:01 PM

If there is a local shop that specializes in ibanez guitars they should be able to order any pick up from them. just go to ibanez website and look through the parts index to find what you want. you could even order matheneys pick up the silent58 or whatever.

**mangotango** · 06-29-2009, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by whiskywheels

I've had an initial look for Eastman guitars, but so far no actual guitars available in the UK; I'm sure there's some somewhere, but I ain't found 'em yet!

Try Ivor Mairants Musicentre in London - they have a reasonable selection and can obtain the others. Also Foulds in Derby normally has Eastman, I believe.

**whiskywheels** · 07-02-2009, 02:09 PM

Thanks everybody. I looked into Eastmans, Hagstroms etc., but have gone ahead with an Ibanez AF105, based largely on my experience of the AF75; the neck, etc. all the same spec, and finding it suits me very well.
I'll let you know what it's like when I get it!

**vix9** · 07-02-2009, 05:14 PM

ah good choice, i love the vanilla blonde paint on those guitars. youll def have to tell me how that guitar works out for ya.

**whiskywheels** · 07-10-2009, 06:10 AM

Now I know I'm crazy; this has to be the most expensive pup upgrade ever!

Anyway, the AF75 is for sale on Amazon Amazon.co.uk: Used and New: Ibanez Artcore AF75 although it would be cheaper for me if anyone wanted to contact me direct to purchase, and could pay with paypal.

Meanwhile, I'll keep you posted; the only trusted mail order site that I could find who can do a set up with my strings of choice, and supply it in vintage sunburst ( sorry, don't like that vanilla at all! ) will take at least another week yet

so, stand by............

**henry b** · 07-10-2009, 06:18 AM

Where are you in the UK, I am interested in your guitar.

**whiskywheels** · 07-10-2009, 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by henry b

Where are you in the UK, I am interested in your guitar.

I'm in Portesham, a few miles west of Weymouth, Dorset. Come and have a few days on the beach, and buy my guitar while you're here!!

**mangotango** · 07-10-2009, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by whiskywheels

I'm in Portesham, a few miles west of Weymouth, Dorset. Come and have a few days on the beach, and buy my guitar while you're here!!

Are you going to the Jazz Festival at Swanage this weekend?

**henry b** · 07-10-2009, 12:36 PM

Whiskywheels, I was hoping you were in Scotland,your,e just a bit out of my range to pop over to,but if you fancy a dram up here ........

**whiskywheels** · 07-10-2009, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by henry b

Whiskywheels, I was hoping you were in Scotland,your,e just a bit out of my range to pop over to,but if you fancy a dram up here ........

Yes I wish I was in Scotland sometimes as well, especially the Speyside distilleries.

I could put it in the post?

**whiskywheels** · 07-10-2009, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by mangotango

Are you going to the Jazz Festival at Swanage this weekend?

Only if you want to meet up and buy my guitar!

Actually, didn't know there was such a thing, and Swanage is one of my favourite places. I'll google it and see what's on.

**henry b** · 07-19-2009, 12:06 PM

Have you sold your guitar yet .

**whiskywheels** · 07-19-2009, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by henry b

Have you sold your guitar yet .

No! I had it for sale on Amazon and was wondering where else to advertise. When I've sold cameras etc. on Amazon it's always sold quickly, but not the guitar.

My new Ibanez arrives towards the end of next week hopefully. If you think you might be interested let me know, and I'll find out what the 'special delivery' insured postage would cost!

**whiskywheels** · 07-29-2009, 06:49 AM

Well, so much for that idea; I've just heard from the dealer that they can't get them in from the supplier until end of September! I've cancelled the order for now.

Being many miles from the nearest Ibanez dealer, I wanted to order online from a dealer that can do the set up, and who I've used before........

So, Plan B! New pickups!

I'm thinking I'll order a pair of Ibanez super 58's, or even Gibson '57 classics. Any recommendations for pups that are easily available here in the UK, and that would suit the AF75?

**Scolohofo** · 07-29-2009, 08:45 AM

Have a look at bartonini,they have a new line

**whiskywheels** · 07-29-2009, 09:24 AM

Thanks, but no good; I need recommendations for pups that are easily available here in the UK.

**henry b** · 07-29-2009, 10:20 AM

I,m also waiting on an artcore75 ,hope it,s not delayed as well .Someone else on here has an Ibanez semi on order ,can,t remember who though.

**whiskywheels** · 07-29-2009, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by henry b

I,m also waiting on an artcore75 ,hope it,s not delayed as well .Someone else on here has an Ibanez semi on order ,can,t remember who though.

You mean you've still not got hold of one in your local store?
Just think, you could have brought mine by now!!

It's sure frustrating, the Ibanez you want can be found, but is it from an online dealer you trust, will they set it up with the strings you want, and do they have the colour you want? No, apparently.

Anyway, if I can just stop hijacking my own thread here.........what about those pups recommendations guys??