Ibanez Artcore

**Thomasguitar** · 09-14-2009, 06:29 AM

Any Artcore users out there? I have the AK-85 hollow body, incredible value. Got it as a back-up to my ES-175 but...(sacrelige?!) Love it!!

**abracadabra** · 09-14-2009, 08:13 AM

I have an AF105 and love it too. Then, it's my best guitar, so not a great deal to compare it to.

**Thomasguitar** · 09-14-2009, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by abracadabra

I have an AF105 and love it too. Then, it's my best guitar, so not a great deal to compare it to.

The AF is the BEST! I might sell my Gibson for a AF made from KOA the wood used for Ukeleles! It is only available in Japan which is where I reside...take a look! Ibanez guitars | ELECTRIC GUITARS 2009 - AF105HK

**manu68** · 09-14-2009, 08:36 AM

Superb video

Otherwise, AF guitars are really a fantastic bargain.
Beautiful guitar.

The HK looks georgous. I have the amber model. Looks very nice. I enjoy playing with it every time.

**Anandbhat** · 09-14-2009, 05:38 PM

Mine is an AS73 with a Charlie Christian neck pick up.It's at the shop right now for a couple of flat spots and buzzing.It sounds great with the new pick up though.Hopefully I'll have it back soon without the buzzing etc.

**Drifter** · 09-14-2009, 07:50 PM

Thomasguitar, very nice playing and great tone! I cannot believe those are the stock ACH pickups? You'll have to reveal what amp you're using then...

And, the AF105HK looks georgous! Have you ever played it? How does the koa sound?

Many questions, I know. But you really made me curious... Too bad it's only available in Japan.

**Thomasguitar** · 09-15-2009, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by Drifter

Thomasguitar, very nice playing and great tone! I cannot believe those are the stock ACH pickups? You'll have to reveal what amp you're using then...

And, the AF105HK looks georgous! Have you ever played it? How does the koa sound?

Many questions, I know. But you really made me curious... Too bad it's only available in Japan.

Thanx so much. yes the PUPs are the stock ACH which I actually like better than the Custom 58s on my AS103NT. The ACH is a little shallow and could use slightly more depth, and the 58s have a deeper tone but less bite and seem dull. It's a matter of taste but I like a little snap in my neck PUP so I replaced the 58 with Duncan Jazz which are fantastic!

I am using a little CUBE30 and then miked with a SM57 straight into my iMovie in my Mac. I Loop Stationed a rythm track and did a improvised take.

The HK I played the semi-hollow AS103HK and compared to my AS103NT, it definitely sounds brighter but lighter. Personally I love the tone and look so I would love to try the AF version. Will post if I get the chance!!

**Drifter** · 09-15-2009, 12:29 PM

The koa top sounds brighter and lighter? Oh my, that's the opposite of what I was hoping for. I would highly appreciate a sound sample if you get the chance...

By the way, the Super 58 Customs on my AK105 don't sound dull at all and your ACH sound samples are the first I've heard that managed to impress me.

**Thomasguitar** · 09-15-2009, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Drifter

The koa top sounds brighter and lighter? Oh my, that's the opposite of what I was hoping for. I would highly appreciate a sound sample if you get the chance...

By the way, the Super 58 Customs on my AK105 don't sound dull at all and your ACH sound samples are the first I've heard that managed to impress me.

I'm sure your 105 PUPS sound great. A friend of mine told me that my neck PUP (Super 58 custom) on my AS103 sounded unusually dark. He suggested that it may be faulty...which might explain why the KOA sounded brighter!! The Duncan was recently installed, would like to make a comparison again!! Will keep you posted!

**Homey** · 09-16-2009, 10:31 AM

I have an Artcore AG95. Love it bits. I also have a Peerless Monarch. Love that to bits too. Also have an Adamas Milleneum (only 90 ever made). Love that too. Also have an USA Ovation Elite (only 30 worldwide!). Love that too. Also have a couple of other guitars. Love them too.

I have a lot of lurve. (said in a Barry White voice).

The one guitar that I keep coming back to in a room full of guitars is my Artcore.

**monkmiles** · 09-22-2009, 11:12 PM

I use an AK105sm that I love. Used to own an AF105.

There's some good pics of one on this site, if you scroll down the page a little bit: ???????. - Ibanez AK105SM ????(Artcore Custom)

**randyc** · 09-22-2009, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by Thomasguitar

Any Artcore users out there? I have the AK-85 hollow body, incredible value. Got it as a back-up to my ES-175 but...(sacrelige?!) Love it!!

Never played one but yours is very pretty and you play it well ! I haven't given these instruments much respect in the past, thanks for giving me a wider perspective.

cheers

**manu68** · 09-23-2009, 02:05 AM

Beautiful pictures

Seems to be exactly like my AF125, except the form and the wood of the guitar.
Same head, same neck, same Hambucker (?), same Hardcase,

Price comes down again at euroguitars for AF guitar.
There is not this AF105SM, but the AF125 is at 675€ (was above 800€ two months ago ; bought mine 629€ one year ago at euroguitars)

Ibanez Artcore custom AF125-AMB amber sunburst

**Thomasguitar** · 09-24-2009, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by randyc

Never played one but yours is very pretty and you play it well ! I haven't given these instruments much respect in the past, thanks for giving me a wider perspective.

cheers

Thanx so much! I really like the Artcores (Have an AS103 as well). I also have a ES175 and a YAMAHA SA2200 semi as well. I am playing the artcores more and more. The reason being, I think, is that they are solid as a rock. No bells, no whistles just work horse reliability. They are extremely playable (priceless neck) and there is nothing wrong with them (like some other affordable boxes). Also I can be a little rough n7 tumble withem, without worrying about damage because of their affordability and that helps my playing be more aggressive! In the end my heart is naturally drawn towards them even tho my mind says ES175/SA2200!! I hope this is helpful!

**Thomasguitar** · 09-24-2009, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by Drifter

The koa top sounds brighter and lighter? Oh my, that's the opposite of what I was hoping for. I would highly appreciate a sound sample if you get the chance...

By the way, the Super 58 Customs on my AK105 don't sound dull at all and your ACH sound samples are the first I've heard that managed to impress me.

Hi again! Here is a pic of the AS103HK in the shop! Played it again. I played it alongside the Scofield Model. The HK sounded warmer!(Probably the rosewood as opposed to ebony) and seemed to have more of a midrange honk on the neck PUP.

**Drifter** · 09-24-2009, 11:37 AM

Aaah, sweet Koa!

**bfloyd6969** · 09-24-2009, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by Thomasguitar

I am using a little CUBE30 and then miked with a SM57 straight into my iMovie in my Mac.

Could you reveal what settings you are using on your Cube 30 please? I have the same amp and same pups and you are getting a really nice tone.

**Thomasguitar** · 09-25-2009, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by bfloyd6969

Could you reveal what settings you are using on your Cube 30 please? I have the same amp and same pups and you are getting a really nice tone.

I have it on the Black Panel Setting with gain at around 10 o'clock and volume at about the same. The EQ is 12o'clock across the board and a touch of reverb. ...Hope that was helpful!

**Drifter** · 09-26-2009, 02:52 AM

Gibson ES-175 vs Ibanez AF125 vs The Heritage H550:

Dailymotion - Jazz Guitars Test - Gibson - Heritage - Ibanez - un vídeo de Música

I like the Heritage best. And amazingly, the Artcore second best.

Nice playing also!

**Drifter** · 09-26-2009, 01:40 PM

You're right, of course. However, what he plays on the Gibson and Ibanez is quite comparable. Too bad he plays something different on the Heritage. All three have a great tone, it's just different and a matter of taste what you like most.

I absolutely love his playing. Comes straight from his soul.

**henry b** · 09-27-2009, 07:30 AM

Bernie , which amp were you using ?

**Bernie Holland** · 09-27-2009, 10:55 AM

Direct injection to the Cubase audio track via a Lexicon Omega Audio Interface. Everything was done clean and dry - the fx were added afterwards.

**bfloyd6969** · 09-28-2009, 01:56 AM

Originally Posted by Thomasguitar

I have it on the Black Panel Setting with gain at around 10 o'clock and volume at about the same. The EQ is 12o'clock across the board and a touch of reverb. ...Hope that was helpful!

Thanks for sharing. Yes, I like the Black Panel channel the best. I find myself switching to the clean JC channel from time to time but I spend most of the time on the Black Panel. Thanks again.

**manu68** · 09-28-2009, 05:01 AM

I also use mainly the black panel.
I don't know why, but the JC clean is very loud in comparison. Mopre difficult to use.

**squeally dan** · 10-02-2009, 11:52 AM

Thanks for sharing that. Your playing & tone are inspiring.

I am new to archtops but I just picked up and Ibanez Artcore AF85 for around $250 used. I am loving it. I actually posted a clip of it in the shocasesection. I'm still working on my recording and it does not sound as good as the guitar does in person.