Ibanez AM205 or Modern MIJ

[tomvwash]

I've been looking at Gibson CS-356 guitars; Ibanez JSM100 and the AM205. The 205's do not circulate often, obviously, but one on Gear Pages in borderline "good" condition for $1200 with shipping. I hadn't heard of the AM205 until looking at the Gibson CS-356. Can anyone offer suggestions in this area--wait it out for 80's vintage, or more than double the price for a JSM100 or similar? I suppose this could choice apply to any MIJ vintage vs. MIJ Modern...thank you for any suggestions.

[st.bede]

I just bought a used AM205AV prestige. Incredible guitar. I would take it over any similar cs gib. It feels super solid, plays incredible, sounds beautiful, and looks great. I have played a bunch gibs including comparable cs guitars. I loved those also, and felt like I should have bought a couple of them but IMHO, my AM205 is a solid step above. I am super happy.

[Jx30510]

Yes 80's Ibanez hollow bodies are still bargains for what you get.
They do climb a little in price (recently I've even found a slight decrease?) , but nothing compared to Gibsons that seem to take 10% every year, which I find ridiculous Gibsons have become collectors items, not working man instruments.
They have become totally inaccessible for 99% of normal musicians.
You still easily find 80"s Ibanez hollowbodies under 1500€..

In France I saw the last few days : an AS 200 (1990 ok) for 1300€. An AM205 (can't remember the year), 1450€, a Joe Pass for 1800€..GB10s are beetwenn 1800 to 2000€ whatever the year.
You never see Gibson 's under 2000€ (and more so 2500€ in most cases). And that is for recent 2000 to today's models.
Everything under 1997 rises exponentially, at the limit of crazyness.
Well overpriced Gibson is nothing new.
Better may I say Ibanez bargains.

[tomvwash]

I just bought a used AM205AV prestige. Incredible guitar. I would take it over any similar cs gib. It feels super solid, plays incredible, sounds beautiful, and looks great. I have played a bunch gibs including comparable cs guitars. I loved those also, and felt like I should have bought a couple of them but IMHO, my AM205 is a solid step above. I am super happy.

You were fortunate to find one. Where did you purchase? I believe it; they sound solid. Just noticed the AM93's on Reverb, tempting, but I can't imagine they have that same vintage feel or tone.

[jim777]

Not sure what your budget is, but I'm a long time Ibanez guy (from '80) and I would go with the Seventy Seven Albatross in the classifieds. I just got one recently off of reverb and I and super happy with it. Bigger neck than the Ibbys, though.

[tomvwash]

Not sure what your budget is, but I'm a long time Ibanez guy (from '80) and I would go with the Seventy Seven Albatross in the classifieds. I just got one recently off of reverb and I and super happy with it. Bigger neck than the Ibbys, though.

Love the fatter necks. Great advice. Had never heard of the Albatross until now. Thank you.

[st.bede]

You were fortunate to find one. Where did you purchase? I believe it; they sound solid. Just noticed the AM93's on Reverb, tempting, but I can't imagine they have that same vintage feel or tone.

It floated into my work. I teach there so this is what I have figured out from listening to the sales people. There is some local person who is on a search to find an acceptable (to him) Jazz guitar.

So far he has gone through a number, but none of them has worked for him. When he returned two GBs, my friend (a fellow) teacher bought the GB10. (I almost bought that one also).

Yesterday when I went to work there was a Heritage there. I have played about three Heritage hollowbody guitars. All of them were excellent, but after playing that one yesterday, I could see why he returned that one. I was shocked. That has not been my experiences with all the other Heritage guitars I have played. The sweet 16 was amazing. Same thing with the Eagle. Who knows.

I think in the long run, he is going to kick himself for not keeping the am205. Then again it is a simi, but man it kills.