My first semi-hollow body guitar

[UnderTheFlame83]

I wanted something different. This is a Ibanez Artcore AS53 in Tobacco Flat. I'm really impressed with how good this guitar plays and sounds. Even unplugged it has good resonance. A few fret ends need some sanding, but other than that, flawless. For the price I don't think you could find a better guitar. Very happy with this one.

 

[GuitarStv]

I like the upper fret access on the Ibanez semi-hollows much better than on Gibson/Epiphone. They seem to give just that little bit exra room to be able to land notes. Overall pretty nice guitars for the dollar too.

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

I like the upper fret access on the Ibanez semi-hollows much better than on Gibson/Epiphone. They seem to give just that little bit exra room to be able to land notes. Overall pretty nice guitars for the dollar too.

Yes, the upper fret access is very nice. I was a little surprised how hot the pickups are. You can shred on this guitar. But the neck is chunky, so it's kind of a challenge to. Think 50s Les Paul thickness. I haven't weighed it yet. I'm thinking around 7 lbs? Also the the fretboard is walnut. I like it.

 

[nexion218]

Before getting the Sheraton, I had one of these in a different color (tranparent blue or sg) b/c I gave up on finding a Korean Epi for decent price and wanted a semi badly.

Even though these are heavily budget guitars, I think this was the best bang for my buck ever. Damn near perfectly built. Some fret ends were iffy in mine too , but the level and crowning was flawless. The only thing I didn't like was the tacky graphic on the headstock, it reminded me of 90s trampstamps... LOL If I hadn't found that Epi I have now, I'd still have this. Awesome find, congrats and enjoy!

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

Before getting the Sheraton, I had one of these in a different color (tranparent blue or sg) b/c I gave up on finding a Korean Epi for decent price and wanted a semi badly.

Even though these are heavily budget guitars, I think this was the best bang for my buck ever. Damn near perfectly built. Some fret ends were iffy in mine too , but the level and crowning was flawless. The only thing I didn't like was the tacky graphic on the headstock, it reminded me of 90s trampstamps... LOL If I hadn't found that Epi I have now, I'd still have this. Awesome find, congrats and enjoy!

I sanded the fret ends and now it is playing nice and smooth. Action is higher than I am used to. If I can't get it any lower without buzzing, I'd be perfectly fine where it's at now. 10-52 strings feel great on this guitar, too.

 

[LLL]

I dig the color.

 

[GuitarDoc]

I always wanted a 345 in walnut finish.

 

[Erlend_G]

Glad you liked it!

My father has an Ibanez Artcore. We found it... lacking, in the acoustic/resonant department.

oh well. I've had a Cort M800, which was a flat back, arched top; fully hollow body. My Epi Wildkat has a "tone block" under the bridge and rear PU. So it sounds stiffer,
-the Cort was great. Though I lost it in an accident.

rock on! ♪

 

[Aceman]

Every Ibanez Semi I have ever played has a) Felt great. Total agree on the "little somthin" on upper access, and sounded fantastic.

Congrats!

 

[Mincer]

I always wanted a 345 in walnut finish.

Like Steve Howe!

 

[GuitarDoc]

I didn't realize Steve's was walnut. For some reason I always thought it was a deep red (darker than the regular cherry color). I remember he played his 175 a lot. I used to have a '68 cherry 345 which I totally loved, my favorite guitar. Seems like it cost me about $500 new back then. I can't remember what ever happened to it...I must have sold it but I don't remember making such a huge mistake as that.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Now that I look at that again, I can't help but see it in my mind as a gloss finish. A gloss just seems to bring out the depth in the color and grain. Flat finishes kinda grey-out the color and "flatten" the contrast.

 

[ICTGoober]

I have seen one of these guitars buffed out, and it made a nice difference. It wasn't super shiny, but displayed a nice satiny glow with a bit of sheen I found more appealing than this flat look.

 

[Aceman]

Like Steve Howe!

He played in St. Peet or is going to like this weekend or next....

 

[Mincer]

He played in St. Peet or is going to like this weekend or next....

Jon Anderson is (I am going), but not Steve. Their tour doesn't start until summer (in Europe).

 

[Aceman]

Jon Anderson is (I am going), but not Steve. Their tour doesn't start until summer (in Europe).

Sorry - my bad: Steve Hackett at the Beacon in NY this past weekend.

 

[Mincer]

Sorry - my bad: Steve Hackett at the Beacon in NY this past weekend.

Yeah, he was here a few weeks ago. I had to play that night or I'd be there.

 

[Artie]

Sweet! That's the exact same axe and color I've been GAS'ing for. Enjoy.

 

[Securb]

So nice, those Artcores are great bang for your buck guitars

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

I'm going to change the strings today for the first time. NYXL D Addario 10-52s. Going to try to lower the action just a bit. I did earlier when I got it and E and B string was fretting out while doing bends on a few of the upper frets.