NGD: Finally something different

[nexion218]

So after a bunch of pointy and/or black guitars with scorching hot pickups, I finally got something very different and completely uncharted territory for me (you may remember my thread where I asked for intel on SHB guitars).

I was watching a bunch of beautiful Korean Sheraton II's on reverb, but my local currency took a flop and it just became overpriced. ( 1200-1500 euros is not much for an Epihone by Gibson Sheraton w/hsc - when you make 3000 euros a month. But due to the conversion rates , those 1200-1500 became two months of salary for me... Ouch...)

So anyways I decided to look for something dirt cheap second hand stuff from a bigger brand in hopes of some traces of quality assurance.

Lo and behold, an ad popped up 3 corners away from our flat. The guy was selling an Ibanez AS53 for around 160 USD worth of local currency (at about the half of it's new price). On a longer night out I might spend more money on assorted poisons...

The guitar is basically unplayed, the guy is a lefty and he to took a chance on this right handed guitar, but couldn't play it so decided to sell. Still has a few months of guarantee left...

Let me tell you something guys... This thing is awesome. Sure it's not a vintage 335, but for 160 usd it is as perfect as it gets. Fret ends on the downward facing side could be a bit smoother but nothing atrocious. Sets up with 0,2 mm relief and below =<1,75 mm action on bass side (lower on treble), no buzz or dead spots. Unplugged it's a bit trebly, haven't played it much through an actual amp.

There are two things that says "cheap" on it for me: awful tuners (easy fix, but only if I stick to playing it and it's not just a fad for me) and that "thing" on the headstock below the logo. I understand they tried to imitate some classy graphic, but this reminds of the tramp stamps from the 90s... Oh well.
And the color is worth mentioning. Officially it is transparent blue flat... Well, the only blue is some badly finished edges on the F holes... And to be honest with you, I absolutely don't mind it. lol

(I'll upload pics shortly)

 

[Blille]

Grats! Ibanez semis are great.

 

[nexion218]

Here's a couple of pics. I gotta say that I am REALLY happy with this one. Great for dabbling, dirt cheap and still doesn't put me off with bad playablity or atrocious QC.

 

[Mincer]

Wow, I love that color! Congrats on a great guitar!

 

[nexion218]

Wow, I love that color! Congrats on a great guitar!

Yeah, it actually grew on me. Based on the ad pics it looked completely transparent black, but the seller confirmed it's transparent blue flat model (also stamped on the papertag glued in the guitar) and when I checked the stock photos I almost passed on it. That I figured what the heck, it's for peanuts and by the time I was done with fret polish, board oiling and restringing, I started to like it.

https://www.ibanez.com/na/products/detail/as53_5b_04.html

 

[ICTGoober]

Nothing wrong with an AS53. You can play it as it, or spiff it up with new pickups. It will serve you well.

 

[nexion218]

Nothing wrong with an AS53. You can play it as it, or spiff it up with new pickups. It will serve you well.

Right? I was very surprised to see that the worst thing about it is the tramp stamp on the headstock. Initially I was sure that if it's a keeper I'll swap pickups, but after plugging in a few times, I'm not so sure. But knowing myself I will slap a pair of SD's in there someday...

Also, thanks for the tip Goob. I believe you were the one telling me in my other thread that these AS Ibbys are OK.

 

[Aceman]

Ibanez Semi's are great buys. Looks like their version of the Dot Studio

 

[Aceman]

Initially I was sure that if it's a keeper I'll swap pickups, but after plugging in a few times, I'm not so sure. But knowing myself I will slap a pair of SD's in there someday....

I put a pair of Prails, with concentric vol/tone knobs in one of my Dot Studios. It is "flexible" to say the least. Just throwing that out there....

 

[ICTGoober]

First thing to replace - yank the cheap jack and put in a Switchcraft.

 

[Bogner]

Nice Ride! Congrats!!

 

[nexion218]

First thing to replace - yank the cheap jack and put in a Switchcraft.

If and when I decide on the pickups, I'll gut the whole thing. I'm pretty sure that by then the mini pots will crap out too and no way in hell am I gonna go through the ordeal of wiring through the F hole twice.

 

[ICTGoober]

If and when I decide on the pickups, I'll gut the whole thing. I'm pretty sure that by then the mini pots will crap out too and no way in hell am I gonna go through the ordeal of wiring through the F hole twice.

I've done this, and it's nice to know most of the stuff can go through the pickup holes easier than the F-holes. You'll have make some tools, but be patient - it's doable.

 

[nexion218]

I've done this, and it's nice to know most of the stuff can go through the pickup holes easier than the F-holes. You'll have make some tools, but be patient - it's doable.

The only problem being the center block... So F hole it is. But thanks for the encouragement. I might put up a thread for best tips and tricks for such a job

 

[ICTGoober]

There should be a hole routed in the block near the bridge pickup to allow free movement of the electronics.
Thusly...

 

[nexion218]

Hah, I didn't know that! Will check it out, thx!

 

[GuitarDoc]

It still looks black (even though there seems to be a slight blue tint to it) so that's not very different from what you're used to. But everyone should have at least one semi in his arsenal. Something about the shape of the Ibanez just puts me off, though. And I really don't personally like flat finished guitars.

I think the kitty is much cuter than the guitar.

 

[nexion218]

It still looks black (even though there seems to be a slight blue tint to it) so that's not very different from what you're used to. But everyone should have at least one semi in his arsenal. Something about the shape of the Ibanez just puts me off, though. And I really don't personally like flat finished guitars.

I think the kitty is much cuter than the guitar.

Hey Doc long time no see! Well I still havent given up on hunting down a Korean Sheraton II in some burst finish... but given the price and how very playable and serviceable this is, I've no complaints. Doesn't stand a chance against kitty though, I agree.

 

[GuitarDoc]

When and if you find the Sheraton you're looking for, snag it. It's truly great. Mine is probably a bit unusual since it was built in the Kalamazoo plant. I was told that it is a late 60's, but I think it's probably a bit earlier than that. It's also not the typical cherry red, it's very deep, more like maroon. Can't find much info on it. But it is really amazing. I've played a few Korean ones and they too are really super. The newer ones also come with splitable ProBuckers.

 

[GuitarStv]

There should be a hole routed in the block near the bridge pickup to allow free movement of the electronics.
Thusly...

I agree with you . . . there should be. However, I've come across many semi-hollows (including my own Epi 335) that do not have this lovely feature and require you work through the f-holes.