Members Thomasguitar Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 Any thoughts on Artcore series? Just YouTubed this Ibanez Artcore AK-85 hollow body guitar...Love the sound and a deal for $300![YOUTUBE]cxqLxHSOby4[/YOUTUBE] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Dead Star Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 I had an artcore for a couple years, then my stupid, drugged out sister stole and sold it. I liked it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bvr775 Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 I prefer my artcores to some of my high end hollow bodies. really well built and the have an excellent sound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members nbabmf Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 I don't always play jazz, but when I do I prefer it to be on an Ibanez Artcore. Stay economical, my friends! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members josephmethew Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 I've been playing this bass for a few months. I bought it at guitar center and got a great deal. Like I say, it doesn't really cut through in a band situation when played anywhere but right over the pickup (no uprighty sounding thumb-plucking on the neck). When I play it alone though, it seems to be just as loud. Range of tones is pretty low, but the tone it has is good. However, the tone control doesn't do a whole lot. It's easy to work on and set-up (plenty of set-up options) and the quick change bridge is really great. Construction is solid, playability is great. The "8" rating represents what is lacking in tone. I'll play it on stage for looks, but record with my jazz or hagstrom for better sound. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sam....Apex, NC Auto Rapair | Integrated Marketing Raleigh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members chuck1016 Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 They're solid guitars. They cut the same corners everyone else does to keep the price down - cheap switch, mini-pots & caps, plastic nut - but the workmanship is top notch. The stock pickups are pretty decent and the tuners are fine. I replaced the electronics and pickups on my AS73 (see avatar) and it sounds like a million bucks. If you see a good deal on one I say jump on it. You won't regret it. EDIT: I have heard people complain that the neck isn't fat enough for their liking, but I think it's perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frets99 Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I have an artcore and love it. Watched a band this week where a guy played a semi hollow artcore. Sounded just like a 335 to me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members PunkKitty Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 I have a really nice Artcore AF85 that is for sale. I'm open to negotiation on the price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members roughtrade Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 I had an AF105NT, I sold it, I just couldn't enjoy the pickups. I should have just changed them, I'm kicking myself. That guitar was great to play, well set up. I should have ordered some Duncan PUs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Thomasguitar Posted September 14, 2009 Author Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 I had an AF105NT, I sold it, I just couldn't enjoy the pickups. I should have just changed them, I'm kicking myself. That guitar was great to play, well set up. I should have ordered some Duncan PUs. I have the AS103NT. Didn't like the neck PUPs (Custom 58s), they were too muddy, middy and honky , put in Duncan Jazz with split coil and is tremendous, clean/bright/articulated. What didn't you like about the PUPs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members crashclc Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 I have three right now. Love them all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members roughtrade Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 I have the AS103NT. Didn't like the neck PUPs (Custom 58s), they were too muddy, middy and honky , put in Duncan Jazz with split coil and is tremendous, clean/bright/articulated. What didn't you like about the PUPs? The first string was muted when I scrolled the tone back. My Heritage doesn't mute the tone, just makes it less bright. Same with my Les Paul, I should have replaced the PUPs with Seth Lovers or Classic 57s. My loss, it really was very nice, otherwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members wrathfuldeity Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 bought stock as73 used/cheap and changed out the guts and can split the new hb's with the tone pots...only complaint is that the frets are seeming to wear fast...otherwise love it. 2ind part of the clip using as73 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Coda_ Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 ...I bought a used AF-75 back in March...It was modded a bit...first off, the frets have been filed pretty flat, and I love it...secondly, it was already set up for flats (which is why I bought it)...the nut is jacked, and I plan of replacing it...I also plan on throwing a bigsby on it...anyways...its a great guitar...especially for the price...Ibanez makes the best hollowbody guitar for the price and quality...singlehandedly changed my opinion of Ibanez... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SirJackdeFuzz Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 Love my AG75 w TV Jones in it ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cratz2 Posted September 14, 2009 Members Share Posted September 14, 2009 I have an 85, I think. One of the bigger ones. I really like it. Great neck, looks absolutely beautiful, nothing terribly wrong with it. Not crazy about the stock pickups for my use, but you can tame them down and get very decent jazzy tones out of them. I got a pair of Seth Lovers I'm going to slip in there whenever I become unafraid to try to install them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members guitarcapo Posted September 15, 2009 Members Share Posted September 15, 2009 I own one of those. My favorite Artcore hollowbody. I love the spruce top. I modded mine a lot, though. I added an Ibanez Bigsby and roller bridge...swapped out the pickups for Guitar Fetish Nashvilles.... and added a Fender LSR roller nut. Sounds fantastic played acoustically or through an amp. I've played jazz guitars costing thousands that weren't as nice sounding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Thomasguitar Posted September 24, 2009 Author Members Share Posted September 24, 2009 Here is a pic of the AS103HK (Hawaiian Koa) available only in Japan as far as I know!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members newbuilder Posted September 24, 2009 Members Share Posted September 24, 2009 I got mine with a hardcase for $200 and I am playing that guitar more than any of my other guitars right now. It is the beez kneez! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members orbm1 Posted September 24, 2009 Members Share Posted September 24, 2009 I had one and could not bond with it....return it and put more money and got a Tele.... They are nice looking guitars! Omar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Loudog99 Posted September 24, 2009 Members Share Posted September 24, 2009 That is the last type of guitar that I need to round out my meager collection. I have serious Semi-Hollow gas and those Artcore's are at the top of my list. Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members crashclc Posted September 24, 2009 Members Share Posted September 24, 2009 I got mine with a hardcase for $200 and I am playing that guitar more than any of my other guitars right now. It is the beez kneez! Sure is a purty one. I'd be playing it too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members easilyspooked Posted September 24, 2009 Members Share Posted September 24, 2009 i LOVE my AK85. the pickups are muddy, i put a single coil in the bridge and that really brought it up to speed, i did eventually change out the neck as well, but i loved the way the stock neck played with the spanky bridge. also, chicks dig the way it looks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Old Fart Rocker Posted September 24, 2009 Members Share Posted September 24, 2009 Love my AS73. Gets lots of use and is my main gigging guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members KidEh Posted September 24, 2009 Members Share Posted September 24, 2009 Love the hollowbody ones Ive played, not a fan of the semi hollow ones Ive played. I might get the one that Frets 99 has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.