Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,253

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back in time with the 1980's Ibanez Artist AR500, a guitar that embodies the bold spirit of innovation from an era when Ibanez transitioned into crafting original designs. This iconic model stands out with its onboard EQ circuit, offering players a dynamic range of tonal possibilities that were ahead of their time. The AR500 echoes the classic appeal of a Les Paul, delivering a rich, resonant sound thanks to its Mahogany body and Maple top, ensuring a robust and balanced tone that guitarists crave.

Designed with precision and flair, the AR500 features two humbucker pickups that produce a powerful and versatile sound, making it perfect for a range of musical styles. The set neck construction adds to the guitar's sustain and playability, while the elegant block inlays and trio of volume control knobs offer both aesthetic charm and functional finesse.

Whether you're a collector or a performer seeking vintage allure, the Ibanez Artist AR500 is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history. This guitar not only delivers on performance but also serves as a testament to Ibanez's commitment to quality and innovation during a transformative period in music gear design.

Key Features:

  • Onboard EQ circuit
  • Mahogany body with Maple top
  • Set neck construction
  • Two humbucker pickups
  • Block inlays
  • Three volume control knobs

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model AR500-AV Artist, AR500-BK Artist, AR500-CS Artist
Finish Antique Violin, Black, Cherry Sunburst
Year 1979 - 1982
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Ibanez Artist
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Figured Veneer

FAQs

What type of music is the Ibanez Artist AR500 best suited for?

The Ibanez Artist AR500, with its dual humbucker configuration and mahogany body, is versatile and well-suited for rock, blues, and jazz genres, offering rich, full tones.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez Artist AR500?

The Ibanez Artist AR500 features a set-neck construction with a comfortable maple neck, providing smooth playability and easy access to higher frets, ideal for lead and rhythm playing.

How does the Ibanez Artist AR500's body material affect its sound?

The mahogany body of the Ibanez Artist AR500 contributes to a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain, while the maple top adds brightness and clarity to the sound.

Are the pickups on the Ibanez Artist AR500 suitable for high-gain settings?

Yes, the humbucker pickups on the Ibanez Artist AR500 handle high-gain settings well, making it suitable for heavier music styles that require powerful, distortion-rich tones.

Is the Ibanez Artist AR500 a good choice for beginners?

While the Ibanez Artist AR500 offers excellent craftsmanship and tonal versatility, its features are more aligned with intermediate to advanced players seeking a high-quality instrument.

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Ibanez AR-500 1982年製 / seymour duncan SH2&SH4 Clean

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AR-500 1982年製 / seymour duncan SH2&SH4 Clean by Heavy Gauge Guitars

Ibanez AR-500 1982年製 / seymour duncan SH2&SH4 Clean

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1980's Ibanez Artist ar500.

User experience

  • Owners mention that the guitar can be headstock heavy, affecting balance during play.

    Source
  • A past owner described the guitar's sustain as "singing," highlighting its tonal quality.

    Source
  • Despite some balance issues, the AR500 remains a beloved model among Ibanez enthusiasts, with continued loyalty to the brand.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Vintage Ibanez guitars, including the AR500, have been increasing in price, with some models listed over $1400.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The original case for the AR500 is considered valuable, increasing the overall worth of the guitar.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Steve Miller uses 1980's Ibanez Artist  ar500

Steve Miller

Singer, Guitarist

Steve Miller Band

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

(Steve)Miller said. “So we built a bunch of guitars and they were great. The Artist models… are amazing instruments, they really sound good.”

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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