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Average Price: $500

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Description

The Ibanez AF120 Artstar is a hollowbody electric guitar that beautifully combines vintage aesthetics with modern playability. This instrument is part of Ibanez's Artstar series, which aims to deliver the high-end feel and sound of a classic jazz box, without the prohibitive price tag. With its Super 58 Custom pickups, the AF120 offers a warm, articulate tone that is perfect for jazz, blues, and rock. The guitar's hollowbody construction provides a rich, resonant sound that is both full-bodied and nuanced, making it a versatile choice for musicians seeking an authentic tone and feel.

Crafted with a spruce top and flamed maple back and sides, the AF120 not only sounds great but looks stunning too. The 3-piece mahogany/maple neck is designed for smooth playability and features a bound ebony fingerboard adorned with elegant acrylic and abalone block inlays. The guitar's custom tailpiece and ART-1 bridge ensure excellent tuning stability and sustain, allowing you to focus on your performance without worry.

Key Features:

  • Hollowbody electric guitar with a classic jazz-inspired design
  • Spruce top and flamed maple back and sides for a resonant and warm tone
  • Super 58 Custom pickups for a versatile sound
  • 3-piece mahogany/maple neck with a bound ebony fingerboard
  • Acrylic and abalone block inlays for an elegant look
  • ART-1 bridge and custom tailpiece for superior tuning stability and sustain

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model AF120-BK Artstar, AF120-BS Artstar, AF120-NT Artstar, AF120-VS Artstar
Year 1995 - 2003
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Natural
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez AF
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"
Series Ibanez Artstar
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez AF120 Artstar suitable for?

The Ibanez AF120 Artstar is ideal for jazz, blues, and rockabilly due to its warm, resonant tone and hollow body design. Its HH pickup configuration provides a rich, versatile sound that can handle clean tones as well as mild overdrive.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez AF120 Artstar like?

The Ibanez AF120 Artstar features a set-neck construction with a comfortable, rounded profile, making it easy to play for extended periods. The 24.75" scale length and rosewood fretboard contribute to smooth playability and easy chord transitions.

How does the Ibanez AF120 Artstar handle feedback?

As a hollow body guitar, the Ibanez AF120 Artstar may be more prone to feedback at high volumes, especially with high-gain settings. However, careful control of your amp settings and positioning can mitigate this, allowing for rich, resonant tones.

Are the pickups on the Ibanez AF120 Artstar suitable for clean and overdriven tones?

Yes, the HH pickup configuration on the Ibanez AF120 Artstar provides a wide tonal range, offering clear, articulate clean tones and smooth, warm overdriven sounds, making it versatile for various playing styles.

What is the build quality of the Ibanez AF120 Artstar like?

The Ibanez AF120 Artstar features a high-quality build with a maple body and neck, ensuring durability and a vibrant sound. The gloss finish and attention to detail in craftsmanship reflect its premium Artstar series status.

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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 Ibanez AF120 Artstar.

Build quality

  • The AF120 Artstar is praised for its high-quality construction and sound, especially older Korean models.

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  • After extensive use, gold hardware on the AS153 may wear off at frequent contact points, such as the palm/wrist area.

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Features and functionality

  • Owners appreciate the Artstar's elegant design and smooth playability, highlighting its suitability for jazz and blues.

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  • The AS153's split neck pickup provides a unique sound, beneficial for those alternating between strat-like and 335 tones.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users recommend swapping out the stock pickups for improved clarity and tone, particularly for chord work with overdrive.

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User experience

  • The Artstar series has opened many players' eyes to Ibanez, often becoming their preferred choice for hollowbody guitars.

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  • Owners find the tri-tone switch on the AS153 invaluable, providing versatile tonal shifts from a stratty neck sound to a 335-like tone.

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Value and pricing

  • The Artstar series is considered a great investment for those seeking a high-quality hollowbody without breaking the bank.

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Comparisons

  • Users note that the AS113 with a spruce top lacks warmth compared to the maple tops on AS153 and AS120, which are perceived as more mellow.

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Use cases and applications

  • Some owners specifically value the AS153 for its clear acoustic resonance when unplugged, enhancing its versatility for unplugged practice sessions.

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