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Description

Step into a world of timeless sound and vintage charm with the Ibanez AF85 Artcore, where classic craftsmanship meets modern performance. This hollowbody electric guitar is a testament to Ibanez's dedication to quality and innovation, offering musicians a dynamic and versatile instrument that caters to both jazz aficionados and rock enthusiasts. The AF85's traditional full-hollow construction ensures a warm, resonant tone, free from the interference of sound blocks, making it ideal for those who appreciate the pure acoustic qualities of a hollowbody.

Crafted with a stunning flamed maple top, back, and sides, this guitar not only sounds exceptional but also exudes visual elegance on stage. The Ibanez VBF70 vintage vibrato bridge adds a touch of nostalgia while providing smooth vibrato effects for expressive playing. Whether you're comping smooth jazz chords or soaring through bluesy solos, the AF85 delivers rich, complex tones that resonate with every strum.

Perfect for the purist and the experimenter alike, this guitar provides a unique balance of tradition and innovation, allowing you to explore a wide array of musical genres with ease. Its aesthetic appeal is matched only by its sonic capabilities, making the Ibanez AF85 Artcore a must-have for discerning guitarists seeking an instrument that truly stands out.

Key Features:

  • Traditional full-hollow construction for warm, resonant tones
  • Flamed maple top, back, and sides for visual elegance
  • Ibanez VBF70 vintage vibrato bridge for smooth vibrato effects
  • Ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres
  • Rich and complex tonal palette

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model AF85-TK Artcore, AF85-VLS Artcore
Year 2003 - 2005
Made In China
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown
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 Artcore
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Figured Veneer

FAQs

What type of music is the Ibanez AF85 Artcore best suited for?

The Ibanez AF85 Artcore is ideal for jazz, blues, and rockabilly styles due to its warm, rich tone from the hollow body design and humbucking pickups.

What are the tonal characteristics of the ACH1 and ACH2 pickups on the Ibanez AF85 Artcore?

The ACH1 and ACH2 pickups provide a warm, smooth sound with a focus on midrange frequencies, making them well-suited for clean and overdriven tones typical in jazz and blues.

Is the Ibanez AF85 Artcore suitable for beginners?

While the Ibanez AF85 Artcore is a quality instrument that can be appreciated by players of all levels, its hollow body and specific tone characteristics are often more suitable for intermediate to advanced players familiar with jazz and blues styles.

Does the Ibanez AF85 Artcore have a comfortable neck profile for playing?

Yes, the Ibanez AF85 Artcore features a 3-piece mahogany/maple set-in neck with a bound rosewood fretboard, offering a comfortable and smooth playing experience for extended sessions.

What is the body material of the Ibanez AF85 Artcore, and how does it affect the sound?

The Ibanez AF85 Artcore is constructed from flamed maple for the top, back, and sides, contributing to its bright, articulate sound with a strong presence in the mid and upper frequencies.

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Ibanez AF-85 high end tone HC flamed magic midrange mid-bass $479 sold

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AF-85 high end tone  HC flamed   magic midrange  mid-bass $479 sold by polkzoo

Ibanez AF-85 high end tone HC flamed magic midrange mid-bass $479 sold

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Video thumbnail for Archtop Highly Flamed SOLD huge voice SOLD bass and voice Ibanez AF-85 by polkzoo

Archtop Highly Flamed SOLD huge voice SOLD bass and voice Ibanez AF-85

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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 AF85 Artcore.

Comparisons

  • The Boss Katana is repeatedly praised for its clean tone and versatility, often compared as a modern evolution of the Roland Cube series.

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  • The DV Mark Little Jazz is highlighted for its lightweight design and musical sound, recommended for jazz over other options like Polytone Mini Brute.

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  • The Orange Crush 35w is noted for a clean tone superior to smaller versions, suggesting a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.

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  • Users suggest the AF85's stock pickups outperform expensive Benedetto upgrades in terms of sound quality, highlighting the impressive default performance of the AF85.

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  • The GB10, noted for its smaller size compared to the AFJ95, features floating mini humbuckers for enhanced resonance and responsiveness, making it a distinct jazz option.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Quilter Superblock amps are noted for their portability and ability to fit on a pedalboard, offering sparkling clean tones ideal for jazz.

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  • Roland JC 22 is a recommended choice for its ease in finding a clean tone, though it may slightly exceed a $300 budget.

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  • An AF2000 owner prefers a Telecaster or 335 for jazz, suggesting the AF2000 might not be their primary choice for this genre.

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  • The GB10's floating mini humbuckers provide a unique tonal character, suitable for both amplified jazz performances and unplugged practice sessions.

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Features and functionality

  • Strymon Iridium is mentioned for achieving great jazz tones through stereo speakers; a used unit can be found around $300.

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Value and pricing

  • An AF85 was purchased for $200 on Facebook, emphasizing potential bargains in the second-hand market.

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Build quality

  • The AF85 may have odor issues, likened to a college dorm, but can be cleaned effectively.

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User experience

  • The AF105F is described as thin-sounding acoustically, yet comfortable to play with a pleasant amplified sound.

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  • Long-term owner reports minor corrosion on the AF85 bridge and saddles after years of gigs and lessons, yet praises its overall durability and reliability.

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Critic Reviews

Artcore AF85 Review: This isn't REALLY the guitar for metal players. | Ibanez | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

A hollow-bodied gem, the Ibanez AF85 Artcore gets high marks for its rich sound and bluesy prowess but isn't quite perfect for metalheads. While its vibrant tone and comfortable neck make it a joy to play, the lack of a vibrato bar and a somewhat cluttered control layout might irk some. The guitar is built to last, with sturdy electronics and reliable hardware, though the glossy finish might wear over time. Despite some minor setup issues out of the box, it's an exceptional value for its price, making it a versatile choice for musicians who appreciate its classic charm.

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