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Average Price: $389

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Ibanez AR220 is where timeless craftsmanship meets modern versatility, making it a standout in the realm of solid body electric guitars. Known for its Tri-sound electronics, this guitar offers unparalleled sonic flexibility, empowering musicians to effortlessly shift between series, parallel, and coil-tap configurations. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the AR220's adaptability ensures that your sound remains as dynamic and versatile as your creativity.

Constructed with a mahogany body and topped with a beautifully arched maple, the AR220 delivers a rich, vintage tone combined with exceptional sustain. The set-in neck design further enhances this sustain, allowing each note to resonate with clarity and precision. This guitar is not just about looks and sound; it’s about performance. The slim, smooth mahogany neck and Sure-Grip control knobs provide a tactile experience that is both comfortable and intuitive, giving you complete control over your music.

Whether you’re crafting soulful melodies or powerful, biting riffs, the Ibanez AR220 is designed to inspire and elevate your musical journey. Its combination of classic tonewoods, innovative electronics, and superior playability make it a favorite among players of all genres.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with arched maple top for rich tone and sustain
  • Dual ACH humbucking pickups with Tri-sound switch for series, parallel, and coil-tap options
  • Set-in mahogany neck for enhanced sustain and note definition
  • ART-1 bridge and Quik Change Ultra tailpiece for long sustain and tuning stability
  • Slim neck profile and smooth heel for fast, comfortable playability
  • Sure-Grip control knobs for easy manipulation during performance

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model AR220-BK Artist, AR220-CRS Artist, AR220-IV Artist, AR220-VB Artist
Finish Black, Cherry Sunburst, Ivory, Vintage Burst
Year 2013 - 2015
Made In China
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, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez Artist
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez AR220?

The Ibanez AR220 features a set-neck construction with a comfortable mahogany neck, offering a smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What type of pickups does the Ibanez AR220 have, and what tones can I expect?

The Ibanez AR220 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups (HH configuration), providing warm, rich tones ideal for rock, blues, and jazz genres.

Is the Ibanez AR220 suitable for beginner guitarists?

Yes, the Ibanez AR220's comfortable neck and versatile tone make it a great choice for beginners looking for a quality instrument to grow with.

What is the scale length of the Ibanez AR220, and how does it affect playability?

The Ibanez AR220 has a 24.75" scale length, offering a slightly shorter reach and easier string bending, which is beneficial for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more relaxed feel.

How does the double cutaway design of the Ibanez AR220 benefit players?

The double cutaway design of the Ibanez AR220 allows for easier access to higher frets, making it ideal for lead guitarists who frequently play solos higher up the neck.

PopMusicRu

PopMusicRu

Электрогитара IBANEZ AR220-IV IVORY + комбо YERASOV CLASSIC 50

Video thumbnail for Электрогитара IBANEZ AR220-IV IVORY + комбо YERASOV CLASSIC 50 by PopMusicRu

Электрогитара IBANEZ AR220-IV IVORY + комбо YERASOV CLASSIC 50

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ontrackmaster

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ AR220-IV & TSA5-TVR (amp) by David Thilloy

IBANEZ AR220-IV & TSA5-TVR (amp)

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David Thilloy

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AR220 & TSA15H - Eduardo Escobar by Eduardo Escobar

Ibanez AR220 & TSA15H - Eduardo Escobar

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Eduardo Escobar

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ AR 220 IV by Smaragd Records

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Video thumbnail for Ibanez AR220 Vintage Burst Electric Guitar Sound Check & Demo by The Guitarman 28

Ibanez AR220 Vintage Burst Electric Guitar Sound Check & Demo

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Video thumbnail for IBANEZ AR 220-IV IVORY в домашних условиях by Михаил Видео

IBANEZ AR 220-IV IVORY в домашних условиях

Михаил Видео

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Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent fit and finish comparable to vintage models

  • Superb playability, making it enjoyable for extended playing sessions

  • Beautiful cherry sunburst color with eye-catching gold hardware

  • Offers great tonal options for versatile musical expression

  • Rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience

  • Attractive alternative to more expensive LP models

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez AR220.

Comparisons

  • The AR220 is noted to sound thicker like a Les Paul but slightly brighter, making it suitable for metal rhythm playing.

    Source
  • The Vox AC4C1-BL stock speaker, VX10, is often swapped out for a 10" Greenback or Weber Blue Pup for a "woody, smoothed out top-end."

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AR220's wider neck is preferred over the Epiphone SG Pro for certain playing styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Vinyl wrapping and decals are suggested for easily customizing the guitar's aesthetic for a more aggressive look.

    Source
  • Owners consider replacing the preamp tubes with 12AT7 or 5751 models, alongside Eminence and Weber speakers, for enhanced tonal flexibility.

    Source
  • A 10" Celestion V30 speaker is suggested for those seeking increased volume and bass, aligning with a classic Fender-Vox sound mix.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite initial intentions, the AR220 is found to perform well with heavy distortion, making it a viable option for metal genres.

    Source

Critic Reviews

AR220 Review: I give it a 9 out of 10 because the quality... | Ibanez | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Ibanez AR220 is a versatile and well-crafted guitar that impresses with its sound quality and build for the price. It features a set neck, double cutaway design, and tapped humbuckers, making it ideal for jazz and rock genres, though not suited for country styles. The guitar's mellow pickups offer decent sustain, and while it lacks the aggressive bite of a Fender, it holds its own in tonal articulation. Despite minor issues like lightweight tuners and worn gold plating from heavy use, the guitar remains reliable and durable. It challenges the need for pricier models by offering quality at an affordable cost, making it a top choice for serious musicians on a budget.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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1 star
T

Amazing ABBA guitar, iconic.

Looking to get my hands on a similar one soon however this particular guitar built in 1979 uniquely for Bjorn Ulvaeus is a one off and has ABBA imprinted on the head, also it's an AR500.

A

Classic rock goodness

Got this in a gorgeous cherry sunburst, cannot overstate how much I love it! Great tonal options, beautiful build and rosewood fingerboard, gold hardware compliments the color well. Great LP alternative for a fraction of the price.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sithu Aye uses Ibanez AR220

Sithu Aye

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Instagram
Color/Finish: Ivory

In an Instagram post by Sithu Aye, an Ibanez AR220 can be seen in the guitar rack, confirming its use by the artist. The post highlights his newly arranged office and workspace.

See how Björn Ulvaeus uses Ibanez AR220

Björn Ulvaeus

Guitarist, Composer

ABBA

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo from Getabba, Björn Ulvaeus is pictured playing an Ibanez AR500 in a rare pearl white finish, notable for its "ABBA" headstock marking. This particular guitar was produced in 1979 by Fuji Gen Gakki in Matsumoto, Japan. It's important to note that this is not an Ibanez AR220, a model first released in 2013.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez AR220, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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