Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (42)
$729.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$599.95
Amazon
4.6 (13)
$729.99
Reverb
5.0 (8)
$531.41 1 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$579.99
Thomann
4.7 (74)
$585.00 $579.00 $6.00 · All time low

Average Price: $625

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ibanez AR420". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the realm of sonic versatility and expressive playability with the Ibanez AR420, a masterpiece from the esteemed Artist Series. This solid body electric guitar is not just a treat to the eyes with its unique aesthetic but a powerhouse of diverse tones suitable for a myriad of musical genres. Its construction is a melodious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, delivering a playing experience that caters to the nuanced needs of today’s musicians. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or commanding the stage live, the AR420's rich tonality, courtesy of its okoume body and flame maple top, alongside the Super 58 Custom humbuckers, ensures your performance is imbued with warmth, clarity, and character. This instrument doesn't just sound good; it feels good, offering a playability that will inspire and elevate your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Tonally versatile guitar with an okoume body and figured maple top for a blend of warmth and brightness.
  • Dual Super 58 Custom humbucking pickups with Alnico magnets deliver a smooth, wide-ranging output.
  • Tri-sound electronics for each pickup offer series, parallel, and coil-tap wiring options for expansive tonal exploration.
  • ART-1 bridge and Quik Change Ultra tailpiece ensure sustained notes and stable tuning.
  • 3-piece maple neck provides a fast, comfortable playing experience with enhanced clarity and detail.
  • Sure-Grip control knobs allow for precise adjustments during performance, ensuring your tone is always on point.

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape AR Standard
Body Material Okoume
Top Material Flamed Maple
Body Finish Urethane
Neck Material 3-piece Maple
Neck Shape Slim
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Acrylic/Abalone Blocks
Number of Frets 22, Medium
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.693"
Nut Material Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece Gibraltar Performer Bridge with Quick-change Classic Tailpiece
Tuners Sealed Die-cast
Neck Pickup Super 58 Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Super 58 Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 2 x Tri-Sound switch, 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Ibanez AR420's Super 58 humbuckers?

The Ibanez AR420's Super 58 humbuckers offer a warm, vintage tone with a balanced output, making them suitable for jazz, blues, and rock. They provide a smooth, articulate sound that retains clarity even at higher gain settings.

Is the Ibanez AR420 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez AR420 is suitable for advanced players. Its versatile tonal range, quality construction, and features like the Tri-Sound switch make it an excellent choice for experienced musicians seeking a reliable and expressive instrument.

How does the Tri-Sound switch on the Ibanez AR420 work?

The Tri-Sound switch on the Ibanez AR420 allows each pickup to be used in series, parallel, or coil-tap mode, providing a wide range of tonal options. This feature enhances the guitar's versatility for different musical styles.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez AR420?

The Ibanez AR420 features a slim neck profile, which offers comfortable playability and fast action, ideal for players who prefer ease of movement across the fretboard.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ibanez AR420?

The Ibanez AR420 features an okoume body with a flamed maple top, a 3-piece maple neck, and a fingerboard with acrylic/abalone block inlays, providing both aesthetic appeal and solid construction.

Nick Granville

Nick Granville

Ibanez Artist AR420 Electric Guitar Demo / Review by Nick Granville

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Artist AR420 Electric Guitar Demo / Review by Nick Granville by Nick Granville

Ibanez Artist AR420 Electric Guitar Demo / Review by Nick Granville

Nick Granville

Nick Granville

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Artist AR420: Quick Demo / Review by Nick Granville by Nick Granville

Ibanez Artist AR420: Quick Demo / Review by Nick Granville

Nick Granville

Nick Granville

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Artist AR420 Test Drive by Studio Tyson

Ibanez Artist AR420 Test Drive

Studio Tyson

Studio Tyson

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AR420 Artist Double Cutaway Electric Guitar Demo | Guitar Hangar Archives by Guitar Hangar - Lessons, Rentals, Repairs, and More

Ibanez AR420 Artist Double Cutaway Electric Guitar Demo | Guitar Hangar Archives

Guitar Hangar - Lessons, Rentals, Repairs, and More

Guitar Hangar - Lessons, Rentals, Repairs, and More

Video thumbnail for Stunning looks and playability! A review of the Ibanez AR420 Artist Electric Guitar. by Ernie Williamson Music

Stunning looks and playability! A review of the Ibanez AR420 Artist Electric Guitar.

Ernie Williamson Music

Ernie Williamson Music

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Artist AR420 - Sound Demo [NO TALK] by Lush Skyline

Ibanez Artist AR420 - Sound Demo [NO TALK]

Lush Skyline

Lush Skyline

Reviews

PROS

  • High manufacturing quality exceeds expectations for its price range

  • Offers great sound variety with tri-sound switches

  • Visually appealing with luxurious finish and binding

  • Comfortable neck with easy upper fret access

  • Lighter than many competitors, making it easier to handle

  • Works well for diverse music genres; jazz, R&B, and rock

  • Good value for money, comparable to more expensive guitars

  • Resonant fretboard with sensitive pickups captures wood character

  • Plays remarkably well after setup adjustments

  • Impressive flame top and fret markers enhance overall aesthetic

CONS

  • Notable neck-heavy balance, causing discomfort when standing

  • Some guitars have high action and fret buzz issues

  • Inconsistent quality of pots and pickup leveling

  • Gold hardware can vary in color saturation

  • Finish inconsistencies on fretboard and knobs loosening over time

  • Tail-piece slots complicate restringing process

  • Requires additional setup out of the box for optimal playability

  • Limited availability of fitting cases due to body size

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez AR420.

Setup and maintenance

  • It's recommended to check for neck dive due to the guitar's weight distribution, similar to an Epiphone SG.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the AR420's cutaways too small, causing discomfort during lead play for those with long fingers.

    Source
  • Owners often express that the AR420 plays with a precision and quality that rivals guitars priced over a couple of thousand dollars, even without a professional setup.

    Source
  • An owner reported a negative experience due to poor setup and improperly done pickup changes, emphasizing the importance of professional maintenance for optimal performance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The AR420 responds well to heavy gauge strings like Thomastik-Infeld Power Brights, enhancing rhythm tones for styles like Malcolm Young's.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ARX 500, a predecessor to the AR420, is noted for being heavier with more sustain and a less ornate design.

    Source
  • The AR420 is noted for having a thinner neck compared to an Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s, which could affect playability preferences.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The tri-sound switch on the AR420 is often left unused, with many preferring the humbucker bridge for lead and neck for rhythm.

    Source

Build quality

  • The binding and inlays are frequently highlighted as standout aesthetic features, drawing significant attention for their beauty and craftsmanship.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • An owner noted that the resale value of a well-maintained AR420 can approach double its purchase price on platforms like Reverb, depending on its condition.

    Source
  • The MSRP of the AR420 is considered surprisingly low, given its high-quality build and aesthetic appeal, making it a sought-after deal among enthusiasts.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
david_robinson377

its a ok guitar but with a few mods make it good

got this changed pick ups for pearly gates and is good les paul sounding guitar now

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Shane Gann uses Ibanez AR420

Shane Gann

Guitarist

Hail The Sun

...
Verified via Photo

Shane Gann confirmed via Instagram that he uses the Ibanez AR420, which can also be seen in many live videos. Proof of this can be found in the image linked here.

See how Tom Ibarra uses Ibanez AR420

Tom Ibarra

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Tom Ibarra is seen using the Ibanez AR420 electric guitar in live performances, as highlighted in a photo he shared on Facebook.

See how Chivas Argüello uses Ibanez AR420

Chivas Argüello

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

En esta foto se ve al Chivas Argüello tocando con una Ibanez Ar420 en el Grand Rex.

See how Garik Papoyan uses Ibanez AR420

Garik Papoyan

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Garik can be seen playing with Ibanez guitar.

See how Nick Granville uses Ibanez AR420

Nick Granville

Guitarist

The Roger Fox Big Band

...
Verified via Nickgranville

At this point the AR420 was Nicks main guitar. He describes it as very versitile and suiting his needs in the article.

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 AR420, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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