Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 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 (17)
$586.82 New
$500.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$579.99

Average Price: $621

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Ibanez AR420 Artist". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Discover the Ibanez AR420 Artist, a striking addition to the Ibanez family that marries timeless design with modern versatility. This solid body electric guitar is crafted with an okoume body topped with flame maple, delivering not only a stunning visual appeal but also a rich resonance that captivates both on stage and in the studio. The AR420 is powered by a pair of Super 58 Custom humbuckers capable of producing warm, vintage tones or more aggressive, biting sounds, making it perfect for a diverse range of musical styles.

What sets the AR420 apart is its Tri-sound electronics, providing each humbucker with series, parallel, and coil-tap options, thus expanding your sonic palette and offering endless tonal possibilities. The 3-piece maple neck offers exceptional rigidity and sustain, while the jatoba fretboard ensures smooth playability and enduring performance. With an ART-1 bridge and Quik Change Ultra tailpiece, you can count on stable tuning and effortless string changes, so you spend more time playing and less time adjusting.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring artist, the Ibanez AR420 Artist delivers a balanced blend of style, tone, and playability, making it a reliable partner in any musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Okoume body with a flame maple top for visual and tonal richness
  • Dual Super 58 Custom humbucking pickups with Alnico magnets
  • Tri-sound electronics for series, parallel, and coil-tap configurations
  • 3-piece maple neck with a jatoba fretboard for smooth playability
  • ART-1 bridge and Quik Change Ultra tailpiece for stability and ease
  • Sure-Grip control knobs for precise tonal adjustments

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 Material Jatoba
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 pickups?

The Super 58 humbuckers on the Ibanez AR420 provide a warm, vintage tone with a smooth midrange, making them versatile for jazz, blues, and rock genres. They deliver clarity and sustain, with the ability to handle both clean and overdriven sounds effectively.

Is the Ibanez AR420 suitable for beginner guitarists?

The Ibanez AR420 is a great choice for both beginners and experienced players due to its comfortable slim neck profile and versatile tonal options. However, beginners should consider if the guitar's features align with their specific music style preferences.

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

The Tri-Sound switch allows each Super 58 pickup to operate in three modes: series, parallel, and coil-tap. This provides a wide range of tonal possibilities, from full humbucker sounds to single-coil-like tones, enhancing the guitar's versatility.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez AR420 like?

The Ibanez AR420 features a slim neck profile, designed for comfortable playability and fast action. This makes it ideal for players who enjoy quick fretboard navigation and intricate playing styles.

Does the Ibanez AR420 come with a case or gig bag?

The Ibanez AR420 does not come with a case or gig bag. These items are sold separately, so you may want to purchase one to protect your guitar during transport and storage.

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 Test Drive by Studio Tyson

Ibanez Artist AR420 Test Drive

Studio Tyson

Studio Tyson

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

Ibanez Artist AR420 - Sound Demo [NO TALK]

Lush Skyline

Lush Skyline

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Vs PRS DGT Vs Ibanez AR420. Best LP Type Guitar? Guitar Daily Ep 371 by Nick Granville

Gibson Les Paul Vs PRS DGT Vs Ibanez AR420. Best LP Type Guitar? Guitar Daily Ep 371

Nick Granville

Nick Granville

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone versatility with 3-way toggle switches

  • Beautiful flame top with luxurious binding and finish

  • Comfortable neck easy to grip for leads and chords

  • Super 58 pickups offer rich, diverse sound options

  • Excellent playability with smooth action and intonation

  • High value for price, rivals more expensive models

  • Resonant fretboard and sensitive pickups enhance sound clarity

  • Stunning visual appeal with distinctive inlays

  • Solid weight, comparable to premium guitars

  • Knobs allow for quick, precise adjustments

CONS

  • Neck-heavy balance causes neck dive when standing

  • Pickup leveling issues, higher in front than rear

  • Irregular pot taper, issues with tone pot hissing

  • Tail-piece slots make re-stringing difficult

  • Rough fret ends on some units, requiring adjustment

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners find the guitar slightly neck divey due to its compactness, similar to an Epiphone SG.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar performs well with heavy bottom strings like 11s or 12s, especially for Malcolm Young rhythm licks.

    Source
  • Owners report the AR420's capability to deliver tones suitable for genres ranging from jazz to metal, making it a versatile choice for musicians.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ARX 500, a predecessor to the AR420, is noted for being heavier, with more wood and sustain, lacking the tri-sound feature but feeling more substantial overall.

    Source
  • The AR620, a related model, features a vine inlay but is considered less worthwhile to pursue compared to the AR420.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention that the AR420 stays in tune well and is stable, making it reliable for learning new licks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The tri-sound feature is not frequently used by some, with a preference for humbucker settings for both lead and rhythm playing.

    Source
  • The AR420's splittable-phase humbuckers are noted for superior performance compared to typical stock pickups, offering versatile tonal options for various music genres.

    Source

Build quality

  • Despite not being made in Japan, the AR420 generally exhibits high-quality craftsmanship, with multiple finishes available including violin, blue burst, Cheryl burst, black, and white.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Although the AR420's original book price is high, it tends to have a lower resale value, making it a potentially good deal on the second-hand market.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Ibanez Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides