Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
3.5 (6)
$399.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (38)
$399.99
Amazon
4.5 (98)
$399.99
Reverb
5.0 (7)
$349.99 New
$299.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (18)
$399.99
zZounds
5.0 (17)
$399.99

Average Price: $381

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Ibanez Artcore AF55". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Ibanez Artcore AF55 is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that embodies simplicity without sacrificing quality or tone. Crafted with a full-hollow maple body, this instrument exudes a warm, resonant sound that is perfect for a variety of genres, from jazz and blues to rock and punk. Its Infinity R humbucking pickups are designed to deliver a clear, articulate sound with plenty of punch, making it versatile enough to tackle any style you throw at it.

The AF55's mahogany set neck is paired with a bound laurel fretboard, offering a smooth playing experience that feels as good as it sounds. Its straightforward aesthetic features dot inlays, minimal chrome hardware, and a flat finish, giving it a sleek, no-nonsense look that stands out on any stage. Ibanez's Artcore series is known for bringing high-quality craftsmanship to a price point that won't break the bank, and the AF55 is no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, this guitar promises a dynamic and engaging performance.

Key Features:

  • Full-hollow maple body for rich, resonant tones
  • Mahogany set neck with bound laurel fretboard
  • Infinity R humbucking pickups for clear, powerful sound
  • ART-ST Tune-O-Matic bridge and VT06 trapeze tailpiece
  • 20 medium frets with dot inlays
  • Minimal chrome hardware for a clean aesthetic
  • Part of the renowned Ibanez Artcore series

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model AF55-ABF Artcore, AF55-BKF Artcore, AF55-TF Artcore with Laurel Fretboard, AF55-TF Artcore with Rosewood Fretboard, AF55-TF Artcore with Walnut Fretboard, AF55-TKF Artcore with Laurel Fretboard, AF55-TKF Artcore with Rosewood Fretboard, AF55-TKF Artcore with Walnut Fretboard, AF55-TRF Artcore
Finish Amber Burst Flat, Black Flat, Tobacco Flat, Transparent Black Flat, Transparent Red Flat
Year 2011 - 2025
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, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Laurel, Rosewood, Walnut
Model Family Ibanez AF
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
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 Plain

FAQs

What kind of music is the Ibanez Artcore AF55 best suited for?

The Ibanez Artcore AF55 is ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres due to its warm, rich tones and versatile hollow body design.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez Artcore AF55 like?

The Ibanez Artcore AF55 features a comfortable set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

How does the Ibanez Artcore AF55 handle feedback?

The hollow body design of the Ibanez Artcore AF55 can be prone to feedback at high volumes, but careful amp settings and positioning can help manage it effectively.

Are the pickups on the Ibanez Artcore AF55 suitable for high-gain settings?

The Ibanez Artcore AF55 has a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, which delivers warm tones ideal for clean and overdriven sounds, but may not be optimal for high-gain metal settings.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ibanez Artcore AF55?

The Ibanez Artcore AF55 features a maple body and top, with a mahogany neck and a choice of laurel, rosewood, or walnut for the fretboard, offering durability and a classic aesthetic.

MyDukkan

MyDukkan

Ibanez Artcore AF55 - Tobacco Flat

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Artcore AF55 - Tobacco Flat by MyDukkan

Ibanez Artcore AF55 - Tobacco Flat

MyDukkan

MyDukkan

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ AF55 ELECTRIC GUITAR - 60 SECOND REVIEW by Haworth Guitars

IBANEZ AF55 ELECTRIC GUITAR - 60 SECOND REVIEW

Haworth Guitars

Haworth Guitars

Video thumbnail for Regular Guy Gear Review: Ibanez Artcore AF55 Hollowbody Electric guitar by Ryan Wright

Regular Guy Gear Review: Ibanez Artcore AF55 Hollowbody Electric guitar

Ryan Wright

Ryan Wright

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AF55 Hollowbody Guitar | Is It Worth It? by Jack Fossett

Ibanez AF55 Hollowbody Guitar | Is It Worth It?

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AF55 Electric Guitar Review - Great For Blues, Jazz, and More! by intheblues

Ibanez AF55 Electric Guitar Review - Great For Blues, Jazz, and More!

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for the best budget hollowbody? Ibanez AF55 review! by Sean Keogh Music Education

the best budget hollowbody? Ibanez AF55 review!

Sean Keogh Music Education

Sean Keogh Music Education

Reviews

PROS

  • Warm tone perfect for jazz and blues

  • Unique flat finish adds visual appeal

  • Excellent price-to-quality ratio

  • Locking tuners enhance tuning stability

  • Easy setup and playability out of the box

  • Versatile sound range for diverse genres

  • Longer, cleaner note sustain than some higher-end models

  • Good unplugged volume for quiet practice sessions

  • Reliable for chord progressions and soloing

  • Woody tone when plugged in, great for slide playing

CONS

  • Tun-o-matic bridge may rattle with lower bass notes

  • Not a full acoustic sound when unplugged

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Artcore AF55.

Build quality

  • Some owners report the truss rod as a weak point, suggesting it may not provide the best neck stability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Initial buzzing noises were resolved with a professional setup, indicating potential setup issues out of the box.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar is described as having a low-end-driven sound, which may not suit all musical styles.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • When unplugged, it delivers a volume level between a typical acoustic and electric guitar, useful for quiet practice sessions.

    Source
  • Praised for versatility across jazz, funk, rock, and metal, with one user successfully using it in a big band setting for three years.

    Source
  • Minor tremolo effects suitable for indie rock/folk, enhancing songs like "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak and tunes by Lord Huron.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Epiphone 339, the AF55 is seen as lacking in build quality, suggesting it's not ideal for those with higher-end collections.

    Source
  • Though the AF55 is a good value, some prefer the sturdier build and better electronics of the AF75-95 models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend replacing the metal bridge with a wood bridge for improved sound quality.

    Source
  • Duesenberg Les Trem suggested for easy installation; may benefit from a bridge with roller saddles to minimize string binding.

    Source
  • Stetsbar tremolo systems recommended for AF55, requiring no body modifications.

    Source

User experience

  • One user described the AF55 as feeling "like home" and consistently good quality across multiple units.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez AF55 Review Affordable Hollow-Body Electric Guitar

cigilovic.com

The Ibanez Artcore AF55 earns high marks for its warm tones, easy playability, and beautiful satin finish, making it a standout among entry-level hollow-body guitars. While there were minor setup critiques related to its foam bridge protector, the guitar impresses with its top-notch out-of-the-box intonation and surprising control for a hollow body. Its Infinity R pickups deliver satisfying sound both unplugged and plugged in, offering great value for money. Ideal for those seeking affordability without compromising on quality, the AF55 is recommended for anyone in search of a fun and versatile instrument.

positive

3.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tayte Nickols uses Ibanez Artcore AF55

Tayte Nickols

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Do You Really Need A Big Studio To Make Great Records? Studio Tour with Tayte Nickols" by Produce Like A Pro, Tayte Nickols is associated with the Ibanez Artcore AF55 guitar. At the 0:59 timestamp, the Ibanez Artcore AF55, a hollowbody electric guitar, can be observed hanging on a wall in the studio. Later in the video, at the 22:52 mark, Tayte Nickols discusses this guitar, confirming its use.

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 Artcore AF55, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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