Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (17)
$399.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$349.99
Amazon
4.8 (50)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (14)
$399.99 New
$420.51 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$349.99
Thomann
4.5 (35)
$267.00

Average Price: $400

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ibanez Artcore AM53". 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

The Ibanez Artcore AM53 is a dynamic semi-hollowbody electric guitar that brings together the timeless appeal of vintage aesthetics with modern performance. Perfect for guitarists who want the airy resonance of a hollow body without the bulk, this guitar features a compact body design that offers both comfort and an enhanced focused tone. Crafted with a sapele top, back, and sides, the AM53 ensures warmth and depth in its sound, while the slim mahogany neck provides effortless playability.

Whether you're delving into jazz, blues, or rock, the AM53 has you covered. Its versatile Infinity R pickups deliver a warm, balanced articulation that can easily transition from clean tones to a crunchy blues rock sound. The rich laurel fingerboard, accented with white dot inlays, adds to the guitar's classic style, making it not just a delight to play, but also to behold.

For musicians who value both style and substance, the Ibanez Artcore AM53 is a compelling choice, offering the perfect blend of tonal richness and playability at an attractive price point.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody electric guitar
  • Sapele top, back, and sides
  • Slim mahogany set-in neck
  • Rich laurel fretboard with white dot inlays
  • Infinity R pickups for versatile sound
  • Resonant transparent flat finish
  • Comfortable compact body design
  • Case sold separately

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Semi-hollowbody
Body Shape Artcore AM Doublecut
Body Material Linden
Top Material Linden
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material Nyatoh
Neck Shape Artcore AM
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay White Dots
Number of Frets 22, Medium
Scale Length 24.724"
Nut Width 1.692"
Nut Material Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece Gibraltar Performer Bridge with Quik Change III Tailpiece
Tuners Ibanez Die-cast
Neck Pickup Infinity R Ceramic Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Infinity R Ceramic Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings .010-.052
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of wood is used for the body of the Ibanez Artcore AM53?

The Ibanez Artcore AM53 features a body made from Linden wood, known for its lightweight and resonant qualities, making it ideal for a semi-hollowbody guitar.

How does the Ibanez Artcore AM53 perform for jazz music?

The Ibanez Artcore AM53 is well-suited for jazz due to its warm, resonant tone and semi-hollowbody design, which provides a rich, full sound often favored in jazz guitar playing.

What type of pickups are installed in the Ibanez Artcore AM53?

The Ibanez Artcore AM53 is equipped with Infinity R Ceramic Humbucker pickups, which offer a versatile sound suitable for a range of styles from jazz to rock.

Is the Ibanez Artcore AM53 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Ibanez Artcore AM53 is a good choice for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and smooth playability, making it easy for new players to learn and enjoy.

Does the Ibanez Artcore AM53 come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Ibanez Artcore AM53 does not come with a case or gig bag; these items are sold separately.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez Artcore AM53?

The Ibanez Artcore AM53 features an Artcore AM neck shape, which offers a comfortable grip and smooth playability, ideal for both chordal and lead playing.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Ibanez Artcore AM53 Hollow Body Review

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Artcore AM53 Hollow Body Review by PMTVUK

Ibanez Artcore AM53 Hollow Body Review

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AM-53 AS-53 AS-93 semi hollow body guitars for blues by oldRagsBlues

Ibanez AM-53 AS-53 AS-93 semi hollow body guitars for blues

oldRagsBlues

oldRagsBlues

Video thumbnail for Red Ibanez AM-53 Guitar Demo by Southern Music Company

Red Ibanez AM-53 Guitar Demo

Southern Music Company

Southern Music Company

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AM53 : big blues LEAD tone ! | HX Stomp by Johan Joos Laur

Ibanez AM53 : big blues LEAD tone ! | HX Stomp

Johan Joos Laur

Johan Joos Laur

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AM 53 : ES335 on a budget ? | Clean tone test | Vintage Morris Battery Powered Amp by Johan Joos Laur

Ibanez AM 53 : ES335 on a budget ? | Clean tone test | Vintage Morris Battery Powered Amp

Johan Joos Laur

Johan Joos Laur

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Artcore AM53 by Bonners Guitar Store

Ibanez Artcore AM53

Bonners Guitar Store

Bonners Guitar Store

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Hollowbody Guitar AM53 (Metal Demo) by Garnoo

Ibanez Hollowbody Guitar AM53 (Metal Demo)

Garnoo

Garnoo

Reviews

PROS

  • Warm, jazzy tone ideal for blues and rock

  • Accessible higher fretboard for smooth string bends

  • Lightweight, comfortable for extended play

  • Beautiful natural wood finish with satin feel

  • Versatile sound, handles various music genres well

  • Strong build quality and craftsmanship

  • Resonates well unplugged, great for practice

  • Affordable price for the quality offered

CONS

  • Tone and volume knobs lack clear indicators

  • Can feel bulky without a strap

  • Tuning machine heads could be more robust

  • Strap pin screw and cable jack occasionally loosen

  • Action may reset to higher than preferred levels

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Artcore AM53.

Build quality

  • It's noted that semi-hollows can be tricky to repair, especially with internal components like pots, requiring fishing for wires inside the body.

    Source
  • The AM53's wood grain is less detailed compared to the AM73, which may affect visual appeal.

    Source

User experience

  • The Ibanez Artcore AM53 is praised for its sound and aesthetics, particularly in the trans black finish, creating an instant appeal to play.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Gretsch Streamliner G2420 is said to offer a similar sound to typical HH hollow bodies, unlike the distinct jangly Gretsch sound.

    Source
  • The AM53 uses a sapele top, back, and sides, while the AM73 features maple, contributing to the $100 price difference.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Schecter C-S/H1 has a narrower neck, particularly noticeable near the headstock, which may not suit everyone’s playing style.

    Source
  • Both models share virtually identical specifications aside from the type of wood used.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
masonpkr

Artcore

Classic blues feel with the touch of chocolate milk

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hersey uses Ibanez Artcore AM53

James Hersey

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

James Hersey mentions that one of his main guitars is the Ibanez Artcore AM53. Although the video "James Hersey - Coming Over (live)" doesn't showcase this specific guitar, it is a reliable source of information directly from the artist.

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 AM53, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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