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Description

The Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85 Hollowbody Electric Guitar is a harmonious blend of classic design and modern craftsmanship, making it a staple for jazz enthusiasts and versatile musicians alike. Its hollow body construction delivers rich, resonant tones, ideal for a variety of music genres. The AG85 is crafted with a beautiful maple top, back, and sides, ensuring a warm, full-bodied sound with excellent sustain.

The Super 58 humbucking pickups are a standout feature, providing a dynamic range and clarity that allows for expressive play, whether you're delicately fingerpicking or strumming boldly. A 3-piece nyatoh/maple neck enhances the guitar's stability, while the bound ebony fretboard offers smooth playability. This combination of materials not only contributes to the guitar's stunning aesthetics but also to its superior tonal quality.

The AG85's body is equipped with an ART-1 bridge and a VT06 tailpiece, which offer precise intonation and tuning stability, essential for live performances and recording sessions. Chrome hardware and pearloid inlays add a touch of elegance, making this guitar not just a musical instrument, but a piece of art that commands attention on any stage.

Key Features:

  • Hollow body construction with a maple top, back, and sides
  • Super 58 humbucking pickups for a dynamic tonal range
  • 3-piece nyatoh/maple neck for enhanced stability
  • Bound ebony fretboard for smooth playability
  • ART-1 bridge and VT06 tailpiece for precise intonation
  • Chrome hardware and pearloid inlays for elegant aesthetics

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model AG85-BKF Artcore Expressionist, AG85-NT Artcore Expressionist
Finish Black Flat, Natural
Year 2015 - 2022
Made In China
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Natural
Finish Style Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony, Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez AG
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany, Maple, Nato
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.69"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Ibanez Artcore Expressionist
Wood Top Style Flamed, Opaque

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85 suitable for?

The Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85 is ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres due to its warm, rich tones and hollow body design, which enhances resonance and sustain.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85?

The Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85 features a comfortable set-neck construction with a smooth, rounded profile, making it easy to navigate for both chordal and lead playing.

What type of pickups does the Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85 have?

The Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, providing a versatile range of tones from smooth jazz to more aggressive rock sounds.

Is the Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85 suitable for beginners?

While the Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85 offers features that appeal to advanced players, its comfortable neck and versatile tone make it accessible for dedicated beginners as well.

How does the Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85 handle feedback?

The hollow body design of the Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85 can be prone to feedback at high volumes, but careful amp settings and positioning can help manage it effectively.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

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New Ibanez AG85 Artcore Expressionist Guitar - Black Flat – Ibanez 2020

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for My New Main Guitar For Math Rock? (Ibanez AG 85 Review + Test) by Trevor Wong

My New Main Guitar For Math Rock? (Ibanez AG 85 Review + Test)

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Trevor Wong

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IBANEZ AG85/I got asked can "COOP'!" Play Guitar?

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Video thumbnail for Ibanez AG85 Expressionist Sound(Gain) by Dongkwan Kim

Ibanez AG85 Expressionist Sound(Gain)

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Dongkwan Kim

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AG85 Hollowbody Electric Guitar.

User experience

  • Owners report consistent tuning stability with Ibanez models, outperforming both Epiphone and Gibson, which struggle to keep a G string in tune for extended periods.

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  • Owners who upgraded to strap locks reported improved reliability after initial wear from extensive use and touring.

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  • The thick neck joint can make accessing the highest frets challenging, noted by some as a drawback for advanced playability.

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Comparisons

  • An owner compared the AG85 favorably to a Gibson ES335, appreciating the Ibanez’s all-round capability without the higher price.

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  • Ibanez headstocks have a smaller angle and a volute, contributing to better structural stability compared to some Epiphone and Gibson models.

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  • The AG85 is likened to Ibanez's George Benson GB10EM but distinguished by its plain matte black finish, which offers a more understated aesthetic.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite being an affordable model, the AG85 is favored by jazz guitar majors, indicating its suitability for professional settings.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing stock pots and switches is recommended, as they may degrade over time, occasionally allowing 360-degree rotation.

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  • Owners suggest upgrading stock pickups to DiMarzio 36th Anniversary PAFs, ensuring F-Spaced versions for better string coverage on bridge pickups.

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  • A wooden jazz-style bridge is recommended for mellowing the tone, drawing parallels to the George Benson GB10EM model.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Tuning stability improves significantly with a nut upgrade; stock nuts may be too high and require filing.

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Build quality

  • The fret ends on some Artcore models may be rough, and the fretwire could be softer than on higher-end instruments.

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  • Owners appreciate the AG85's lightweight build, especially compared to the bulkier AS73, with the ebony fretboard being a notable advantage over rosewood options.

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  • Artcore models feature intricate triple-ply binding, bound f-holes, headstock, and heel joint, which are more detailed than single-ply bindings found in some competitors.

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  • Ibanez Artcore guitars are noted for their superior fretwork, including properly polished, leveled, and crowned frets, with no fret sprout, even in entry-level models.

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Value and pricing

  • Used Artcore guitars offer excellent value due to lower resale prices, as Epiphones tend to retain their value more effectively.

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Features and functionality

  • The AG85 features mini humbucker pickups and a Linden top, offering a more subtle response than heavier models like Les Paul copies.

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