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Average Price: $1,460

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$500

$1201+

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Description

Dive into the world of sonic versatility with the Ibanez Artist AM-205AV, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that combines craftsmanship and musical excellence. This Japanese-made beauty is designed to cater to a variety of musical styles, from jazz and blues to modern rock. The burled mahogany body, with its top, back, and sides, offers not just striking visuals but also an acoustically resonant tone that seasoned players will appreciate. Its slightly smaller body size provides comfort without compromising the rich, full sound that semi-hollow guitars are celebrated for.

Equipped with Super 58 Custom humbucking pickups, the AM-205AV promises warm, rich tones with a touch of edge, perfect for expressive bluesy solos. These pickups eliminate the unwanted hum that plagued early models while maintaining that classic semi-hollow warmth. The neck, crafted from mahogany, features a bound ebony fingerboard, delivering a smooth playing experience enhanced by Ibanez's Prestige fret edge treatment. This ensures your fingers glide effortlessly across the fretboard, making every chord and solo a joy to play.

Whether you're performing in a dimly lit jazz club or recording in the studio, the Ibanez Artist AM-205AV offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and sonic excellence. It's not just an instrument; it's an experience crafted for those who seek something extraordinary in their musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Burled mahogany body for enhanced acoustic resonance
  • Dual Super 58 Custom humbucking pickups
  • Mahogany neck with bound ebony fingerboard
  • Prestige fret edge treatment for smoother playability
  • Smaller body size for increased comfort
  • Hardshell case included

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model AM205-AV Artist Stagemaster
Finish Antique Violin
Year 1982 - 1987
Made In Japan
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Ibanez AM
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Ibanez Artist
Wood Top Style Burled

FAQs

What type of music is the Ibanez Artist AM-205AV best suited for?

The Ibanez Artist AM-205AV, with its semi-hollow body and dual humbucker pickups, excels in jazz, blues, and rock genres, providing warm, resonant tones with great sustain.

How does the neck profile of the Ibanez AM-205AV affect playability?

The Ibanez AM-205AV features a set-neck construction with a comfortable mahogany neck and a smooth ebony fretboard, offering excellent playability for both rhythm and lead work.

Is the Ibanez AM-205AV suitable for live performances?

Yes, the semi-hollow design and quality construction of the Ibanez AM-205AV make it well-suited for live performances, providing rich tones and reliable tuning stability.

What kind of pickups does the Ibanez AM-205AV have, and what tones can they produce?

The Ibanez AM-205AV is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, delivering warm, full-bodied tones with a slight edge, perfect for jazz, blues, and rock styles.

How does the semi-hollow body of the Ibanez AM-205AV influence its sound?

The semi-hollow body of the Ibanez AM-205AV provides a blend of acoustic resonance and electric power, resulting in a rich, warm sound with enhanced sustain and reduced feedback.

Archtop Heaven (TheGuitarLibrary)

Archtop Heaven (TheGuitarLibrary)

Ibanez AM205 Artist (1983)

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AM205 Artist (1983) by Archtop Heaven (TheGuitarLibrary)

Ibanez AM205 Artist (1983)

Archtop Heaven (TheGuitarLibrary)

Archtop Heaven (TheGuitarLibrary)

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AM 205 by Jesus Otin

Ibanez AM 205

Jesus Otin

Jesus Otin

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design with a small body yet retains a robust sonic character

  • Superb build quality from the golden era of Japanese guitar making

  • Rich and articulate Super 58 pickups excel in versatility

  • Ebony fretboard supports quick, smooth playability

  • Exceptionally clean electronics, even at high amplification

  • Separate tone controls for each humbucker offer diverse sonic options

  • Outstanding value compared to other small body semi-hollows

  • Quiet operation with minimal noise at high output

  • Highly valued by collectors due to limited production

  • Lively acoustic sound when recorded with a microphone

CONS

  • Neck on the thin side, which might not suit all players

  • Limited availability due to its status as a collector's item

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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pawel_brzosko

Love at first touch

Smaller semi-hollow body, vintage feel, superb tone. Neck on the thin side, but acceptable - very fast for a semi-hollow. This is considered by some a legendary instrument, not many copies were produced. Highly valued by collectors, but I just enjoy its overall playability. If you can find one, get it!

violao

Ibanez Artist AM205AV

This was my 4th addition to my Ibanez family. Although I would prefer a 1981 Artist AS200AV, this is one of the next closest thing to those magical era instruments.

There is a fairly rare photo of a decidedly much younger John Scofield performing in concert on one of these models.

Artist usage

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See how John Scofield uses Ibanez Artist AM-205AV

John Scofield

Guitarist, Composer

Medeski Martin & Wood

...
Verified via Photo

Scofield playing an AM-205AV in an Ibanez Ad

See how Mat Welsh uses Ibanez Artist AM-205AV

Mat Welsh

Guitarist

While She Sleeps

...
Verified via YouTube

Mat uses this guitar for most of the cleans in You Are We as he says it sounds better. However, the guitar was featured most prominently in the music video for Silence Speaks feat. Oli Sykes. Mat later passed this guitar onto his cousin and henceforth no longer owns it.

See how Hubert Sumlin uses Ibanez Artist AM-205AV

Hubert Sumlin

Guitarist

Savoy Brown

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Hubert Sumlin with James Cotton & Little Mike And The Tornadoes - Heart & Soul," Hubert Sumlin is seen using an Ibanez Artist AM-205AV semi-hollowbody electric guitar.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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