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Average Price: $649

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Description

Unleash your musical creativity with the Ibanez AS103 Artcore Custom, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. As part of the acclaimed Artcore series, this guitar is designed for versatility, offering a broad range of tones that can handle genres from jazz to rock with ease. Its semi-hollow construction provides a warm resonance and rich sustain, making it a favorite among professional musicians seeking a reliable performance instrument.

Crafted with a laminated maple top, back, and sides, the AS103 delivers a dynamic and articulate sound. The Super 58 Custom humbucking pickups are a standout feature, providing a smooth, nuanced tone that adapts seamlessly to your playing style. Whether you're seeking the clarity of a clean tone or the grit of distortion, these pickups ensure a balanced output. The 3-piece mahogany/maple neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard, offering superb playability with a classic feel.

The Ibanez AS103 Artcore Custom is not just about sound; it's designed with aesthetics in mind too. The intricate abalone inlays and gold hardware add a touch of elegance, while the double cutaway design ensures easy access to higher frets. This guitar is a testament to Ibanez's commitment to quality, combining beautiful craftsmanship with top-tier components to deliver an instrument that's as visually striking as it is sonically impressive.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design with laminated maple top, back, and sides
  • Super 58 Custom humbucking pickups for versatile tonal options
  • 3-piece mahogany/maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Abalone inlays and gold hardware for elegant aesthetics
  • Double cutaway for easy access to higher frets
  • Part of the renowned Ibanez Artcore series

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model Artcore Custom AS103
Year 2007 - 2012
Made In China
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Natural
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez AS
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple, Walnut
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 Custom
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez AS103 Artcore Custom best suited for?

The Ibanez AS103 Artcore Custom, with its semi-hollowbody design and HH pickup configuration, is ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres. Its warm, resonant tone is perfect for clean or slightly overdriven sounds.

How does the neck profile of the Ibanez AS103 Artcore Custom affect playability?

The AS103 features a set-neck construction with a maple and walnut composition, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability, which is great for fast, intricate playing styles.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Ibanez AS103 Artcore Custom's pickups?

The Ibanez AS103 is equipped with humbucking pickups that deliver a rich, warm tone with excellent sustain, making it versatile for clean and overdriven settings.

Is the Ibanez AS103 Artcore Custom suitable for beginners?

While the AS103 offers high-quality construction and sound, its features and price point may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players looking for a semi-hollowbody guitar.

What is the finish style of the Ibanez AS103 Artcore Custom, and how does it contribute to its aesthetics?

The Ibanez AS103 features a gloss finish with a sunburst pattern on a flamed maple top, providing a visually striking appearance that enhances the guitar's classic look.

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality comparable to higher-end models

  • Smooth playability with a fast, easy neck

  • Spectacular sound even when unplugged

  • Super 58 pickups offer a classic warm sound

  • Classy aesthetics with flame maple and abalone markers

  • Affordable alternative to pricier models with similar performance

  • Fine tuners on tailpiece for precise adjustments

  • Bright sound suitable for jazz, soul, and funk

  • Durable and reliable over a decade of use

  • Bound guitar with medium frets for comfort

CONS

  • Slightly heavy for some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez AS103 Artcore Custom.

Build quality

  • The AS103 is noted for its heavier weight compared to other models like the LTD EC-256, despite its semi-hollow design.

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  • Owners praise the neck and fret treatment as superior to other guitars, highlighting exceptional attention to detail.

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Comparisons

  • Some owners compare the AS103's aesthetic appeal and flamey top to the Ibanez AS93, although the AS103 is regarded as being more visually striking.

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  • An owner found the Ibanez AS103 more immediately playable out of the case than a Gibson Les Paul Traditional, even at half the cost.

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  • The D'Angelico Excel SS is often compared to the AS103, praised for its similar neck but lighter weight.

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  • The 1978 Gibson 'The Paul' is highlighted for having a neck comparable to Ibanez archtop models like the AF75.

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Use cases and applications

  • The AS103 is praised for its exceptional sound quality in jazz band settings, where it seamlessly complements the ensemble's sound.

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  • Telecasters are noted for their suitability in jazz settings, particularly with flat wound strings on the neck pickup.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate that despite its Chinese manufacturing, the AS103 maintains a high level of craftsmanship, rivaling more expensive models.

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  • An owner with experience across various Artcore models, including the AS83 and AS103, reports consistent quality and feel across the series.

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Value and pricing

  • Buyers have reported the AS103's resale value often exceeds initial purchase prices, indicating strong demand for this model.

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Features and functionality

  • The AS103 is noted for its underwound humbucker sound, described as delicate and clear, which enhances its tonal versatility.

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  • Solidbody guitars with tune-o-matic bridges offer a tighter string feel compared to archtop style bridge and tailpiece setups.

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Critic Reviews

Ibanez AS103NT review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Ibanez AS103 Artcore Custom is a striking semi-acoustic guitar that impresses with its unique design and quality craftsmanship. Priced attractively, it offers a compact body and a tone that suits blues and indie genres beautifully. While it may not cater to ultra-traditional jazz enthusiasts due to its bright tone, its build quality is exceptional, with a clean construction and high-quality hardware. The guitar's aesthetic appeal is matched by its playability, although its wider neck may not be for everyone. It's not the best fit for heavy rock, but for those seeking a versatile, stylish guitar at a fair price, the AS103 is a standout choice.

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