Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$399.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (19)
$399.99
Amazon
4.6 (149)
$399.99 New
$359.99 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (23)
$334.33 New
$282.96 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (25)
$399.99
zZounds
4.5 (19)
$399.99
B&H
5.0 (1)
$399.99
Thomann
4.5 (93)
$339.00 $333.00 $6.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£319.00

Average Price: $372

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Ibanez AS53". 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

Introducing the Ibanez AS53, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that pairs classic design with modern sound, all in an affordable package. Designed for maximum comfort and playability, this guitar features a smaller body size, making it perfect for those accustomed to solidbody guitars but craving the warm, airy tone of a semi-hollowbody.

The Ibanez AS53 is built with a sapele top, back, and sides, providing a resonant tone complemented by the sturdy mahogany neck. This balanced combination of materials gives the AS53 a warm, punchy sound that can range from sparkling clean to snarling distortion at the flick of a switch.

Equipped with two ACH-ST open-coil humbuckers with ceramic magnets, this guitar is designed to suppress noise and reduce feedback, a common issue with semi-hollow body guitars. These humbuckers are not only good at cutting through the mix, but also excel at delivering fat, semi-hollowbody tones across a wide variety of genres.

Key Features:

  • Comfortable and lightweight compact body
  • Sapele top, back, and sides deliver warm and naturally resonant tone
  • Durable mahogany neck with walnut fretboard for fantastic stability
  • Dual ACH-ST humbuckers provide a thick, well-balanced tone
  • Master volume and master tone controls for sonic versatility
  • 22-fret set neck with bound laurel fretboard for smooth playability
  • Classic design in a thinline shape for comfortable play

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Semi-hollowbody
Body Shape AS Doublecut
Body Material Sapele
Top Material Sapele
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material Nyatoh
Neck Shape Artcore AS
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay White Dots
Number of Frets 22, Medium
Scale Length 24.7"
Nut Width 1.692"
Nut Material Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece Gibraltar Performer Bridge, Quik Change III Tailpiece
Tuners Ibanez Die-cast
Neck Pickup Infinity R Ceramic Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Infinity R Ceramic Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings .010-.052
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music is the Ibanez AS53 best suited for?

The Ibanez AS53, with its semi-hollowbody design and warm tone, is ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres. Its versatile sound makes it a good fit for players looking to explore different musical styles.

How does the Ibanez AS53's neck profile affect playability?

The Ibanez AS53 features an Artcore AS neck profile, which offers a comfortable and smooth playing experience. This makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced players who value ease of movement across the fretboard.

What pickups are equipped on the Ibanez AS53, and how do they sound?

The Ibanez AS53 is equipped with Infinity R Ceramic Humbucker pickups. These pickups deliver a balanced tone with a clear, articulate sound, making them versatile for various musical styles.

Is the Ibanez AS53 a good choice for beginners?

Yes, the Ibanez AS53 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its lightweight build and smooth playability. Its user-friendly design and affordable price point make it accessible for new players.

Does the Ibanez AS53 come with a case or gig bag?

The Ibanez AS53 does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to ensure proper protection during transport.

Bernd Kiltz Guitar

Bernd Kiltz Guitar

Ibanez AS53 quick video test

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AS53 quick video test by Bernd Kiltz Guitar

Ibanez AS53 quick video test

Bernd Kiltz Guitar

Bernd Kiltz Guitar

Video thumbnail for WILL IT CHUG? - IBANEZ ARTCORE AS53 by Ola Englund

WILL IT CHUG? - IBANEZ ARTCORE AS53

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Dot Studio VS Ibanez AS53 by MUSIMASTER TV

Epiphone Dot Studio VS Ibanez AS53

MUSIMASTER TV

MUSIMASTER TV

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Artcore AS53 Hollow body Guitar in Tobacco Flat by PMTVUK

Ibanez Artcore AS53 Hollow body Guitar in Tobacco Flat

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Sound Check: Ibanez AS53 & AS73 - Affordable Hollowbody Electric Guitars by Mannys Music

Sound Check: Ibanez AS53 & AS73 - Affordable Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Mannys Music

Mannys Music

Video thumbnail for Is Ibanez Artcore AS53 Worth The Money? Review & Sound Demo by Best Guitars Now

Is Ibanez Artcore AS53 Worth The Money? Review & Sound Demo

Best Guitars Now

Best Guitars Now

Video thumbnail for 5 Reasons Why I Love Ibanez AS53 (Best Cheap Semi Hollow Body Guitar?) by Best Guitars Now

5 Reasons Why I Love Ibanez AS53 (Best Cheap Semi Hollow Body Guitar?)

Best Guitars Now

Best Guitars Now

Video thumbnail for CHEAP Gibson ES-335 Alternatives - Ibanez AS-53 vs Harley Benton HB-35 (REVIEW, DEMO) by Best Guitars Now

CHEAP Gibson ES-335 Alternatives - Ibanez AS-53 vs Harley Benton HB-35 (REVIEW, DEMO)

Best Guitars Now

Best Guitars Now

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AS53 Artcore Honest Review by Klaxet

Ibanez AS53 Artcore Honest Review

Klaxet

Klaxet

Reviews

PROS

  • Warm and vibrant tone, perfect for jazz and blues

  • High-quality craftsmanship at an affordable price

  • Beautiful wood grain and understated finish

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended play

  • Versatile sound with hot pickups, suitable for various music styles

  • Excellent fit and finish, comparable to more expensive models

  • Good neck profile for players who prefer a bulkier feel

  • Stays in tune well, even in fluctuating climates

  • Simple controls with functional volume and tone adjustments

  • Great value for money, highly recommended for beginners and pros

CONS

  • Neck thickens early, limiting higher fret playability

  • Bridge pickup lacks clarity in higher frequencies

  • Higher action may interfere with fingerstyle picking

  • Tuners may require replacement for better tuning stability

  • Limited tone control with only two knobs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez AS53.

Build quality

  • Some owners reported minor imperfections like chipped wood and sloppy paint, common in guitars from this price range and manufacturing region.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • High e-string buzz is a noted issue, but it's typically fixable through professional setup.

    Source
  • Users report that the bridge pickup is "plenty hot," but some prefer the sound of flat wound strings for better tonal balance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Priced between $300-$350, it's considered a reasonable entry-level option with expected quality control limitations.

    Source
  • A buyer snagged the Ibanez AS53 for $160 during a 50% off sale, which is considered a significant bargain compared to its usual pricing.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite minor cosmetic flaws, owners praise the guitar's sound quality, often described as "heavenly," especially for its price.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The AS53 has been humorously tested for heavy styles with a "Will It Chug?" challenge, confirming its versatility even in unexpected genres.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the AS53 to the AS73, noting the latter as a step up, particularly highlighting the need for pickup upgrades in the AS73 for improved sound quality.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 16 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan) uses Ibanez AS53

The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan)

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Benn Jordan uses an Ibanez Artcore AS53TF with a Roland GK-Series Pitch-to-MIDI pickup installed.

See how Cedric Burnside uses Ibanez AS53

Cedric Burnside

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, https://youtu.be/3RlSIUVOAlw Cedric is playing an Ibanez AS53 artcore.

See how Kody Havoc uses Ibanez AS53

Kody Havoc

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

In a post on Instagram, Kody Havoc is pictured with an Ibanez AS53 semi-hollowbody electric guitar, featuring a mason symbol.

See how Tiago Martins uses Ibanez AS53

Tiago Martins

Singer, Guitarist

Gator, The Alligator

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post, Tiago Martins is seen playing an Ibanez AS53 electric guitar, offering a preview of his upcoming EP.

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 AS53, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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