Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (36)
$399.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (8)
$399.99
Amazon
4.4 (94)
$399.99
Reverb
5.0 (23)
$337.50 New
$286.93 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (5)
$399.99
zZounds
4.5 (19)
$399.99
B&H
5.0 (1)
$399.99

Average Price: $378

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ibanez AS53 Artcore". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Ibanez AS53 Artcore is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that perfectly blends classic allure and modern performance. Crafted with a sapele body, this guitar offers warm, resonant tones and a captivating visual appeal. The wood's natural grain enhances the guitar's aesthetic while providing a tonal richness akin to mahogany but with a touch more brightness. Its compact, thinline shape makes it exceptionally comfortable, especially for those accustomed to solidbody guitars, without sacrificing the lush, airy tones semi-hollow guitars are known for.

At the heart of the AS53's sound are the Infinity R humbuckers, designed to deliver a well-balanced and noise-free performance. These pickups capture the essence of each note, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities from smooth jazz to gritty rock. The pickups are strategically mounted in a sustain block, ensuring robust sustain and minimizing unwanted feedback.

The guitar features a sturdy nyatoh neck with a silky laurel fingerboard, ensuring comfortable playability across all 22 frets. The neck's design offers a speedy and smooth playing experience, inviting guitarists to explore every inch of its fretboard with ease. Moreover, the AS53 comes equipped with a Quickchange III tailpiece, making string changes a breeze and maintaining optimal tuning stability.

Whether you're a seasoned player or just stepping into the world of semi-hollowbody guitars, the Ibanez AS53 Artcore offers an impressive palette of tones and a playing experience that's hard to beat for its price.

Key Features:

  • Sapele top, back, and sides for warm, resonant tones
  • Nyatoh neck with a laurel fingerboard for comfortable playability
  • Infinity R humbuckers for noise-free, balanced sound
  • Quickchange III tailpiece for easy string changes
  • Compact, thinline semi-hollowbody shape for enhanced comfort
  • 22 frets and 24.75" scale length

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Semi-hollowbody
Body Shape AS Doublecut
Body Material Linden
Top Material Linden
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material Nyatoh
Neck Shape Artcore AS
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Walnut
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 with Quik Change III Tailpiece
Tuners Closed Gear
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 kind of music genres is the Ibanez AS53 Artcore suitable for?

The Ibanez AS53 Artcore is versatile and well-suited for jazz, blues, and rock due to its semi-hollowbody design, which offers warm tones and rich sustain.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez AS53 Artcore like?

The Ibanez AS53 Artcore features an Artcore AS neck profile, providing a comfortable playing experience with a medium thickness that's ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

How does the Ibanez AS53 Artcore handle feedback?

The semi-hollowbody design of the Ibanez AS53 Artcore is feedback-resistant, making it suitable for higher volume settings without unwanted noise, especially beneficial for live performances.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Infinity R Ceramic Humbuckers on the Ibanez AS53 Artcore?

The Infinity R Ceramic Humbuckers on the Ibanez AS53 deliver a warm tone with a quick response, providing clarity and depth suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Is the Ibanez AS53 Artcore a good choice for beginners?

Yes, the Ibanez AS53 Artcore is a great option for beginners due to its comfortable playability, versatile sound, and affordable price point, making it easy to explore various musical styles.

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 Ibanez Artcore AS53 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar test jam by Erwin Quintana Visuals

Ibanez Artcore AS53 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar test jam

Erwin Quintana Visuals

Erwin Quintana Visuals

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 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 Ibanez AS53 Artcore Honest Review by Klaxet

Ibanez AS53 Artcore Honest Review

Klaxet

Klaxet

Video thumbnail for 1 Year Review of the Ibanez Artcore AS53 Semi Hollow Body Electric Guitar by Hunnitap

1 Year Review of the Ibanez Artcore AS53 Semi Hollow Body Electric Guitar

Hunnitap

Hunnitap

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ AS53 ARTCORE SEMI ACOUSTIC GUITAR REVIEW by The Smart Way

IBANEZ AS53 ARTCORE SEMI ACOUSTIC GUITAR REVIEW

The Smart Way

The Smart Way

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design makes it easy to handle for long sessions

  • Infinity R pickups deliver impressive sound quality for stock ceramics

  • Warm neck tone with versatile bridge twang

  • Smooth neck finish enhances playability, even with sweaty hands

  • Excellent fit and finish for its price range

  • Highly praised for its appearance and craftsmanship

  • Offers great value; sounds and feels premium without a high price tag

  • Comes with a slotted Quik Change III tailpiece, unlike many competitors

  • Comfortable ergonomic design, suitable for sitting or standing

  • Versatile sound, suitable for genres from Beatles to Metallica

CONS

  • Some find playability stiff; not ideal for string bending

  • Neck profile may be too thick for those preferring slimmer feels

  • Initial string setup might require personal adjustment for optimal playability

  • Some users felt the bridge impacted playability negatively

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • Owners describe the Ibanez AS53 Artcore as highly accessible, especially noting smoother transitions and an inviting fretboard for new song creation.

    Source
  • Left-handed players appreciate Ibanez for providing more options compared to other brands, highlighting inclusivity in product design.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The AS53 is considered versatile for genres like alt rock, indie pop, neo soul, and singer-songwriter styles, aligning with artists who favor semi-hollow tones.

    Source
  • The Ibanez Artcore guitars are praised for their fun playability, often preferred for unplugged practice due to their louder acoustic volume.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some guitarists find the AS53 a suitable supplement or replacement for a Telecaster, particularly for those seeking a more resonant, semi-hollow sound.

    Source
  • An owner who switched from a Gibson ES-335 to an Ibanez Artcore AS73 found it to be superior in feel and preference.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AS53 is favored for its aesthetic appeal and affordable price point, making it a popular choice for those transitioning from classical guitars to electric.

    Source
  • The jack placement on the side is preferred over the top placement typical of 335-style guitars, offering improved cable management.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently recommend replacing stock pickups with Seymour Duncan PAF-style pickups, such as Antiquities or Seth Lovers, for improved tone.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that working on electronics can be challenging due to the necessity of accessing components through the F holes.

    Source

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