Ibanez AXD81 Artcore

$399.00 Price Tier: Budget

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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$399.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $399

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Ibanez AXD81 Artcore is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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The Ibanez AXD81 Artcore is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar designed to offer the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern playability. This model stands out with its warm, resonant tones ideal for jazz, blues, and rock enthusiasts who crave a versatile instrument with aesthetic appeal. The semi-hollow design provides a rich, full-bodied sound with reduced feedback, making it suitable for both stage and studio settings.

The guitar features a double-cutaway body, allowing for easy access to higher frets, and a set-in neck that ensures exceptional sustain and smooth playability. The AXD81 is equipped with Ibanez Classic Elite pickups, delivering a balanced and articulate sound across the tonal spectrum. These pickups are known for their ability to handle a wide range of musical genres with clarity and precision.

Built with a rosewood fingerboard, this guitar offers a comfortable playing experience and a smooth surface that enhances finger movement. The Artcore series is renowned for its quality construction, and the AXD81 is no exception, showcasing Ibanez's dedication to producing instruments that are both durable and visually striking.

Key Features:

Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced resonance and reduced feedback
Double-cutaway body for easy access to upper frets
Set-in neck construction for improved sustain
Ibanez Classic Elite pickups for versatile tonal output
Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
Part of the renowned Ibanez Artcore series for quality and craftsmanship

Product specs

Brand	Ibanez
Model	AXD81-VLS Artcore
Year	2003 - 2005
Made In	China
Categories	Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material	Maple
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Red
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Ibanez AXD
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"
Series	Ibanez Artcore
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez AXD81 Artcore suitable for?: The Ibanez AXD81 Artcore, with its semi-hollow body and HH pickup configuration, is versatile and well-suited for genres like jazz, blues, and classic rock, where warm, rich tones are desired.
How does the Ibanez AXD81 Artcore's neck profile affect playability?: The Ibanez AXD81 features a set-neck construction with a maple neck, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability, ideal for both chordal and lead work.
What is the tonal character of the Ibanez AXD81 Artcore's pickups?: The HH pickup configuration provides a full, warm sound with a balanced output, making it great for clean tones and overdriven sounds typical in jazz and blues.
Is the Ibanez AXD81 Artcore a good choice for beginners?: Yes, the Ibanez AXD81 Artcore is beginner-friendly due to its comfortable neck and versatile tonal range, allowing new players to explore various musical styles easily.
How does the maple body of the Ibanez AXD81 Artcore influence its sound?: The maple body of the Ibanez AXD81 Artcore contributes to a bright, articulate tone with excellent sustain, enhancing its suitability for clean and dynamic playing styles.

Videos

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Tom Lohrmann

Ibanez Artcore AXD81 Guitar Demo

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez AXD81 Artcore.

Mods and upgrades

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Seymour Duncan Antiquities and Seth Lovers pickups are recommended for a warmer tone in Ibanez Artcore guitars.
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Owners suggest SD SH-1 '59 pickups for a warmer, fatter sound and note they are less expensive than Gibson 57 pickups.
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BareKnuckle "The Mule" and "Riff-Raff" pickups are recommended for varied gain levels, with customizable cover options like raw nickel.
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Features and functionality

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The Ibanez Artcore AS93 features Ibanez Super 58 pickups and an ebony fretboard, offering a brighter sound that can be adjusted as needed.
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The guitar's unique design includes only one sound hole, which might slightly alter the tonal outcome with new pickups.
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Setup and maintenance

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Changing pickups in a semi-hollowbody like the Artcore can be challenging due to access through the F-holes.
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It’s recommended to replace the entire wiring harness if upgrading to Orange Drop capacitors to ensure consistent performance.
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Comparisons

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An owner who upgraded from an Epiphone Dot to an Ibanez Artcore with Duncan '59 pickups found the Ibanez to be more satisfying.
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The Ibanez semi-hollowbody guitars are frequently favored over budget 335 models for their playability and aesthetics.
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User experience

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Owners note the Artcore's ability to stay in tune and its impressive sustain, often outperforming more expensive models.
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The Ibanez AXD81-VLS is described as exceptionally lightweight compared to solid bodies like the Les Paul.
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