Ibanez Artcore Series AS73 Electric Guitar
Been playing since 1970. Have owned or do own a bunch of stuff in that time: Ibanez Iceman, Epi SG (my first guitar), custom Explorer, MexiTele, 68 Les Paul Goldtop, Wolfgang USA, Deans, some good and bad Chinese copies, and I don't remember what all else. Couldn't really tell you. I use an old Marshall run clean into the Digitech Modeler (great fun) and I alter my sound markedly, sometimes from song to song. I am so very glad I didn't buy a Gib 335, which I was within minutes of doing. I can upgrade the AS73 and probably get ninety percent of the way there for peanuts. I'm taking that money I had set aside for the Gibson and buying a tricked out Warmoth Les Paul. I will always have one of these and, honestly, I now want the Ibanez L5 copy , too. I am sure the Agiles are quite good, or so I hear, but at this price point, the Ibanez cannot be beaten. The thing I love about this guitar is how it plays, the feel, the comfort. The neck is faster than my Wolfgang and makes the Goldtop feel like I'm playing in quicksand. I only wish it came with some killer PAFs, but that can be handled.
This AS73 I think brings up a really good point for consideration by all but the wealthiest guitar players. And that is, should you struggle and scrimp to buy a big-name guitar or not. I've done it, and I have a very valuable one in the 68 Goldtop. But I just told you that the two hundred dollar Ibanez is more fun to play. It doesn't sound nearly as good, but it provides more enjoyment. So, which is the better buy? Thousands and thousands for something with a big name that you sort of enjoy playing, or a lot less for something that looks great, seems well made, and is tons of fun? My own opinion is that the big American names have all become far too expensive when you look at their cost of goods. It does not cost three thousand dollars to build and market a Les Paul. Do you know what mahogany body blanks cost? Nuf said. What I would suggest, if you are contemplating not doing the amazing value thing (like the AS73), is to check out one of the reasonable custom shops such as Warmoth or USA. You can get a guitar exactly, completely the way you want it (want a panda bear guitar? they'll make you one)for a third to a half what you'll pay in the stores for an American-made rig. Just my opinion, worth what it costs, which is nothing.Read full review
