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Author Message   Firsttube Username: Firsttube Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 11:33 am:    Hello all! I think this is a great forum! I currently own a 1981 Ibanez AS100 -- I love it -- it is my only guitar. I have recently begun investigating some solid body axes to get a different sound. I really want to stay with an Ibanez, preferably vintage (in the 1980's), and I really like what I've heard about the solid-body Artist (AR I think) and the Musician series. I'm looking to spend between $400 and $700 US. It does not have to be 100% mint, just in really good working and playing condition, and well cared-for. Can anyone give me advice on where to buy one, or where to look? Ebay seems to be over-priced sometimes so I am wary of that...even though I got my AS100 on Ebay. And on that note, can anyone tell me what my AS100 might be worth (I'm not selling, just curious for insurance purposes). I would say it is very very very near-mint and in very nice playing condition. Body is flawless, neck is straight and frets are nice. thanks for any advice...   Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 9:18 am:    Tube, Vintage is the way to go, but I'd stick to the "golden era" (1976-1979) for Artist (2600/2700 series)/Musician in your price range, although you will have to sacrifice on condition or stay on the high side of your range to get the top models of these guitars. Your other option is to try some of the less popular (thus less expensive) models which share the quality and build of the "Hot" models, but are currently at bargin prices. For example, look at the Studio series (set neck, hot pups, models with and without EQ system etc) or the later Musicians (the MC150's seem to be way under priced for the quality (neck thru, hot pups, push pull splitter, etc).The "little known" Artists (AR30, AR50) are also bargins at current prices (IMHO)....You will soon see that there is a TON of great deal out there as long as you don't get caught up in too much of the hype and stick to buying QUALITY.....   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 1:39 pm:    tube, Dave G knows what he's talking about, because he has had extensive first hand experience with all the models he mentions. Russelw has done us a great service by tracking historical selling prices on ebay. He has documented most of the collectable and classic models (no RGs). I would say that prices on some models have gone up since his last matrix. $675 was the average for the AS100. Here's the thread: http://www.ibanezcollectors.com/discus/messages/17/3398.html -Sven   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 9:19 pm:    Firsttube: Here's a nice AR105. Should be in your price range: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33043&item=7327455214&rd= 1   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 9:33 pm:    If you move quick you could ge this one. I have one and it rocks! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33043&item=7325948273&rd= 1   Firsttube Username: Firsttube Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 11:35 pm:    Wow! Thanks so much for all the info, it is a big help! I find though that a lot of the instruments go for high prices on ebay based more on the cosmetic appearance more than anything...maybe. It just seems that the best looking ones are the highest priced. And, this is expected seeing as how you cannot reach through the internet and play it with your own hands. I am most interested in tone quality and playability (which is why I prefer Ibanez -- can't beat the tone). Nice smooth fret boards, nice frets, straight neck, good electronics. I play jazz/fusion and I'm not too concerned about looks...even a "project" guitar with potential would strike my fancy. What do you think about this lost puppy? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33043&item=7327480058&rd= 1 Pretty sad looking, but may just need some love. Anyone know anything about the AR200 -- or if this is even an AR200? thanks again, eh. ft   Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 1:05 am:    That guitar is a little beat up, but with a little love and some parts, I'll bet it will make a fine player..I love the way the white ones fade to yellow like the ole TV finish..Very solid guitar-if the neck is good and the frets are there its a fair deal at $300-$325 IMHO   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 8:25 am:    Dave: You think this is an AR100?   Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 1:51 pm:    John, Yea that would be my bet..I think the AR200 would have a trisound switch...   Fox Username: Fox Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 6:24 pm:    Dave & John, agree on that, AR100 IMHO.. Seems that ev´ry third AR100 in "flea-bay" is an AR200.. I have done "Artist-spotting" for quite a while, and find AR200 a rare one..not so rare as elusive AR400 or AR4000.. Guess there must have been at least one each, for ad- and catalogue-photos..   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 11:14 pm:    That is an 82 AR100 with the push on push off duo sound tone pots.   Bluesmeister Username: Bluesmeister Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Saturday, June 04, 2005 - 8:46 am:    That would be an AR100PW then, the finish being Polar White.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Saturday, June 04, 2005 - 8:03 pm:    Looks like Pearl White to me.

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