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Prince_julian00
Username: Prince_julian00

Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 11:37 am:   

Hey guys,

I just bought an as-80 on ebay. Just wanting to know what year it is? (serial no# 02029023) Are these quality instruments? Plus, I am a huge B.B. king and Otis Rush fan. What would be the best strings (type and size) to capture their smooth tones. It is in great condition. Was $480 too much?


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Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 12:51 pm:   

Prince_julian00:

The serial number indicates it was made in 2002. Here's a link to the 2002 catalog page that gives the specs:

http://www.ibanezrules.com/catalogs/us/2002/p20.jpg

The price you paid is right in line with the average paid back in 12/04, I'd say you did good. Here's the ebay stats from that time-period:

High Low Average
601 355 465
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim

Registered: 04-2001
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 4:36 pm:   

Prince_Julian00~Very good indeed!

Now you do realize that in order to get that 'BB King' or 'Otis Rush' sound, you're going to have to live the blues...not just play them!

But seriously, ultimately your guitar's sound comes from your hands and your soul...as well as from your guitar. Your AS80 will get you started, but keep in mind that BB's guitar has Gibson 490/498 pickups and is a very fancy, solid (maple) body ES345 with no F-holes and ebony board. Otis played an ES335 or upscale ES355 semi-hollow with Gibson PAF's or Classic 57 pickups, ebony board, etc. for his signature sound. The AS80 is similar to Gibson's ES335 but without the ebony, paf's, long neck tenon (which helped with sustain) and other deluxe features.

However, compared to paying $1K - $3K, you've got a very nice semi-hollow instrument, that is based on the benchmark Gibson ES335.
Prince_julian00
Username: Prince_julian00

Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 8:01 pm:   



GuitarTim,

Thanks for the information. Just so you know, I've had more to play the blues about than most my age. But, I'll just keep working on my own signature sound!!!! And Yes, this will keep me in the right direction. Can anyone give me ideas on strings for this baby. I was thinking 10s.
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim

Registered: 04-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 10:05 am:   

Prince, I was kidding about 'living the blues'. But if you live long enough, anyone can find reason to sing and play the blues. That's how Clapton became so soulful.

As for strings for your AS80, I like either 10's or 11's on semi's for the blues. You could go even thicker, but then you're getting into heavy jazz tones. I hear that BB King likes light gauge strings but do not know any more than that. Also he uses solid state amps which add to his stinging, biting tone.

Otis Rush's tone is so fat and sweet, I'd bet he uses medium gauge strings and tube amps.

Maybe some else has more specifics.
Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 10:26 am:   

I read an interview with BB King where he said you should use the lightest strings you need to get the notes you want. I took that to mean "stop struggling and make it easier on yourself to bend the strings." If you think your strength and technique are up for it, go to the next higher guage.

He also said he never moves the Varitone switch on his Lucille. So much for advanced circuity. :-)
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 11:05 am:   

I would think 11s would be too heavy to get that BB style wide vibrato, unless you have really strong hands. I have 11s on my AS200 - perfect for jazz, but I would use 10s for blues or rock. My personal favorites are Elixir Nanowebs, they are the smoothest sounding and playing string I have tried.

-Sven
Prince_julian00
Username: Prince_julian00

Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 11:14 am:   

Hey,

Thanks guys for the recommendations. Does anyone know of a good amp for clean sound? My Fender Champion ain't what it used to be.
Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 3:54 pm:   

Prince:

This subject has come up with before. Follow these instructions to use the Discussion Board's "Search" function (under the "Utilities" menu at the left) to search on the word amp.

1. Select the "Search by keyword" function.
2. Type the word "amp" (no quotes) into the "Search for" text box.
3. Choose "Subject lines" from the "Look in" dropdown list.
4. In the "Search options" section, select "Miscellaneous" from the "Search topic" dropdown list.
5. Press the "Perform Search" button.

You should get 15 or so message links to see what other members have recommended.
Prince_julian00
Username: Prince_julian00

Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 1:35 pm:   

Hey guys,

Why are the Japanese Ibanez models better than the Korean models? Is it quality of the wood, electronics, or what?

--Prince_julian00
Daveh
Username: Daveh

Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 4:00 pm:   

Man, you guys are using some fat strings!
I am currently using 8's, having switched back from the 9's I used for a while when I started playing again. I find 8's are a fat enough sound with the right guitar&amp, and the bending is effortless, not to mention the ease of vibrato.

I play mostly electric blues, but bounce over the line into latin style jazz, or the other way to a rock/blues thing, and 8's get it done!
Prince_julian00
Username: Prince_julian00

Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 7:43 am:   

Guys,
the axe has to go due to some personal issues. If Anyone wants it, just let me know!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7384596141&rd=1&sspagename=ST RK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1
Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 11:18 am:   

Here's the ICW-friendly version of Prince's ebay auction. Please use it to place bids, if possible:

http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7384596141

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