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Stony2004
Username: Stony2004

Registered: 07-2004
Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 6:09 am:   

I lost a bit control over the amount of Artcore models and the special ones occurring just for a year or so (e.g. AG195). I wonder which Artcore comes the closest to the GB10 in shape and sound? Since you still have to pay a lot(!) more for a GB compared to an Artcore. Any experiences and comments?
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 10:40 am:   

The body dimension of the AG Artcores is closest to the GB12 or GB100. The AG is a 1/2 inch deeper than the GB10. One of the major differences between the AG and GB is that the AG has top mounted (routed in) humbuckers whereas the GB has floating mini humbuckers.

I used to have a GB100 - very nice guitar. The sound of the GB100 with floating mini humbuckers had more pop than other guitars I had with the top mounted humbuckers. In someways, the GB with floating mini humbuckers produced a more acoustic sounding tone.

I actually prefer the Super 58's on my AG195. I like the darker, fatter, less acoustic tone. To me it sounds more like the classic jazz guitar sound a la Kenny Burrell, Herb Ellis, etc. The smaller body produces less of the over tones you might get from a larger bodied ES175 style guitar.

Overall, I really like the body dimension of the AG's. I have never played a GB10 for any length of time, so I cannot compare how the shallower body depth of the GB10 would sound.
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 12:03 pm:   

Ditto on what Wildfield said. When I bought my Ag195, a GB10 was the direct competition. The store had both, and I played them side by side, at length. While both played great, the GB had a more traditional Gibson like neck, a little narrower, with small frets. The GB also had a brighter more funky sound. The AG was close only in body shape. I prefer the smooth dark tone of the AG. The neck/frets are some of the finest I have ever seen. Great profile, perfectly rolled fretboard edge and rounded fret ends.

I almost think the AF105F would be the closest to the GB in tone, because of the floating PU. It's quite a bit bigger though.

I guess you could install a benedetto B6 in the AG and get a tone close to the GB
http://www.benedettopickups.com/closeup_b.htm
It is a built in version of a floating PU.
Stony2004
Username: Stony2004

Registered: 07-2004
Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 1:51 pm:   

thank you. hmm, it seems I have to wait for a second hand deal with a AG195 because I cant find any dealer. I�m in Germany and even a major dealer has no and even doesnt know about the AG195.
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 1:58 pm:   

Stony,

Maybe Wildfield will sell you his :-)

The AG195 was only made for a year in '03 before being discontinued. Please do a search on 'artcore united' on this site and in google - there's lots of info on them.
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 3:58 pm:   

"Maybe Wildfield will sell you his " - Funkle

Wise guy! :-)

I learned my lesson, and it cost me a pretty penny to replace my original AG195.

By the way, I received my AG195 back from the shop a few days ago. Had the frets leveled. Plays like a dream now. I can't get over the necks on the Artcore Uniteds.

I'm now keeping my eyes peeled for an AF105F. I played one recently and really liked the way it felt and played. I've suddenly got a hankerin' for a guitar with a floating pickup.
Dvsleeko
Username: Dvsleeko

Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 12:13 pm:   

These are great if you can FIND one.
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v302/L4sleeko/DSCN0283.jpg[/IMG]
Nice accoustic snap with an "open" sound.
?;^)~
Dvsleeko
Username: Dvsleeko

Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 12:29 pm:   

I had one of these but traded her in for the L4CES. I just ordered another in natural cause she was that good. Lovely tone from the floating pup. Mind you, she was a bit of a handful under the arm. Sorta like riding a chopper. But the tone was killer.
?;^)~
http://www.epiphone.com/default.asp?ProductID=10&CollectionID=1
Dvsleeko
Username: Dvsleeko

Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 2:09 am:   

Here is one in natural.
http://www.thomann.de/thoiw2_epiphone_emperor_regent_prodinfo.html?partner_id=82 764
?;^)~
Regg
Username: Regg

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 12:13 am:   

Funkle said:
"I almost think the AF105F would be the closest to the GB in tone, because of the floating PU. It's quite a bit bigger though."

Funny you mention that--I just got the Sweetwater catalog, and the AF105 is positioned right next to the GB15TR on the same page, by themselves. They both look nice, but the price sure doesn't compare. :-)
Dvsleeko
Username: Dvsleeko

Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 7:45 pm:   

Just got a back issue of Acoustic Guitar with the AF105F on the cover - October 2005. Got a thumbs up in their review.
?;^)~
Garyelcrrt
Username: Garyelcrrt

Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 11:58 pm:   

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a393/garyelcrrt/mine2/Abby.jpg

Got about 3 hours sleep last night because I put a set of Thomastik-Infeld 12-50's on my AF105FNT. Had it plugged into the Marshall VS-65 and the tone was, was, I don't know how to say it. Beautiful, fat, thick, rich, silky, smooth, crystalline. Best thing is it got rid of that annoying hollow "ponk" sound some of the lighter d'addario chromes gave out mid-neck, 4th, 5th and 6th strings. The strings have a unity of sound across the spectrum that says these are a SET of strings, designed and manufactured to compliment each other in every way, rather than 6 strings making 6 different sounds that just happen to form a scale. I'm in love all over again.
Regg
Username: Regg

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 3:32 pm:   

Not to get OT, but where do you order the TI's from?
Garyelcrrt
Username: Garyelcrrt

Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 10:35 pm:   

I bought the last 2 sets straight from Musician's Friend. Mostly because I didn't feel like looking all over the net for another seller that carried them. I know MF does.

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