Acoustic recomendation, 70's model

[Mongo]

The other night I thought I heard something from my guitar room.

"from this time forward... You will service... Us..."



I immediately verified my bank balance

[backer60]

 

[chazmo]

Outlaw,

Thanks for the compliment on the AW-120.  Yes, the woodwork is top notch, and the wood itself is gorgeous.  I continue to appreciate the "all wood" concept that drove the design of the original Artwood guitars.  I was showing my AW-75 to some co-workers yesterday, and studying the wood bindings, purfling, rosette...  pure simplicity and purpose.  27 years later, it continues to astound me that I found that -75 in a big chain like Sam Ash.  I was captured by the guitar because of its sound, but now in retrospect the mere existence of these guitars remains a pleasant surprise.

I have lots o' pictures of the Artwoods up on photobucket, outlaw.  Feel free to peruse the Ibanez albums under here: http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc47/Chazmo_bucket/

John,

Welcome to the Artwood club!!!  Congrats!  I'm sure you'll find interesting comparisons with the Martins of the era.  It's entirely arguable that Ibanez out-Martined Martin in those days, and even though the Artwoods were top-of-the-line for Ibanez, they were *much* cheaper than the Martins that they competed with.  Those later Tamas and early Artwoods, well... of course, they were Martin-inspired, but I really think the Japanese luthiers were reaching the peak of their craft.  That said, Martin has the broadest range of dreads in the known universe.  Jeez, you can get lost in the product line between the different styles, bracing, woods...  It's impressive.

Anyway, best wishes in the hunt.  Beware, Tamas and Artwoods will suck you into acoustics in a big way.
 

[Mongo]

Chasmo,

I just looked at the pictures of the AW-120. I just have to say that those are by far the best and clearest pictures of the inside of an acoustic I have ever seen.

I'd love to know what camera took those pics.
I look forward to seeing the rest of your pics.

[chazmo]

Thanks, Mongo!  The inside of the AW-120 is very photogenic .  I love how the German spruce is set off by the Jacaranda rosewood.

Anyway, the camera is a Canon PowerShot SD750 Digital Elph.   It's a 7.1 MPixel snapshot camera that fits in the palm of my hand (so it's easy to manoeuvre around the soundhole when the strings are off).  Generally I put it in macro setting and leave the flash on automatic inside the body.

I haven't done this yet with the AW-120 pix, but Windows Live Picture Manager let's you create panorama shots by "stitching" together multiple pictures.  I did this panorama of the inside of my '67 Guild F-50R.  Cool, isn't it (forgive the non-Ibby content)?!:

[BCy2k]

Last week, I joined the Japanese made Artwood club, buying Bob's (BCy2k) Series II AW-30. I'm very happy with it. So happy, that I want more, more, more! Artwood Series I and TAMA, here I come. 

I'm really glad to hear you like the AW-30 John. I think I'm almost over the separation anxiety too . . . almost. 

I didn't know I'd be pouring so much gas (pun intended) on the series I Artwood/Tama fire like this, but at least you now know first hand what some of us have been going on about for so long.   

I'd like to think I only have a couple significant gaps to fill in my harem/arsenal. I'll try to enjoy the hunt. I expect it'll be a long one. 

Very cool pics too Chaz!!!

[Mongo]

Panoramic.... Mmmmmm...  Good...
<Homer Simpson>

[chazmo]

Last week, I joined the Japanese made Artwood club, buying Bob's (BCy2k) Series II AW-30. I'm very happy with it. So happy, that I want more, more, more! Artwood Series I and TAMA, here I come. 

I'm really glad to hear you like the AW-30 John. I think I'm almost over the separation anxiety too . . . almost. 

I didn't know I'd be pouring so much gas (pun intended) on the series I Artwood/Tama fire like this, but at least you now know first hand what some of us have been going on about for so long.   

I'd like to think I only have a couple significant gaps to fill in my harem/arsenal. I'll try to enjoy the hunt. I expect it'll be a long one. 

Very cool pics too Chaz!!!

Tnx, BC.  I expect collecting these things to be a lifelong pursuit.