Ibanez AG195-AV

[toms_korber]

Only time will tell whether they'll ever be collectible - right now they're just amazing guitars that can be bought for relative small amounts of $$$.
But everybody's allowed their own opinion... 

[Ibaneezer_Scrooge]

At this point, all we can do is toss out opinions as the necessary time has not yet passed.

Lets hope this board will still be here on one form or another in say 10 years or so...

That way you can tell me...

"I told you to buy them..."

[pitchpocket]

Maybe anemic is the wrong word, perhaps muddy and flat sounding would be better.  The pups just didn't do it for me. They made them only for a short while and I bought mine brand new over 1 year after the model was discontinued. The dealer had several left and it was discounted to less than half the MSRP. That was delivered and with an Ibanez hardshell case. The MSRP is way inflated over what they finally cleared them out for. It appeared to be a good deal, but they were kind of dumping them.

It was an easy choice for me to get rid of it and everyone that has bought it since has unloaded it (or are trying to unload it) shortly after they got it. Some may think they are amazing, but I lean toward the not-amazing side. In comparison, if you can compare the two instruments at all, the GB100 floating pups ARE amazing. About the only thing you can really compare is the shape.

[Ibaneezer_Scrooge]

<<< the GB100 floating pups ARE amazing.  >>>


Amen!!!!!!!!!

[jazzzbo]

Thats what i have asking, is there REALLY A BIG DIFFERNCE IN SOUND, between my el cheapo ARTCORE AG 75 AND the  ABOVE mentioned ARTCORE?? mine has crummy pick ups, cheap tuning pegs, etc etc, but  , is there a major differnce in sound??  , I THINK NOT jazzzz

[wildfield]

Hey Jazzbo,

I'm not sure if I am addressing your question/comment properly, but I have an AG195 and I once owned an Artcore AF85.  The AF85 had the same pickups as your AG75.  Aside from the fact that the AF has a bigger body, I thought the pickups sounded much different than the MIJ Super 58's.  In fact, I ended up installing SD 59's in the AF85 and found that it sounded a lot better (to my ears anyway).

So, in a round about way, what I am saying is, I think your AG75 would sound an awful lot like an AG195 if it had the same Super 58's in it.  Upgrade the tuners, replace the bridge and don't look at the lightning bolt on the peg head, and you have 2 very similar guitars.  Okay, sorry about the lightning bolt comment.

Of course besides all that, the AG195 has a nicer flame in the top, nicer pickguard (but ugly tailpiece) and nicely constructed 3 piece neck (Fujigen).

I really love my AG195...I think quality and tone wise it is right there with the GB100 I once owned and in fact, I like the top mounted PAF's better than the GB floaters but to each his own.  I can tell you that my AG195 gets a lot of playing time.

[jazzzbo]

FINALLY. yes, thanks for your input, thats kinda what i was thinking, i hate that lightning bolt, but what i may do  is sell my artcore and get a gb10 instead, i know its a different scene, but i think i could very well dig that scene, jazzz

[Ibaneezer_Scrooge]

I realize we are not talking about the same guitar here, but I really like my AF104NT...the Arcore Custom model.

It has the 3 piece neck...no scarf joint...and has the 58's...with the tiny engraving on the gold covers to differentiate them from the Japan 58's.

I like the sound of those pups...no reason to change them.

And the price on Ebay...$375 like new condition could also not be beat.

Even the acoustic sound of the guitar is nice...notes ring long and true...very chimy tone.   Surprising with the pups built into the guitar.

[wildfield]

IBZ Scrooge,

I really like the IBZ Customs too.  I had an AF105F...actually I've owned 2 over the years.  I think the neck on the IBZ Customs are as nice or nicer than ANYTHING on the market.  My opinion.  The rest of the guitar is fantastic as well.  Can't beat the price either.

Actually, when you look at them, for the money all of the Artcores are a great value.

I purchased a set of the Super 58's (MIK or MIC) with gold covers and engraved, off of e-Bay a while back.  I haven't mounted them into anything yet but one of these days I will.  I'm curious to find out how they sound but haven't had time to break out the solder gun.

Darryl

[Ibaneezer_Scrooge]

wildfield...minor correction.

Mine is a AF105NT like yours.

The pups on it sound really nice.   You'd never guess they were a "budget" version of the 58's.   You can tell the difference with the Seymour Duncan and Duncan Design....but on the 58's, not so easy.

[wildfield]

Mine was the FNT (floating mini humbucker).  I've never played the AF105 with top mounted humbuckers.  I'll bet it sounds great though.

Darryl