my search for an AM

[wakuhn1]

So, I have been looking for a decent priced, and in good shape early 80's AM series for a while. Preferably, an AM50, AM70, AM205, or AM255... I missed out on an AM255 on the bay, and about 3 weeks later it showed up elsewhere on the net for a $650 increase! (That's almost twice the amount the seller paid for it, he did get a good deal!) This was the same exact guitar, so I offered a little higher than what was paid for it initially. Needless to say I haven't heard back from the seller   

I know some folks are in it just to make a buck, but it's so frustrating!
Bill

[wildfield]

Bill,

I think I know what you mean.  It can be a little frustrating when you're in the market for an AM.  Still, I think if you hang in there, something may come up.

As you know (or at least, as I think you know), I ended up buying an AM70 a few years ago.  It seemed to be easier to find at a lower price than the other AM's.  I swapped out the pickups (and a few other things) to set it up the way I wanted.  That guitar and my AG195 get the most play time of the few guitars I own...it's a great workhorse.

Good luck and hang in there.

Darryl

[wakuhn1]

Thanks Darryl.
Just a frustrating bump in the road.
Bill

[jimmys]

Darryl,

What pickups did you put into the AM70 instead of the standard IBZ ones? 

Thanks,
James

[wildfield]

Hi James,

I installed Seymour Duncan 59's with gold covers.  My understanding (and I could be way off) is that the 59's are basically a wax potted version of the Seth Lovers.  Nice sounding pickups anyway.  In the AM70 it has a fairly bright treble end with a nice funky, chirp from the bridge pickup when comping chords (aka Motown sound).  Bass end is clear and deep.  Using just the neck pickup and backing off the tone knob slightly, I can get a decent single note jazz tone albeit a little brighter and with more sustain then my full archtop.

Darryl

[wildfield]

Geez, that latest AM70 on e-Bay went for US$805.  Yikes.  Well, I guess that is a "bargain" compared to the going price for AM50's.

Ebay Item Number #160254906076

Bill - not sure if you bid on that one, but hope something good comes your way.

Darryl

[triumph]

Geez, that latest AM70 on e-Bay went for US$805.  Yikes.  Well, I guess that is a "bargain" compared to the going price for AM50's.

What is the current going rate?

[jazzzbo]

Are those  EMG humbuckers on that am. and was that a non original bridge? ps i didnt like the sound of EMG humbuckers, but i did like the EMG single coils actives on one of my strats . all so that fat switch, expand or what ever it was called really works and instant crunch time, later, jazzzz

[triumph]

I think they're original, the AM70 is kind of an unusual model.

[wildfield]

What is the current going rate?

Well, I haven't been keeping track (I'll bet Toms or Ginger have though) but I think AM50's in nice shape sell for around $1,000 to $1,200.

Are those  EMG humbuckers on that am. and was that a non original bridge?

The AM70 came with IBZ triple magnet (passive) humbuckers.  Nice fusion/rock pickups in my opinion.  That was a stock bridge too.  I forget what Ibanez called it...short stop maybe?

Here is a photo of my stock AM70 which includes IBZ Triple Magnet Humbuckers and Short Stop Bridge:



I did some mods to my AM70 - replaced the pickups, bridge, tailpiece, tuners, pickup rings and pots.  Here's a photo of my AM70 as it is today:

[jazzzbo]

WOW, thats one sweet axe, what kinda tailpiece is that, and do notice any difference in tone when amped, and what did the original black pick ups sound like,  Im a believer now, cheers, jazzzz

[wildfield]

Thank you for your kind comments.

The tailpiece was made and installed by Steve Holst in Oregon.  He also made a nice archtop for me...but that's another story.

Shallow though it may sound, I don't know how much of an affect the tailpiece had on the tone...I selected that setup mostly for aesthetic reasons. 

The bridge mod was somewhat complicated...the stock short stop bridge has a post spacing that is much wider than the "normal" post spacing on a Les Paul style bridge.  I plugged the original holes with wooden dowel material that fit the post holes perfectly (an idea I got from someone on this board whose user name is Christophe) then re-drilled to the proper spacing for a Les Paul style bridge.  The rosewood flattop style bridge that you see merely covers the plugged holes.

I guess the trapeze tailpiece serves a function in that I did not have to drill another set of holes for the Les Paul style tailpiece...and it looks cool to me.

The IBZ triple magnet pickups are pretty nice, particularly for rock.  When you lay into chords it really drives the amp nicely for a great overdriven sound.  Yet, when you lay back, they have a nice warm tone.  But, I preferred the sound of a more classic PAF so I replaced the triple magnet pickups with Seymour Duncan 59's.

I play this guitar almost every week in a church rock band.  Someday I will add a bridge that has piezo pickups under the saddles for an additional tonal quality...but I do like it very much just as it is setup today.

Darryl

[wakuhn1]

Darryl, I still love the looks of your guitar... the mods make it look even, if I dare say, sexier!!

I have seen AM50's go for about $1,000 on average. But, I thought the AM70 was an "upgrade" according to Ibanez? Yes, the bridge and PU's are a little different. Maybe that's what the company considered the upgrade...

I just missed a nice AM70 that went for $535... myself and another person came in with the same bid seconds apart, I was so ticked!!! I am still kicking myself...

Have a lead an a nice AM50 that is a few hours drive from here. Going to go look next week I hope! 

Bill

[wildfield]

Have a lead an a nice AM50 that is a few hours drive from here. Going to go look next week I hope! 

Bill

Great!  Good luck...I hope it works out.

Darryl