Need info on AS73

[Clcasey (Clcasey)]

 Hi all,
Nice forum here.  I'm presently considering buying a new (recent model year, but exact year unknown) AS73 from local music store; have played it some and liked it, but have had trouble locating any info on it on the web, since apparently its now been discontinued and replaced by AF/AG Artcore series.  (In case it helps in identifying year, by the way, the logo on the headstock is the same as the new artcore guitars). Asking price is slightly below price for a new AF/AG (Musician's Friend prices the latter at $299 .. I think store wants ~$260-270 for the AS73).  Can anyone provide some info on this guitar's specs, where it fell in product line, what was original MSRP, etc., or provide a link on the 'net to find the info?  Thanks a lot.
Chris Casey

[Funkle (Funkle)]

Casey,

The AS73 is part of the Artcore line, and is currently offered along with the AF, AG, TM and AM Artcores. It's on the IbanezUSA site. On the intro page, click "2002 the new summer products".
http://www.ibanez.com/artcore/
I played one recently, and felt it was a little cheezy, but a good value for the price. I would personally hold out for a used AS80 or AS120 for $300-400 on eBay, or get a new Turser on ebay for around $200, which is essentially the same guitar as the Artcore, but with quilted maple and a much more snazzy finish. The Turser or Artcore will benefit from a fret-dress and setup, another $60-80. The Korean AS80/120 are usually set up pretty well from the factory.

More on Artcore at my site:
http://www.speakeasy.org/~sven/site/index.html

-Sven