Trouble Dating AS200

[Monk (Monk)]

 Hi, i'm new here, and well i own an Artstar
AS200AV and i'm having a bit of trouble  
indentifying the year it was made, the serial
is: F308174 I know that all F are post 87 models
but the 3 is throwing me off track, my guess is it
was made in 1993?  

Also would like to know more or less what this  
guitar is worth now, i bought it new in june 93,
it's a great sounding guitar (but you all know  
that) also my pickups paint is peeling, is this  
normal? Is there any way to retouch it?  

Thanks for any info.

monk

[Johns (Johns)]

 Monk (I just got done watching your TV show on USA network )

I'd say that you have a '93 model, no doubt. If it was an '83 the serial number would be F83xxx. But it would not have the name Artstar on it. Being as you got it in '93 it can't be a 2003. Also because we haven't gotten to that year yet.

More or less it's worth $800 to $1200. Of course, the older the better. A '79-early '80s would bring in more than a '90s.

There isn't much you can do about the gold flaking off the pups. There is a thread on the board where a spray lacquer is recommended to keep the plating intact. It won't help replace what's already come off. This is such a common thing to happen that most of us are looking for a place that will do replating (for cheap).

[Monk (Monk)]

 Thanks JohnS, (Hope you enjoyed the show)I just wanted to be sure, now i am thanks.  

The pickup thing is a bit of a pain, because i have tried several other pickups: duncan, barden benedetto, gibson etc.. and while they all sound good, my ears keep calling for the ibanez!!  

But at least i'm in good company.

[Jerryneves (Jerryneves)]

 You can have them replated or replace them with new gold covers.  Replating both will run about $40.  One maker has covers with correct screw pattern spacing .  I belive its the Allparts replacement or Dimarzio.  Bring guitar to your nearest part seller and just match your pickups up with the replacement covers.  Remember though, the pole screw spacing is slightly different then Gibson's.

[Monk (Monk)]

 Thanks Jerry, i'll look for allparts and dimarzio.