AR2000 Super 58 Pick-ups

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Author Message   Guitar Tim Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am:    The Super 58 pick-ups on my 1998 AR2000 Prestige are much looser than other humbucker set-ups I've seen. This seems to be a result of the location of the two height adjustment screws on the mounting ring, a standard set up for humbucker-equipped solid and semi hollow bodied guitars. After checking with a quality luthier, he claimed that the loose pick ups are not a problem and will neither deteriorate the sound, playability or construction of the pick ups. He says the adjustment springs may be a bit smaller in the AR2000 and heavier ones could be installed if the problem worsens. My concern is that the pick ups will continue to loosen, start to rattle or have to be re-mounted in their seats. The AR2000 is otherwise one fine instrument in it's design, materials, construction and most important, tone. Is the loose fit of the Super 58's normal? The same pick ups in my AS200 are not loose and do not rock back and forth like the newer Presitige solid body. Any ideas or opinions or similar experience with this situation? Guitar Tim   JohnS Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am:    Tim: Do you have the 2 screws on one side and 1 on the other? The only pickups of mine that rock (not that much that I would even be worried) are the older ('74-'77) guitars that have 1 adjustment screw on each side. Are they rocking back and forth or bouncing up and down? If the luthier isn't worried, and you trust him, why worry? If it bugs you, let him change the springs. I saw an AR2000 Prestige at a guitar show last weekend. I was impressed with it (except that it was a dot neck). Especially the resurrection of the "smooth heel" from the '77-'79 era. It was lighter than I expected, too.   Guitar Tim Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am:    John: The AR2000 pick ups are mounted with a single adjustment screw on opposite sides just like most other humbuckers. The mounting of two screws on at least one of the sides would have prevented the looseness and rocking, but if it is a 'normal' condition, then I won't stress over it. This is one of the nicest guitars I've ever owned so naturally I want it to last and prevent any premature wear. And yes, I am quite the fanatic about all of my instrument's condition. I'll leave well enough alone and just continue to enjoy playing this incredible guitar. You mentioned the 'dot' neck was your single exception to the AR2000 Prestige. Yes, they could have included abalone/pearl blocks but it still has more class, punch and tone then some of the more dolled-up solid bodies costing twice as much. Ibanez went for subtle but high quality this time rather then add coil-tapping and lots of abalone/pearl and that's cool with me. Some angles of the abalone dots in dim lighting do make it a bit difficult to see them on the neck, but you get used to it. And you are also correct about the smooth heel and light weight. It is some of the nicest workmanship I've seen on any instrument. All of the 'pros' that have played my AR2000 agree...and get an attitude about how much more they paid for their high-end PRS', Les Paul's, etc. I just smile and keep jammin'. Thanks for the reply. Guitar Tim   spiro Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am:    I myself own an AR2000 and my only worry is the wooden pickup surrounds. As they are finished in oil and not laquered I can see these deteriorating quite quickly...   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Saturday, October 18, 2003 - 11:09 am:    Ok you Artist model lovers. Anyone have an opinion on a new AR2000 Artist Prestige Electric vs. say locating an early 80's Artist? I love the V V finish on the AR2000, but have longed an '83 model year artist for some time. pro and cons of either sceneio? -Dennis   Johns (Johns) Posted on Saturday, October 18, 2003 - 12:22 pm:    Dennis: The only AR2000 that I got my hands on was modeled on the late '70s 2618. This means that it had a thinner body with the smooth heel neck joint. The AR2000 comes with a Prestige neck. I'm not really sure how that differs from the late '70s neck. The '80s ARs have thicker bodies and a less refined version of the smooth heel joint. The neck joins the body a couple of frets farther into the body than the older models, making the guitar a little shorter. I believe the AR2000 shares this trait. The AR2000 comes with the Gibraltar II bridge. Technically a better bridge than the Gibraltar I that would be on an '83. But I wouldn't put too much weight in that argument. The tailpiece on the '83 would probably have the cloud. Cool, if you like that feature. In short the AR2000 is some old and some new. I feel they missed the boat by not adding tri-sound circuitry and MOP/abalone block markers. For me it's hard to justify the $900-$1200 that most stores want for the AR2000, especially when you can get just as much guitar from the 70s or 80s Artists for less.   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 11:47 am:    Hi John, Good point you bring out. While it's not necesasrily the $$ factor that will make or break my decision, it is the value factor. In this I find that while there are some advantage of the AR2000's updates, but the unique qualities of earlier Artist models seem to appeal to my senses. Maybe it's just because of the attraction I have for the early 80's era offerings. In either case thanks for helping me think aloud here. As you can gather, I will be continuing on my trek for an "older" artist. Best, Dennis   Ericibanez (Ericibanez) Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 11:37 pm:    I've recently played an AR2000 which had an awesome maple flamed top and sounded pretty good. Very expensive. This one had an east indian rosewood neck. I agree with John. They really missed the boat on this one. The AR300s had the awesome mop inlays but to me the more appealing feature is the ebony neck on the AR300s and up - just awesome. The older ARs are hands down better instruments. I have had many lower model AR100s etc. that played and sounded better than the AR2000 - every one I've ever had had played and sounded better (for a lot less money). I like the Gibralter II bridge better and Super 58s - personal preference. Avalible on new and old edtions. If you keep your eyes open you can get one at a fraction of a new AR2000. Although, stunning flame maple tops are rare. TANGENT WARNING :I know some feathers get ruffled when the word rare is mentioned but thats the case with highly figued maple top Artists - not just a few waves here and there but the TIGER striped ones. If anyone disagrees with that then sell me your tiger striped AR300 for 400 to 600. I won't hold my breath! anyone holding one of those in very good to excellent condition is unlikely to let one go at all. BECAUSE THEY ARE RARE! END OF TANGENT - Thanks I'd have gone and still go for the older Artists despite the top issue. They are just better! Good luck looking. A super edition may have all you want - nice flames and all the best features from both new and old.   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 2:04 am:    Eric, Thanks for the reply. I tend to agree with you on the "rare" issue. Rare in the sense that there aren't many on the market compared to many others in it's class. I'm still undecided at this point. Mainly because I don't have an older Artist being sold staring me in the face to make up my mind. The artists seem to gain more popularity with each passing day. Probably reason enough to find one and buy it. -Dennis   Ericibanez (Ericibanez) Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 8:29 pm:    I think are getting more popular is the quality issue and the comparably low prices. Set neck mahogany guitars, even without the mop inlays and ebony necks, are usually $1000 or more. The optimum solution would be to get both! Keep your eyes open for used AR2000s they are not holding thier value very well. I think they are a beautiful guitar. I'm junt not impressed with the necks. For 1500 new I'd put my money elsewhere. 800-900 used maybe.   Dennis68 (Dennis68) Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 7:05 am:    Happy Halloween Everyone, Well I still have not made a purchase in the way of an Artist yet, but I have checked out a few since the last round of posts here a week or so ago. It seems the AR2000VV is being discounted more locally than the online resellers would let on to. For instance, M.F. & ZZ both were asking $1,499, yet the local retailers were willing to discount as much as -$250 off this price (of course tax is a makeup factor). But back to the core issue - old vs. new. The points that were brought out about earlier necks a worthy of consideration - especially the condition of a used one. The Gib II is indeed a nice neck, and I have had the chance to check out an '82 AR neck as well (G1?). It too had an acceptable feel and playing lead licks on it were smooth - just like the AR2kVV. I find both old and new necks are comfortable in changing chord postions up to and past the 12th fret. The super 58's are pretty awesome if you ask me. Some of the older Artists are climbing in prices (especially the better examples) which to me adds value to consideration of a new AR2000VV artist. Only fine examples of older artists below the $800 range seem to make it worth it for me to explore an older artist. Of course this is strictly from a playing point of view and not acollecting point of view - which too seems to be a reason for climbimg prices. The comment regarding the wood around the pups concerned me about it being oiled and may later detiorate (sp)... Still confused about what I may buy? Me too! :-) But these choices are the kind we can all enjoy..   Ericibanez (Ericibanez) Posted on Wednesday, November 05, 2003 - 10:55 pm:    Dennis, If you are looking for the better Artist for PLAYING get an older one. They are hands down, several orders of magnitude better than the AR2000. That's it. Additionally, they are availble at a much better price. The AR2000 only looks prettier but overall, in my opinion it is a far cheaper guitar that cost alot more. You can get a great AR300 for about 650-800 on ebay - just keep your eyes open and be a little patient. AR100s are even less expensive (no cool inlays on the neck). BUT the AR100s are better than the AR2000 - just not as pretty. However I have had some incredible nice flamed out AR100s they are out there as well. So, if your looking for a looker go for the AR2000. If you want a great overall player get an AR100 of AR300. If you want both a looker and a player (who doesn't!)keep your eyes out for a nice AR300 (which should be about 750-900 depending on shape and auction conditions). Usually, if you keep in the lower ranges for the AR300s pricewise you can get your money back by selling it if you don't like it. Give one a try! If you hate it put it back up for auction and get something else. I will say this: If you like the AR2000s playability you should LOVE the AR300s and 100s. Also, if you get an oldie try to get the Super 58s in it. Let us know when you come off the fence.   Sixvsix Username: Sixvsix Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 5:43 pm:    Nice top. Don't like the reverse control layout http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33043&item=7326079996&r d=1 six   Spiro Username: Spiro Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 9:22 pm:    Hey six what do you mean by reverse control layout?   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 10:31 pm:    He should've kept the 58's and the rosewood surrounds in her!   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 10:36 pm:    Spiro, I just read your old post about the wood surrounds on yours. What would you suggest to keep them from deteriorating as you mentioned?   Sixvsix Username: Sixvsix Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 7:21 pm:    Hello Spiro mate It's just the reverse of a Les Paul set up that is the bench mark for me. Most "Gibbo" style derivatives stick with the regular control positioning. The layout on this AR is reversed and seems to make it awkward looking. Some early 2617 Scruggs models had this layout too. six   Sixvsix Username: Sixvsix Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 7:22 pm:    Sorry 2671 not 2617 - I keep doing that! six   Razsan Username: Razsan Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 1:40 pm:    The AR2000 a far cheaper guitar? Is this a joke? The AR2000 is a wonderful guitar with top notch quality all the way thru. I owned a '78 2617-8 (whatever the 24 fret model was) and never was it as good as a similar les paul of its time. It was nice but wouldn't stay in tune and had mediocre pickups. I think we over romanticize these classics as being some sort of magic guitar. My 2000 plays obscenely well, has tremendous tone and is gorgeous. I've tried comparable PRS's (McCarty's) and cannot notice a quality difference.   Bassman Username: Bassman Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 7:50 am:    Just bought a NOS AR2000, made in 98. I have strung it with 0.012’s and it sounds great! It gives a warm, smooth jazz tone and the quality is flawless. Here are some pics … Bassman   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Sunday, May 07, 2006 - 6:55 pm:    Bassman~That's a beautiful AR2000. Where has it been hiding since '98?   Bassman Username: Bassman Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 12:50 pm:    Hi Guitartim I found it in a music shop in Italy. It had still the plastic cover on pickups and backplates but I guess it is happy to be played now Bassman   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 8:35 pm:    Bassman, sweet deal congrats.   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - 7:48 pm:    Here's another AR2000 on ebay: http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D320041679388

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