Ibanez AF105F - Here I Go Again

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Author Message   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 12:05 pm:    Don’t know what got into me but I saw this one on e-Bay and I couldn’t resist. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1 &item=180157226826&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=008 Well, in my defense... 1. Price was pretty low. 2. The AF105F had the nicest neck of any guitar I’ve ever played (in my opinion of course). 3. And, I’ve been jonesin’ for a guitar with a floating p/u...Sgjazz’ post knocked me over the edge. Proposed mods… 1. Replace pickguard with Benedetto ebony finger rest (just like before). 2. Replace p/u with to-be-determined. 3. Replace inlays with cocobolo blocks (yikes, are you serious???). Well, not so sure about that last mod but the thought did cross my mind this morning. Anyways, more than ever I am anxious to read Sgjazz' review of his new Kent Armstrong floating humbucker, once he gets it back from the shop. In the meantime, I have to go get my head examined...why on earth did I buy yet another guitar???   Chucke99 Username: Chucke99 Registered: 2-2007 Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 12:13 pm:    A great guitar (w/ case) at a great price. That's reason enough! -Chuck   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 4-2001 Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 1:42 pm:    Wildfield~ You did exactly what many of us want to do...give in to the temptation of a beautiful, well made, easy-to-mod, AND inexpensive archtop.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 1:54 pm:    Wildfield, your explanations sound excuses. You had better confess you just like cheap MIC guitars. I know it is hard to do on ICW, but try, you will feel relieved. Juha   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 3:24 pm:    Juha, I am afraid you are correct. Realizing you (in this case, I) have a problem is the first step to recovery. Unfortunately, I haven't taken the first step yet. Can't wait for this guitar to arrive!!! It's only 200 miles away...I should drive to his house tomorrrow. Darryl   Jazznote Username: Jazznote Registered: 5-2006 Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 3:35 pm:    Hmmmm, when i tried a couple of AF 105F's a while ago, they felt to me like toy-guitars rather than real instruments. I don't know why, but maybe because they are so easy to play, whithout resistance, and i'm used to fight my instrument ;-) no offense JazzNote   Chucke99 Username: Chucke99 Registered: 2-2007 Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 3:41 pm:    Re: Cheap Chinese Guitars I seem to remember people telling me back in 1978 that my 2630 and MC400NT were "Cheap Japanese Guitars." Time will tell. -Chuck   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 - 3:49 pm:    JN, No offense taken as far as I am concerned. Actually, you are not the first person who has commented that the AF105F (or maybe it was the Artcore United AG195 which I also own) felt "toy-like". To each his own. There are several guitars I see getting rave reviews from other users, that have felt and/or sounded awful to me. Funny how that works...but fortunately for me, no one late last night felt compelled to bid higher than my measly $405 bid. Perhaps I should feel grateful that others might find the AF105F toy-like.   Chucke99 Username: Chucke99 Registered: 2-2007 Posted on Saturday, September 15, 2007 - 2:30 pm:    Interest comes and goes for the 100-level Customs. I fought for an AS103NT, and ended up paying $550 for it, just a week ago. Then, a couple days ago, another went for $440. Go figure. -Chuck   Sgjazz Username: Sgjazz Registered: 7-2007 Posted on Sunday, September 16, 2007 - 4:13 pm:    Nice buy Wildfield. Can't beat the price. I played an FA300 exclusively until I got my 800 a few months ago. You are going to love the more acoustic sound. My playing has changed a bit trying to draw out more tone from the solid top. So, are you 200 miles north or south of Clovis?   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Sunday, September 16, 2007 - 4:38 pm:    I'm pretty sure Clovis is near Fresno. I'm in San Jose. If memory serves, it is about 3 hours to Fresno from here so I'm estimating a 180 to 200 mile distance to Clovis. Anyways, it is on a UPS truck so I think I may see it on Wednesday or Thursday.   Sgjazz Username: Sgjazz Registered: 7-2007 Posted on Sunday, September 16, 2007 - 5:04 pm:    I only ask 'cause I am about the same distance from Clovis except in the opposite direction... soCal.   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Monday, September 17, 2007 - 10:50 pm:    Hey SG, Where in Southern California? I used to live in Manhattan Beach, then Gardena and then Long Beach. I loved to eat breakfast at Holiday Bowl in Crenshaw, Gardena Bowl in Gardena and Rut's Inn in Culver City. I also really dug Spoon House in Gardena, Calvin Coolidge BBQ in Seal Beach and Pink's on La Cienega. I love L.A. I checked the tracking number today. The guitar will be here tomorrow! Glad I didn't drive all the way to Clovis! Life is good!   Sgjazz Username: Sgjazz Registered: 7-2007 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 11:39 am:    Wildfield, I'm south of LA, Orange County.   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 4-2001 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 1:23 pm:    Man, you guys are making me hungry for So. Calif. eateries! Especially Pinks Hot Dogs!!!!! How about the ORIGINAL Fatburgers on Western?! Oh man.....I'll have a little attitude with that burger please!   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 3:01 pm:    "Wildfield, I'm south of LA, Orange County." - Sgjazz My condolences. Ha, ha...Just kidding! Many friends in Orange County and don't forget, Orange County is the home of In and Out! How about the ORIGINAL Fatburgers on Western?! Oh man.....I'll have a little attitude with that burger please!" - Guitartim Yes, I am with you! Let's not forget Phillipe's, Johnny Pastrami and Tommy Burgers! My AF105F arrived!!! Unfortunately, I won't be home for another 7 hours.   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 4-2001 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 4:22 pm:    Johnny's Pastrami.................   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 4:31 pm:    Oops...sorry for my typo.   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 2:24 am:    Okay, received my AF105F. This guitar was in fantastic condition...truly like-new. First thing I did was replace the strings with my favorite .013-.053 Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Swing JS113 flatwounds. I adjusted the bridge to dial in the action and intonation. Fortunately, everything works and sounds great. I plugged it into my Clarus 1R Amp which is connected to a Redstone Audio RS8 speaker cab. The amplified tone is just as I remembered - warm, clear and acoustic sounding. The stock pickup sounds wonderful on these guitars with the fatal exception that the it is a tad weak on the high E string. That is, the high E is noticeably quieter than the other strings. The same was true with the last AF105F I owned and I have heard other AF105F owners complain about the same thing. Oh well. Neck feels fantastic. Guitar plays wonderfully. Overall, I'm very pleased.   Sgjazz Username: Sgjazz Registered: 7-2007 Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 10:22 am:    Let me be the first to congratulate you. Sounds like a fine axe. The auction pic is not very clear, does it have adjustable pole pieces? You may be able to compensate for the 1st string. I used Thomastic 13's (roundwound) for 10 years. I recently moved away to get a heavier bottom. When I switched to a normal gauge set (13-56) the low and mid opened up for my guitar. If you feel like experimenting try webstrings.com. You can't go wrong at 2.49/set. I use them exclusively now.   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 11:40 am:    SG, I experimented with strings for years too. I really dig the Thomastiks because the have the heavier tops mixed with the lighter bottoms. Most other flatwound sets have the .013 through .056 mix (D'Addario Chromes, Gibson, etc.) I found only Thomastik and La Bella make the .013 through .053 sets. I used the Thomastik .012 through .050 on my AM70. I dig that set as well. Anyways, unfortunately the stock pickup does not have adjustable poles. The manner in which it is attached to the mounting bracket makes it very difficult to adjust or compensate. I did order a mini floating humbucker with adjustable poles from Guitar Fetish when I had an AF105F before. It was very reasonably priced. That p/u solved the string balance issue but was a little noisy. I'm anxious to hear your review of the Kent Armstrong floating humbucker although I may just order it anyway. I have a Kent Armstrong PAF on my Holst K200 at it is a fantastic sounding pickup. I don't think you can go wrong with the pickups that Kent makes himself.   Sgjazz Username: Sgjazz Registered: 7-2007 Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 12:53 pm:    I hope to have my guitar back later this week. Buying from Ken was an interesting experience. I spoke directly to him (very nice guy) and he sent it right out. He doesn't want to be paid until I hear it. Also, the pickups are cheaper when you get it direct from him.   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 1:07 pm:    Whoa. That's great...didn't know he sells direct. Will he sell directly to me or do you have some special connection? Darryl   Sgjazz Username: Sgjazz Registered: 7-2007 Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 1:16 pm:    Good question. I was introduced to him through a student of mine. I have to talk to Kent in the next few days so I will ask if it's ok to give out his number.   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 4-2001 Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 1:36 pm:    Kent and I emailed one another when he was preparing my PAF's a few years ago. He is a great guy to deal with. But to speak directly must have been an even more satisfying experience for winding your spec pickups! Warning: Avoid the inferior quality 'Made in Korea Kent Armstrong' knockoffs that are sold under his license by WD Products!!!   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 1:43 pm:    SG - thanks for checking. Otherwise, I will probably order from archtop dot com. Tim - I concur on the KA made in Korea. I ordered one from WD a few years ago. It lasted about 2 weeks before it died an ugly death.   Sgjazz Username: Sgjazz Registered: 7-2007 Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 1:46 pm:    He and I discussed rewinding the mounted pickup in my FA300. He claims it will sound just like the PAF. Very interesting guy indeed.   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2007 - 1:50 pm:    Hi Guys, I just bought one of these for my AF105F: Ebay Item #110169970037 Anyone used one of these before? Darryl   Petruz Username: Petruz Registered: 5-2004 Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 6:22 am:    AF105 on the road... www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWKWDlIgb54&mode=related&s earch=   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 9:24 am:    Nice playing. Thanks for the You Tube link. Here are a couple photos of my AF105 with Kent Armstrong floating minihumbucker installed. I purchased the pickup off of e-Bay and installed the pickup last week.   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 9:36 am:    Oh yeah, I replaced the stock pickguard too. The KA floating minihumbucker sounds very good. It was a little noisier (hum) compared to the original pickup so I shielded the volume and tone potentiometers. That helped a lot. The high E string produced a noticeably weaker amplified sound with the original pickup - same problem I had with the previous AF105F I owned. There is an improvement with the KA although the E is still very slightly weaker. I have read that this is a common issue with floating minihumbuckers that do not have adjustable pole pieces. The AF105F is the only guitar I have owned with such a pickup so I cannot say from experience how other minihumbuckers perform. I may eventually order the model that Sgjazz installed on his guitar. 12 adjustable poles should resolve any string balance issues. For now, I think I will get used to and enjoy this pickup and guitar for a while. Darryl   Jazznote Username: Jazznote Registered: 5-2006 Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 10:35 am:    Wildfield, i equipped my old L5 with a BARTOLINI BA J 5 JNB pickup, which is something like a mini humbucker. The Shadow "Attila Zoller" which came with the guitar sounded way too bright, so i mounted this bartolini upon the advice of Gary Levinson (Levinson Guitars) who lived nearby at the time. The Bartolini sounds even, the high E comes through well. However, i go used to changing high E and B often (on all my archtops) because they loose sound sooner than the other strings. Here's a pic of it: http://www.thomann.de/de/bartolini_baj5jnb_jazzpic kup.htm?sid=a957e08ffba4204fb228ff6ea7f8b4ef maybe you find some info here: http://www.bartolini.net/   Jazznote Username: Jazznote Registered: 5-2006 Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 10:38 am:    Sorry there's a mistake in my above post, ==> it's on my L7, not L5. The pickup sounds similar to the one Sgjazz put on his guitar.   Sgjazz Username: Sgjazz Registered: 7-2007 Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 1:04 pm:    Darryl, nice install. Did you do that yourself? The pickgaurd looks good. The PAF probably has a hotter output. The biggest difference it the fact that is sounds like a microphone. Very sensitive. I didn't have to adjust the poles, it sounded fine as is. I guess it's nice to have the option though.   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 3:36 pm:    Hi SG, Thanks - yes, I did the installation myself. Did a very slight mod on the Benedetto finger rest with a router and attached the pickup to the finger rest with wood glue and 3 tiny screws. All in all it was a very simple installation. I do really like the sound of this KA mini humbucker so I may stick with it for a while. If the string balance bugs me, I may check to see if KA can make a mini humbucker with adjustable pole pieces.   Sgjazz Username: Sgjazz Registered: 7-2007 Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 5:20 pm:    http://www.archtop.com/ac_access.html Here are his pickups. There is a Johnny Smith that looks like a mini w/screws.   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 11:08 pm:    Thanks for the additional info SG.

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