| Author |
Message |
Pouvouv
Username: Pouvouv
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 - 6:27 pm: | |
Hii all..
I like ibanez neck.. so I decided to buy a semi hollow body guitar from Ibanez.. I looked at reviews at harmony central and they said AS80 better than the artcore AS83.. is that true? whats the differences?? is it just the pickup?
and also the AS180 and AS80.. whats the differences between those two?? they seems to have the same spec except the tri sound switch.. is the quality of the wood used different?? suggest me a guitar guys... I dont care about money as long its worth somethin..
thanks |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 - 8:28 pm: | |
The main difference is country of manufacture.
AS83 - China
AS80 - Korea
AS180 - Japan
I had an AS80 for a while. It was a decent guitar, but nothing thrilling. Consensus would have it that the AS80 is better than the AS83, but I'm not so sure that's totally true. They are probably pretty close. The main differences would be the pickups and construction approach. The AS83 has a flashier top and nicer hardware despite the lower price (thanks to dirt cheap labor). Some people have complained about the pickups.
The AS180 would be the best of the lot. It is essentially the same guitar as the highly regarded and expensive AS200, the only differences being cosmetic. This is a top notch player. They are quite rare. If you can get one for less than 600-700, go for it.
If money's not the issue, I say go far an AS200 or AS180 (if you can find one). You'll get a much nicer player.
-Sven |
Pouvouv
Username: Pouvouv
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 3:16 am: | |
thanks..
what other option there is?? buy the AS80 then profesionnally setted up the guitar?? will it do the sound close to AS180?
or maybe the standard AS80 have close sound to the AS180?
what about the AS80 japan and korea.. alot differences between those two? |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 12:15 pm: | |
The AS180 and AS200, are pro quality instruments, designed to compete directly with Gibsons Top offerings. The Korean Artstars (AS80, AS120) and Chinese Artcores (AS73,AS83) are good guitars, but the are entry/mid level. A pro setup would probably be a benefit - and you can always change pickups. There was also an AS193, which combined a Chinese made body with a Japanese neck. These are very nice if you can find them.
The Japanese made AS50, AS80 and AS100 from the '80s are very nice too. Ibanez approach in the '80s with lower price instruments was to, use the same high build quality as the high end guitars, but use less flashy hardware and finish, and cover unattractive wood with opaque paint. So the MIJ AS80 should be on par with the AS200 in terms of playabilty.
You have to make your own decision. But if it were me, I would try to get my hands on one of the Japanese models. |
Andyroo
Username: Andyroo
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 9:34 am: | |
I've never laid hands on a MIJ AS80, but I hear the same things that Funkle describes reagarding Japanese craftmanship of the Artstars.
That said, I've got a Korean made AS80 that suits my needs just fine. I got it for a steal, and price did matter to me. It really just depends on what your needs are. You said money doesn't matter, so I'd go with whichever feels the best to you.
A couple of the models you mention use the same pickups, I believe, and similar woods. They just might not be put together in the same place, and one might not be as flashy as the other. So as for how they differ in sound....I don't think I would be able to hear it. As for playability, that would be easy to feel.
As always, try them out before you make up your mind. I definitley set it up properly when you get home
droo |
Pouvouv
Username: Pouvouv
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2005 - 9:23 pm: | |
Thanks all..
I'm thinking to try getting AS120 or AS80 from eBay first then if I like it so MUCH... I'll buy AS180 or AS200 or the JSM model..
Good Idea? |
|
|
Thank you for supporting Ibanez Collectors Forum. Please help your favorite Ibanez guitar site as we endeavor to bring you the latest information about Ibanez custom vintage electric and acoustic guitars. Here you can discuss ibanez, guitars, ibanez guitars, basses, acoustics, acoustic, mandolins, electric guitar, electric bass, amplifiers, effect pedals, tuners, picks, pickups.
|