| Author |
Message |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2005 - 11:57 pm: | |
I just picked this beautiful jazz box up on Friday. As it turns out, a local music store had a few '04 Artcore Uniteds in stock. As far as I know, they were only made for a year, and the body is made in china, then shipped to Japan where the neck and finish is put on at the FujiGen facility. It was between an AF195, and AG195, and an '04 GB10, and the AG195 won out in the end. It had the fullest jazz tone to my ear. And the smaller body is a plus. This United is NICE! In has all the trimmings of a prestige model, including rosewood pickup surrounds, suregrip II knobs, 2 tone block inlay, and that unmistakable FujiGen feel. It even came with a Prestige manual and flat wound strings!
 |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 6:56 am: | |
Sweet deal there! What was the price if you don't mind me asking? |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 12:07 pm: | |
List was something like $1400. The store had them discounted to $799, and gave me another $50 off and let the case go for $69. There are some online for $669, but I didn't mind paying the extra $80 for being able to play it first, and to help keep the indie shops in business.
It's funny, I would have expected the AF195 or AK85 to have the fullest jazz tone, but this little guy was the closest to the sound that I had in my head. It has the same shape as a GB10, but with Super 58s instead of floaters. The AF and AK were more acoustic guitar like. The AG is tight and compressed, with less acoustic ghost tones. The GB10 sounded, well... like George benson. The fretwork on these Uniteds is some of the best I've seen coming from FujiGen.
-Sven |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 4:24 pm: | |
Thats a Prestige neck on that puppy. If it feels anything like my AR3000 neck then it was worth every cent. Good luck with it Sven! |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2005 - 6:28 pm: | |
Not sure if it has a digitized neck like the Prestiges, but it feels great. I wonder how the AF105 neck compares.
-Sven |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 10:41 am: | |
Congratulations on the new guitar. I purchased the same model a couple of weeks ago. The neck is fantastic (although I wish it was 1-3/4" at the nut - personal preferenc). Sound is very good, too. Originally planned to replace the pickups, but it sounds so good, I'm going to keep it with the stock pickups.
I've always wondered what my GB-100 would sound like with top mounted humbuckers. Now I know - it's fantastic. |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 12:50 pm: | |
Wildfield, I measure mine at 1 23/32" - pretty wide. I've never seen any jazz guitar, or any Ibanez with a 1 3/4" nut. Have you? 1 3/4 is usually only available on custom necks.
Mine came with the pickups really high: neck 1/8" from the strings and bridge 1/16". I've never put a super 58 this high, but it sounds really nice and dark. It gets more twangy as you move them away. Super 58s can get muddy sometimes. This guitar is tight and articulate yet full sounding at the same time. That's what I want a jazz guitar to be. But I can't help thinking that one of the DiMarzio PAF variations would improve chord definition - PAF classic's have made a huge improvement in other guitars. It'd be a pain changing PUs in the AG195 because of the shielding foil on the pots and switches.
-Sven |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 1:45 pm: | |
Sven - did you get yours at Guitar Showcase? I was looking at one there and when I went back to buy it, it was gone. Figuring that they could no longer get them, I ordered one from Guitar Trader.
I haven't touched the pickup height yet. I have only changed the strings (13-52 Labella flat wounds) and lowered the action a touch. It sounds fantastic as it is. Been playing it through a Polytone Mega Brute. Dark, warm and mellow. A little dark on chord comping but still acceptable to my ears. Great for chord melodies and single note stuff. |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 2:17 pm: | |
"Wildfield, I measure mine at 1 23/32" - pretty wide. I've never seen any jazz guitar, or any Ibanez with a 1 3/4" nut. Have you? 1 3/4 is usually only available on custom necks." -Funkle
I think technically the AG195 is probably a 1-11/16" though the actual measurement could very well be what you have stated. I believe some Gibsons have a 1-3/4" nut. Two of the flattops I have came with 1-3/4" nut widths. Not sure how common that width is on other makes and models. Over the years, it's a width I've become comfortable with, despite my very small hands.
Having said that, I still really like this guitar, the shape of the neck, the playability and the sound. I have to say that overall, I like this guitar better than my GB-100.
Darryl |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 3:00 pm: | |
"I think technically the AG195 is probably a 1-11/16"
Yes, that's what it's listed as. my point was that there is some variation, and this one is on the wide side. I thought most Gibsons were 1 5/8", clubby narrow and deep.
I got this at B Street Music in San Meteo. Where is Guitar Showcase? |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 3:03 pm: | |
Ah, I see Guitar Showcase is in San Jose. Is it worth a trip?
-Sven |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 - 3:12 pm: | |
Ah, I see Guitar Showcase is in San Jose. Is it worth a trip? - Sven
You betcha!  |
Zhen
Username: Zhen
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2005 - 7:37 am: | |
my congrats, Funkie!! it was a total surprise for me to hear that the AG series sound much more full and dark to you than the AF and the AK series! now you can go hit the ghetto and write your own cookbook ! ;)))
my congrats again and sorry for my latency |
Bigmike
Username: Bigmike
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2005 - 1:24 pm: | |
I have to speak up on Guitar Showcase in San Jose, I've been a customer of theirs off and on for the last 18 years, got my first GB10 (a beat '78 Blonde, was in the consignment shop for, check this, $700.00 !!). Over the years I've bought and sold all kinds of stuff there, great people and not nearly the decibel levels of a Guitar Center...
PS that Artcore is sweet !!! |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, July 23, 2005 - 1:34 pm: | |
Guitar Showcase recently lowered their price to $669. What a great deal. I can't get over how good the stock pickup sounds on this guitar. I had purchased a SD Seth Lover at the same time I ordered my AG195, but now I hate to replace the Super 58 because it sounds so good. To each his own, but this guitar has rapidly become my favorite (budget) electric archtop. |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 02, 2005 - 4:14 pm: | |
Hi Sven,
Couldn't sleep last night so I re-read some older postings. Your post here got me going and I just ordered an AG195 from Guitar Trader. Didn't know insomnia could cost money.
Ace |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, October 02, 2005 - 5:01 pm: | |
"Couldn't sleep last night so I re-read some older postings. Your post here got me going and I just ordered an AG195 from Guitar Trader. Didn't know insomnia could cost money." - Acetan
Hey Ace,
Congratulations. Guitar Trader is where I ordered my AG195 from too. I for one am anxious to know how you like the AG195 once you have a chance to plug it in and play it.
One comment about the first guitar I ordered from Guitar Trader. It had a very strange finish defect or problem. The finish around the top of the peg head was very cloudy I tried to polish it out, but the cloudiness appeared to be in the clear coat.
I called Guitar Trader and their return policy allowed me to exchange the guitar for another one. They were very pleasant about the exchange. The second guitar received was in perfect condition.
Just thought I'd mention it incase you get the guitar with the cloudy finish.
Anyway, hope you will enjoy your new guitar and looking forward to your report.
Best regards,
Darryl |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 02, 2005 - 5:51 pm: | |
Thank you Darryl for the heads-up. Will keep my eyes open.
Ace |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 05, 2005 - 10:38 pm: | |
The AG195 arrived today. I just got it out of the box and at first glance, it looks great.
Ace |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 02-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2005 - 8:48 pm: | |
Ace:
OK, we've been patient enough.  What's your first impression of it? |
Regg
Username: Regg
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2005 - 10:05 pm: | |
I didn't notice this thread before but now that I have, I'd really like to get my hands on an AG195--that's a sweet looking box for sure. My wife is gonna KILL me!
Is it me or do the reviews seem pretty sparse for this model? Sven is almost by himself out there, and he's the only one with a very descriptive evaluation of it. I know everyone has different tastes, but from what's been said already it seems almost like a no brainer to at least check out one of these for what GT is selling them at. Are the tuners good quality, and what is the acoustic tone like? |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2005 - 11:19 pm: | |
I spent fifteen minutes going over the guitar and found no flaw. The fret work is the best I've ever seen on a production guitar, bar none. The neck is very sweet and has the same profile as my '87 FG100 and AM205. The weakest part is the machine heads which are just so so and the tail-piece can definitely be improve upon, but the original parts are functionally quite adequate and are fine for all but the most picky ones. The biggest surprise is the tonal quality. It is very similar in size to the GB10 but may be due to the mahogany in the neck, the guitar sounds dark and very mellow compare to the GB10 which I think is a bit on the bright side. The bottom line is that I got a guitar that I like better than the GB10 in terms of tone at half the price. I have only played it at 3/10 of the volume setting on my 50 watt Musicman. I'll crank it up and see how it sounds over the weekend. I'll also try to borrow my friend's GB10 and do a back to back. All in all, a very satisfying guitar. I'm now tempted to pick up the AF195 and the AS193 as well.
Ace
 |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2005 - 11:22 pm: | |
Looks good between my older full acoustics. It does not have a strap buttom at the heel so I'll have to get out the old Makita, arghh!
Ace |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 10:00 am: | |
Great looking instrument!! Congratulations!
From the initial reviews it sounds like the 'old school' product quality we've been assured of from Ibanez' Korean builders is true based on your AG195. That's a good thing! |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 10:15 am: | |
"I spent fifteen minutes going over the guitar and found no flaw. The fret work is the best I've ever seen on a production guitar, bar none. The neck is very sweet and has the same profile as my '87 FG100 and AM205. The weakest part is the machine heads which are just so so and the tail-piece can definitely be improve upon, but the original parts are functionally quite adequate and are fine for all but the most picky ones. The biggest surprise is the tonal quality. It is very similar in size to the GB10 but may be due to the mahogany in the neck, the guitar sounds dark and very mellow compare to the GB10 which I think is a bit on the bright side. The bottom line is that I got a guitar that I like better than the GB10 in terms of tone at half the price. I have only played it at 3/10 of the volume setting on my 50 watt Musicman. I'll crank it up and see how it sounds over the weekend. I'll also try to borrow my friend's GB10 and do a back to back. All in all, a very satisfying guitar. I'm now tempted to pick up the AF195 and the AS193 as well.
Ace" - Acetan
Ace,
Congratulations on the new guitar and I couldn't agree more. Dimensions are basically the same as my GB-100. The GB-10 is 1/2" shallower in body depth. I also concur that the sound is darker and more mellow than the GB sound (perhaps the difference between floating mini humbuckers and the Super 58's). Neck is superb - in my opinion better than my GB. And finally, based on my experience with the AG195, I too have considered buying the other two Artcore United models. I don't need them right now, but I keep thinking I may want something like the AF195 and AS193 in the future, and by the time I want them they'll be gone for NOS market.
Anyway, congratulations again on picking up such a great axe.} |
Artfield
Username: Artfield
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 11:53 am: | |
Ace thats a very nice collection.......and honestly your new one looks great.....is it as good as.... |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 2:15 pm: | |
My favorite is still my AS50 followed by the FA100. I would rank the AG195 slightly below my AM205 and the AM255, but better than the FG100 and the AM300. Not bad after only three days.
Ace |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 5:46 pm: | |
Guitartim, the AG195 is not Korean! The body is made in China and the rest is done at FujiGen in Japan.
The fretwork and finish is surprisingly immaculate indeed. Ace's comments are exactly inline with mine. My only addition would be that I have very particular tastes in tone, and the AG195 just happens to fit the bill for me. For people that like a brighter, more acoustic tone, this may not be the ticket. It's tough to argue with that great neck though.
-sven |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 5:59 pm: | |
BTW, welcome to the club of happy AG195 owners Ace!
Regg, now you have 3 glowing reviews on which to base your purchase! Get 'em while you can!
-sven |
Regg
Username: Regg
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 7:21 pm: | |
Yep. The description of the tone is what is right up my alley: dark, warm, sweet, mellow....that's what makes jazz guitar so seductive to me. Well, I guess you know what my next purchase will be.
Ace: My compliments on your fine collection. I know this is a bit OT, but what have you got there in the background, if you don't mind me asking? Is that an old Rockman unit I see in the back on the right? I have an old Stereo Echo that is still my favorite delay unit, but never got to try any of their other gear. |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 8:13 pm: | |
Good eye Regg, that is a Rockman stereo chorus/delay unit. I've been using it since my old Univox tape echo died in 1980. I did add an Ibanez AD99 analog delay a few years back for simplicity sake. I also use a couple of Rockman ear-phone amps, one for guitar and one for bass. These are the original Tom Scholz units made in the late 70's and they are very nice practise amps.
Ace |
Jazzmenco
Username: Jazzmenco
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 10:32 pm: | |
The strings come with your AG195 is flat wound, right? Do you know what size that is? |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, October 09, 2005 - 12:54 am: | |
According to my dial caliper, they are: .012, .015, .023(w), .030, .040, and .050. Yes, they are flat wounds.
Ace |
Regg
Username: Regg
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, October 09, 2005 - 11:12 pm: | |
Here's one negative comment about the AG195 I found on Google groups:
"I just took delivery today of an Ibanez AG195. After A/B'ing it with my worn-out, beat-up Stylist Standard. I'm now sending the the AG195 back. Compared to the Stylist Standard, the AG195 sounded like a toy."
Well, obviously he was a fan of the Dean Stylist. I don't think anyone bothered to ask him if he actually plugged in the AG195 before playing it though. |
Bradk
Username: Bradk
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, October 15, 2005 - 1:49 pm: | |
Can anyone tell me a store that has an AG195 in stock? Guitar Trader has moved all of theirs and there's no store in town that has one. Thanks in advance. |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, October 15, 2005 - 3:41 pm: | |
Guitar Trader's website still says "in stock" though they may not update their site regularly. I'm guessing you called and this is how you found out they are out of stock.
There is a store in my town that has one. Guitar Showcase in San Jose. Also, I believe Sven has seen them at B Street Music in San Mateo.
Good luck in your search and curious to know how it turns out.
Darryl |
Bradk
Username: Bradk
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, October 15, 2005 - 4:54 pm: | |
Yes, called GTrader and their website is incorrect. Also called Guitar Showcase and they have one but will not ship it to me at my expense. I'll try B Street and see what they'll do. I do appreciate the reply. |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, October 15, 2005 - 7:40 pm: | |
That's a bummer. I dropped you an e-mail. Let me know if I can help out somehow.
Darryl |
Regg
Username: Regg
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 3:17 pm: | |
Thanks to you guys I just ordered one--I have to check it out.
Now the only thing is waiting for it to get here.
Thanks for the heads up on a quality axe. |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 4:42 pm: | |
Welcome to the club. I don't think you'll regret it.
Ace |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 4:57 pm: | |
I just ordered a set of Thomastik-Infeld .012 flatwound strings for mine. The tone should be even better when I put them on
-Sven |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 5:07 pm: | |
Hey Regg,
Where did you order it from? |
Regg
Username: Regg
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 7:23 pm: | |
"Hey Regg,
Where did you order it from?"
Guitar Trader.
Shortly after Brad said the GT webpage was incorrect, I noticed that GT had replaced it with a link to a template email (an "inquire about this item, not in stock" type of thing), but I emailed them about it anyway.
A guy named Steve contacted me and said that Ibanez had about 4 of these left, and he said if contacted him by phone, he would get my info and sell the AG195 to me for $750. I didn't respond, but instead checked the GT website again in a few days and saw that the IN STOCK NOW page was back, with the closout price. As I type this, it is still there. I called GT to make sure and they confirmed that they had just one in stock, so I closed the deal on the webpage. Hopefully they had their information right and are sending me the right guitar, knowing my luck.
I have no idea if GT has a lock on the remaining 195's or not, but I am anxiously awaiting mine. |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 8:30 pm: | |
Broke down and ordered an AF195 from GT. The wait begins.
Ace |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 9:06 pm: | |
"Broke down and ordered an AF195 from GT. The wait begins." - Ace
Wow, that's great. Congratulations to and to Regg. Can't wait to hear your reviews once you've recieved your guitars. |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 11:03 pm: | |
I've received a couple of e-mail from Guitar Trader after I bought the AG195 from them. The second e-mail gave me a $30 off on my next purchase and I decided to take advantage of it. The bottom line is that the AF195 ended up costing me $629. I just couldn't resist.
Ace |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 11:08 pm: | |
Hi Regg,
Just checked GT's web site, looks like the AG195 is available again.
Ace |
Regg
Username: Regg
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 11:43 pm: | |
Hi Ace,
It would seem that way wouldn't it? Here are some of the emails I got from Steve at GT:
10/15/05
Hello,
Thanks for the email. Unfortunately we have just recently sold our last AG195. Let me know if you are interested in placing a special order and I will contact Ibanez to check the current availability.
Thanks,
Steve
10/18/05
Hello,
I just contacted Ibanez. They informed me that the AG195 was in stock and ready to order. Give us a call at 888-448-4828 if you would like to place an order.
Thanks,
Steve
10/25/05
Hello,
I apologize for taking so long to get back to you. The lowest that we could do that guitar for will be $750.00. As of right now they have 5 left in stock. Let me know if you would like to place an order.
Thanks,
Steve
Then, today, I saw it back up at the closeout price on GT's site. I called over there and they said the one I ordered was the only one they had left. I'm not sure what those guys are doing. |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 28, 2005 - 8:41 pm: | |
When I ordered the AF195 yesterday, they said it is the last one they have but both the AF and AG195 are still listed as available on their web site when I checked just now. May be their site is not up to date, or something...
Ace |
Regg
Username: Regg
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Monday, November 14, 2005 - 3:02 pm: | |
Hey guys, I just got my AG 195 no more than 5 minutes ago. Only problem is now I need a case--forgot about that.
Any suggestions? |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Monday, November 14, 2005 - 4:02 pm: | |
Personally, I like the GB10SC. Nice quality case by TKL. I believe the AG100C will also fit the AG195 guitar nicely. |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 14, 2005 - 8:26 pm: | |
Sweet! Let us know what you think.
-Sven |
Regg
Username: Regg
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Monday, November 14, 2005 - 10:01 pm: | |
What do you think of the Thomastik-Infeld's Sven?
I'm definitely going to need a setup, so if they worked for you I may try 'em. |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 - 1:29 am: | |
I haven't put them on the AG yet, but I've had them on some other guitars. They are a very well made string. They may sound more musical than D'Addarois. They are definitely darker. I'll let you know when I put them on. |
Dlmorley
Username: Dlmorley
Registered: 09-2004
| | Posted on Monday, November 28, 2005 - 9:14 am: | |
Just got my AG195 from guitartrader (I'm in Europe but shipped it via a US friend)
Damn, what a great guitar! It cost me 600 euros total. Here she is:
http://homepage.mac.com/dlmorley/ibanezag.htm
As everyone else has said, perfect setup and a great deep jazz tone. Build quality second to none.
If guitartrader still have any, grab 'em ;)
David |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Monday, November 28, 2005 - 3:16 pm: | |
David,
Congratulations and glad you like your new axe. It is a beauty for sure.
Best regards,
Darryl |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 - 1:43 pm: | |
Nice!
I like that 1st picture. |
Dlmorley
Username: Dlmorley
Registered: 09-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, December 03, 2005 - 3:54 am: | |
Now I just need time to play it!
 |
Ibnzplyr
Username: Ibnzplyr
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 4:10 pm: | |
Guitar Trader has an AG195 in stock-- for the moment.
Scott |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 12:29 am: | |
Really glad I got the AF while they lasted.
Ace
 |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 12:52 am: | |
Alright Ace!!! Lookin' good. |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 11:09 am: | |
Awesome looking couple,
review please! |
Regg
Username: Regg
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 8:30 pm: | |
Anybody know why these were discontinued anyway?
BTW, very nice Ace. I'm glad I at least grabbed one of their siblings, and your guitars look more organized than mine.
*** |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 1:19 pm: | |
Regg,
It's the same story as always with Ibanez: Too expensive, too little interest. We've drummed up enough interest here that they're starting to get a following here at ICW, but in the larger population, the average shopper can't justify spending 2-3 more than the lower Artcores, if they could even find one. And they're completely off the radar of more serious guitarists who would probably rather buy a Gibson, because that's what all the other "serious" guitarists play
-Sven |
Msawitzke
Username: Msawitzke
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 2:21 am: | |
It is really too bad...I had considered buying one, but I was waiting for the next NAMM show to try one out. By the time the show came up they had the AF105NTs on the rack...The United seemed like an excellent idea to me and they may have bailed on it too early. I've never even seen one in a store...and I live in LA! |
Pitchpocket
Username: Pitchpocket
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 3:10 pm: | |
Using the recommendations here, I hunted for an AG195 and found the last one at Guitar Trader for $669. I got it Nov 28. I bought the Ibanez case from Musicians Friend for $87 delivered.
I have to say the reports are right on. The finish work is excellent, the neck is superb and the sound is...well, remarkable. I've been selling off my inventory of unused guitars (including an old '36 Kalamazoo KG-11)to make room for a jazz box that I expected to have to spend upwards of two grand for. After receiving this little hummer, I've called off the search...at least for now. |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 4:05 pm: | |
Pitchpocket,
Congratulations. Glad to hear you are happy with your purchase. That's great and glad you were able to find one.
Regretfully, I sold my AG195 a few months ago to offset some other musical acquisitions. Thought I was being good by not collecting more than I needed. Boy was I wrong.
I contacted Guitar Trader last week to see if they could order anymore AF's or AG's from Ibanez. So far, no luck.
From now on, I don't care if my guitar closet is bursting at the seams. I'm done selling. |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 3:10 pm: | |
In case there is anyone still looking for an AG195, Guitar Trader seems to have them in stock once again.
As mentioned, I regretted selling my AG195 very much. I was so happy to see an AG195 re-emerge at Guitar Trader that I decided to place an order. God help me if I ever decide to sell another guitar. |
Lampmeister
Username: Lampmeister
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 4:22 pm: | |
Oops! I've gone and ordered one from Guitar Trader too. For a little over the UK price of an AF105 it would have been rude not to.
Dave. |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 4:34 pm: | |
Hey Dave,
Congratulations! I just hope they actually have the guitars in stock. Guess I should give 'em a call to see what's up. |
Lampmeister
Username: Lampmeister
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 2:42 pm: | |
D'oh! I just rang them and they do not have any in stock! They're going to see if they can get any more but I'm thinking that's all the AG195's gone for good.....unless anyone knows of another source?
Dave. |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 6:57 pm: | |
There now appears to be an AF195 available at Music 123. It is a couple hundred dollars more than the AG195 sold for at Guitar Trader. |
Lampmeister
Username: Lampmeister
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 5:33 pm: | |
Cheers for the tip-off Wildfield, appreciated, especially when the last few remaining discounted af195's seem to still be going for �800 in the uk!
Cheers,
Dave. |