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Guitartim
Username: Guitartim

Registered: 04-2001
Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 3:15 am:   

While trolling GBase (while Mrs. Guitartim sleeps), I noticed TWO Artsar AF-120's selling for under $600. To me these babies are a steal considering their 3pc neck, full hollow construction, and pearl/abalone/pearl on rosewood fretboard and MIJ quality. Not sure if they have Super 58 or 70 pickups, but damn, they sure look like high quality bargain jazzers to me.

Here is one of them (mis-named 'FA'-120):

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=856364

Opinions?
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield

Registered: 05-2005
Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 10:28 am:   

I bought a used AF120 off of e-Bay a couple years ago. It was in pristine condition. Personally, I did not like the AF120 at all. Although the guitar was very playable, the sound was horrible - so many dead spots up and down the neck. The seller said the p/u's were Super 58's but I don't think they were. They sounded horrible - had a sort of shrill, annoying sound at moderate to loud volumes. I quickly sold it. I was much a happier with an AF85VLS I once owned although I admit I swapped out the stock p/u's for SD Classic 59's. I was also much happier with my AG195 and the p/u's on the AF120 sounded nothing like the Super 58's on the AG195. I paid $500 for my AF120 and I think they sell for between $400 and $600 on e-Bay depending on the condition.

Just my opinion and I don't count out the fact that I could have just purchased a dud. There may be others completely happy with their AF120.
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 10:28 am:   

Tim, the AF120 was made in Korea in the '90s, and the street price for a new one was around $600. They did have Super 58s. They are a decent entry level jazz box, but it is arguable whether they are any better than a $300 AF75. Now if you can find an AF200 for this price that would be a steel :-)
Acetan
Username: Acetan

Registered: 09-2003
Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 12:29 pm:   

I've played my FG100 and AF195 against an AF120 and I totally agree with Wildfield's comments. They are both livelier and their sound more open than the AF120 which feels kind of rigid. The FG100 feels the best but is not as "jazzy" in tone as the AF195 which I think will grow mellower still as it ages.

Ace
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim

Registered: 04-2001
Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 3:24 pm:   

Thanks for the very informative comments from actual users. I've never played an AF120, but always liked the small jazz box design. Sounds like the newer Ibanez models are a much better buy.

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