AS103NT

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Author Message   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Wednesday, February 08, 2006 - 6:31 am:    Just ordered one and will have it next week. I originaly ordered the AF105NT but decided to go with this model since I already have a Jazz box.   Daveh Username: Daveh Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Wednesday, February 08, 2006 - 7:10 am:    Where are you located, and how much do they cost, if I might ask?   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Wednesday, February 08, 2006 - 3:13 pm:    I live in Pennsylvania USA. I don't know what the dealers are charging but I paying around 430.00.   Craigjc Username: Craigjc Registered: 11-2002 Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 7:51 am:    Could you repeat that? The only reference I've seen was at a popular mail-order place for $729.00.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 8:11 am:    430.00 is the employee discount price for HoshinoUSA where a family member works. You could say I am lucky   Craigjc Username: Craigjc Registered: 11-2002 Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 10:23 am:    Can you get an extra one??? I'm only a state away (Ohio).   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 4:15 pm:    Sorry I can't!   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 7:49 pm:    Hmm, I'll have to check the rule book on this, but I'd say that if somebody boasts about the discount they can get, they have to pass that discount on to all their friends.   Msawitzke Username: Msawitzke Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2006 - 3:17 am:    YEah, that sounds about right. :D   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2006 - 6:43 am:      Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 5:08 pm:    Just picked my baby up from Hoshino today. Here are some pics. I'll take some better ones later on. It is a real pain trying to get the plastic off of the pups.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 5:43 pm:    I have to say that this guitar is sweet to play. Its a solid build, frets are real nice. It holds its on to a real 335 in my opinion. i havent plugged her in yet but will later on tonight. I can't believe how nice this thing feels.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 7:55 am:    Well I got to test drive her at a small coffee house last night and it sounded great. I ran it into a Digitech RP7 effects and into my old Tubeworks amp with a 10" Jenson. Those Custom 58's sound real nice. I tried a few combinations and ended up favoring both pups with the switch in the middle. I really think this guitar is excellent.   Daveh Username: Daveh Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 8:16 am:    Is there a difference between the custom 58's, and the super 58's? Beautiful axe, but I'm not sure I like the match with the pick guard.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 8:58 am:    I think that the customs are wound different. i know that these are stamped on top S58B and S58N for bridge and neck and I'm assuming each of those are a different wind. I like the pickguard but find that it gets in the way when I finger pick.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 10:44 am:    Ibanezfreak, Great looking guitar, how do you like the tailpiece?   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 1:49 pm:    I think the tailpiece is great. It's taking time to get used to but I've been using the fine tuners.   Craigjc Username: Craigjc Registered: 11-2002 Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 7:36 am:    Custom 58 pickups have ceramic magnets. Super 58 have Alnico 3. This would suggest that the Custom 58s have a different wind to achieve a full sound. Definitely not the same pickup.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 8:14 am:    Craigjc, I always wondered how a ceramic magnet will stand the test of time? Can you give some insight on this. I really like the sound of this. It definitly is a much better guitar all around compared to my AF85VLS.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 8:16 am:    One thing I will say is that the simulated grey alligator skined case that comes with this guitar is cool but it reaks of glue.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 12:58 pm:    As I understand it, an alnico magnet will color the sound, while a ceramic magnet will not impart any character on the tone. So I suppose it would be possible to work the windings to get the desired tone. But some people say an Alnico magnet ads a very musical tonality. The lower numbered alnico magnets also have a much lower string pull. A powerful magnetic pull can cause all kinds of bad side effects. Here's Chris Kinman's opinion on magnets: http://www.kinman.com/html/toneWorkshop/perfectGuitar.htm#magnets   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 2:16 pm:    Thanks Funkle! Now my question about the AF105 and the AF103 is where do we find out the specs for the custom 58's?   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 2:50 pm:    Typo above there is no AF103 but an AS103. Anyway I have to say that out of the box tghis thing is perfect. Maybe because I got it direct from HoshinoUSA an hour after it was set up. I guess that is a plus.   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 4:23 pm:    Man, you're lucky having them (Hoshino) so close.   Daveh Username: Daveh Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 4:37 pm:    From what I've read, the PAF and P90 used an alnico3 magnet. If they color the sound, it's ok with me.   Craigjc Username: Craigjc Registered: 11-2002 Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:02 am:    All magnet materials influence the tonality of the pickup. Generally, stronger magnetic fields in pickups will cause more emphasis on treble. That's why weaker Alnico magnets sound warmer than ceramic. Ceramic magnets were originally used to brighten up overwound "hot" humbuckers in the '70s. With Alnico magnets, these SuperDistortion-type pickups would have been very dark sounding. The lifespan of ceramic? Geez, dunno...one's lifetime probably....maybe more. I have an AF75D and replaced the ceramic magnets...neck pickup got Alnico 2 and, after a couple magnet swaps, the bridge pickup ended up with Alnico 5. The stock ceramic magnets gave the pickups more chime and less midrange where the Alnico gave them more mids and fullness. It's personal preference...I personally think the Alnico magnets were an inexpensive improvement without buying new pickups. That said, I have a friend who's perfectly happy with the same guitar and stock magnets - he likes the chime and brightness. Bottom line...if you like the tones, things like magnet material, wire guage and insulation, impedence and resistance are just a bunch of techno stuff. If you like what you hear, turn it up and smile.   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:19 am:    Craig: Thanks for the good "techno stuff" and your first hand experience with changing out magnets. This is something I've never heard of before. Your "bottom line" summary is right on.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:42 am:    Yes thank you Craig! I do like the stock pups in this beast so far. I had the chance to jam with a jazz keyboard player last night and got a taste of what it sounds like for that type of music. The only effects i used were compression, chorus, and a little digital reverb. I have always been a fan of compression when playing clean. It seems to give the overall sound a fullness that is pleasing to my ears.   Craigjc Username: Craigjc Registered: 11-2002 Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 3:34 pm:    Compression? I'm a fan of compression all the time, used in moderation. Yeah, it can be difficult to handle when kicking in some serious gain, but the sheer smoothmess of the tone rules. AND, when I change from my Ibanez 2350 with humbuckers to my RS505 with single coils, the difference in output is not noticeable. Without a compressor, I'd be dealing with such varying output between guitars, it would be a whole other issue to deal with. The compressor makes the output of all my guitars approx. equal, and I really like that.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 11:45 am:    Here are some more pics of the AS103NT. The camera seems to on the fritz. The pics look washed out to me.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 12:08 pm:    Freak, looks like new construction going on. I really like compression. For clean tone, it has many applications. It makes jazz tone smoother and richer, adds presence to clean chordal work, and evens out funky comping. If you add some compression before the distortion stage, you can back off on the gain, and get a really smooth tone. With good compression at the front of the chain, you only need a little dirt to get those great singing lead tones. The downside is that compression will take away some dynamics. It really depends on your playing style. I usually use the compressor that's built into me TC Electronic G Major. But I also have a TC Triple C stand alone Studio Compressor that I use at the front of the chain sometimes. It is a great sounding unit.   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 4:25 pm:    Hey Sven and IBZ Freak, It has never occurred to me to try using a compressor in the signal chain. In fact, it is only recently that I have been experimenting with pedals (chorus and a Tech 21 Tri-AC tube emulator thing). I happen to have a RNC compressor that I haven't used in probably 5 years. Would that be a suitable compressor to use along with the two pedals I am using? Or do you need a compressor specifically design for use with a guitar? I may give it a try. Darryl   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 4:54 pm:    Give it a try Wildfield. It can't hurt. I am not familiar with the one you are talking about but maybe it will sound good!d the parlor is the last room to complete Funkle yes there is new construction going on here. We had termites and the parlor is the last room to complete.   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 5:13 pm:    So, out of curiousity, roughly what kind of settings do you guys use for decay, threshold, etc.? I'll goof around with it. So far the pedal thing has been a very nice experience - especially the Tech 21 device. I also have one of those Whammy pedals (Digitech I think) but haven't spent much time with it yet. Thanks for the tip!   Daveh Username: Daveh Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 5:30 pm:    Freak, Nice axe, and I'm curious about the finish color. It has a very white tone to it, and reminds me of what Maple looks like after a good bleaching. What do they call it?   Dvsleeko Username: Dvsleeko Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 9:45 pm:    Wow. Nice. Love the pickguard. Shape of guard reminds me of a 1930's Epi model. Good luck with 'er. ?;^)~   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 10:19 pm:    That finish is NT natural. It looks white in the pics. Wildfield I can't remember the settings I use for compression I'd have to scroll through the menu on my effects processor to see.   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 10:33 pm:    Thanks and no problem. I'll experiment around with the RNC. By the way, very nice axe. I saw that model at my local shop recently. The neck is very nice. Congratulations on a great score. Darryl   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 10:39 pm:    Thank You.   Craigjc Username: Craigjc Registered: 11-2002 Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 7:25 am:    Compression: I use a Boss CS-3 at the beginning of my signal chain. I set the attack very low (otherwise, I get a lot of popping sounds from picking). Tone is at 12:00, compression about 1:00 (very mild compression). The CS-3, along with a lot of other compressors, work like a compressor past midway on the compression knob and a limiter when less than midway on that knob. I set the output level to be approximately equal to that of my highest output guitar...about 3:00. I've used the same CS-3 for about 15 to 20 years! Fair warning: compression is addicting. I almost want to give mine up to regain the loss in dynamics, but I can't. By the way, that's a beautiful guitar. Gear envy.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 6:08 pm:    Craig, I agree about the addiction. I was using compression heavily, and then my Triple C broke, and I stopped using it. The uncompressed sound has a lot more life in some ways. The TC Electronic Triple C is really an interesting unit. It's a studio rack unit that's way more complex than your average stomp box - it may be overkill for guitar, but maybe not: you can set it up like a 3 band compressor, and compress different frequencies differently, for instance you can compress the highs less, and still get percussive attacks, while compressing the mids more. Or you could knock off more of the highs etc. really very powerful. And never really notice any artifacts like the pumping and breathing some units do. It does not like a High Z guitar signal, so you have to use a direct box or signal buffer.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 10:11 am:    Have a look at this new one available in Germany   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 11:01 am:    I like the shape of the peghead and the design of the fret board markers. I think I prefer the single volume and tone controls as well.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 12:57 pm:    Cool! I've always likes that body style. When are they going to start making solid body Customs? I love the ARC300, and I'd buy one with custom treatment in a second.   Gemberbier Username: Gemberbier Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 3:05 pm:    Beautiful flamed maple. How will this look when it has the age of my 2355M. Will it stay this white or will it age to a more yellowish vintage colour? Drool... The Hoshino list price in Holland is € 809.= But I got 15-18.6% discount several times I bought Ibanez equipment at the right time at the right place. I think with a good discount €659.= must be possible at a major Ibanez dealer. The pickups are a distinctive feature (cheaper Artcore models have IBZ ACH2 PUs). The full name of the pickups in the AF105 and the AS103 is SUPER 58 CUSTOM. Craigjc, is this the same pickup you were refering to as ceramic? Or is the CUSTOM '58 another pickup? I know the SUPER 58 of my AS120, don't know if I would like ceramic pickups. What sort of sound can one expect compared to the normal SUPER 58 PUs? Greetz, Ginger Ale   Mrryte Username: Mrryte Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 3:21 pm:    Why doesn't Ibanez just offer all models in all places? How do they determine which countries/regions/etc. get which models???   Gemberbier Username: Gemberbier Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 3:38 pm:    In each country the dealers decide what they are going to buy from the distributor. In Holland the distributor is Serlui, a 100% Hoshino daughter. The dealers get discount, when they're buying big amounts at one time. Filling their shop is the easiest with the cheaper models. They're quick sellers after the summer vacation, when the new guitar students get started. If they order only one top model, they get the discount, so it has to be done in one big shipment. So talk to your Ibanez dealer, and ask if he could order that high end model included in the next big shipment with a discount for you... And if he doesn't like it, tell him that you will try to find a competitor who will... It's not important to the dealer how much you pay, it's important he gets his profit margin! Good luck!   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 5:09 pm:    I'm not seeing that model on any of the Ibanez web sites. What are they calling it, an AWD103? It's interesting that they are selling several new Custom models which do not appear on the web site.   Yogi Username: Yogi Registered: 04-2003 Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 5:38 pm:    That model is called AWD102NT and can be ordered for EUR 659,- here: (at least within the EU) http://www.thomann.de direct link: http://www.thomann.de/de/ibanez_awd102nt.htm Juergen   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 8:07 pm:    This Canadian store has it in stock: http://www.axemusic.com/product.asp?numRecordPosition=17&P_ID=11591&PT_ID=29 They also have the AF125 http://www.axemusic.com/product.asp?numRecordPosition=2&P_ID=11590&PT_ID=29   Gemberbier Username: Gemberbier Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 4:40 am:    Reminder: This thread was originally about the AS103NT. I'd like some adequate info about the pickups as I asked above. Graigjc?   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 7:43 am:    who needs a reminder? Its an Artcore custom and that is why I posted here in the thread that I started. The custom 58's are ceramic magnets. I think they are just right for the AS103. They are crisp when you want them to be, mellow or kick ••• depending on what your settings are on the guitar and or amp.   Ratfinks3 Username: Ratfinks3 Registered: 11-2004 Posted on Tuesday, July 04, 2006 - 3:53 pm:    I checked the 103 out we got here in Florida, and it looked like a beefed up Artcore. If they would just loose that KISS symbol on the headstock I would be happy and I think it would add a unique look to the Artcore collection. At least on the custom model. I did a lot of research on the 103 and it does not have super 58's as we know them. Your correct on the mags. It's a super nice Artcore and you can tell a lot of time went in to the molding of the wood. Like the arch on the ears, like on the older law suit models. It had a warmer body sound from that move, but different than an as80 or 120 with the older super 58's. The woodwork was outstanding and the neck was a little different than the Artstars. The 103 has a little more C shape to it and it was thicker, and neckwise tone sounded brighter from the large inlays. This axe was comparable to any 2,500.00 guitar. But they got to loose the headstock symbol. I think they should go with the German inlay look shown above. Our price was $715.00 with no case. You have a fantastic guitar at a fantastic price. Congradulations !   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, July 04, 2006 - 5:00 pm:    Thanks Ratfinks3. I think its a fantastic guitar also!   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 8:05 am:    Hi, I am going to purchase a new guitar, probably Ibanez AS103. I found nice video tests/demonstrations at www.guitaretv.com . Four Ibanez's: AS103, AGS83, two electro-acoustic and other trademarks. Language is French, so I didn't understand anything but the music. Anyway, you could be interested. Greetings from Finland Juha   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 8:37 am:    Talajuha welcome to ICW. As you can see above I own the AS103 pictured in the thread. I jst want to say that after 9 months this guitar still plays like day one. I haven't had to make any adjustments on her yet. She's a beaty to look at and play. Good luck with yours when you get it. Brian   Ibnzplyr Username: Ibnzplyr Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 2:06 pm:    Are you happy with the sound/pickups on the AS103? Fretwork? Neck? Is there a smooth change in sound when the tone knob is turned? Etc.-- Anything more you'd like to add! Thanks-- Scott   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 2:21 pm:    I think I said it all in this thread and others, The frets are decent and the sound is very good. The tone knobs seem ok to me. They work like they should.   Fingersmcoy Username: Fingersmcoy Registered: 10-2006 Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 4:56 pm:    Thanks for video Tala.I might pick up a AWD102 if that model is sold at G.C. or M.F. The 102 looks more my style,love the fret work on the 102. It remindes me of an older high end Alvarez acoustic model i once saw .   Ibnzplyr Username: Ibnzplyr Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 5:14 pm:    Yes, Brian-- just checking to see if you still have the same regard after lo these many months have passed. Scott   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, December 01, 2006 - 5:57 pm:    Yes Indeed! Still in love.   Ratfinks3 Username: Ratfinks3 Registered: 11-2004 Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 1:16 am:    Is'nt it real nice the way the arched the horns? Take a pic without the pickguard and lets see her like that. If you take her apart, show us some pics of the rear of the pickups. I think all us old grunts are wondering what or if any changes to the pickups, etc. You have a real nice guitar. Congragulations. Rat   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 10:02 am:    Thanks, I have no plans of disassembly at this time. If and when I do you can be sure I will post pics here on ICW.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Thursday, December 14, 2006 - 4:29 pm:    Hi, I did it today, bought an AS103. What can I tell? She is as beautiful as we have seen. A couple of very small flaws in the finishing but looks like good hadicraft anyway (factory made). As far as I know everything works as it should. She screams or sings with the little practise amp, TB15R. Don't ask more. It will take weeks or months before I know how good a guitar she is. It's been ages since I have played any kind of guitar. With sore fingertips but happy so far Juha   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Thursday, December 14, 2006 - 6:00 pm:    Juha, Congratulations! That's a nice axe as everyone has already said. Tell us more when you have a chance.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 7:38 pm:    Sorry to tell you but I am not so happy any more. Looks like my AS103 has an extra curve on its top. It was difficult to see it because of the pickguard. The bridge and bridge pickup are 2 to 3 mm higher from the top at the upper end than at the lower end (upper meaning which is upwards when playing). So is E-string higher from the top than e-string (more between the pickups). I don't know if this causes any harm for playing or for the sound of the guitar, but I am sure it will be difficult to sell it if I ever try. I have no idea what has happened. Was it like that when it left the factory? AS103 is one of the top models in Artcore series. So I expected good Ibanez quality. I bought it at the Finnish importer's shop and expected they do not sell crap. They sold me .011-.049 spare strings and said it is the factory gauge and set on the guitar. The maintenance manual says "String gauges Artcore guitars .010-.046". Well, I'll have to contact them. Or is that kind of skewness of bridge and pickup (and/or top) normal? I understand that the bridge is not rectangular to the strings and could have slight difference in height at the ends. Juha   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 9:42 pm:    Juha can you show us adetailed picture of the suspected flaw? Then I can compare it with mine.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 3:45 am:    No, I don't have a digital cam. I compared it with pictures I found on Internet and couldn't see anything like this. Not many pictures with the angle of view needed. It looks like the top of my AS103 is not fully symmetric. The bridge pickup plate goes along the top and the upper end of the shield is at least 2 mm higher than the lower. The shield is parallel to the strings. Juha   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 7:35 am:    Juha I took some pics of mine and am emailing them to you let me know if these help.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 8:21 am:    Problem solved, I still believe in Ibanez I took my AS103 to the shop and had a long discussion with the guy who sold it. At first he tried to convince that a small flaw like this is nothing or it is normal but I didn't give up. He couldn't show me an other guitar with similar top. After all I got promise that when they get next shipment in the beginning of January they call me and I can choose one I think is better. Untill then I have this one with the extra curve. THANKS TO ALL ICW MEMBERS WHO HELPED! Isn't Internet wonderfull. I think ICW is the best all-round source of information when speaking about guitars though it is concentrated to one brand. Juha   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 11:22 am:    Juha, Sounds like you're getting it worked out. That's great. Let us know how it turns out. Darryl   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 4:08 pm:    Juha you are welcome. Glad to hear they are gonna take care of you. Sorry I didn't get to take more pics after I sent you the 1st batch but I've been real busy this weekend.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 10:27 am:    I took the blonde with the extra curve back to the shop and came home with a darker beauty. She is AS103SM-NT. I don't know if this new one looks as elegant as the blonde one, different kind of pickguard and looks generally, but I have to live with her now, because I accepted her in the shop. The seller told her list price is higher due to her special appearance (80EUR). I'll try to get pictures and post later. Juha   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 11:18 am:    Pics please!! If you want me to post them email them to me.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 11:24 am:    Like this?   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 12:15 pm:    Yes, but mine has different kind of grains and the pickguard is not that dark. I don't know if I imagine it but I think she sounds better than the former one, warmer and more mellow (can't describe it better). Is it "spoilted maple" top and bottom or was there something else wrong with the former one? Be patient, I bought a digital cam on my way home from the guitar shop and the battery is charging. Juha   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 4:46 pm:    Looks like 'spalted' maple top. Sweet! Is that a model heading for the USA? Remember the Ibanez LTD Ed. Spalted 'SR' Basses introduced at NAMM. http://namm.harmony-central.com/SNAMM06/Content/Ibanez/PR/Spalted-Maple-Basses.h tml   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 4:51 pm:    My first try to take guitar porno pics   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 4:59 pm:    Sorry for the quality, I'll have to practice with my new cam. And guitar! As you can see she is on my bed but doesn't sleep there.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 5:06 pm:    Believe or not but she looks better live Juha   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 5:33 pm:    Sweet! I'll bet she looks good live. What color binding does she have around her?   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 5:43 pm:    Guitartim (and others), It is "Spolted Maple" e.g. at http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/fourace/diary/200612030000/ Some sites say it is "limited edition". I heard two of them were imported to our small country. Juha   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 5:53 pm:    Bindings are some kind of light brown wood imitation, shade of gold(?) on them, same on the heel.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 6:03 pm:    One more, here the binding shows better (?)   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 6:07 pm:    Drool! Are the pup surounds wood like the specs say?   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 6:21 pm:    I can't tell for sure, but they look like rosewood (same as the pickguard) or a good imitation.   Guildibanez Username: Guildibanez Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 10:03 pm:    That spalted maple is very nice looking!!! I am suddenly not as enamored with my AS83! LOL, I still love it, but that AS103SM is sweet!! The only thing I don't like on the AS103 is the tailpiece with the fine tuners.   Petruz Username: Petruz Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 4:47 am:    these are beutiful guitars, in the best ibanez tradition (good quality/good price). the only pity is this damn artcore logo. somebody should warm them that is REALLY ugly. a similar thing ocurred with the AF200... nice archtop with an horrible AF logo in the tailpiece, which spoiled the entire thing; many people simply took it off. not so easy to do with this "kiss" lightning.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 8:58 am:    I personaly do not think of Kiss when I look at my Artcore nor do I think of my Artcore when I see the Kiss logo. Guildibanez the tailpiece is a nice feature. It actually comes in handy for a quick adjustments while playing without haveing to reach toward the headstock.   Petruz Username: Petruz Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 2:20 pm:    talajuha, by no means i intended to depreciate your guitar, which is extremely beautiful and desirable! in fact many will find this logo attractive. it's only a matter of personal taste.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 3:49 pm:    I have not liked the lightning very much nor the wooden knobs but I can live with them. I think both the original AS103NT and the new AS103SM are beautiful guitars, both in her own way. NT is cool/elegant and SM a bit more colourful. Juha   Daveh Username: Daveh Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 4:20 pm:    Not only is it spalted Maple, it is spalted Curly Maple. A very beautiful guitar, indeed. For any builders here, a friend has a batch(~350bf) of AAA+ Curly hard Maple in a kiln. There is mostly 4/4, but a few 8/4 flitches. Widths run up to +/- 16", and a small amount is spalted. This is special because of the tight quality/consistancy of the curl, and also the fact that it appears to be hard North Eastern Sugar Maple, which I have read, happens around 1 in10,000 trees. Almost all Eastern Curly Maple is from Soft Maple trees.}   Benito1300 Username: Benito1300 Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 3:53 pm:    the spalted maple brings an interesting appearance to the as103 indeed. much more lively than the plain flame maple of the original in my opinion. that topic aside, a buddy of mine just brought home an as103 (just the flame maple one) and it's pretty fantastic. i compared my as73 with alnico retrotrons to it and each had their distinctive voice, but the fit and finish of the 103 blew mine outta the water... the fret ends so round, the inlays so luxurious without being flashy, the finish so nicely buffed! plus, his headstock has yet to be snapped off and crudely repaired... time will tell on that one. i was a bit envious for a sec, but all things considered, i'm still quite happy with my 73 with the mods i've made. all i'm sayin' is that the 103 is one fine guitar. by the way, does anyone have any suggestions on a home made fret-end rounding/smoothing technique for my 73? after playing the 103, that's probably the most noticeable disappointment i'm experiencing during playing. any help would be greatly appreciated. ben   Benito1300 Username: Benito1300 Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 4:18 pm:    oh, and about the bolt... i'll remind you of my first class fix with this picture it isn't the most appealing up close, but if you can keep observers a good twenty feet away most times, you should be alright. if you don't want to mess with electrical tape crap on your headstock, i can understand why you wouldn't use this method on a higher end guitar like a 103, but for my 73, it was just the ticket. ben   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 10:07 am:    Jsut got from HoshinoUSA a brand new blank Bone/Brass half and half blank nut which I will be installing this week. will let you all know how it goes.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 9:37 am:    Check this burled 103 out.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 10:06 am:    You are late. This and AF105BM-NT were here ages ago. See http://www.ibanezcollectors.com/discus/messages/14 /2036.html?1183404708 Juha   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 10:29 am:    I see. But its never too late to discover a beauty like that!   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 4-2001 Posted on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 10:36 am:    Um...did anyone else notice that GB15 on closeout sale price of $2,050? Mama, hide my credit card?! http://www.drumcityguitarland.com   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 12:16 pm:    That looks sweet also.   Mauiboy Username: Mauiboy Registered: 4-2007 Posted on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 5:34 pm:    Aloha, Are these full size bodies or smaller like the AM 205s and 255s? Are they 24 3/4" scale? Any help would be appreciated I can't find these specs on the website. Mahalo, Evan   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 6:37 pm:    I got your email but deleted it by mistake Mauiboy. Yes they are full sized. Neck: 5pc Artcore custom set-in neck NeckType: Artcore Custom Set-In Body: Flamed Maple top/back/sides Frets: Medium frets Fingerboard: Bound Rosewood Inlay: Artcore Custom Bridge: ART1 bridge NeckPU: IBZ Custom 58 neck pu MiddlePU: IBZ Custom 58 bridge pu HWcolor: GD Width: Max width at lower bout: 15 7/8” BodyThickness: Max body thickness: 2 5/8” Scale length give me a sec to open the case... as you mentioned above 24 3/4.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 6:48 pm:    AS103's and AF105's max width at lower bout is 15 7/8” . Scale is 24 3/4" . Specs can be found at http://www.ibanez.com/hollow/ http://www.ibanez.com/catalogs/IBZ_07_ArtcoreCatal og.pdf http://www.ibanez.co.jp Juha   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 6:50 pm:    Now I was late Juha   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 7:02 pm:    And after reading specs more carefully I see that AF105's max width is 15 3/4" Juha   Mauiboy Username: Mauiboy Registered: 4-2007 Posted on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 5:27 am:    Thanks guys I appreciate the info. Those are beautiful guitars. How would you rate these compared to the AS200 Artstar series from about '97'? Mahalo   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 7:35 am:    I would have to pay the artstar to give a fair comparison.   Jcmc64 Username: Jcmc64 Registered: 6-2006 Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 1:04 am:    Juha, amazing looking guitar...I was totally enamored with Freaks above then I saw yours...I want both!! The only thing I just cannot get used to is the lighting bolt on the headstock ...it belongs on a skateboard, not on a Ibanez!!   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 4:26 pm:    Yeah, pretty good looking. She does not have the shade of red live as in most of the pictures. The colour is at best in the picture taken from the side of the body though not natural even in it. I am working on it with my simple digital cam and simple image editing programs to get better quality. BTW, she is a player, too Juha   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 6:56 am:    Here are some updated pics of my AS103. I finaly pulled the factory strings off and gave her a new set. I also removed the pickguard to see what she looks like. I like it. Also I took some shots of the Custom 58s for those interested. If you notice she's starting to change color from when I first got her. Let me know what you think guys.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 7:01 am:      Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 4-2001 Posted on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 10:27 am:    Great shots,Freak. I like how the rounded fret-ends extend over the binding. Are you going to swap out the p'ups or keep them stock?   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 11:55 am:    AS103NT is one of the most beautiful guitars on the market and shows better craftmanship than any other guitar that I have seen in the same price range. Oh, have I said that many times before My AS103SM-NT is getting darker, too. Juha   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 12:23 pm:    Guitartim I am keeping the stock pups in her. > i was trying to capture the fret ends in that shot I guess I did good. How do you think it looks without the pickguard? Juha the only thing I was disappointed with is that there is no finish at the end of the fretboard extension behind the neck pup. That area is hidden with the pup in place though.   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 4-2001 Posted on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 1:44 pm:    Freak~ I agree that the AS103NT is one beautiful instrument. It is a new take on the rareified AS200NT (Blondie). Check out the similarity:   Chucke99 Username: Chucke99 Registered: 2-2007 Posted on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 2:55 pm:    I hadn't noticed whether mine is getting darker. I love it. It's one of my players: -Chuck   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 4:02 pm:    Oh yeah that AS200NT is one sweet guitar. They do look alike! Chuck didn't your have Gretch pups in her when you got it?   Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 5-2005 Posted on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 4:59 pm:    Freak, Thank you for posting the photos. Great shots. I know others have mentioned this ad nauseum but the Artcore Customs are a fantatic value and have great quality. They play and sound great out of the box...not to mention, they are fun to modify. I wish Ibanez would make an Artcore Custom version of the AM and the AG. Btw, way off topic but whatever happened to Funkle? I miss his comments. I thought about Funkle because I see that he commented in this thread quite a while back.   Talajuha Username: Talajuha Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 8:28 pm:    Aaawww, that AS200NT ... I wish I would never have seen it, far too attractive ... rare and expensive ... "there is no finish at the end of the fretboard extension" Also I noticed it today - have to consider laquer/nail polish or something when I have strings off. "getting darker" I have had mine 11 months and the change is hardly noticeable, nothing to be worried of. One wooden knob has a small crack on its lower edge (like wood gets when it gets dry). Juha   Chucke99 Username: Chucke99 Registered: 2-2007 Posted on Saturday, December 08, 2007 - 12:20 am:    I just got finished playing my AS103NT. It has Greco "Super 70's" in it (from a 1970's Greco LP). When I got it, it had GFS Retrotron pups in it, and those are copies of Gretch pups. I sold those on eBay and got a combined $50 for them. New they don't sell for much more than that.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Saturday, December 08, 2007 - 11:51 am:    How do you like the super 70s?   Chucke99 Username: Chucke99 Registered: 2-2007 Posted on Saturday, December 08, 2007 - 1:10 pm:    I love the tone. I'm usually a distortion kinda guy (Zappa, Rush, ZZ Top) but I love to just play this guitar plugged straight into the amp, clean. I especially like the neck pup. Very very clean and clear sound. I've had to teach myself a few dominant 7th and diminished chords so I can pretend to be George Benson or Joe Pass.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Sunday, December 09, 2007 - 6:30 am:    Yeah Chuck I have the same desire to play mine clean. I really love the tone on the stock pups. These 103s are the collector pieces of the future for Ibanez lovers.

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