Ibanez Artcore Custom and the ideal j...

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Author Message Topfloorbottombuzzer Username: Topfloorbottombuzzer Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 6:23 pm:    Hey guys As y'all can see, i'm new here. I found the site while I was in search of some information relating to the Ibanez Artcore line. I consider myself a rock player, but I study jazz at university. I currently play a POS Cort Joe Beck model that's falling apart, so I need a new guitar fast! I've always loved Ibanez (my RG7621, mmmm), and since Gibsons sell for the price of a small secondhand car here in South Africa, a lot of the serious guitarists around here play Ibanez. I recently checked out the Artcore AF86VLS and I was quite impressed, but they had it stringed up with roundwound strings, so its amplified tone was kinda *meh*. But acoustically it sounded yummy. I can actually afford something a bit more expensive, so I checked out the Artcore Custom line and kinda fell in love with the AS103, although an AF105 could be nice as well! Problem is, the store doesn't have either of them in stock, so I'd have to order the guitar unplayed and untested... Luckily I have you folks to (hopefully) give me some sound advice. I want a "classic" jazz guitar tone, or at least I wanna get close to it. I play in a 20-piece university big band at the moment, so I've gotta turn up to be heard. Problem is, the only thing i have to "turn up" is a sucking tone. I like Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino type tone. That guy who plays guitar on the Diana Krall Live in Paris DVD also has the kind of tone that I would describe as a "classic" jazz guitar tone. No modern smooth jazz or Scofield-style chorus-dirt. I just want a yummy Ibanez Artcore into my brother's Fender Super 210. Okay, so after an overly wordy intro, here are my questions: 1) I like that semi-hollow body AS103. It looks cool, bridge won't fall off or move around (and DAMN it looks cool, like it can *do stuff*),less prone to feedback. And it's thinner! I recently played a Epiphone Sheraton, and I kinda liked the thinner body. Didn't like the fact it was Epiphone, or that the jack was on the top of the guitar. Can a semi-hollow do the trick? Will I get that "classic" tone? I'd probly use 11's or 12's on it. This is the most important question, because I *should* probably get the AF105 because this is gonna be my *jazz* guitar and "everyone knows a hollow body gives a better jazz tone", but I just plain LIKE the semi-hollow better. I'm just scared because my Cort is roughly the same size as the AF105 and my Cort has kinda put me off full-hollow body guitars. Don't get me wrong, both my teachers have ES-175's, so I know what a proper hollow should sound like. It's just that my Cort sounds nothing like I want it to, and I don't wanna buy another guitar like it. It's all boomy and bassy, but yet thin in the higher register. I use 11's on it. Maybe it's the pups, maybe I just don't know how to use EQ properly for jazz. I'm just hoping that one of these ibanezes will give me that sound I want. They sure as hell look cooler, and they look pretty durable too! Cort's falling apart. Back to the point: semi vs full-hollow: How big is the trade-off here? 2) How much better is the AF105 than the AF86? Is it the same guitar with better pups and better finish? 3) If the semi CAN actually get "THE tone" (or something close), how does the JSM100 stack up? Okay, those are my questions. Sorry for the big post and my complete inability to be concise and to the point. I just need all the info I can get, coz harmonycentral doesn't have much info on these guitars, and I know you guys know better anyway. I'd highly appreciate ANY info! Peace Buzza Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 8:35 pm:    Buzza, Welcome to the ICW board. I can't answer all your questions but I would comment that the AS103 could be a great choice. As you mention, that body type will not be as prone to feedback. Also, semi hollows tend to be more versatile in terms of playing style - jazz, pop, funk, rock, etc. I don't think it will be an issue getting a nice, dark, warm jazz tone out of the AS103 though I myself have not played that exact model. You will get more sustain (from a semi hollow), which perhaps is not a typical/traditional bebop characteristic but there are plenty of jazz guitarists playing semi hollow guitars. Good luck and be sure to let us know which guitar you end up with. Darryl Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 9:35 pm:    Buzza~That was quite an introduction! Welcome aboard and post often. I can only speak for one of the models you mentioned in your post. The JSM100 can do much of what you are looking for, but it is definitely not a full hollow, so it has some limitations in that sonic area, as any semi-hollow would. But as far as quality, durability, great neck, and wonderful tone, it is hard to beat for the money. Put a set of flatwound 11's or 12's on her and she'll swing sweet jazz all night long. If you can locate shops in your area who might stock some of the Ibanez models you are considering, that is best. Others here can comment on the other models you are considering. I'm just really spoiled with the JSM. Garyelcrrt Username: Garyelcrrt Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 10:16 pm:    Anthony Wilson, Diana Krall's guitarist plays a Monteleone Radio Flyer, and a goldtop Les Paul. I recently saw a used Radio Flyer advertised at $37,000. I admire your taste. See the other threads here about tone and the AF105. I own the AF105F, which is the floating pickup version. I'm quite satisfied with its tone through my Marshall VS-65R, and recommend it to everyone. Others are not so fond of the floating pickup. Overall, the fit and finish is very good. Topfloorbottombuzzer Username: Topfloorbottombuzzer Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 10:46 pm:    Hey guys, thanx for the speedy responses. Keep 'em coming, I love getting advice from knowledgeable people. One can never know too much. Unless you're in some CIA conspiracy movie thingy. But with jazz one always keeps learning. I think I'm beginning to move more and more in the direction of the semi-hollow... I'm trying to convince our local shop to hassle the Ibanez people to send them both Artcore Customs on consignment (they don't have the AF105F for some reason). That way I can check both out. I'd really wanna check out the JSM too, she's a beauty, guitartim! I just gotta check them finances...Choices, choices. It could still go either way though, so keep those suggestions coming! I just wish our stores had more selection so I could go in there and try these for myself. Instead I have to hassle you poor folks with all these questions... I wonder if a REAL nice guitar would actually inspire me to practice more...Any thoughts? Topfloorbottombuzzer Username: Topfloorbottombuzzer Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 10:52 pm:    Uh oh... The thick plottens: http://cgi.ebay.com/IBANEZ-ES-175D-JAZZ-GUITAR-PRE-LAW-SUIT-ONLY-1-NR_W0QQitemZ7 413641736QQcategoryZ33040QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 11:34 pm:    Wow, that's a goregous guitar. I'll bet it sounds like a real gem. Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 11:51 pm:    Here is the ICW-friendly version of the 2355BS on ebay: http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7413641736 Garyelcrrt Username: Garyelcrrt Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 12:43 am:    NOW you show me! After I just bought a 60's something Trutone f-hole archtop yesterday. At least it was cheap. Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 7:28 am:    Topfloor, I recently bought a AS103 and its a great guitar nice neck, fretes and tone. I don't think you would be disappointed with it. The AF86VLS is a lower quality than the AF105NT even though I have not played either one I can say that I have an AF85VLS and compared to the AS103 it is not on the same class. hope this helps! Topfloorbottombuzzer Username: Topfloorbottombuzzer Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 8:21 am:    Thanx for the update, Ibanezfreak1960. What's the difference between the AF86 and the AF85? Also, I've seen many pics of the AS103 posted here and elsewhere. Does the finish really look that white? Or does it have more of a yellowish natural finish as one would expect? I can never tell whether the camera/flash whitens the pic or not. Shite, that Ibanez ES175 on ebay kept me up last night... Whatever I end up getting, I'll come and rant and rave and show piccys f'sure! Phatphred Username: Phatphred Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 9:41 am:    Gary, you mentioned Monteleone. Here's an example and, if that should generate any curiosity, here's his site. http://www.monteleone.net/GrandArtist7.html Archtops and New York art deco just seem to go together so naturally - think of the D'Angelico New Yorkers. Hey - can't a guy dream already Phatphred Username: Phatphred Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 9:42 am:    Gary, you mentioned Monteleone, so I looked him up. Here's an example and, if that should generate any curiosity, here's his site. http://www.monteleone.net/GrandArtist7.html Archtops and New York art deco just seem to go together so naturally - think of the D'Angelico New Yorkers. Hey - can't a guy dream already Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 10:22 am:    Topfloor the difference in the af86 and the 85 is the tailpiece. The 86 has a nicer looking tailpiece. Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 10:22 am:    http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D150000149825 here is a as103 with less then i hour to go. Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 10:44 am:    Buzza, I'll throw in my 2 cents. "because I *should* probably get the AF105 because this is gonna be my *jazz* guitar and "everyone knows a hollow body gives a better jazz tone", but I just plain LIKE the semi-hollow better." Then go for the semi, If you're drawn to this kind of guitar. I have an AG195 and an AS200, and I use them both exclusively for jazz. They both have wonderful but different tones, and they both work great for jazz. A semi is an "acceptable" jazz guitar so you shouldn't get too many funny looks They are more versatile, but with the tone rolled back, flat wounds and a heavy Dunlop pick you can get some pretty dark tones out of a semi. "2) How much better is the AF105 than the AF86? Is it the same guitar with better pups and better finish? " The Artcore Customs (AF105, and AS103) really are much better than the lower Artcores. The main difference is in the neck and fretwork. The (Chinese) workmanship on the customs is comparable to to some of the finest recent MIJ guitars. The necks have nice eased edges and some of the most perfect ball ends on the frets. The lower models are quite decent for the price, but there is an obvious and immediate difference in playability. Whichever direction you take, you should also keep on the lookout for the Artcore United series guitars: AF195, AG195 and AS193. They are top notch guitars. -Sven Topfloorbottombuzzer Username: Topfloorbottombuzzer Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 10:50 am:    Damn that's one freaky pretty lookin guitar. Just came back from the music store, got a quote on a JSM100, kinda pricey but still half the price of that damn Gibson 335 Custom they have. Sofar it's either one of the artcore customs OR the jsm. But if I can shell out on a JSM, I could ALSO get the GB10 for the same price. I still wanna hear some comments on the tonal difference between an archtop and a semi hollow for jazz purposes, was kinda trying to get a bit of a debate going ibanezfreak i did see some ibanezes there on ebay, but I don't wanna ship a guitar myself unless it's something real nice like that ES175 copy. But i'd probably get outbid anyway. I bought myself an Eastwood Ovation GP Tribute online, not a bad guitar (it's got that queens of the stone age lead sound, YUM), but I don't wanna buy another guitar online if I can help it. I'm actually thinking of going to the States to do some crappy "work-overseas" golf-course maintenance work or somethin for a couple of months. Then I can buy some gear THERE and maybe play some music on the side. I just hope the cats think I'm good enough to play. I hear the standard of playing in the US is pretty high, but certainly not EVERY jazz player there is like a New York knows-every-standard-in-every-key kinda guy? Can one make money playing music in the states (without a record deal/mtv/etc)? Topfloorbottombuzzer Username: Topfloorbottombuzzer Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 11:00 am:    Sven, thanks for your $0.02, it's worth a lot more to me! You mentioned your two guitars, the one is an archtop and the other one's a semi, right? How do these guitars compare tonally and what kind of gigs do you use each of them for? Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 11:52 am:    Buzza, There has been a lot written on the tonal differences between the hollow/semi models recently, and there's really no substitute for getting out there and trying them. It comes down to personal interaction with the guitar. Technically, they're both archtops, one semi and one fully hollow. In a nutshell, The AG is deep, dark, compressed and airy. Probably not your cup of tea. The AS has a very powerful upper mid resonance that you can can just feel coming off the body. It has more authority than the AG, and has a more dynamic, percussive sound. Very much a Wes/Martino sound. The AS73 has the same kind of tone, but not as much of that clear resonance. The AS can also do some nice crunchy overdriven sounds. The AS is very feedback resistant. While the AG is stiffer than a bigger box, it still feeds back easily. I think an ES175 style like the pics you posted, or an AK would be good as well. They have more of that bright funky sound. Garyelcrrt Username: Garyelcrrt Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 12:45 pm:    Phatphred - yeah, I've long admired Monteleone's work - and I mis-quoted - the Radio Flyer on Ebay was at $27,000. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a393/garyelcrrt/mine2/monteleoneradioflyer.jpg OK, why don't the photos show? Both are less than 50kb...and I can't find instructions on the site. Point me in the right direction? and my personal favorite is the Quattroport (yes, just a dream - but it ranks right up there with fantasies of Lolabrigida) http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a393/garyelcrrt/mine2/QuattroportFront-lg.jpg Mrryte Username: Mrryte Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 10:54 am:    I agree with Funkle. Ultimately, it's how the guitarist plays that will determine the sound. Although George Benson has his own guitar, I'd be willing to bet that if you give him a Strat or a ES-335, he'd still have that unmistakable GB sound. And as for that "classic jazz guitar tone", it will be different from person to person so try not to become obsessed over it. On the flip side, I had a Artist full-hollow(AF80 I think) and it sounded nice for straight-ahead jazz. But later I purchase the AS120TR semi and it sounds just as warm and mellow for straight-ahead, but it can be used for other styles as well. Since you need some referrences, here are some reviews on the models you mentioned.... AS103: http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/Ibanez/AS103_NT-1.html AF105: http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/Ibanez/AF105-1.html AF105F: http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/Ibanez/AF105FNT-1.html Good luck. Topfloorbottombuzzer Username: Topfloorbottombuzzer Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 5:00 pm:    Sweet, you guys rule. Mrryte, I've been reading those HC reviews to death, too bad there's only one on the AS103. That's why I came here Anyhoo, looks like I'll probly be shelling for a JSM100. Guilt tripped my poor parents into spending some serious money, heehee... I was listening to some classic Wes again last night and MAN does he have a nice tone. So woody and acoustic, so mellow, yet so JAZZY. Yum. But then again, he WAS using his thumb and a HUGE friggin Gibson L5 or Super 400 or whatever. I just want a quality instrument, and I think the JSM seems to rule the roost when it comes to semi's, barring maybe a real 335. This will probably be the most expensive instrument I've ever bought (dunno if my GENZ BENZ STACK qualifies...*efg*), so I wanna get it right. I just kinda wish Ibanez sold something inbetween the AF105 and the PM100 or PM120... Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 5:45 pm:    Top~ Since you've narrowed down or decided on a JSM100, here is a bit more information from one of the UK retailers who specialize in Ibanez. http://www.theibanezstore.com/oscommerce/product_info.php?cPath=21_25_92&product s_id=261 Good hunting. Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 6:04 pm:    ...And the official JSM100 NAMM Press Release c/o Harmony Central... http://namm.harmony-central.com/WNAMM01/Content/Ibanez/PR/JSM100VT.html Phatphred Username: Phatphred Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 8:02 pm:    Buzz, if you're looking at a JSM100, why not do what I did? Get your shop, if you can, to get you one on approval. If you can't resist it, then, OK, buy it. In my case, they were going to take some three months to get one and my curiosity wore off. In the end, I got a 1980 AS200 on eBay and I haven't looked back since. Bear in mind that I used to have an Artstar AS200 in the late '90's, and my choice was to go back or forward in time for my next Ibanez semi. I have no reason to knock the JSM100, but I'd just like to point out that: 1) so far, I haven't seen one in John Scofield's hands, 2) he still plays his 1981 AS200 almost exclusively 3) he hasn't withdrawn his comment that the Ibanezes from the late 70's to early '80's were the best they've ever built. 4) The guitar you're looking for is for you, it's your feel, its relationship will be with you and not Sco or anyone on this board. If it speaks to you, you will know. Your honour, I rest my case. Gary, this is my favourite Monteleone, which to my thinking, quite obvious really, owes great debts to the great D'Angelico New Yorkers of the mid'50s and the Stromberg Master 400's of the 1940's. and a general blurb on the Radio City: http://www.monteleone.net/radio_city.html You're right: Dangerous curves, La Lollo, Sophia Loren, Claudia Cardinale, Anna Magnani, they were built that way too! More material for investigation http://www.themomi.org/museum/acoustic/enter.html Garyelcrrt Username: Garyelcrrt Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 10:23 pm:    Ok. I just had to call my father and tell him I'm gonna punch him in the eye next time I see him, because I wasn't born rich, and it's all his fault! Every time I see another Monteleone, I fall deeper in lust. I'm having dreams where (fill in the name of your favorite Italian sex symbol) is on one side of the room, and a new Monteleone is on the OTHER side of the room - and I'm stuck in the middle and can't make up my mind which to grab first. Topfloorbottombuzzer Username: Topfloorbottombuzzer Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 11:27 pm:    Thnx for the extra info Guitartim, every bit helps Phatphred, I hear what you're saying. In the end, I don't really care that much about Scofield, I think his tone is kinda poopy at times. I just want a nice workhorse jazz guitar that can maybe cover some funk/latin stuff too (i play in a big band and we cover a lot of styles). Like you said, in the end, I will know if it's for me. I think I'm gonna do a tour de guitarre shoppe tomorrow,see if I can find any jazz guitars in this damn town, maybe some comparison shopping is a good idea. It's funny how people at the guitar shop always say "we can order it for you no problem" but they don't seem to have enough faith in the product to actually get stock and sell it in the store. I guess having 20 Gibsons and 200 Fender strats is more important than offering people a choice. That Monteleone is BOOOOOOOOOOOTIFUL! Uhm *dumb question*: where's the pickup...? *sheepish grin* top Garyelcrrt Username: Garyelcrrt Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 12:42 am:    Yes, he makes beautiful guitars. And some have floating pickups, some have embedded pickups, others have piezo pickups. Pretty much, when you don't see one, its either "acoustice only" or a piezo pickup built into the bridge. And stop grinning - I still find myself looking for the pickup selector on my (single pickup) AF105F. When you are paying this much for a custom gitfiddle, you can pretty much pick your own poison. To give you an idea, at one time there was a "Dear Customer" letter on the website, though I don't know if its still there. This isn't an exact quote, but it went something like: Dear customer, prices start at $10,000 and go up based on your choices of design, wood, finish and hardware... Phatphred Username: Phatphred Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 5:14 am:    Gary No offence to our lady members, far from it, believe me. We were talking back there about Italian-blooded men: John D'Angelico, James D'Aquisto, Robert Benedetto, John Monteleone and who knows how many others. Speaking as one myself, I see the parallels between their passion for the guitar and that for Mamma's spaghetti sauce, cinecitta, and all that goes with them. It's no coincidence that, ever since the earliest days when the guitar travelled down the Silk Route across North Africa and the Mediterranean into Spain and Italy, men made their guitars in the shape of beautiful women. You don't see many medieaval Destroyers and V's, now do ya? Or Destroyer-shaped ladies for the matter of that, thank God Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 7:03 am:    Topfloor the reason they don't have the Scofield guitar is because they are made to order! All of the Japan Prestige are subject to this. Or should I say whats left of the Japan Prestige line! Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 10:12 am:    "Topfloor the reason they don't have the Scofield guitar is because they are made to order! All of the Japan Prestige are subject to this...!" Freak, I really did not know that! What a mistake by Ibanez IMHO. The best that they make is 'made to order'?! Get the product out there for God's sake! I've whined on previous threads about the lack of high end Ibanez in music stores, but have seen JSM100 available at most of the larger online outlets. Regarding Sco's use of a JSM. I don't really care and do not like the sound he gets from his '81 AS200 (due to his over-processed effects). Why has he never been photo'd using one...if it was designed to his personal specs? Ya know what...it does not matter one bit to me. I lucked up on a used model and could not be happier with it...no matter who endorsed it. Beats out every other semi-hollow I've ever played including Gibby Historics, Heritage 535/555, AS200 and my sweet old 2630. But this is my personal taste and has nothing to do with anyone else's choice of semi. Top~ Go find an instrument that speaks to you and take her home...no matter what others think, write or say. Tim Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 11:44 am:    "Top~ Go find an instrument that speaks to you and take her home...no matter what others think, write or say." - Guitartim Amen! At the end of the day, that's great advice. And be sure to let us know what you get. Phatphred Username: Phatphred Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 12:39 pm:    I just hope a Monteleone doesn't speak to you Topfloorbottombuzzer Username: Topfloorbottombuzzer Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 6:09 pm:    Guys.... I took a trip around town today and I think I found her... It's a bit of a long shot and you guys might think it's blasphemy but a Taylor T5 Custom. DAMN she was talkin to me! It's like test driving a Ferarri or something, I don't think I'm gonna sleep tonight. See, I'm gonna string her up with flatwounds, that should be just the ticket. I also played a Gibson ES137 that shows some potential, but the Taylor just SPOKE to me. No love on the Ibanez side I'm afraid. JSM would have to be ordered since the supplier doesn't have stock and the shipment of Artcores has yet to arrive. Any thoughts on the Taylor, though? As far as I can tell it's marketed more towards the strummy folksy folks, but I got a pretty nice jazz tone out of her and with flatwounds i'm sure she'll just sing! Thing is, it's a thinline, but it's also fully hollow, which is real nice. Also, it's not only limited to jazz. I can use it for the strumming coffee bar gigs too! I still wish I could check out some more Ibanezes though. Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 8:14 pm:    Wow, this thread really took a detour for a little bit That Taylor looks interesting for sure. Not so much of a dedicated jazz guitar - more of a hybrid like a Godin, or Carvin AE185. Have you seen the Hofner Verithin? Garyelcrrt Username: Garyelcrrt Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 8:37 pm:    I've heard good things about the Hofner Jazzica...anybody owned/played one? Phred --I love Italian food, wine and women. Do I qualify for "Dishonorable Mention"???? Phatphred Username: Phatphred Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 5:06 am:    Gary, keep practising. You'll get there!!! Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 9:39 am:    The T5 is a very nice guitar and extremely versatile. That could be a good choice for someone in music school, if he/she needed one guitar for many different styles of music. A couple caveats with the T5. First, to achieve the wide range of guitar sounds the T5 is capable of, it is helpful to be able to play it through different amps - e.g. acoustic amp for flat top sound, tube amp for rock sound, etc. The other caveat is that the T5 neck feels like a flat top more than an electric. Maybe this is not big deal but for me, the neck of a strat, tele, semi hollow or full archtop feels much different than my Taylor 912C. The Taylor feels right for playing folk, fingerstyle and other acoustic styles. Playing electric stuff on the T5 felt weird to me because of the neck but again, this may not be an issue for others. Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 10:17 am:    Top~Great choice. I've read very positive reviews on the T5. Let us know what you think after you consumate your new relationship. Topfloorbottombuzzer Username: Topfloorbottombuzzer Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 11:50 am:    Heya guys, thnx for all the feedback. Wildfield, regarding the T5, it's weird, I always thought the T5 was some new acoustic fad thingy for the church/folk crowd, but other than that I had no preconceptions about how it should sound. Hence, when I plugged it in, I was blown away. I would have to go play it again just to be sure, but my first impression is WOW! I'm sure it could do jazz, and then some. I just wish the guys at the music store would give it to me on appro, but they seem to baby any guitar that's worth over $1500...sigh. I'd probably have to put down a deposit just to play it again. But to get back to the point, the guitar FEELS fine. I just wanna make sure the sound is what I want. I played it through a Fender Blues Deville at the store, and it sounded quite alright. I reckon the flatwounds are gonna give it that something extra. I mean, essentially, this is a FULLY hollow, thinline, double humbucker jazz guitar. With the option of some acoustic flavours via the body sensor. Which I think is kinda nice. Wonder why they don't market it to the jazz crowd too. This thing is almost a GB10. Apart from the traditional flattop acoustic guitar bridge. But this is an IBANEZ forum, so perhaps I should instead lament the lack of availability of these fine instruments. Either way, thanks for humoring my slightly off-topic ramblings, I shall reward y'all with pictures and sound clips and free beer as soon as I find whatever it is that I'm looking for. In the end, it's all about providing information to the uninformed, and you have all provided very nicely!

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