AS50 vs. AS73

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Author Message Abciowa25 Username: Abciowa25 Registered: 04-2005 Posted on Monday, April 11, 2005 - 6:26 pm:    Hi! I'm hoping to get some info about the AS50. I played a Gibson ES330 for years, but I couldn't reach the top frets. But I loved the lightness. When I went to the music store to find a replacement, I played several ES335s, Epiphone Dots, and then the AS73. I loved it, because it was light AND I could play to the top. I put on a new bridge, tailpiece, tuners, knobs, and a pickguard, but now that the initial euphoria has worn off, I think I want to step up. I've read good things about the AS50, but I don't want to have to hold a heavy guitar all night. I play jazz and fusion mostly. Can you help me? Thanks, Gary Acetan Username: Acetan Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Monday, April 11, 2005 - 7:16 pm:    I have a bad back so weight is an important issue to me. I've sold all my full sized semi-acoustics last year, a Yamaha SA2000, an Ibanez 2630, an AS200 and an AS100 but kept my '82 AS50 which weights a full pound and a half less than those I sold. I had a 60's ES335 and my AS50 is the only Ibanez that feels as "airy" as that Gibson. I have owned another early 80's AS50 and it too felt light and lively. I think you'll like it if you can find one of these 81 to 83 vintage AS50's. Abciowa25 Username: Abciowa25 Registered: 04-2005 Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - 9:23 am:    Thanks for the quick post. I have a chance to buy an AS50 through the mail, but having been a pro for 30 years, it makes me nervous, because the necks on the same model guitar can be very different. Would YOU consider ordering an AS50 by mail? Also, how will I know if the unit was made between 81 and 83? Did they get considerably heavier after that? Thanks again, Gary Acetan Username: Acetan Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - 12:14 pm:    Hi Gary, I have acquired over a dozen guitars by mail mostly through eBay and will continue to do so. The AS50's made between 81 and 83 are totally different animals compared to the late nineties productions which are of much lower quality, not to mention being full size and have bolt-on necks. The vintage AS50's will have their serial number on the back of the peg-head with a six digit number following a letter between A to L. The first two numbers denote the year of production. Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - 7:54 pm:    Gary, I would second Ace's feeling on buying by mail. I too have bought many ibanez guitars site unseen. The Ibanez guitars made in the last 20-30 years are very consistent - just look out for the obvious damage. The times I've gotten the shaft have been situations where I should have known better (low feedback, pawn shops that didn't know a guitar from a golf club). If the seller is reputable, then your pretty safe. And once you get the guitar, if you don't like it after spending a few weeks with it, send it on it's way. I've been test driving guitars like this for 5 years. This is the beauty of eBay - you can try stuff you'd never find locally, and then sell it back at no loss. -Sven Abciowa25 Username: Abciowa25 Registered: 04-2005 Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - 9:01 pm:    I see from your example that the head is quite distinctive. Did they only make that style for a few years, and is that a sign that the guitar was made in Japan, and not Korea? From what I've seen, it appears as if the Korean ones weren't quite as good. I'd like to find one for $300 or less, but I'm not a fan of the red color. Do you think that's possible? Thanks for everyone's kind responses! Gary Acetan Username: Acetan Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 12:42 am:    $300 for a vintage AS50 only happens with a very ignorant seller. We do hear tales like this from members on this forum every once in a while but they are rare indeed. Ace Abciowa25 Username: Abciowa25 Registered: 04-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 9:29 am:    Sorry, I guess I also showed my OWN ignorance in pricing, but a guy has to start somewhere. (Oh, but if someone just HAPPENS to have a Japanese AS50 in that price range that needs a loving home with a superior musician and published songwriter, let me know...hey, ask and you'll recieve, right?) I truly appreciate the help. I've only recently realized what great values the Ibanezes are. For 30 years, I've played Gibsons and Fenders, and a $1000 Takamine on stage, but like many pro players, I had no idea about Ibanezes. I actually bought my son an Ibanez acoustic/electric for his graduation present, in fact...and, of course, the way I figure it, it's up to Dad to sort of "break it in" a little before handing over the keys! Gary

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