I couldn't resist it anymore...

I await your review when it arrives. This is a model that I’ve been VERY curious about. I have never happened on one in a store to try out. I’ve been hesitant to believe that at this price point they’ll be as good as the late 70’s/early 80’s examples. But if they’re in the ballpark, it would be worth it. I just haven’t been able to take the plunge without playing one first.

 

It's a looker, that's for sure.

 

I picked up a Guild Bluesbird for much the same reason, plus I wasn't interested in paying the Gibson Tax.

That's a looker.

 

Very cool!

 

I do believe they're about as heavy as the AG's which is not much. My AS103 is 8 lbs so I'd expect it to be somewhere around that.

Watching thread and looking forward to your review.

 

Very nice!! Congratulations & enjoy.

 

I was seriously looking over one in the mid 70's when a Gibson LP Custom listed for $720 and a cool store would sell them for a bit less than $500. These Artists I believe were in the mid-$300's and for my money played & sounded as good as any Gibby. BUT - at the time Ibanez's weren't something a serious working rock guitarist would consider showing up to a club gig with...MIJ was a major stigma and would damage your cred. So I bought the LP Custom. Now when I see these Artists, like yours, I just think, "Damn! I should have been the local rebel who stormed through the prejudice!"

 

You have impeccable taste. Welcome to the club.

Artist AR325 = 7.4 lbs.

 

I'll also be curious to hear your review. I've always wanted a double cutaway Ibanez.

I have to say I have owned 5 Ibanez guitars of different ages from the 80s up thru the 00s, and all have been fantastic guitars. IMO they outclass most guitar brands that cost far more.

 

I had a 1978(?) Ibanez Studio back in the early 80's. I traded it in for a Yamaha classical when I was taking classical lessons. I no longer have either guitars. It was identical to this one except for the knobs and played like budda. I really liked the quick load tailpiece.

 

I had one of the original Artists from 1978. It was stolen from me while I was on the road. Really miss that guitar. A few years ago I bought an AR325 like the one pictured above and was surprised by how much thinner the new body is. The new lighter version has neck dive that I didn't get with my 70s original Artist. I also have an ST200 in natural like the one in the post before this. Great playing guitar, but heavy as a tank. That AR420 is a real looker. Congrats and I hope it's a good one and you like it.

 

Beautiful, congratulations!

 

AR100 Made in Japan. Late 70'searly 80's. Bought it used in '83 for $300. Played wonderfully! Sold it years ago. Been kicking myself ever since.

 

Looks like great choice. Ibanez makes a lot of high value instruments. Too bad I rarely see them in stores.

 

I have an AR420 and a vintage 1978 2619. The 420 is a fine guitar but I’d have to give the nod to the 2619 as being the better guitar.

My AR420


My 2619

 

i've found many ibanez electrics to be fabulous guitars and tons of bang for the buck,,, congrats!

 

'tis a thing of beauty . . .

I've always associated w/ Bobby Weir w/ that model amd wondered if there was any exemption on the boat-anchor weight thing that interferes w/ enjoying my Norlin.

Tell me there's a 7 pounder out there and I'm reaching for my card.

Peace - Deeve