Best Beginner
Guitar
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Three single coil pickups for sparkling sound
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best Semi
Hollow guitar
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Stable tuning and accurate intonation
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best Budget
Guitar
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Overall: 8.5/10
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Best Feature: Indian Laurel Fingerboard Material
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Ah, the delightful harmony of a finely made guitar ignites passion in your heart and takes you on a one-of-a-kind musical journey. If you love music, you’ve probably come across the name “Ibanez” more than once in your search for the perfect instrument.
Today, I’m diving deep with my Ibanez AS73 Review, an axe that has captured the hearts of guitarists worldwide.
With its stunning aesthetics, impeccable playability, and a tone that could make even the most hardened cynic shed a tear, the Ibanez AS73 has earned a stellar reputation among seasoned aspiring and experienced musicians.
Whether you’re a blues enthusiast craving that raw, gritty sound or a jazz aficionado seeking silky-smooth melodies, this amazing guitar promises to be your ticket to tonal nirvana.
This article will provide an in-depth review of the Ibanez AS73, examining its features and performance capabilities.
Who is the Ibanez AS73 For?
The Ibanez AS73 is a semi-hollow electric guitar designed for musicians who appreciate good quality and affordability. It’s an excellent fit for beginners seeking a very high quality instrument at a reasonable price and intermediate players looking to upgrade their current guitar.
Experienced musicians, too, often turn to the AS73 for its rich, resonant sound and reliable performance.
Its versatility makes it suitable for various playing styles, from fingerpicking to strumming, and its user-friendly features ensure an enjoyable experience.
Musical Genres Perfect for Ibanez AS73 Electric Guitar
A Rave Review of the Ibanez AS73
The Ibanez AS73 guitar will please even the most discerning player. Its a classic style and construction deliver a tone and look that is truly impressive. The guitar’s solid body is crafted from Maple, with its maximum thickness at 2.625 inches and width at the lower bout measuring 15.75 inches.
The Affordable Choice : Ibanez AS73 Artcor
Features: Scale Length: 24.7"
Other Info:.010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052 String Gauges
Ibanez AS73 Artcore, Tobacco Brown
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Stable tuning and accurate intonation
- Classic Elite pickups for balanced and warm tones
- Smooth feel and excellent response
- Lightweight construction with double arches for easy playability
- Responsive controls for versatile tone shaping
- Comparable to Gibson 335 at a more affordable price
- Vintage aesthetics with F-holes and tobacco brown finish
- Case not included
- Lacks a pickguard, gig bag and tremolo bar
- Medium frets may not be suitable for advanced players.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Design and Build Quality
Pickups and Electronics
The pickups on this semi-hollow body guitar are susceptible, and the tuning is impressively accurate for a guitar at its price point. Some players have reported better results with heavier strings, giving a fuller sound than lighter strings.
The pickups preinstalled on the AS73 are of average quality, and more experienced players generally opt for upgraded ones to get the most out of their instrument. Turning up the volume above five can make the neck pickup sound overly soft and the bridge pickup too harsh.
Sound and Tone
The Ibanez Artcore AS73 is most frequently used as a Jazz guitar and is popular among guitarists such as George Benson, Pat Metheny and John Scofield. The tone of this beautiful guitar is warm and mellow, with a good attack. It has a degree of brightness that gives it some nice bite when soloing. The semi-hollow body of the AS73 adds a little more resonance than a fully hollow guitar. The midrange is well-balanced, and the low end has good fullness without being too boomy. High notes come out clean and clear with plenty of articulation.
Playability and Comfort
The AS73 has a comfortable feel, with an easy-playing neck profile. The medium-sized frets ensure smooth and accurate action, making it an excellent choice for playing intricate solos or chords. The bound rosewood fretboard also adds extra comfort when playing long notes.
The ivory nut ensures a stable tuning, while the 43mm nut width offers plenty of room for fingerstyle playing. This great guitar also features a smooth and precise truss rod, allowing you to easily adjust your action to perfection.
Value for Money
The AS73 is a great value-for-money instrument. It offers excellent playability and tone, with the classic semi-hollow body configuration and premium components like the Classic Elite Humbucker pickups.
The solid construction ensures it will last a long time, making it an excellent guitar for gigs or recording sessions. At £449.00, this guitar offers great value for money.
What are Good Competitors of Ibanez AS73 Guitar
Semi-hollow body guitars like the AS73 are popular among jazz guitarists.
But, if the Ibanez Artcore AS73 does not meet your specific requirements, we invite you to continue exploring our selection of guitars.
We are committed to assisting you in finding alternatives that share similar qualities to the AS73. Below are some good competitors of the Ibanez AS73 guitar:
Squier Sonic Stratocaster MN, Black
Experience the electrifying strum of the Squier Sonic Stratocaster MN. This black beauty is a head-turner, boasting a sleek design that merges classic aesthetics with modern features.
Its smooth tone and impressive sustain make it an irresistible competitor to the Ibanez AS73. Whether you’re a rock enthusiast or a blues aficionado, this great guitar will deliver beyond your expectations.
Features: Three single coil pickups for sparkling sound
Other Info: 1-Ply Black Pickguard
Squier Sonic Stratocaster MN, Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- User-friendly, lightweight design
- Vintage tremolo bridge for dynamic play
- Balanced poplar body for better resonance
- 21 narrow-tall frets for precision
- Master volume and dual-tone controls
- Classic black finish
- Limited tone and volume controls
- Frequent string replacement needed
- Less powerful pickups compared to premium models
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Epiphone SG Standard 61, Vintage Cherry
Step into the spotlight with the Epiphone SG Standard 61 in absolutely stunning Vintage Cherry. This iconic guitar pays homage to the legendary SG design, known for its powerful, expressive tone and striking aesthetics.
With its double cutaway mahogany body and versatile humbucker pickups, the SG Standard 61 delivers a balanced and resonant sound that will captivate audiences. The slim taper, comfortable neck provides effortless playability, allowing you to explore every inch of the fretboard with precision and speed.
Features: Indian Laurel Fingerboard Material
Other Info:2 Probucker pickups
Epiphone SG Standard 61, Vintage Cherry
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Attractive appearance
- High-quality finish
- High-quality finish
- Powerful, versatile sound with tight low end and glassy highs.
- Great value and embodies Gibson SG's attitude.
- Some players may find the balance challenging.
- Pickups lack a bit of clarity and articulation.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Epiphone Les Paul Melody Maker E1 (Previously Les Paul SL), Turquoise
Formerly known as Les Paul SL, this turquoise marvel is a sight for sore eyes and a feast for the ears. It’s vibrant look and superior sound make it a strong contender against the Ibanez AS73.
Its lightweight poplar body and mahogany neck create a balanced and comfortable playing experience, complementing its Pau Ferro Composite fingerboard. The neck is bolted onto the body for increased longevity and durability.
Equipped with two single coil pickups from Epiphone’s range, this model offers a blend of classic and modern tones that are crisp, bright and full of bite, perfect for intense rock choruses and intricate acoustic guitar picking.
Features: Nut Width: 16"
Other Info:2 Epiphone 650SCR and 700SCT Single Coil Pickups
Epiphone Les Paul Melody Maker E1
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable alternative to expensive Gibson Les Paul models
- Decent tone for a $150 guitar
- Excellent choice for beginners
- Articulate and biting tones ideal for rock music
- Easy access to upper frets with cutaway profile
- Intonated "wrap around" stop bar combo for enhanced stability
- May require frequent tuning adjustments
- Frets may be uncomfortable for some players
- Pickups are not the most powerful in their range
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ibanez AS73 Review
Summary
Despite concerns regarding its affordability, the Ibanez Artcore AS73 should not be underestimated, as it provides exceptional value for its price. This beautiful instrument possesses an impressive combination of visual appeal, playability, and tonal quality that rivals higher priced guitars.
It caters to diverse musical genres and allows for creative exploration of various tones. While a few players have expressed the desire for improved pickups, it is worth noting that these components can be upgraded at a later stage.
Ultimately, the Ibanez Artcore AS73 represents a compelling choice for individuals seeking a remarkable guitar without requiring a substantial investment, particularly those who appreciate versatility in their playing style.
Playing guitar has never been more exciting! And if you want to find out what the best Ibanez guitar is, click here.
While the Ibanez AS73 is praised for its affordability, one has to wonder how it truly stacks up against higher-priced competitors. Are we sacrificing quality for cost here? Keen to hear thoughts on its long-term reliability and performance.
Not sure, Jeff_H. I had tuning problems with mine after a few months. maybe I just got a lemon though.
Jeff_H, I’ve gigged with the AS73 for years, and it’s held up remarkably well. It’s a solid choice, even compared to more expensive models.
just picked up an as73 and it’s legit the best. sounds amazing and didn’t break the bank.
I’ve owned an Ibanez AS73 for several years, and its versatility across multiple genres is what impresses me most. For those contemplating its purchase, especially considering its affordability as highlighted, I assure you, you’re getting more than your money’s worth. The build quality, tone, and playability are commendable. It’s a beginner-friendly instrument yet satisfies the demands of experienced players.
totally agree with you GuitarGuru101! got mine last year and it’s been incredible for everything from jazz to rock.
hey Lewis , just started learnin guitar n was thinkin bout the ibanez as73 cause of the price. is it really good for beginners too or should i look for somethin else?