Ibanez Artstar AS153 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Antique Yellow Sunburst

I cannot say anything negative about this GEM of a guitar it is an absolute pleasure to play and I would put it up against any of the Gibson ES -335/ES -339 models ,the ebony fretboard is smooth and fast the tone is incredible and the guitar's intonation was about 99% spot on and if this isn't any indication how popular this instrument is --as soon as they come into the USA they fly off the shelf and you find yourself waiting for the next shipment, if your looking for this type of guitar you owe it to yourself to contact the wonderful people at GUITAR CENTER and get one now 😎

This is the first time I've purchased an instrument sight unseen. It is beautiful. The tone is fantastic--better than a stock ES-335. The set-up was perfect, intonation dead on. I don't think there is a better value for a semi-hollow body. I have a studio job in October that calls for this style of guitar, and I will be using this one instead of the house 335. It's a much better instrument.

I've played many guitars in all price ranges, including custom guitars. The 153 is outstanding in quality, playability, and value. If you're looking for a semi-hollow, and you don't want to blow your wad on a flamed 335, this is the guitar to look into. I can't say enough good things about this ax. Nicest fret job I've seen on any guitar. It's amazing! I may have to have one in blue next.

This can not be true at this price. It is a custom shop lavel guitar. I own two Gibson LPs both high-end guitars. This guitar is flawless. Hardware is the only shortfall, but expected at this price point. My guitar stayed in tune without an issue. I wont change the hardware unless I have to. Set up was perfect action is low and intonation was set. Love this guitar, fit and finish is great. Buy one!

A Professional Instrument! This review is for the 2017 Ibanez AS153AYB. What can I say; Ibanez put out something special here. The AS153 has both the looks and tones to get the job done. Funny thing is I normally don't like the super58 pups, but they sound good in the AS153. I suspect Ibanez changed the pots and the caps for the pups and it works! The Good: The Ibanez AS153 is lightweight and fun to play. Electronics are very smooth and sound quality. Absolutely beautiful to look at. No sharp fret ends Case included Bone nut! When you plug her in to a good tube amp she comes alive. Ebony headstock looks prestigious. Pickups sound clear and are versatile for Jazz, Blues, Rock or Alternative. ------------------------------------- The Bad: Ibanez is still using their faulty saddle/bridge system we all hate. I Almost couldn't intonate the instrument because of the limited saddle range. The D string saddle is as far as she will go. She is intonated and so I kept it. Some minor tuning issues. Case feels a bit cheap but looks nice and gets the job done. Pickguard is a quality made item, but gives the guitar -I am jazz only look. I Would had preferred a clear, black or a dark brown one. Though I have the action low.. the guitar still can resist you some. It's a good work out to play. Yet the neck feels good and plays well. The neck pup can sound bassy. With all of that said, please go buy one. This guitar is special and puts a Gibson Semi-hollow to shame at this price point. The AS153 has plenty of meat for high gain rock, but she seems to do her best in the cleans. The super58s give a nice bright clean, almost mimics a single coil -very sweet sounding. The neck pup can sound bassy, but I like it. Best $$ I have spent in a long while, but please don't call this a toy, because ...The Ibanez AS153 is a professional instrument.

I made this order as a reward to myself. I had a hard time choosing between the Gretsch label and the Ibanez label. I have owned Ibanez so was willing to rely on past experience of their good quality and workmanship. As it is both are made in China so I tried no to get my hopes up. My order was shipped then I picked up in-store. I opened the sealed box, plastic bag, & finally opened the case to find this beautifully detailed instrument. The finish, the paint, the hardware are all up to spec. I headed straight for the amp demo room and played for just over an hour. I could find no major flaws and eventually decided it was a keeper that would suite my playing and style nicely. The factory strings are garbage so I had to buy a set of Elixers and some Ernie Balls too, a polishing cloth and a strap. My major concern was that it the guitar would not be to my liking or what I am used to. I don't care for the way the bridge sits so high off the body much like a Gibson bridge does. Other than that so far I'm very satisfied.