Ibanez Artstar AS153 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Comments about Ibanez Artstar AS153 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar:

I had an AS103 and returned it (dinged, miswired pots). Got this as the replacement (an extra $100). First, it looks great. Nice to have bone nut now instead of platic. No more wooden knobs (!). Soundwise. I am a jazz player and so look for warmth. This still has a little harshness (what a rock player would call 'bite') to the top strings. I replaced with Daddario chrome flat wounds, much much better. Playability. good fretboard. action could be improved. Have not taken it in for pro set up yet.

Comments about Ibanez Artstar AS153 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar:

I have been saving for an ES335 but the need for a decent semi-hollow over rode my lack of funds, and I could not wait any longer. When I saw that Ibanez had released the AS153 I was excited. I am typically a USA made guy, but I have always been a fan of the AS200 (John Scholfield used them before he got his signature model). When I read the appointments this guitar came with I knew this was the closest I was going to get to an ES335 without saving for another couple years. One appointment they don't make clear on this is that it is a TRUE semi-hollow, not a "block under the bridge" variety. This baby has a slab of maple running all the way through it. The pickups are the Super 58s and they sound wonderful with the tone dialed back or turned all the way up. The finishing work is great. I had 2 to choose from and one had a lighter colored veneer, but playability and quality overall were the same between the 2. I actually removed the pickgaurd as I'm not a fan of the shape and look, which by the way is a piece of maple, stained and finished then bound with the matching try-ply binding that is on the guitar! The Ibanez name and headstock design are both inlayed mother of pearl or abalone (not sure), not a decal covered with clear coat. Overall this guitar is a top quality guitar. Even the case is nice (Google images for the AS153 to see one). Act quick because as of today GC only has 8 nation-wide. But then again these are new so who knows if the distribution center gets more in.

Comments about Ibanez Artstar AS153 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar:

I've had this guitar for about a month now and absolutely love it. Very versatile and easy to play. I love the sounds I'm getting out of it. The pictures don't do it justice either.

Comments about Ibanez Artstar AS153 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar:

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.

Comments about Ibanez Artstar AS153 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar:

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.

Comments about Ibanez Artstar AS153 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar:

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!

Comments about Ibanez Artstar AS153 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar:

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.

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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.