If you’re wondering whether you should choose Ibanez AM93 or AS93, don’t worry – today’s review will definitely help you with making the right choice! Both of these semi-hollow body guitars are really popular mid-range models and they’re loved by guitarists all around the world. But which one of them is actually better?
Ibanez AM93 and AS93 guitars are almost identical and they both feature a really high quality. They’re a part of the Artcore Expressionist series and the main differences between them are the size and the wood type. The AM93 is slightly smaller than the AS93, so it may be a better choice for guitarists who prefer smaller guitar bodies.
Let’s dive deeper with research and find out what makes these guitars so special. We’ll have a close look on the small differences between them and we’ll see how they sound like. Hopefully, this article will help you with making the right choice!
Ibanez AM93
One of the most popular semi-hollow body guitars offered by Ibanez. The guitar features a quilt maple top and it available in two color versions: Antique Yellow Sunburst and Jet Blue burst. From the outside, it looks beautiful – the finish of that guitar is definitely really eye-catching.
It is worth mentioning that the AM93 features one of the smallest guitar bodies in the whole Artcore Series. The size of it is pretty similar to the legendary Gibson ES-339. Considering that this Ibanez is a few times less expensive that the original Gibson, it’s definitely a really interesting choice for people who love that guitar body size.
The natural tone of Ibanez AM93 can be described as clear, bright and warm. It’s pretty loud even without plugging it in. But most importantly, the guitar is equipped with a set of Super 58 Pickups – they both offer an amazing tone. Whether you’re looking for a perfect clean jazz sound or a punchy overdrive, these pickups will give you a lot of versatility.
Undoubtedly, the AM93 is a really interesting guitar. Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out to see how it sounds.
Ibanez AS93
In comparison with the AM93, the Ibanez AS93 has a bit bigger body. The size is pretty similar to the size of Gibson ES-335, but it’s not as large. So if you prefer using a guitar with a bit larger body, the AS93 should be a perfect fit for you.
The Ibanez AS93 has a flamed maple top and it’s available in the Transparent Cherry Red color version. It looks really nice from the outside and it’s definitely really eye-catching. I have to admit that I like that mix of red color with golden hardware – it looks really elegant and expensive.
Similarly as the AM93, the guitar is equipped with the Super 58 pickups. The tone of this guitar is really similar, although it may be a bit louder when it’s not plugged in. The reason of that is very simple – the guitar has a bit bigger body, so it naturally has to be louder.
Here’s a quick review and sound demo of that guitar. Make sure to check it out – let me know if you can hear any difference in comparison with the previous demo!
Who Are These Guitars For?
Both of these guitars will be great for a wide range of genres. Whether you’re into jazz, blues, rock or indie, these semi-hollow guitars will do the job. When it comes to tone, the versatility of these guitars is really amazing.
In addition, they’re also great for all-level players. Whether you’re just starting out your musical journey or if you already played for a while, the AM93 and AS93 will be an excellent choice. These guitars also deliver an amazing quality on stage, so if you’re into playing gigs, they will also be perfect for that.
Which Ibanez Would I Choose?
If I had to choose the winner of today’s battle, I’d choose the Ibanez AS93. This is based solely on my own preferences – I enjoy playing on guitars with a bit larger bodies which are similar to the ones used in Gibson ES-335.
The only thing that I don’t like about these guitars is that they don’t have a Bigsby tailpiece. I’m a massive fan of using that type of vibrato so it’s a pretty solid disadvantage for me. Nevertheless, it can be easily modified – you can always put your
Nevertheless, your preferences may be completely different. There is a high chance that you’ll enjoy the Ibanez AM93 more than the AS93. Since the tone of these guitars is really similar, it all comes down to what you like.
Are There Any Cheaper Alternatives?
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry – there’s a few cheaper alternatives out there! In my opinion, the Ibanez Artcore AS53 would be the best for anyone who’s looking for a great semi-hollow body guitar that doesn’t cost a fortune. I’m a proud owner of that axe and I recently reviewed it on my blog and on my YouTube channel – make sure to check it out!
Other interesting options include the Ibanez AS73 and Epiphone Dot Studio. Both of these guitars are really interesting and they are actually one of the most popular semi-hollow guitars on the market.
Nevertheless, none of these alternative options mentioned above offer the Super 58 pickups. While not having these pickups isn’t a problem for beginners, more intermediate players may be looking specifically for a guitar with this set of humbuckers. That’s why the Ibanez AM93 and AS93 are so unique!
Where are Ibanez Artcore AS93 and AM93 guitars made?
The Artcore Series of guitars is currently manufactured in Indonesia. In the past, these guitars were made in China. Although these guitars come from Eastern Asia, they still feature an extraordinary quality.
If you find an old AS93 or AM93 model on the second-hand guitar market, there is a high chance that it comes from that China, rather than from Indonesia.
About Ibanez
Ibanez is a Japanese manufacturer of guitars and guitar accessories. The company has a really long and interesting history – they were founded in 1957. They’re considered as one of the best guitar companies in the world and they’re directly competing with such legendary companies as Fender and Gibson.
It is also worth mentioning that Ibanez guitars are loved by professional musicians. That includes such artists as Paul Gilbert, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and many, many more. If you’d like to check out the full list of Ibanez artists, make sure to check out their official website.
Summary
Undoubtedly, both Ibanez AM93 and Ibanez AS93 are excellent guitars. I’m positive that no matter which model you decide to choose, you’re going to be satisfied. Both of these models prove that mid-range guitars are capable of delivering the high-level quality and you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a reliable piece of gear!
Which Ibanez guitar would you add to your collection? Let me know in the comments below, I’m really curious!
Thanks for checking out today’s post, I hope that it was helpful. If you’re looking for more gear reviews, make sure to check out my YouTube channel.
In addition, you may also like:
