If you’re thinking about getting the famous Ibanez AS73 and you’re not sure if it’s worth – don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s article, I’m going to take a very close look on that model. Surely, it’s really popular, but is it actually good?
The truth is that Ibanez AS73 features a very high quality. It’s a really versatile and great looking guitar. On top of that, it’s totally affordable! Undoubtedly, this is one of the best semi-hollow body guitars available on the market right now.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes this guitar so good and popular. Firstly, we’ll start with the specs and of course, you will also be able to hear how it sounds. We will also see if it has any disadvantages and if it’s better than the AS53 model. Hopefully, this guide will help you to understand if Ibanez AS73 is a good fit for you!
Specs & Pricing
Ibanez AS73 is a semi-hollow body guitar from the popular Artcore Series. It’s made beautifully, it sounds great and it’s available at a relatively low price.
What makes it so special? Well, the guitar features semi-hollow linden body with a sustain block in the middle, which makes the guitar even more bright and resonant. On top of that, there’s also a very comfortable Nyatoh neck with a walnut fretboard, which feels very smooth as well.
The manufacturer decided to equip this model with a pair of Dual Classic Elite humbucking pickups, which offer a lot of versatility when it comes to tone. Whether you’re searching for a subtle overdrive or a more powerful punch, this guitar can do it all!
It is also worth mentioning that Ibanez AS73 is also a really affordable model, so it’s within reach of any guitarist. Undoubtedly, this is one of the coolest and cheapest mid-level semi-hollow body guitars available on the market right now.
Overall, I have no hesitation in recommending this guitar to any guitar player who’s searching for a high quality electric guitar.
Here’s a quick sound demo – feel free to check it out.
Who Is It For?
Ibanez AS73 will be an excellent guitar for both amateur and more advanced guitarists. If you’re trying to find your first electric guitar, getting this model will be a really good choice.
Since the AS73 model is really versatile, it can be used in a very wide range of genres of music. Whether you’re into rock, blues, jazz or indie – this semi-hollow body guitar won’t disappoint you. Two humbuckers in that model offer a lot of punch, but they’re also perfect for cleaner tones.
It is also worth mentioning that Ibanez AS73 is also not as expensive as some of the other semi-hollow body guitars available on the market. That’s why it’s suitable even for guitarists who are on a tight budget.
Overall, this affordable semi-hollow body electric guitar will be an excellent fit for the vast majority of guitar players. It feels, looks and sounds like a much more expensive guitar, so it’s definitely worth the money.
Here’s an another sound demo.
Disadvantages Of Ibanez AS73
Although Ibanez AS73 is generally a fantastic guitar, it has its own disadvantages as well. Here’s what you need to know before you decide to get it!
Firstly, more advanced guitarists may considered the Dual Classic Elite humbuckers as a bit too basic. The less advanced players won’t even notice that, but if you’re an intermediate guitarist, you should probably think about upgrading this pair of pickups.
Additionally, the original strings used in that model aren’t that great. So if you want to get the most out of that guitar, you should also consider replacing the strings.
Some guitarists also reported that they had to adjust the string action in their Ibanez AS73, although it all depends on your own personal preferences. There’s a high chance that you won’t have to do it anyway!
Overall, Ibanez AS73 features an excellent quality and it has no major flaws. Considering its low price and beautiful finish, it’s definitely worth the money.
Ibanez AS53 vs Ibanez AS73
Many guitarists wonder whether Ibanez AS73 is better than Ibanez AS53. Both of these guitars are really similar, although there’s a few things that differentiate them.
Here are the most important differences between these guitars:
- Ibanez AS73 features a gloss finish, while the AS53 model features a satin finish
- The AS73 model has great looking pickup covers and a black pickguard
- Ibanez AS53 has dot fret inlays, while the AS73 has the pearloid block inlays
Overall, the AS73 model is like an extended version of the AS53 guitar. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s definitely worth it. If you’re okay with spending a bit more to get these additional features, you should definitely give it a chance!
Alternatively, here’s my review of Ibanez AS-53 – feel free to check it out. Additionally, here’s my video review of that guitar.
Are There Any Alternatives?
If you don’t like the look or the sound of Ibanez AS73, don’t worry! There’s a few different guitars that you can also check out. Of course, it all depends on your personal preferences, but I highly encourage you to check out all of them.
Ibanez AF75G
Ibanez AF75G is a hollow body guitar, which means that it doesn’t have the center block like the AS73 model. This body shape makes it even louder and more resonant.
Who is it for? Well, this particular model will be perfect for all guitarists who are searching for a versatile and reliable guitar of this type. It is perfect for jazz music, so if you like that genre – you should definitely check it out.
In my opinion, the AF75G looks even better than the AS73 model. There’s something really cool about that black color!
Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster
Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is a high quality semi-hollow body guitar available at a relatively low price. This is a great alternative option for anyone who doesn’t like any of the Ibanez guitars!
The guitar features a really interesting offset body and a cool, vintage headstock. On top of that, it has a pair of powerful Fender-designed humbuckers, which offer a lot of versatility when it comes to tone. The maple neck makes it even more interesting!
I have no hesitation in recommending this semi-hollow body model to all guitarists who are searching for a cool and affordable guitar of this type. I highly recommend checking it out!
Gretsch G2410TG
Gretsch G2410TG is an another high quality hollow body guitar suitable for the most demanding guitar players. It’s a bit more expensive than Ibanez Artcore guitars, but it definitely deserves a lot of attention.
What makes it so cool? Well, the guitar features a great looking body made of laminated maple and a comfortable Nato neck. On top of that, there’s also a pair of powerful
Broad’Tron BT-2S humbuckers.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best alternatives for all guitarists who don’t like the Ibanez AS73 model.
Squier Affinity Jazzmaster
Squier Affinity Jazzmaster is an another great electric guitar suitable for both amateur and more advanced guitarists. I personally own a guitar from this series and I can totally confirm that the quality of that model is very high.
If you don’t necessarily want to get a semi-hollow or hollow body model, you should definitely check out this Jazzmaster. It’s cheap and it sounds surprisingly good. Isn’t that all that matters? That’s why I highly encourage you to check it out!
Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster
Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster is an another excellent electric guitar made for both beginner and intermediate guitarists. In my opinion, the quality of this model can be easily compared with much more expensive Mexican-made Fenders.
All guitars from the Classic Vibe series are perfect for all lovers of vintage guitars. These instruments look and feel like guitars straight from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. If you like that kind of vibe, you should definitely consider adding it to your collection!
I had the pleasure to use that Strat on several occasions and I can definitely recommend it for all guitarists out there. If you don’t necessarily need to buy a semi-hollow body guitar like Ibanez AS73, you should definitely check out this Squier Stratocaster.
FAQ
Where is Ibanez AS73 manufactured?
Ibanez AS73 is currently manufactured in Indonesia.
Are Ibanez semi-hollow body guitars good?
Yes, semi-hollow body guitars manufactured by Ibanez are really good! They’re affordable and they’re made with a thorough precision and attention to detail.
Do semi-hollow body guitars sound different?
Yes, semi-hollow body guitars sound a bit different than solid body guitars. They are a bit more resonant and they’re louder.
Where can I find out more about Ibanez guitars?
If you want to find out more about Ibanez guitars, make sure to check out their official website.
Summary
As you can see, Ibanez AS73 is a truly amazing semi-hollow body guitar. If you’re searching for an affordable guitar of this type, you should definitely consider adding this model to your guitar collection. It’s definitely one of the best guitars from the Artcore Series!
What do you think about Ibanez AS73? Do you think that it’s worth it? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
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