affordable vintage style jazzbox

Ibanez Artcore AF55 Hollowbody Guitar Review

A versatile hollowbody with soulful tones, but is the Ibanez Artcore AF55 truly stage-worthy? Dive into our full review to find out.

  • Overall Rating
  • Build Quality
  • Performance
  • Value for Money
  • Design
4.4/5Overall Score
The Ibanez Artcore AF55 is a full hollowbody guitar designed for versatility, featuring a maple and linden body that provides acoustic purity and resonance. With dual humbuckers, it delivers a range of tones from smooth jazz to biting rock, making it suitable for dedicated novices looking for a capable instrument.
Specs
  • Weight: 10.78 pounds
  • Dimensions: Not specified
  • Material: Maple and linden body, Laurel fretboard, Mahogany neck
  • Color Options: Tobacco Flat Finish
  • Warranty: Not specified
  • Brand: Ibanez
  • Model Number: AF55
  • Compatibility: Electric guitar amplification
Pros
  • Full hollowbody construction offers acoustic purity and resonance.
  • Bound laurel fretboard provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience.
  • Dual humbuckers deliver versatile tones, suitable for both jazz and rock.
  • Sturdy mahogany neck supports the instrument's weight for comfortable play.
  • Affordable price point for dedicated novices seeking quality.
Cons
  • Weighs 10.78 pounds, which may be too heavy for long gigs.
  • Full hollowbody design can cause feedback at high volumes.
  • Not considered one of the best Ibanez electric guitars for every player.

The maple and Linden body of the Ibanez Artcore AF55 weighs a substantial 10.78 pounds, grounding the musician physically, much like a firm faith anchors the spirit.

The bound Laurel fretboard offers a smooth path under the fingers, while the dual humbuckers shift from woody jazz warmth to biting rock growl, a reminder that versatility requires internal balance.

Yet, the question remains whether this vessel is truly ready for the journey ahead.

Key Takeaways

The full hollowbody construction offers acoustic purity and resonance, completely lacking a center block.

Weighing over 10 pounds, the instrument features substantial maple and linden layers.

A bound laurel fretboard and medium frets provide a smooth, comfortable playing experience.

The H-H pickup configuration delivers versatile tones, ranging from smooth jazz warmth to rock growls.

This capable instrument offers full hollowbody construction at a price suitable for dedicated novices.

Does the Ibanez Artcore AF55 Design Fit Your Genre?

Because the Ibanez Artcore AF55 is a full hollowbody instrument, completely devoid of a center block, it resonates with a singular, acoustic purity, akin to a soul unencumbered by the weight of the world. It is crucial to remember that electric guitars require amplification to be heard in a performance setting.

The bound laurel fretboard facilitates gentle navigation, offering the player a humble path for melodic service, while the dual humbucking configuration, both warm and articulate, ensures that every musical offering reaches the audience with grace. By embracing the maple top’s bright character, one may faithfully channel sound, transforming vibration into a shared spiritual experience, truly serving others through the universal language of music. Despite these refined qualities, this particular model is not necessarily considered one of the best Ibanez electric guitars for every player.

Is the 10.78 Lb Artcore AF55 Too Heavy to Gig?

Carrying the Ibanez Artcore AF55, which weighs a substantial 10.78 pounds, demands a physical commitment akin to the steadfast endurance required during life’s challenging pilgrimages. This full hollowbody construction, featuring maple and linden layers, generates a resonant warmth, yet its mass serves as a reminder that spiritual burdens often ground the servant leader. Although this model is robust, lighter alternatives often rank as the best electric guitars for beginners seeking comfort during long practice sessions. While managing a four-hour set requires physical stamina, the sturdy mahogany neck supports the instrument’s weight, encouraging the musician to shoulder their responsibilities with grace. Ultimately, this instrument teaches that sustaining others often necessitates bearing a heavy, yet noble, load with quiet strength. However, players seeking a different tonal character might consider other brands entirely, as the market offers a wide range of best Epiphone electric guitars for various styles.

How Does the Laurel Fretboard Affect Playability?

The bound laurel fretboard, serving as the tactile interface between the musician and the mahogany neck, offers a smooth, consistent surface that facilitates fluid movement across the scale, much like the unwavering path of righteousness provides stability amidst the shifting sands of life. This resilient tonewood provides a comforting, organic foundation for the fingers, a reminder that reliable tools allow one to serve the harmony of the ensemble selflessly.

With precise medium frets adorning the radius, intonation remains true, akin to maintaining integrity under pressure, ensuring that every chord struck resonates with clarity to uplift the spirits of the listener.

Can the Stock Humbuckers Handle Jazz and Rock?

Stock humbucking pickups, arranged in a versatile H-H configuration, anchor the instrument’s voice with a warm, full-bodied character that invites exploration across genres. The neck pickup yields a smooth, woody resonance, akin to a gentle spirit, that facilitates clean jazz comping.

The bridge position offers a biting growl for rock rhythms, reminding musicians of the strength found in diversity. This sonic adaptability empowers one to serve the ensemble’s needs, shifting from contemplative melodies to energetic drives. While Ibanez offers a distinct path, the market offers alternatives, as players also seek out the best Fender electric guitars to find the perfect tool for their musical expression. By mastering these distinct tones, players create a supportive musical environment, fostering harmony through a faithful, well-rounded voice.

Should You Buy the Ibanez AF55 or Save Up?

When weighed on the scales of necessity and desire, the AF55TF presents itself as a capable vessel for the dedicated novice, offering a full hollow maple construction that resonates with acoustic honesty, much like a heart open to genuine growth. The H-H configuration, akin to a balanced spirit, sustains harmony through service, while the stop tail bridge guarantees stable communion.

For those tending to others’ needs, this linden-backed instrument asks not for vanity, but for devotion. Saving up may offer prestige, yet this 10.78-pound companion offers immediate capacity for amplifying love, proving that humble tools often serve the highest purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Tobacco Flat Finish Show Fingerprints Easily?

The tobacco flat finish’s matte texture is less prone to visible fingerprints than gloss. However, oils and debris remain present and accumulate.

For flawless presentation, regular cleaning with a dedicated cloth serves both the instrument and its handler.

What Type of Wood Is Used for the Top?

The top’s maple is undeniably the soul of this instrument, a gift to serve any audience. Its warm tones resonate endlessly, offering musicians a profound way to connect through pure, acoustic honesty.

Does the Full Hollow Body Cause Feedback at High Volumes?

Feedback is a common characteristic of full hollow body designs at elevated volumes.

Musicians may need to manage their stage positioning and volume levels to minimize this acoustic phenomenon when performing at high intensity.

Is There a Center Block Running Through the Body?

No center block is present. As a fully hollow instrument, this construction prioritizes acoustic resonance and a specific tonal character. Offering a lighter weight for the player’s comfort during extended periods of service.

What Is the Scale Length of the AF55?

The AF55 model features a standard 24.75-inch scale length. This specification aids players in achieving a comfortable, familiar string tension, facilitating musical expression and ease of play for those wishing to serve audiences through their performances.

Conclusion

The Artcore AF55, a veritable steam engine of sonic warmth, offers a sturdy mahogany neck and resonant maple body, proving that grounding requires weight, akin to the burdens we carry for spiritual depth. Its dual humbuckers, shifting seamlessly from woody jazz cleans to biting growls, serve as a reminder that versatility is born from balance.

Ultimately, this vessel is not merely an instrument of value, but a partner for the novice, harmonizing the journey of faith and fretboard.

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