twelve string semi hollow guitar

Ibanez Artcore AS7312 Review: 12-String Semi-Hollow

A resonant 12-string semi-hollow guitar that balances tension and harmony—discover why the Ibanez Artcore AS7312 defies expectations.

  • Overall Rating
  • Build Quality
  • Performance
  • Value for Money
  • Design
4.4/5Overall Score
The Ibanez Artcore AS7312 is a 12-string semi-hollow electric guitar designed for players seeking rich, resonant tones. With its maple top, linden back, and Classic Elite humbucking pickups, it offers a unique sound experience while maintaining playability and comfort.
Specs
  • Weight: Not specified
  • Dimensions: Not specified
  • Material: Maple top, linden back and sides, rosewood fingerboard, maple neck
  • Color Options: Transparent cherry
  • Warranty: Not specified
  • Brand: Ibanez
  • Model Number: AS7312
  • Compatibility: Standard guitar accessories
Pros
  • Robust physical construction with a maple top and linden back for enhanced resonance.
  • Classic Elite humbucking pickups provide a distinct and affordable semi-hollow tone.
  • Bound rosewood fingerboard and maple neck facilitate smooth playability.
  • Offers a unique 12-string experience that enhances harmonic richness.
  • Ranks #69 in its category with high user praise, indicating strong market reception.
Cons
  • Playing the 12-string design can be physically demanding for those accustomed to 6-string guitars.
  • Lacks the versatility of other Ibanez electric guitars.
  • No hardshell case included, requiring separate purchase for protection.

Constructed with a maple top and linden back, the Ibanez Artcore AS7312 utilizes a semi‑hollow body to produce a resonant, chambered voice, akin to the expansion of one’s internal perspective.

The bound rosewood fingerboard facilitates smooth movement along the fretboard, serving as a reminder that spiritual progress requires both structure and grace. Anchored by a steadfast Tune‑O‑Matic bridge, this instrument relies on tension to sing, suggesting that true harmony is often found through resistance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Ibanez Artcore AS7312 features a maple top with linden back and sides, finished in transparent cherry for robust physical construction.
  • It utilizes Classic Elite humbucking pickups and a steadfast Tune-O-Matic bridge to deliver a distinct, affordable semi-hollow tone.
  • Playing this specific twelve‑string design is physically demanding, presenting a challenge for those used to standard six‑string electric guitars.
  • The instrument incorporates a bound rosewood fingerboard and a bound maple neck to facilitate effortless navigation and comfort.
  • This model serves as an accessible alternative to famous hollow body guitars, ranking #69 in its category with high user praise.

Construction Materials and Physical Design

Upon initial inspection, the Ibanez Artcore AS7312 commands attention through its robust physical construction, a tribute to the delicate balance between structural integrity and the resonance required for sonic clarity. The maple top, paired with linden back and sides, creates a vessel for acoustic projection, a reminder that strength, and vulnerability, must coexist to create true harmony.

A bound rosewood fingerboard guides the fingers, while the transparent cherry finish invites connection, akin to a welcoming community. While it may lack the versatility of various Ibanez electric guitars, this specific twelve-string design, though physically demanding, offers a path to spiritual resonance, grounding the player in a shared musical journey. Although not typically classified among the best electric guitars for beginners, the Artcore series remains a compelling choice for those seeking specific tonal textures.

Electronics, Hardware, and Playability

While the Classic Elite humbucking pickups faithfully capture the vibrations of the twelve strings, the instrument relies on the steadfast Tune-O-Matic bridge to guarantee these signals are transferred with precision, a reminder that spiritual resonance requires a stable foundation to truly flourish. The bound maple neck facilitates effortless navigation, akin to finding one’s true path amidst complexity.

With a standard 25.5‑inch scale, the Ibanez Artcore AS7312 offers a familiar embrace, ensuring players find their place within the music. This 12‑string configuration creates a harmonious community of sound, where every voice is integral, offering a sanctuary for collective expression. Despite the widespread popularity of solid-body instruments, this model serves as an affordable alternative to the most famous hollow body guitars available.

Market Reception and Value Proposition

Released to the public on February 3, 2017, the Ibanez Artcore AS7312 emerged as a distinct vessel for sonic exploration, claiming the #69 rank in Hollow & Semi-Hollow Body Guitars. Its 4.5-star affirmation reflects a chorus of voices finding community in twelve-string resonance, a reminder that shared sonic purpose builds spiritual bridges.

While its twelve strings shimmer, some players looking for single-coil clarity might explore the best Epiphone electric guitars. For those seeking a brighter traditional tone, there are also the best Fender electric guitars available.

The instrument remains accessible, akin to an open invitation for connection, proving that one does not need wealth to achieve tonal rapture. Embracing this Artcore signifies joining a lineage of tone seekers, where the medium of music binds the solitary player to the universal rhythm of creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Hardshell Case Included With the Purchase?

No, a hardshell case is not included. Typically, these instruments are shipped in a standard carton. For those seeking to join the community of owners, acquiring a separate form‑fitting case is highly recommended for maximum protection.

For the twelve-string AS7312, extra light strings, typically with a .010 gauge on the high E, are the standard specification. This lighter gauge provides the comfortable playability expected by Ibanez’s community of Artcore enthusiasts.

How Do You Access the Battery for the Electronics?

Knowledge cutoff: 2024-06

Current date: 2025-12-28

This instrument’s passive electronics function without a battery. This feature simplifies maintenance, allowing one to simply plug in and play. Such a design choice guarantees reliable performance, letting musicians focus entirely on their shared, creative expression.

Is the Bridge Floating or Fixed to the Body?

As fate would have it for the community of tone chasers, the bridge is fixed. This firm attachment offers a grounded connection for the player, anchoring the 12‑string experience to the body itself.

Does the Finish Vary Between Individual Guitars?

While a Transparent Cherry Red finish is standard, slight aesthetic variations are an expected trait. These unique marks assure owners that their instrument possesses its own distinct character, fostering a deep sense of individuality and pride.

Conclusion

With its maple top and resonant linden back, the AS7312 provides a tactile foundation for sonic worship, while the steadfast Tune-O-Matic bridge, a tribute to mechanical dependability, anchors the voice against the drift of performance. These paired Classic Elite humbuckers reveal a complex harmonic landscape, their chorus-like shimmer a reminder that spiritual abundance, and tonal rapture, need not demand a high cost, inviting the player into a shared, unbroken lineage of musical devotion.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *