Ibanez AS73 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Review

[@mrtambourineman6107]

I just got one of these and am amazed at the quality and asthetics of the guitar build and finish. I'm even more happier with the sound and playability. Just marvellous!

[@mattsbigdream]

Sounds excellent! I absolutely love Ibanez. I've owned a few and when I worked at Guitar Center, I recommended them all the time. They basically got rid of a lot of fancy imported wood, and focused on the sound. Those humbuckers are as smooth as it gets! I would always say that if you just close your eyes and listen and feel when you play a new guitar, and rank it by that alone, Ibanez will always be ranked up there with the most expensive guitars. But honestly, when it comes to acoustics, I want the fancy wood. lol. that's why I always played seagulls. they are made in Canada with exotic Canadian wood so that they don't have to pay insane importing prices, and you get a solid wood guitar with amazing tone for half the price of a Taylor or Martin.

[@joshuanulton1403]

My friend has a Seagull and it has the richest tone of any guitar I have ever touched, but I have not ever played a $7000 Martin. :)

[@tiptippins7031]

If I got mine of amazon would it be good

[@cynicalbassist6929]

I feel like you thought me a lot right here

[@tmlplus]

Rock rhythm playing is where this line of Ibanez guitars really kick ass. Classic rock, to music like Soundgarden/Foo Fighters sounds awesome in the bridge with all these semi-hollow double-cut artcores. Chris Cornell and Dave Grohl both used Gibson ES335 guitars for their heavy clean/crunch riffing, and these artcores sound just as good, IMO.

[@joeg7899]

Just got my as73, found it in blue sunburst, yes you heard right blue sunburst....the as93 is made in blue sunburst all day long, but the as73 had a short run of this color and it is no longer available and discontinued....mine was made in April of 2003...I've had a hard time finding this color in the as73 anywhere.... found it at a local pawn shop one day, it caught my eye, went home did some homework on it and I don't think they knew what they had. went the next day and put it in layaway. matched it up with a fender Mustang II and I'm loving it. Great review and sweet looking as93 you showed in the blue for a moment. I recently started playing and I'm very happy with what I found, I learned a couple things from your review. Thanks again!!

[@ritesideofthefence5857]

I bought one new from guitar center. Gave it to my oldest son about 5 years back. Wish I had kept it😁 thank you for sharing.

[@Dexter6662]

Once again this is the proof there is no need to ruin the bank account to get a decent instrument. Nice guitar by the way and video, I really appreciate Ibanez guitars for both overall quality and prices, there is a model for every budget and taste.

[@guitarkis4969]

Well done video.I like that you played each pickup with clean chords and lead lines, then the same with the overdrive channel. I try to do my vids the same way. There is one for sale in my area (Maine) for $299 with hard shell case. I might have to check it out.

[@SoulWarriorBandDaleJolly]

Thanx ! I pick up my New Ibanez AS73 Tobacco Brown In a week or two ! I’m very excited !!!

[@tonyleeglenn]

It's quite a nice guitar Dale. I just love mine. I like it more every time I play it.

[@scatterkatjatzen1655]

I just bought one at Guitar Center for $265 used....in perfect condition! Nice to know you have the same insights as I. These guitars sound great and look sharp. 1 of the best guitar buys I ever had! Rock on!

[@billsmart2532]

Very useful review!!! I've had the: Peavey JF1, Ibanez AS73 and an Epiphone Dot Deluxe . I'll rate then in that order, but the only real difference are the slightly different constructions. I sold them all eventually, but just bought another Ibanez AS73, mostly because it's Amber.

[@musmin7]

I have the AS-73 and I love it very nice playing and great sounding semi acustic great demo vid thanks

[@pauldevillo]

I found your channel while searching videos of the Jonas Ridge area prior to running the Peak to Creek marathon. Loved that video, now, by pure chance I find you reviewing the very guitar I may buy... synchronicity! Keep on truckin Tony!

[@acrap56]

Thank you for a great review! A friend of mine is selling his and after seeing (and hearing) what this guitar is capable of, I want it!

[@tonyleeglenn]

Thank for the comment Al. Honestly, I think this is the best deal around for a really nice quality semi hollow.

[@thecrypt5747]

Great review. I need help deciding between an AS73 or an AF55, I think they both sound good but the AS73 looks a bit better

[@philam1973]

First time I changed the strings. Be aware that as the strings go through the channel on the tail piece, there is a “hook” channel (for lack of a better word). If it is not placed in this position before tightening the strings, you will see, looking down on the strings, they take a small dogleg instead of going straight. FYI

[@FrankHerrera-qr1mh]

English please

[@wmg1958]

You are describing the Ibanez Quick Change bridge. I think they are an improvement over the standard bridge. On stage, you can change a string much faster than a Gibson style where the string has to be pulled through. With an Ibanez, a player could change the string before the song is over. I've done it myself.

[@MarcoRothMusic]

very good video mate, thanks for the review :) i think i will buy one of these myself. She sounds really good! Rock On. Greetings Marco :)

[@chrisphillips1114]

I absolutely love mine

[@PeterDad60]

I have the Fender Frontman FM212R (good amp) and an Ibanez AS73 in Amber, beautiful instrument!! What a coincidence. A couple of years ago you demo's a (Washburn) Oscar Schmidt Delta King HB-30. I got a new one for $219. It came with the neck pup not connected, I kept it anyway. One day I will fix this issue. I like it because it is a slightly smaller ES-335 style guitar (the neck is shorter and is recessed into the body more). It sounds very good and is very comfortable to play. The comfortable to play part is very significant and that's really why I kept her.

[@tonyleeglenn]

Man, that Delta King is some kind of bargain for $219. You have to get that neck pickup connected. I love mine, and it the front pickup I use mostly. Glad you like your AS73. That is just one of my favorites. I'm a big fan of semi-hollows. There's a certain sweetness of tone that I don't get with my solid-body guitars. Appreciate your comment here. I do wish Oscar Schmidt would do a version of the DK that gave the higher neck access.

[@tonyleeglenn]

Also - Here's a vid I did playing mostly on that front stock pickup. I'm not playing particularly well (totally winging it), but you'll get a nice idea of how that neck pup sounds with a bit of Fender OD. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ6zc4h4a8qJjKs

[@stevenjcwi]

I have one of these and one of the full hollow-bodies from the same line (AF75, which I got first), and I love 'em both. My biggest reservation going in was the pickups, because I usually prefer alnico IIs or IIIs, but the ceramic pickups on the Artcore guitars are a pleasant surprise. Not great, but more than good enough for the unbelievable price of these guitars. Maybe I'll replace them sometime in the future -- or maybe not.

[@davidfranklin272]

Nice demo. Thanks very much.

[@NinoVydeenaden]

Your guitar faces are great! And a really nice sounding axe too!

[@browser007200]

A USA bargain buy, you can just hang em on the wall at that price cheaper than pictures and a nice artcore ! Cheers !

[@GR00VYGH0ULIE]

Fantastic demo! I bought my 2014 AS73 a few weeks ago for $350 Canadian ($268 USD DANG I GOT A GREAT DEAL!) and it's such a fancy, sophisticated treat! Makes me want to smoke my 50's Dad pipe and noodle some smooooooooth jazz all night long Daddio!!

[@OntarioAndrews415]

I have this AS73L (Left-hand model). I added a pick guard.

[@mrprimetime86]

Good sounding video ! Maybe sometime you could make a video on how and when you first learned to play ! If I could play at all , I would buy that guitar !

[@JessicaB319]

I just inherited this guitar from my Uncle, and my son is learning to play it. I'd love to know what amp you'd recommend for this guitar. It sounds great ! thanks for showing us what this baby can do !!!!

[@irecordmyselfpractice7346]

I have a boss katana 50. Not sure what your price range is but this is the perfect amp I’m every way. Durable, sounds great and most importantly, it has tone effects built into the amp which will save lots of money in the long run. I started on the same guitar; it’s a great guitar. Take care of it though the g string tends to go on them.

[@chrisbee8009]

Just buy a Boss Katana...simple.

[@zombee38]

A Vox tube amp goes along well with this guitar

[@joelrosales4287]

nice review. This might've helped me pull the trigger on getting one of these. Sounds great! :-)

[@racerdaveracerdave]

Nice review man

[@joenorton7778]

That bridge pickup sounds awesome! The neck pickup isn't so clear, but the tone overall is killer.

[@doyrayburn2668]

Greetings from the other side of Sam's Gap! I let my oldest son take my DOT home one day and its the last Ive seen of it lol. I think I'll pick one of these up as a replacement.

[@user-zb5tq3bs4f]

Got mine used for $350au with skb hardcase.

[@Maynard0504]

neck pickup sounds amazing

[@titanuranus]

I picked up the Darth Vader version of this in Chapel Hill on Sunday, the 2008 vintage AM73. These are very well built instruments and can be had for an extremely reasonable amount of yankee greenbacks. Thanks for the review, sir.

[@ChuckJ7777]

Great video thanks, I just picked one of them up.

[@tonyleeglenn]

+Chuck J Hope you'll post a video of you playing it Chuck - or of whomever you gift it to. Merry Christmas.

[@ChuckJ7777]

+Tony Lee Glenn It is a Christmas present to myself :)

[@Richcovephoto]

Love it...

[@danunger3240]

Picked up one last weekend, but mine has the Bigsby(Ibanez version). Haven't played it yet, but will hook it up to my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe this weekend.

[@tonyleeglenn]

+Dan Unger I would love to see a demo of you playing with that Ibanez Bigsby.

[@JJ-bm2jj]

Great Playin and SWEET GUITAR

[@andrejkmetic299]

6:25.. AUCH! But i have same guitar. Awsome stuff.

[@DynamixWarePro]

Nice sounding guitar!

[@tmlplus]

However, for neck pickup jazzy sounds, these Ibanez artcore guitars fall back in the distance compared to their more expensive counterparts like D'Angelico or Eastman or, of course, Gibson. Also, the Epiphone ES335 (not the Dot) sound better than the Ibanez low-end Artcore axes, IMO.

[@izzydeguy184]

thanks for this..

[@Al-mu4ff]

Thanks Tony!

[@nchighwayman]

You are a great guitar player! I wish I could Play!!

[@snooze0023]

Did you do that comparison video 73 vs 93 Im ready to buy and im looking at 200AUD price diff and i want to be sure im getting the better sounding overall.

[@daultonyatesmusic6840]

Anybody have an idea how this compares to a Harley Benton hb35 plus

[@mikemph7779]

What’s the difference between the as73 and the as99 ?

[@BruCunha1]

Linda demais essa guitarra !!!

[@tonyleeglenn]

+Bruna GuitarGirl Obrigado pelo comentário. É muito divertido de jogar.

[@joshuanulton1403]

(Edited after reading all comments) Hello again Tony, first thank you for another great video and excellent review. I have a few questions and if you can not answer I understand. 1. Could you compare the neck profile of this to that of a typical Fender profile (I am considering the Modern Player Thinline Telecaster)? Usually I think Ibanez family tends to feel a little flatter on the neck plays a bit faster than the C profile that are found on the neck's of most Fenders. Is this the case with the AS73 as well? 2. Price is not a big factor to me on the next purchase, you already compared the differences between the AS93 on the higher end, but could you compare this model to the AS53 on the lower end as well? 3. Are the differences enough that it should impact the purchase decision for a newbie doing his first upgrade from a $99 Squire acoustic, or is anything/everything going to feel great at this point? I am sure the salesman I will deal with would suggest the 93, though the reviews I have seen seem to paint the 73 as being all I would need at my current stage and level. This begs the question of 'could I do just as well with a 53'?

[@tonyleeglenn]

I've played all the Artcores, and the 53 is a great guitar. I think it's going to come down to exactly what kind of tone you are looking for. If you like the sound of the hollowbody humbucker then the 53 and 73 will give you that. You'll get a nice thick sound that distorts very nicely for rock or blues. If you tend to be more funky or a bit more country/jangly in your musical tastes then the Fender might be your better choice. I'll say this much about the neck on the Ibanez guitars. Once the string hight and intonation are properly set, you'll probably not find a better playing or better "feeling" guitar in your hands. I've recently done some additional setup work on my 73 and 93, and I'm totally "re-discovering" just how awesome they are to play. I have two strats and two teles. I play all my guitars and am inspired to play different ways and styles with each guitar. So I don't have a prejudice either way - but I really think I enjoy the playability and sound from the Artcores more. That could just be me and the way I'm wired though. Good luck my friend. You really should just get out to a guitar store and play, play, play each - and then follow your hands, ears and heart. TLG

[@joshuanulton1403]

Thank you so much!!! Now I just need to be strong enough to ignore the strong arm sales tactics, but I am really aiming for that 73 this week.

[@joshuanulton1403]

So happy that I did not buy online because I wanted to buy that Tele. I went to my nearest Guitar Center and played on 7-8 different guitars and I am very grateful I did not buy online because as it turns out I hate Fender necks and those super jumbo frets. In the end (or some might say in the beginning) I bought the Ibanez Artcore AS-73 and it plays sooooo so so nice! Thank you for your advice. This is literally the best playing neck I have have ever owned. Thank you. :)

[@tonyleeglenn]

You are so right. Just make sure your intonation and string height are optimized and it's a good a sounding & playing guitar as you're likely to find for the price. I'm going to record some new blues tracks soon with mine. I'm really enjoying the way it sounds with the Vox VT20X amp - which is so affordable and with virtually unlimited tone possibilities. Can't wait to hear what you do with the AS 73.

[@joshuanulton1403]

Tony Lee Glenn that's awesome, I loved your last blues video, looking forward to it! As far as amps go I just picked up the Line 6 Amplifi 30w, I needed a smaller amp so it could fit in my suitcase when I go back home. I was worried 30w would not be enough but I am very impressed with the volume and glad I did not go for the 75w version. I love the variety of effects and the Bluetooth control via the apps. The amp I settled on was a very tough choice between Marshall, Blackstar and Vox. Thank you again for the excellent advice and suggestion! :)

[@chrisphillips1114]

I LOVE mine!

[@killswitch489]

good stuff!

[@dodothebird3396]

Good video!! thx :)

[@jonviol]

Are you speaking English ? Astonishing version and accent .

[@tonyleeglenn]

jon yoda yes English

[@PeterDad60]

jon yoda, if you are an actual born in the U.S.A. American then you must be some kind of elitist! He has a Southern accent, but for you to ask him if he's speaking English tells volumes about your lack of character. -Peter

[@Moonskycity]

I worry about the feedback on these semi hollows. How does it behave with high gains at a higher volume (show volume) ?

[@tonyleeglenn]

I've had mine up pretty loud and no feedback. I'm sure there's a breaking point where you would get feedback, but I'm thinking that in most small club situations at least, it would do just fine. Depends on what kind of effects you are kicking in too. I'd just keep a reasonable level on stage and let your sound person boost the volume to the house - so the volume goes out to the crowd instead of looping back to the guitar. Hope this helps. TLG

[@Moonskycity]

Tony Lee Glenn Thank you!

[@SkayyiX]

im getting on ASAP !!! XD

[@amanuelgizaw5557]

Is this guitar still available? Or not?

[@tonyleeglenn]

Absolutely

[@TheBluesman511]

Try Epiphone Cheraton 2.. great gibson 335 sound.. cheap.. 1/3 or 1/4 price of original gibson 335.

[@cricketbat09]

Sounds great, not keen on the colour, but for half price it is well worth having. A bargain.

[@SonniesGardenPA]

Nice!

[@VictorLee335]

What're the differences between 73 vs 93?

[@tonyleeglenn]

Mostly cosmetic: Artcore AS73 Fetures Artcore set mahogany neck Double-cutaway, all-maple body 22 frets Bound rosewood fretboard ART1 bridge ACH1 humbucker (neck) ACH2 humbucker (bridge) Pearl dot inlay Chrome hardware Artcore AS93 Features Artcore Set-In neck 3pc. Maple/ Mahogany Neck Material Flamed Maple top/ sides/back Body 22/Large frets Bound Rosewood Finger Board ART1 bridge ACH1 (H) Neck PU ACH2 (H) Bridge PU Artcore DX Inlay High quality gold hardware

[@tmlplus]

So the 73 and the 93 both have the ACH? I guess they have covers on these guitars but not on the 53 and AM73 models? I have an AM73B, and it sounds almost identical to these but maybe a tad brighter. I think the 'extra brightness' of the uncovered pickups is a 'feature' of lacking the cover. I love how the bridge PU sounds but the neck pickup is not as great sounding as the neck sounds of slightly more expensive ES335/ES339 style guitars.

[@lydmo8287]

@@tmlplus The newer AS93s, AS153s have Super 58 Customs, made in China, and far superior to the ACH pups. Don't confuse the Super 58 Customs with the Super 58s made in Japan. Sometimes people just list "Super 58s" and the buyer assumes these are both the same - they're not. I have a George Benson with the MIJ 58s and they are amazing pups. I also have an AS93 w/ S58 Customs (MIC) and they sound very good, but not nearly as clean and articulate at the MIJ 58s. :)

[@t.cole_2]

Do you still have this?

[@tonyleeglenn]

Sure do. Do you have an idea for another video that features the AS73?

[@AllenOxendine]

Woohoo, Go Braves lol. I'm not about all the technical language you have Tony, but sounds great to me ....

[@tonyleeglenn]

I was hoping someone from Pembroke would notice that Allen. Thanks for the comment.

[@SirBelvedere333]

Tony Lee Glenn hello from Ocean Isle Beach, NC. I have this guitar in the Midnight blue color. Great guitar.

[@SiaManOnDeath]

How is the action ?

[@tonyleeglenn]

Really nice with mine. Also with the AS93 I own. Really great playing guitars.

[@tjukkv]

Just put one on layaway for $199 at a local pawn. Looking forward to bringing it home.

[@MrJasonGuitar]

I play an AS73 on stage I have the ivory finished one and I play though a Vypyr 30 modeling amp. you gay a winner for 200.00.

[@tonyleeglenn]

+Jason Nicholson Thanks Jason. I'll bet you sound great through that Peavey.

[@circusdog]

Oh yeah ? I bought mine 13 years ago for $289.00 from Georges music Jacksonville Beach Fl.

[@tonyleeglenn]

Yep - you can get some great deals on used ones. I got mine for $199. I'm guessing yours was new. $289 is a killer deal back in the day.

[@circusdog]

Yes bought it brand new. It is great Guitar and still in mint condition after all these years , I also found on mine ( not sure about the rest) It hates light gauge strings so I put 13's on it and it was heavy sounding as hell hahaha since I only like rhythm guitar anyway , However I eventually moved to 12's and there I stay.

[@tonyleeglenn]

gonna try some flatwounds on mine soon. Maybe I'll do a vid to show how that works.

[@josecardenas4013]

Sweet

[@Tanglangfa]

Epiphone 335 is also $399. Which is better, or at least what are the differences?

[@tonyleeglenn]

Great question. Here's my best answer - and maybe others will chime in. First, the Epi's in that price range are still great guitars, but when I move from a low priced ES-style Epi to an AS73, the playability just seems superior with the Ibanez. And the sound seems more in line with a higher-priced Epi or lower-priced Gibson. So for me at least, it comes down to playability and tone. I just like the feel and the pick-ups in the AS73 vs. the Epiphone. The better-playing/feeling Epiphones seem to come in at over $600. Now I'm saying this, having not played a low-end Epi since about 2016 - so they may have made some improvements. You really should go to a guitar store and A/B compare both. I think for most folks the Ibanez will win out. I'd appreciate other's opinions as well.

[@Tanglangfa]

Tony Lee Glenn thank you for a very complete answer. I will definitely play both, but this helps know what to look for.

[@empereurjustinien2082]

amazing rhythm player but you need to work on your bends a little bit

[@bigfoot2708]

199. Winner

[@truethought2581]

Tune your guitar please sir.

[@tonyleeglenn]

No dammit, no!!

[@nikosikaria1212]

😅😅 You tell em Tony!!

[@mt-nv4jd]

Tony...in case you don't know, demonstrating a highly distorted tone is completely meaningless. They all sound the same.

[@izzydeguy184]

right? I need to hear jazz tones...

[@roblamastus]

★★★★★