The Ibanez AS73 is really a quality instrument, regardless of where it’s made. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, quality hollow-body guitar, it’s hard to beat.
The Ibanez AS73 is one of the company’s numerous low-cost guitars whose price belies the quality and value of the instrument. With a street price of only $399.99, this Chinese-made hollow-body guitar is well worth its low cost. Let’s take a loot at the details of the Ibanez AS73.
Specifications
Ibanez opted for maple for the top, back, and sides with a mahogany neck, chosen for its crisp, clear tone overall. The fretboard is bound and has a pearl dot inlay. The pickups are dual humbucker, with an ACH1 in the neck and an ACH2 in the bridge. The double-cutaway design allows for easy access to the AS73’s 22 large frets. Transparent Cherry, Ivory, and Sunburst are options for the finish.
Performance
When you first pick up an AS73, the first thing you will notice is the build quality and how well balanced the guitar is on the whole. Since it’s a hollow-body, the acoustic sound is important, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a hollow-body guitar in this price range this good. Even if you triple the price, you’ll have to search to find a solid competitor to the Ibanez AS73.
From classic rock to bebop, the Ibanez sounded solid with a variety of different amplifiers. Even when cranked, feedback was easy to control, a good sign with any hollow-body instrument. The finish was flawless, a real surprise for an instrument in this price range. About the only minor complaint we have is that we did experience some tuning issues due to the plastic nut, but it wouldn’t take an experienced repairman long to cut a new, quality nut.
The Bottom Line
It’s amazing what relatively little money can get you these days. The Ibanez AS73 is really a quality instrument, regardless of where it’s made. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, quality hollow-body guitar, it’s hard to beat.
Name of Gear: Ibanez AS73
List Price: $533.32
Manufacturer Info: Ibanez Guitars; ibanez.com
Pros: Incredible value; highly playable; nice finish
Cons: Cheap plastic nut hinders tuning somewhat
Find your Ibanez AS73 for sale on eBay today!
