With a lineage that dates back to the early 20th Century, Ibanez entered the guitar building fray in the 60s making copies of American designs before branching out into their own, quickly gaining attention of artists such as Bob Weir and John McLaughlin. 

The Artist series was their first offering, launching them onto the world stage.

The guitar is in great condition. The poly finish is durable and as such has survived well. The maple top looks really nice and the violin sunburst finish looks great. There’s the usual light signs of use across the guitar, but nothing serious to detract from what is a very attractive instrument.

The three piece rock maple neck too is in great condition with plenty of life left in the original frets and no signs of wear to the ebony fretboard. The use of binding and abalone is very subtle and compliments the guitar. 

The hardware has worn as you’d expect but shows no real signs of corrosion. The Gibraltar bridge and tailpiece show the most wear though this does not affect functionality. 

Plastics are in good condition. Neck pickup surround has broken slightly but doesn't affect how it works. Knobs are correct but have cracked a little.

Electrically everything looks correct. The pickups are the correct Super 80 Humbuckers, and both sound excellent, with the “Tri-Sound” switches for each pickup allowing access to some really interesting tones.

The guitar comes with its correct green lined hardshell case.

This is a great guitar, a testament to why US manufacturers were understandably concerned by these guitars from the land of the rising sun. Its well balanced and a joy to play.

Looking for something a little different? Look no further.