Ibanez Artcore AS53 - Transparent Black Flat

How much do I love this guitar! Nice feel in my arms - well balanced - neck is clean and smooth, perfect for my hands and fingers, guitar sings nice and bluesy but she can do many sounds depending on settings. Color is cool - more very deep chocolate brown than black, trim is cream rather than white. Its just a very nice guitar for $299.Delivery however was disappointing. I ordered on a Thursday and was informed the guitar would be delivered the following Wednesday - hardly two day delivery per the terms of Amazon Prime. But the guitar didn't arrive Wednesday. When it arrived the following day the packaging was terrible. The box wasn't even taped closed. Anyone could have slid the top off and tampered with the contents.Luckily guitar is fine, no marks of any kind. I'm happy to have this great guitar in my collection and next time I'll be sure not to purchase from the same vendor.

I've said it before in regards to other brands, but lesser priced guitars being built in Indonesia are as good or better than many domestically produced guitars, and they almost always surpass anything being manufactured in other countries. The body and neck are impeccable. I could not find a single flaw in either. In fact, the only thing that was "off" straight out of the box was a need for a couple of slight string height adjustments and an intonation adjustment on those two. If you're considering anything in semi-hollow bodied, I would highly recommend you add this guitar into your comparisons. Drop by a local guitar shop if they have one, give it a look, give it a play. Look at the price tag. Then try everything else on your list. Only a purist would pass on choosing this one.

In my opinion this was a fantastic buy. The shipping was secure an safe for the instrument and the packaging, though large, was not cumbersome. As for the instrument, the neck and fret-board feel great in my hand. There are no sharp edges that I have found and no external damage either. The feel is great and the tone is pure and clean. The pots turn cleanly and the switch has a nice "chunk" feel as you change it. The action is good and the head-stock is completely secure and well put together. Nothing is loose and everything is good.

Love the guitar for the price. Fret vibration, on bottom string E, but for the money some really good sounds. Great for beginners and maybe a few better budgeted pickers.

Where do I start this is the best semi hollow guitar for this price range. A work horse with just the necessary fixings. Tone is bright and smooth but when you crank up the gain gets really ballzy like a Gibson. I shipped internationally so mine came with the toggle switch inside the body, I contacted Musicians Madness and they paid for it to be fixed. No surface damages or anything i ordered the trans black but it was out of stock I couldn't wait so I opted for the red which I love even more. The finish is pristine, the feel of the neck is like heaven. Overall even though my purchase have hickups I love this guitar love it love I love it.

Plays like a dream. Ibanez are my go-to for more budget guitars, as it's hard to beat the quality for the price. This model came with fresh strings, and holds its tune very well - even in the fluctuating climate where I live. Sounds great through my audio interface, and no weird string buzzing like I get from some other guitars in this price range. It's now my go-to for pick up and play sessions.

Amazing value for the money. I’ve been playing guitar for 17 years, and I tend switch what style I’m playing on a whim. From metal to smooth finger picking jazz. As long as you’ve got the right amp, this guitar can do it.

All around well made