I have a1985, bought new, at the time this played better than a gibson ES I tried for 1/4 the price, the smaller body sold me, very comfortable. Incredibly well made
Once owned a 1984 AM205 Artist and its neck strap button was V shaped, else it looked exactly like this one. Sold it when I was young and broke, what a pity.
Hi Lucas, Yep Am 205, I have an '85 I bought a few years ago & still love it. Great alternative to 335 for those who want a smaller body like the 339. A guitar tech had a look at mine and loved the PUs. '80s time frame are supposed to be the best & you still see them around from time to time on ebay etc Re-released avail but never the same
I have the cheap modern version from a few years ago. AS-73. Obviously not as high end, but every one I’ve ever played has been terribly out of tune at the 3rd string in the first few frets. I finally fixed that by using a wound 3rd string, but I don’t really like playing with a wound 3rd. Otherwise, a really nice guitar
@nydefect that’s solid advice. I actually did a lot of work on the nut, and lowered the 3rd string as much as I dared. It helped, but to keep it in tune requires a feathery light touch on the first couple of frets and I just wasn’t able to do it. The wound 3rd completely eliminated the issue. Again, I’ve tried other examples of the model in stores and they all do the same thing. I mean, most guitars are a bit sharp at the first few frets, but it’s really noticeable, maybe because the 3rd string is so resonant acoustically on these. I really meant what I said before, though. It’s a really great guitar in every other way. Where it really stands out, to me, is that it has the most useful tone controls of any guitar I’ve ever owned. There’s no dead zone where turning the knob has no effect, just a nice even sweep from start to finish. That lets you get almost any tone you can think of. I love the neck, and it has a terrific sound. It’s a bit heavy, but it’s definitely a keeper.
I have a third AX7521 coming in a few days - I'm excited...there were several great phases in FGN history...these models are 7 string beasts - strong as an OX and grunty af you simply can't go wrong with ANY Fujigen build from any era.
Definitely Les Paul territory. Maybe not exact, but damn close to my ears. I found one of these from 1982. Was deciding on it, but after this video I’m gonna buy it.
I have toyed with the idea of getting an Ibanez 335 style for awhile now. I have a Peavey JF1 EX and I have to say I was a bit surprised by a lot of the reviews I read about it a few years ago. Most were negative about it but it's been my experience after owning it for about 8 years that it's not a bad guitar at all. The only issue I have had with it is fret sprout in the 4th and 5th fret area. Fret sprout can happen to any guitar at any time but when you buy a used guitar it happens more often. I simply just tapped those ends down and it solved the issue completely. Here are a few questions I thought of for your Q&A videos Lucas - 1) The whole Gibson debate - You as a younger member of the guitar world, when you think about a Gibson guitar what thoughts immediately come to your mind? Maybe you could ask your dad what his thoughts were when he was a young man and how they have changed over the years towards Gibson? See, I have a theory that younger players, 35 and under, for the most part don't care about the Gibson history/legacy they are used to having at their disposal much cheaper guitars that seem to be built just as good as a Gibson so why pay that Gibson price. 2) How to get away from that muddy sound of the neck position humbucker that most seem to have. Perhaps you could do an experiment where you try things like Treble bleeds, changing to a 1 meg pot, using a bridge pickup in the neck position. I love my Peavey 335 style but that neck pickup is just so darn muddy sounding I can't hardly stand it!! I find with 99% of the humbucker neck pups that I hate using them alone. Mixed with the bridge (middle position on a 3 way) I can dial it in and dial out the muddiness, but when I use just the neck pup it's just horrible. 3) Why is it when an average person tells other guitarists that they did something to a guitar, for example; Shaving the neck down on a Gibson Les Paul, carving in a belly cut on a Gibson Les Paul. Why do 99% of the people lose their minds wondering how you could do such a thing. Yet those same players will sing praises to the Jimmy Pages and EVH's who literally butchered and entire guitar, look at the Frankenstrat as a great example! That guitar is UGLY and the workmanship is HORRIBLE, but because EVH used it and became famous with it, many now say it's a beautiful guitar! We both know if either of us did that to a Strat, oh the purists would kills us!
@@gregmullins6927 I would add that the Yamahas with `S` in the index are another next level comparing to 335 and regular laminated Yamahas. I own a 1200s (used to have a SA1000, SA1200, SA900, Gibson ES335 etc) and it is amazing
@@b10buzz You're dead right!! I previously owned a Yamaha SA 2200,the fingerboard wore in after only 1 year,I previously owned a 335 and that thing never wore in,I regret selling the SA 2200,Yamaha's are certainly next level.
Excellent in the zone stare! I did the same thing, but now I look to the side! Because I get the fava beans and Chianti stare going sometimes! Ahahaha Sweet axe!
Great sound ,the pickups are really good on the artist series. I have an artist 200 gold top it is built very well and plays good but the pickups aren't as good as the ones on the earlier artist guitars and mine was made in Korea
I have this guitar; it is 1985 'Super Edition' AM205. The only difference I know of from the '82 in this video is a black graphite nut and 'super edition' etched into the pearl inlay on the 20th or 21st fret(I'm at girlfriends, guitar is home). This guitar is similar to the Ibanez AS models but a lot smaller; very close to Gibson 339 in size. Although I would not trade it for ANY Gibson Les Paul, 335 or 339. I have tried them all, except Custom Shop versions, and my little AM205 out plays them all and sounds better.
That's a really nice example Lucas ! A family friend has a late 70's Ibanez Les Paul Custom style he's owned from new which is equally fabulous . Btw , I know you like your Greco guitars ; have you ever heard of Burny ? I have never even seen a Burny in person, only photos, but I have been told they're great Japanese copies of Les Paul type guitars ?
@@2817well I saw one of theirs ,looked a dead ringer for the white Custom that Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols is known for . I had to do a double take !
@@malcolmhardwick4258 See, that's a new one on me - I used to have a Fernandez Strat copy and had no idea the name was connected to Burny . Interesting .
Look inside the F hole. There should be a label. I have an '84 AS-50. It's the same size. Mine was made in Japan with uncovered tan pickups (DiMarzio). Bob Weir had a model around then.
Sorry, but your AS50 is not the same size as any of the AM series. The AS guitars are 335 size while the AM's were smaller like a Gibson 339. The pickups(Super58) and hardware were the same though.
Ibanez model names/numbers have been a problem for me in the past. In about '85 I owned a solid body Artist but built like a Musician with the multi-laminate through neck and sandwich body - maple centre and what looked like walnut front and back with symetrical cutaways. It was pre-owned at that time ( by the band Chelsea) so could have been the same vintage as this. It had top-of-the-line non active electrics with two tones and two vols with the rubber grip strips, a three way selector and two mini toggles for phase and split, although it's been such a long time it might have been split for both. It was one of the best made guitars I have ever owned (and I include PRS and Fender Custom Shop)but somehow it never inspired me to want to play it. This might be why folk still buy Gibson with all their final finishing issues - quirks and oddities are what make the world go round. Hahahahahaha
@@tonytynes3891 Googling 2710 shows a semi-acoustic. Not like mine at all I'm afraid. CANCEL THAT!!! My bad (or maybe google's). I've found the one you mean and you are exactly right. Thank you so much for shedding light on that. I have never known the model number and now I do. I cannot explain how a completely different guitar ended up on-line with that model number but all's well that ends well :-)
I can understand why you didn't 'bond' with your 2710. I have an MC300 which is practically the same guitar and it's lacking the tone of any of my Artists. Such a work of art I won't sell it; only paid $350 Canadian for it!
I might be wrong, but it looks like its an AS200. Are you aware of the ibanez wiki? Its not complete, but I can usually find most things I look for. ibanez.fandom.com/ Here's a link to the one I think it is: ibanez.fandom.com/wiki/AS200_(1979%E2%80%932003) The finish on the one you have there is different then the pic on the wiki, but the one you have is in Antique Violin. I had an Artstar ss300 for awhile in that color, Absolutely beautiful guitars. Ibanez Japan guitars are hard to beat! That should have the Super 58 pickups, my Artstar had those too. They are amazing! Sorry bro, I could go on all day LMAO
You don't put nines on a shorter scale instrument like a 205..no wonder you're slip sliden all over the place.. that AM-205 needs 11's..its one of Ibanez's finest gems from the 80's...
Just like the Japanese Hondas were better motorcycles than the Harley Davidsons, 70's Ibanezs were much better quality than anything Gibson was producing at the time.
AM205. I have a 1983 model. Maybe the most perfect guitar I've ever played. I'm serious.
I have a1985, bought new, at the time this played better than a gibson ES I tried for 1/4 the price, the smaller body sold me, very comfortable. Incredibly well made
I have an '85 Super Edition and I agree with you 100%. Irreplaceable!!
Damn. That thing sounds great. Just dripping with juicy tone.
This model is a Ibanez AM205 . Made back in the 80's and early 90's. It is my main guitar.
That figuring on the top and back is so nice
Once owned a 1984 AM205 Artist and its neck strap button was V shaped, else it looked exactly like this one. Sold it when I was young and broke, what a pity.
AM205 (1982-1987) Antique Violin- Beautiful !
Hi Lucas,
Yep Am 205, I have an '85 I bought a few years ago & still love it.
Great alternative to 335 for those who want a smaller body like the 339. A guitar tech had a look at mine and loved the PUs.
'80s time frame are supposed to be the best & you still see them around from time to time on ebay etc Re-released avail but never the same
I have the cheap modern version from a few years ago. AS-73. Obviously not as high end, but every one I’ve ever played has been terribly out of tune at the 3rd string in the first few frets. I finally fixed that by using a wound 3rd string, but I don’t really like playing with a wound 3rd. Otherwise, a really nice guitar
@nydefect that’s solid advice. I actually did a lot of work on the nut, and lowered the 3rd string as much as I dared. It helped, but to keep it in tune requires a feathery light touch on the first couple of frets and I just wasn’t able to do it. The wound 3rd completely eliminated the issue. Again, I’ve tried other examples of the model in stores and they all do the same thing. I mean, most guitars are a bit sharp at the first few frets, but it’s really noticeable, maybe because the 3rd string is so resonant acoustically on these. I really meant what I said before, though. It’s a really great guitar in every other way.
Where it really stands out, to me, is that it has the most useful tone controls of any guitar I’ve ever owned. There’s no dead zone where turning the knob has no effect, just a nice even sweep from start to finish. That lets you get almost any tone you can think of. I love the neck, and it has a terrific sound. It’s a bit heavy, but it’s definitely a keeper.
I have a third AX7521 coming in a few days - I'm excited...there were several great phases in FGN history...these models are 7 string beasts - strong as an OX and grunty af
you simply can't go wrong with ANY Fujigen build from any era.
Nice demo,😊. It's an Ibanez Artist model AM 205 made early eighties.
Super looking and sounds awesome 👌 👏.
Definitely Les Paul territory. Maybe not exact, but damn close to my ears. I found one of these from 1982. Was deciding on it, but after this video I’m gonna buy it.
I want one of these so bad! I've got an LR10 and an AR100 and they are stellar. One day I'll find one
I have an AR105 as a backup to my AM205.
I have toyed with the idea of getting an Ibanez 335 style for awhile now. I have a Peavey JF1 EX and I have to say I was a bit surprised by a lot of the reviews I read about it a few years ago. Most were negative about it but it's been my experience after owning it for about 8 years that it's not a bad guitar at all. The only issue I have had with it is fret sprout in the 4th and 5th fret area. Fret sprout can happen to any guitar at any time but when you buy a used guitar it happens more often. I simply just tapped those ends down and it solved the issue completely.
Here are a few questions I thought of for your Q&A videos Lucas -
1) The whole Gibson debate - You as a younger member of the guitar world, when you think about a Gibson guitar what thoughts immediately come to your mind? Maybe you could ask your dad what his thoughts were when he was a young man and how they have changed over the years towards Gibson?
See, I have a theory that younger players, 35 and under, for the most part don't care about the Gibson history/legacy they are used to having at their disposal much cheaper guitars that seem to be built just as good as a Gibson so why pay that Gibson price.
2) How to get away from that muddy sound of the neck position humbucker that most seem to have. Perhaps you could do an experiment where you try things like Treble bleeds, changing to a 1 meg pot, using a bridge pickup in the neck position. I love my Peavey 335 style but that neck pickup is just so darn muddy sounding I can't hardly stand it!! I find with 99% of the humbucker neck pups that I hate using them alone. Mixed with the bridge (middle position on a 3 way) I can dial it in and dial out the muddiness, but when I use just the neck pup it's just horrible.
3) Why is it when an average person tells other guitarists that they did something to a guitar, for example; Shaving the neck down on a Gibson Les Paul, carving in a belly cut on a Gibson Les Paul. Why do 99% of the people lose their minds wondering how you could do such a thing. Yet those same players will sing praises to the Jimmy Pages and EVH's who literally butchered and entire guitar, look at the Frankenstrat as a great example! That guitar is UGLY and the workmanship is HORRIBLE, but because EVH used it and became famous with it, many now say it's a beautiful guitar! We both know if either of us did that to a Strat, oh the purists would kills us!
Beautiful guitar, I've been thinking of a 335 style lately and the Artists are definitely on the short list
Hi mate,here's my suggestion check out a Yamaha SA2200,a gibson killer for sure.
@@gregmullins6927 I would add that the Yamahas with `S` in the index are another next level comparing to 335 and regular laminated Yamahas. I own a 1200s (used to have a SA1000, SA1200, SA900, Gibson ES335 etc) and it is amazing
@@b10buzz You're dead right!! I previously owned a Yamaha SA 2200,the fingerboard wore in after only 1 year,I previously owned a 335 and that thing never wore in,I regret selling the SA 2200,Yamaha's are certainly next level.
Wow that thing is gorgeous!
Def AM205! Top and back woods of burl mahogany. Interesting demo, and really nice lead technique.
Excellent in the zone stare! I did the same thing, but now I look to the side! Because I get the fava beans and Chianti stare going sometimes! Ahahaha Sweet axe!
Hi, i am from Brazil, i remember Mr. John Scofield play Ibanez Artist model guitars...
Beautiful guitar and great playing as always.
Great sound ,the pickups are really good on the artist series. I have an artist 200 gold top it is built very well and plays good but the pickups aren't as good as the ones on the earlier artist guitars and mine was made in Korea
I have this guitar; it is 1985 'Super Edition'
AM205. The only difference I know of from the '82 in this video is a black graphite nut and 'super edition' etched into the pearl inlay on the 20th or 21st fret(I'm at girlfriends, guitar is home). This guitar is similar to the Ibanez AS models but a lot smaller; very close to Gibson 339 in size. Although I would not trade it for ANY Gibson Les Paul, 335 or 339. I have tried them all, except Custom Shop versions, and my little AM205 out plays them all and sounds better.
Perfect match, the amp and the guitar, what a killer sound, super cool.
Sounds amazing.
That's a really nice example Lucas ! A family friend has a late 70's Ibanez Les Paul Custom style he's owned from new which is equally fabulous . Btw , I know you like your Greco guitars ; have you ever heard of Burny ? I have never even seen a Burny in person, only photos, but I have been told they're great Japanese copies of Les Paul type guitars ?
Burny guitars are really nice LP's
@@2817well I saw one of theirs ,looked a dead ringer for the white Custom that Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols is known for . I had to do a double take !
Most ( if not all ) Burny Fernandes guitars were built by Tokai and Kawai.
@@malcolmhardwick4258 See, that's a new one on me - I used to have a Fernandez Strat copy and had no idea the name was connected to Burny . Interesting .
I found myself an Ibanez artstar Prestige AM205 (2016)! Wow!
Sweet playing...
It is an Am 205. I have a 83' . I still love it
Look inside the F hole. There should be a label. I have an '84 AS-50. It's the same size. Mine was made in Japan with uncovered tan pickups (DiMarzio). Bob Weir had a model around then.
Sorry, but your AS50 is not the same size as any of the AM series. The AS guitars are 335 size while the AM's were smaller like a Gibson 339. The pickups(Super58) and hardware were the same though.
That’s a nice one. AM series Fuji gen factory
I had an old Ibanez Artcore & had to sell it due to illness, & I regret it every day.
Nice sounds.
Sounds mega !
Ibanez model names/numbers have been a problem for me in the past. In about '85 I owned a solid body Artist but built like a Musician with the multi-laminate through neck and sandwich body - maple centre and what looked like walnut front and back with symetrical cutaways. It was pre-owned at that time ( by the band Chelsea) so could have been the same vintage as this. It had top-of-the-line non active electrics with two tones and two vols with the rubber grip strips, a three way selector and two mini toggles for phase and split, although it's been such a long time it might have been split for both. It was one of the best made guitars I have ever owned (and I include PRS and Fender Custom Shop)but somehow it never inspired me to want to play it. This might be why folk still buy Gibson with all their final finishing issues - quirks and oddities are what make the world go round. Hahahahahaha
I believe your guitar was an AR2710, very similar to the Musician mc300 except for body shape and headstock.
@@tonytynes3891 Googling 2710 shows a semi-acoustic. Not like mine at all I'm afraid. CANCEL THAT!!! My bad (or maybe google's). I've found the one you mean and you are exactly right. Thank you so much for shedding light on that. I have never known the model number and now I do. I cannot explain how a completely different guitar ended up on-line with that model number but all's well that ends well :-)
I should have said Artist 2710.
I can understand why you didn't 'bond' with your 2710. I have an MC300 which is practically the same guitar and it's lacking the tone of any of my Artists. Such a work of art I won't sell it; only paid $350 Canadian for it!
Nice! Fretless era!
Pretty sure you got that right - it's an AM-205
Nissssssssssssssssssce 🍻
Similar to what Nick Hexum from 311 has? Or am I thinking of something else entirely?
Mate your demo was excellent,Gibson could never match the finish or sound quality of Ibanez.
205 artist japan
😻😻😻😻
Tasty magn
I might be wrong, but it looks like its an AS200.
Are you aware of the ibanez wiki? Its not complete, but I can usually find most things I look for.
ibanez.fandom.com/
Here's a link to the one I think it is:
ibanez.fandom.com/wiki/AS200_(1979%E2%80%932003)
The finish on the one you have there is different then the pic on the wiki, but the one you have is in Antique Violin.
I had an Artstar ss300 for awhile in that color, Absolutely beautiful guitars. Ibanez Japan guitars are hard to beat!
That should have the Super 58 pickups, my Artstar had those too. They are amazing!
Sorry bro, I could go on all day LMAO
Sorry if you caught my original post, I realized the first one I said had silver hardware, the as200 is similar but gold hardware.
You don't put nines on a shorter scale instrument like a 205..no wonder you're slip sliden all over the place.. that AM-205 needs 11's..its one of Ibanez's finest gems from the 80's...
I use 10's on mine with no problems...
Just like the Japanese Hondas were better motorcycles than the Harley Davidsons, 70's Ibanezs were much better quality than anything Gibson was producing at the time.
Not all your taste is in your mouth, but then I knew that when I saw the video with your wife guessing the price of some of your guit-fiddles. 8)