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Great guitar!
By: Bobby Rust
Submitted: 1/4/2024
Product Rating
Product Review
Right out of the box, it was fantastic! I tuned it up, let it acclimate for a couple of hours, and it was STILL in tune!
Fret ends were nicely finished, overall finish was excellent.
New strings, and VOILA! She plays, and sounds like a guitar that would cost a LOT more.
THANKS, AMS!!
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The best guitar I've played.
By: Cliff
Submitted: 4/5/2023
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
This has been an absolute delight to play. It feels perfect for my hands and fingers. My first semi-hollow body but it's the one I've been eyeballing for a while. I'm glad I finally got it. I've played it everyday since.
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Great sound, solid price
By: J2doey
Submitted: 3/6/2023
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
From the moment of unboxing this guitar I was glad I bought it. Great playability, smooth neck and a very solid tone no matter what genre!!
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I am thrilled beyond expectation,
By: Richard Christensen
Submitted: 12/28/2022
Product Review
A beautiful looking instrument to be sure but how easily it plays and the sound cannot be kout done. I have a Epiphone 335 that I count on as a go to guitar but my new Ibanez has moved right in there with the Epi. Nicely done set up out of the box. I changed the strings but other than that Ibanez is ready to rock. Don't be misled by the completive price. It plays like a thousand dollar guitar. Give it a try.
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Decent for the price.
By: Tony
Submitted: 10/30/2022
Product Review
The guitar itself is pretty good. Has a good feel on the neck. I have smaller hands and I could Barre pretty good on this guitar. I ordered it in black and it's definitely not the black guitar. Not a big deal. Didn't affect the playability of the instrument. It's a good guitar for the price.
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Great price for a nice guitar
By: Andrew
Submitted: 3/7/2022
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
For the price this guitar feels, plays, and looks great. At first I was a little hesitant to buy it but now I’m glad I did. Thanks Ibanez and American Musical for bringing us this.
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This is a great guitar
By: Louie
Submitted: 2/13/2022
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
This is my first semi hollow body guitar and I am shocked how well it plays and sounds for the price. Beautiful Tobacco satin finish with nice wood grains. Comfortable neck. The bound walnut fretboard looks amazing. Pickups sound great. Mine came setup out of the box with 10-52s which feels like the perfect gauge for this guitar. Ibanez makes some of the best guitars on the market. Really impressed with this one.
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Great guitar
By: LRWRIGHT
Submitted: 2/6/2022
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
Great guitar for the money.Would recommend. Thank you AMS.
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Very Happy
By: MAS
Submitted: 4/18/2021
5 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
This guitar sounds and plays great! It's very versatile and can be used for blues, jazz rock, country etc. It is worth every penny. The sapele wood looks good and the instrument is very well built. The AS100C case fits it.
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Nice guitar
By: Matthew
Submitted: 1/29/2021
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Nice action out of the box. Very beautiful finish. Sounds great. Very good deal for the price.
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Thanks AMS
By: Neoneddy
Submitted: 1/29/2021
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Wanted this guitar for ages. Out of the box it was ready to play. Stays in tune, and sounds great. All i really had to do was change the strings. Thanks again AMS.
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WAY better than I expected.
By: Jazzer John
Submitted: 1/8/2021
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
WAY better than I expected. I wanted an inexpensive yet playable 335 style axe, and after researching extensively, settled on this one. When it arrived, I gave it intense scrutiny, and after playing it for a bit decided to do the following: polish the frets (they were a little "gritty" on bends) and LOWER the action a bit. I didn't have to touch the neck truss rod at all! The fit and finish were perfect. I then changed strings going to my normal 11's (it comes with 10's) and hemp oiled the fretboard in the process. Then I intonated it...it was close out of the box, but needed a slight tweak. Then I played it for 4 hours at band rehearsal and grew increasingly impressed with the tonal characteristics of the pups Don't let anyone tell you that the pups are in need of replacing. They are fine, and have just enough "bite" to cut through the band mix. I happen to like ceramic pups over Alco's. We do everything from Dire Straits to George Benson to Frank Sinatra to the Stones and George Strait. This axe can handle them all. I particularly like having only ONE volume and tone pot...no one has the time in a live setting to adjust 4 knobs until the "sweet spot" tone mix is achieved. Studios? Yes. Live? No. Next, I installed a LesTrem vibrato and roller bridge I had and they literally just dropped in. All said, I love this guitar. I have Fenders, A custom made Carvin DC-127 and have also had Gibsons and Epiphones. They are all fine instruments. But the neck on this gem stands above them all. And I like the medium frets over the medium jumbo's that most manufacturers put on their guitars. It's a great little player and definitely a keeper. But if you find one, snap it up because they are telling me that the next shipment won't be for 6 months!!! I had to call three sellers before I could find someone who had them in stock. Ended up with AMS, who did a fine job in the sales end.
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Good starter Guitar
By: csuttn
Submitted: 11/26/2020
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
Great sound and feel, starter guitar and good price.
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For the money you can NOT beat this guitar
By: Stone Ogrodowski
Submitted: 10/5/2020
5 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Gorgeous Guitar all the way around. Way better quality than the price suggests. If you are looking for a backup or your first step into the semi hollow world stop searching and just buy this guitar.
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Worth the money
By: Pn
Submitted: 9/1/2020
Product Review
The as 53 is a solid guitar for 300 bucks
It was playable out of the box
But much better after set up
The strings it comes with are very rough get a pack of your favorite strings when you order it.
It plays on the brighter side.
So if your going to play jazzy stuff
I recommend the following
Lower the string height, adjust the intonation, slap on a set of flat wounds
And lower the pick ups
And you will have a good budget guitar to jam on While you save up for that pricey jazz box.
And five stars to Ams for there great service.
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Hi to low ,Price Does not matter, Materials on my guitar , design !
By: Patrick RamJam Ramshead
Submitted: 4/10/2020
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
First look , beauty in tobacco flat. Came set up but I did my tweaks. Love the flowing action on the neck when running the Board on jams, the Tapered neck and c shape is smooth.The sapele wood is a strong African wood that carries vibration to resonate well. love the strap mount behind the neck , good place keeping that strap out of the way. The tone volume knobs are in a strategic place easy to access . The lead rhythm switch which sets between them as not to confuse which is which is a nice touch. A simple easy design set up . In all I loved it so much on how it sounds I bought my lead guitar player one and he loved it. I played as well as any of the Gibson’s he had in the rack. From playing blues to rock this axe will get the job done. At night I find myself sitting in a chair and just learning ,improvising. This guitar is for all Types of players, lead ,rhythm, a first guitar for someone or another one to add to your collection.
People whom are serious about playing have enough guitars like myself.but always wanted an F body semi hollow, the sound stacks up as well as a Gibson E 335, without breaking my bank to add another in my lineup. It has been increasingly been my go to guitar, stays in tune well. I have noticed how the weather - change in temperature will affect my tune. I practice in a garage in between gigs with poor heat. So if it gets cold quick while playing you will notice, but that’s with about every guitar. When I pick up my guitar in the morning , my Gibson becomes sad, he is all alone. I never thought you could build such a great sounding guitar for just under 300. Deep rich bluesy tonal sound .
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Absolutely beautiful!!!
By: Kat
Submitted: 4/9/2020
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
More beautiful than I imagined. Got the transparent black and could not be more impressed. I’ve been playing guitar for over ten years now and I’ve been dying for a hollowbody guitar. This one is perfect. Light weight with a great sound.
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Worth it.
By: Billy
Submitted: 3/30/2020
10 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Nice looking, fine playing. Good setup right out of the box.sharp frets.fast delivery.
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Great Value!
By: Tom D
Submitted: 3/30/2020
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
Out of the box the action was decent, yet to perform a full set-up, but in reality it doesn't necessarily require it. Sound projects well as a semi hollowbody, tuners do their job, would probably swap out the factory PUPS, but that is just a preference on my part. For short money, you can't go wrong!
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Plays beautifully!
By: Tyler
Submitted: 1/6/2020
4 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Honestly was not expecting the quality I got with this guitar. I just wanted something to mess around with but the sound and sustain is great. I even play downtuned metal. Get it. Cannot recommend enough.
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music is the best
By: Dave
Submitted: 11/7/2019
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
always wanted an es style guitar. always liked Ibanez and this as53 was the perfect blend. it came all set up and just needed to tune it and it was off to the races. i especially like the flat finish. no fingerprints to deal with. sounds great,plays great. thanks again A.M.S. for the monthly payment plan.
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I love it!!
By: Patricia
Submitted: 10/27/2019
Product Review
The guitar was heavier than I expected. The neck was wider than I expected. I tuned the strings easily. Without an amplifier I was able to play, and hear the guitar as if it was an accoustic. It's not too hard on my fingers even though I am used to classical strings. This is my first electric guitar. The black color that I ordered is very nice and I am happy with my new guitar. I hooked it to an amp and I found a very rich tone that I like. The amp makes it even more fun and adventurous.
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IBANEZ does it again!!
By: RAFA
Submitted: 9/26/2019
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
Lightweight, great sound and playability out the box on a low budget (great for a begginer's first electric). I love the looks on the black satin finish
I got it 3 weeks ago and cant take my eyes off it!
It clearly met and surpassed my expectations, will install a Bigsby for even cooler look and nice new feature!
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Amazing Sound
By: Erika
Submitted: 9/6/2019
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
This was a great buy; looks and sounds amazing!!!!
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Completely Satisfied
By: Ken Moore
Submitted: 8/30/2019
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
AS53 Transparent Black. 1st Semi-hollow body and I am stunned by the beauty and the quality. The guitar is superb. Thank you goes out to AMS.
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Bought it in black
By: Jeffrey H.
Submitted: 8/5/2019
Product Review
Looking for a change, bought this as my first semihollow guitar. First impression are it has a nice feel and sound, not having played a semihollow before I don’t have anything to compare it to. Plenty of positive reviews and the sleek design ultimately led me to my purchase.
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Such a beautiful guitar
By: Jose
Submitted: 5/21/2019
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
I started playing jazz and this guitar sounds amazing for it. The only problem I had was the strap button fell off and my guitar broke but AMS was able to replace mine. Other than that the guitar is perfect for me.
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THIS SOUNDS GREAT
By: scott lassiter
Submitted: 3/6/2019
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
I BOUGHT THIS FOR MY GIRLFRIEND FOR VALENTINES DAY. I CANNOT PUT IT DOWN. THIS PLAYS BETTER THAN MY EPIPHONE AT DOUBLE THE PRICE.
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This Guitar Needs A Quality, High-powered Amplifier To Do It Justice!
By: Geral John
Submitted: 2/22/2019
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
It's a beautiful guitar, but the high-end notes are not there. I have a 100 watt Fender Champion Amp. I believe it could sound great with a better amp. A quality, high-powered Amp! I'm a good musician with an acoustic-electric guitar, but an electric guitar is a different animal entirely. I have to give it 3 stars...
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So far so great!
By: Kelvin Maldonado
Submitted: 1/5/2019
Product Review
I was a little hesitant because I am a guitar beginner. After a few recommendations from some of my musician friends, I decided to give the Semihollow a try. I think it’s a great looking guitar with a nice sound, I have received so many compliments since purchasing it. It’s lightweight but packs a punch, which is great for me because I’m a small guy. Highly recommend!
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A pleasure to play after a long time off
By: Bruce Grant
Submitted: 9/26/2018
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
Easy to lay. Not too heavy and frets are large enough to accommodate my big fingersBruce Grant
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Nice feel
By: JB (North Carolina)
Submitted: 9/26/2018
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Nice feel, color and tone. Good rig for the $$$$. Will buy another of different color.
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Great guitar
By: Mark S.
Submitted: 7/21/2018
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
This is a great guitar for an even better price. Sound is very good and is versatile enough for various musical styles.
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Rugged built, yet delicate sounds. Mine is the flat red finish.
By: Glenn Baker
Submitted: 8/20/2016
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Very well worth the money, a rugged little instrument. Surprised on how sturdy this sapele wood has turned out to be. The sounds are sharper than norm but adjust your tone on the guitar or your amp to soften them. One of my main go-to guitars, the other is my new Ibanez AS93 which is an entirely different guitar. I can't say enough good on either guitar. Thanks Ibanez and American Musical for handling these gems.
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Great guitar!
By: J brown
Submitted: 1/1/2016
Product Review
I am a drummer so I don't know a ton about guitars other than quality of sound, I bought this guitar for my son who is a really good guitar player he loves it and it sounds great when I jam with him. It looks great too, very cool, very happy.
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I ordered the flat black because it was different and has a classy style. Awesome.
By: HOWARD KENNAMER
Submitted: 7/19/2014
8 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
Our house burned in January and I have been on a tight budget . But, after shoping and talking with costumer service , I decided this would be a great guitar to resume my career with. Im a bass player who is transitioning into rythym and front vocals. this is the best choice I have ever made. It arrived in three days ground and out of the box it was beautiful. The strings are ok for now as I get used to it and the setup can wait until I change them. I am excited to be on stage with this simple yet classy styled iby. Thanks AMS. U have never let me down..HK in Alabama.
SWEET
Lighter than expected, I use a thin fender strap no problem.
Great rhythm vocals.
My wife picked it out.. Happy wife happy life :)
Best budget choice in a replenish situation.
Satisfied out of the box. will tweek later, cant sit it down long enough yet.
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By: from United States
Submitted: 2/24/2014
2 people found this review helpful.
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Not bad for the money.
By: Odd-Todd from Kenner LA, U.S.
Submitted: 1/5/2014
2 people found this review helpful.
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Unbelievable value
By: MauiMatt
Submitted: 6/5/2013
3 people found this review helpful.
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great overall value
By: greg alexander from
Submitted: 4/1/2012
2 people found this review helpful.
The neck joint is awesome. The finish and the qua;ity of the wood is alos very good. The only thing I wouls say could use a bit of help is the fret edges. They are sharp. Nothinmg a quick file job cant cure. The action was a bit high when I recieved it but a quick adjustment solved that. Intonation waas dead on.....very good overall
Just got it. Time will tell it seems solid though.
Your general opinion of this product.
Very nice looking and very comfortable to play. No question a great deal dollar for dollar.
Very comfortable top play. I at times have trouble with hollow guitars being too big. This guitar is very nice to play
Neck pickup lacked bite. But overalll pretty good for factory.
Top shelf. Beautiful instrumnet
A bit high. But was easily adjusted with no fret buzz.