Ibanez Artist AR-300 Cherry Sunburst 1983
Ibanez Artist AR-300, cherry sunburst, made in Japan 1983. Ibanez's Artist series debuted in 1974, and marked a departure from Fender and Gibson style designs and a move into original shapes with innovative specs. By the early 80s, the quality on these guitars was becoming frighteningly good, and early examples like this enjoy a cult following amongst enthusiasts. This one is in pretty good shape for a forty year old guitar: there's some play wear, but it's very tidy, and it feels great. The neck is a comfy slim rounded shape, not super skinny but very quick and agreeable, and the neck join allows for easy access all the way up to the top frets. The sound on offer is not a million miles from a Les Paul, but with a bit more clarity and sparkle to balance out the thick juicy lows and creamy midrange. The tri-sound switches add some more options to the mix too, you can get some tasty combos dialled in. The cherry burst looks great with a bit of natural mellowing on the clock, and the gold hardware really makes it pop. This is a really enjoyable guitar, and these iconic ealt Ibanez models aren't getting any more common as the years roll on. Viva the Artist.
Model: Ibanez Artist AR300
Made: Japan, 1983, Fujigen
Serial: E830121
Finish: cherry sunburst, gloss poly
Body: mahogany, flame maple carved top
Neck: 3-piece maple, ebony board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, slim round shape
Weight: 4.355kg
Mods: one knob replaced
Pickups: Ibanez Super 58 humbucker x2 (passive, inc tri-sound switches)
Accessories: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a small chip on the end, dimples on the top end and some scuffs on the back near the serial number. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, very minor dimples on the back only. The back has some scratches along the belly carve and near the electronics cavity, a lot of dimples and small dents along the back edge, elbow area and bottom edge and some scuffs on the horns. The sides have minor scuffs on the top horn, dimples in the elbow area and some scratches and scuffs near the jack. The front has some dimples near the knobs, scuffs in the elbow area and some play wear on the horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only