I had been looking for a replacement to a vintage Gibson ES-335 that I had played for decades before handing it off to my blues loving and so gifted father-in-law. I had always liked how you could just pick it up and play, unplugged or not. Fast forward to Sweetwater's recent year-end sale - which included a demo version of this AS73FM in the epic Green Valley Gradiation. There were close-up pictures of a micro ding on the body, a scuff on one of the pick-ups, and a dent on the neck that I never could find, along with enough demo disclosure content to make any lawyer proud. But honestly, I just called my SE, the fabulous and reliable Mitch Dazey, to get his thoughts on how this would do for an everyday all-arounder that I just wanted to keep by my desk to pick up when I had a minute, or got an idea I wanted to try. (A quick word about Mitch - I've had him talk with me plenty about guitars. He knows his stuff. After listening to what I was wanting, more than once, I've had him talk me out of a guitar. But mainly, and to his real credit, I've never had him try to talk me into a guitar, especially one that was more expensive. He's a real pro. He has saved me far more than I have ever spent at Sweetwater.) His thoughts in this instance confirmed mine. So I got this guitar in demo at a great discount, but as always with Sweetwater's backing and pre-ship inspection/blessing. It arrived in great shape, on time, and with a very nice set-up. The action and intonation were spot on. As soon as I played it, I could tell why they had used this guitar as the in-store demo. It sounds awesome unplugged. Plugged and with effects, it sounds just about any way that I can find to take it. I honestly have never noticed the ding ... or the scuff ... sorry lawyers ... just the fact that it is perfect for what I was wanting. I pick it up all the time, and it plays just as I had hoped. I have a better electric, and I have a better acoustic. But this is the one that I keep handy and use as my every day go-to. That's as fitting a recommendation as any. It has way more in terms of fit, finish and features than it's price might lead you to believe. Ibanez guitars have always been like that for me. But above all, it looks spectacular. Any questions ... call Mitch. ;)

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The value packed into these guitars is great. Made in Indonesia, Ibanez has great quality control. This year's new colors - green and blue gradiation - are certainly very striking and sure to get looks. Don't be mislead by the description talking about a slim neck - this a solid C neck, similar in size and shape to a Gibson 50's neck [which to me was a HUGE plus]. The neck shape is great, the wood was nicely figured and solidly constructed with no blemishes. The quick change bridge is a fantastic feature. Often guitars at this price point have a poorly cut nut - my example, while only a plastic nut, was very well cut. The tuners are fair - they are the typical style [I suspect made by ping] - they hold tune just fine, and they don't slip. I would replace them with better units once they wear out but there's no point in replacing before then.

This guitar loses a star when it comes to electronics. The new "Classic Elite" pickups are an improvement over the previous ACH pickups - in fact the bridge is reasonably good, but the neck is still dark [arguably you might like this neck pickup for jazz, but it's too dark for me]. Both pickups are ceramic pickups, and are connected to metric mini-pots and a fairly clunky feelings selector.

When comparing this to my Gibson ES-339, it obviously doesn't have the nitro finish, the great 57 classic pickups, bone nut, kluson tuners or the better electronics. However, you can easily buy a set of pickups, pots, switch and jack, and have a tech rewire it and give it a pro level set up, install some strap locks plus buy the hard shell case, and still be well less than half of the price of the Gibson. Of course it will still say Ibanez not Gibson, and you can argue about resale value with or without upgrades vs playability. Having both I can honestly say the playability on both is about the same. Comparable semi-hollow bodies from other companies are certainly more expensive. It's certainly a lot of fun to play out, gets a lot of comments, and at this price point I won't feel distressed if it gets a ding or mark on it like I would my very expensive Gibson.

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