Makos « A Jazz Box deserves better ... »
Published on 03/24/12 at 11:13See overall opinion
UTILIZATION
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SOUNDS
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OVERALL OPINION
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"A JAZZ BOX WORTH MORE ..." This guitar has high quality, except for the original, stock pickup. Other than the pickup, quality is typical Ibanez: Seriously good luthiery and finish. It is a full hollowbody, characteristic of the Artcore brand. The body has a 16-inch width at its lower bout. It's easy and simple to play, thanks to the thin, fast neck. Very good! The neck is also in line with brand.
The only possible pitfall of the guitar is its original pickup. The ACH1 pickup is actually neither good nor bad. It is tasteless and uninteresting. This guitar deserves a much better pickup. So, I replaced the original pickup with a Seymour Duncan Phat Cat, a P90 sized humbucker. Wow! The difference is day and night!
Now the guitar has potential of velvety attack or snap, with harmonic presence, and exceptional dynamics. This pickup upgrade is worthwhile. This excellent guitar deserves it.
In conclusion, I rate the original guitar with stock pickup 7/10. With the pickup change the rating improves to 9/10. Aside from the stock ACH1 pickup, the guitar is very good. The star ratings above reflect the guitar without modification.
UTILIZATION
See overall opinion
SOUNDS
See overall opinion
OVERALL OPINION
Express opinions:
"A JAZZ BOX WORTH MORE ..." This guitar has high quality, except for the original, stock pickup. Other than the pickup, quality is typical Ibanez: Seriously good luthiery and finish. It is a full hollowbody, characteristic of the Artcore brand. The body has a 16-inch width at its lower bout. It's easy and simple to play, thanks to the thin, fast neck. Very good! The neck is also in line with brand.
The only possible pitfall of the guitar is its original pickup. The ACH1 pickup is actually neither good nor bad. It is tasteless and uninteresting. This guitar deserves a much better pickup. So, I replaced the original pickup with a Seymour Duncan Phat Cat, a P90 sized humbucker. Wow! The difference is day and night!
Now the guitar has potential of velvety attack or snap, with harmonic presence, and exceptional dynamics. This pickup upgrade is worthwhile. This excellent guitar deserves it.
In conclusion, I rate the original guitar with stock pickup 7/10. With the pickup change the rating improves to 9/10. Aside from the stock ACH1 pickup, the guitar is very good. The star ratings above reflect the guitar without modification.