Ibanez AS200 (2014)

For years I wanted an ES-335. This Ibanez AS-200 is essentially a clone with the addition of a nice coil-splitting feature on the neck pickup. At the time (8 years ago), I felt the Ibanez quality was much better than Gibson. Although I hear Gibson has improved (hard to believe after visiting their factory in Memphis last year).

The range of tones is a big plus, with the coil-tapping (3 choices: single coil, parallel or series humbucker). Guitar Player gave it very high marks for versitility. I've actually gotten some new sounds out of it since reading the article in GP. This instrument covers jazz, blues, rock and probably anything else one might want. My Strat, I use for blues, period!

The wide neck took a little getting used to after my SG, but it's great for finger-style. Turns out my new American Strat neck is just as wide.

Not much. It would have been interesting to hear the bridge pickup tapped like the neck.

Too bad, the AS-200 is not more available or promoted by Ibanez. I found it only in one shop (even Guitar Center doesn't carry it), and I bought the only one I've seen this shop carry in the last 8 years. I've never seen it in a catalog.

Very high quality constrution and finish. Everything is coordinated for a beautiful effect, "Vintage" style tuners, golden sunburst finish, flame maple top, gold hardware and fully bound (body, f-holes, neck, headstock).

It is a real pleasure to look at and especially hold this instrument.

This is essentially the instrument (without coil-splitting) that John Scofield (the jazz giant!) has been using his whole career.

If my AS-200 guitar got lost or stolen, I'd definitely have to special order one from Ibanez!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

My Ibanez semi-hollow body was made in Mexico. The AS-200 has 22 frets, and mine is a right handed configuration. There are two pickups with separate knob controls for volume and tone of each. The guitar has a maple neck and large gold plated tuning pegs and bridge.

UTILIZATION

The neck has a nice feel, good spacing on frets and with the cut away it is easy to make it up to all the notes. For such a large guitar it is a very light which sits easily with a large strap. It is easy to get a nice sound with the different controls for each pick up. If you will be playing over the bridge you can have the back pick up louder than the front, or if you will be palm muting it is good to turn the back pickup all the way down and only use the front pickup. Many different uses!

SOUNDS

The guitar suites my type of music, which is primarily folk/jazz, but the guitar has a wide range. It is a semi-hollow body of course, so it has a rich almost acoustic tone if you want it. I play it clean most of the time, but sometimes use various reverbs for effects.

OVERALL OPINION

I have had my AS-200 for 3 years now and bought it for 250 new. The thing I like the most is the hollow-body design. The thing I dislike the most of the placement of the input jack. It is on the bottom of the guitar and I have had mine pushed into the body twice needing repair. The hollow-body has a thin shell so the input can be forced into the body of the guitar. I believe I got a great price and didn't try out any other similar models. Knowing what I know how I would still have bought my AS-200. its a great guitar!

japan manufacturing
fixed bridge Gibson guy
ebony handle key blocks pearl
22 medium frets very comfortable
Super 58 pickups kind bam 2 volumes 2 tonalities SETTINGS very progressive

UTILIZATION

really handle has advantage in this model
very good access to treble tops

SOUNDS

should all styles all pass without problems splits on 2 microphones
on mine I do have to ask an old bam 57 modified to have the same splits when
the sound is a round handle that hair with super 58

OVERALL OPINION

I used the last 10 years
I have had many guitars
what I like least hummm c is the weight can be difficult and yet it is very well balanced value for money is excelent finishes are very superiors has a 3 ..
and the price a little less overrated than this one general note 9 because nothing is perfect

Made in Japan in 1982.

UTILIZATION

handle or too round or too flat. perfect compromise

SOUNDS

It is a semi-hollow body, the sound is typical of a 335 I would say more subtle.
The original pickups are excellent, perhaps more versatile than the Gibson (for example) ... There is a system for the micro splitter.

OVERALL OPINION

I used a decade (87 to 98) and am separated with much regret (especially today). These guitars are perfect for all levels (violin, manufacturing, hardware ....).
I think today's reissue (the signing John Scofield model) is as good as the original, which dates from the early 80's I think. between a 335 and a new Ibanez the choice is quickly seen the poor Gibson products today.