1979 Ibanez Artist

Description

Note: partially/lightly scalloped fretboard! I didn’t notice this when I first posted this but the fretboard is scalloped from the 2^nd to the 12^th fret. It’s not a deep scallop but does change the feel slightly. I’m not sure of the model number but general construction is similar to other 78/79 Artists I’ve had including a ‘78 Model 2618 and an ‘81 AR-100. The main difference is that it doesn’t have a bound neck. Ibanez’s catalogs were very paltry in ’79 with no write-ups on the solidbody Artist series. I’ll state up front that it has been stripped and refinished but I’m guessing it was a transparent finish originally. It has the same 5/8″ maple cap used by Gibson, which yields that singing marriage of maple and mahogany. Features include: mahogany body and carved figured mahogany top, maple 3-ply neck, rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, 24 3/4″ scale, Gibraltar II bridge, Quik Change II tailpiece w/plate, Velve Tune tuners, Sure Grip II knobs and abalone logo. This one has a few custom features and/or mods. It had different tuners at one time but the extraneous screw holes have been filled and finished over and now has the stock Ibanez Velve Tune’s. Truss rod cover is Ibanez style but is custom made of mahogany with gloss finish. Pickup rings are also real wood in two layers, ingeniously maple over mahogany! Original hardware on these models always corrodes and you’ll note this one has a shiny new Gibraltar bridge and Quik Change tailpiece which sell for a dear price. Lastly, when it was refinished the maple edge was taped off so it has maple “binding”, like a PRS. Pickups are the acclaimed “Supers” with a Super 80 in the bridge, Super 70 in the neck. This was the golden era for Ibanez Japan and this guitar is an excellent example of their original design and construction. Cosmetically it’s in lovely condition; it plays with ease and sounds excellent. For a guitar of this quality with tasteful mods, it’s an excellent buy at $850 with is cheap for a pro-quality Artist. Includes a free quality gigbag or hardshell case available at additional cost.