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Why I Love Ibanez AS53 (REVIEW)

    S I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the Ibanez AS53 lately. If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for hollowbody guitars, and this one? Yeah, it hits all the right notes.

    I’ve personally tested the AS-53, and let me just say, this guitar surprised me in more ways than one.

    FYI, the full review is up on my YouTube channel (check it out if you want to hear how it sounds). It’s a pretty old video so plz don’t judge me 🙂

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    Build Quality Of Ibanez AS53 Is Just Awesome

    One of the first things I noticed when I unboxed the Ibanez AS53 was the build quality. For a guitar in this price range, I wasn’t expecting too much.

    But man, was I wrong.

    my ibanez as53

    The basswood body feels sturdy, and the finish (Tobacco Flat, for those wondering) gives it a vintage, slightly worn-in vibe. No need for flashy colors or over-the-top designs here—it’s subtle, yet classy.

    Pro tip: Basswood might not be the fanciest tonewood out there, but it’s lightweight and delivers a nice, balanced sound. You won’t be breaking your back during those long practice sessions or gigs.

    The neck is made from nyatoh, a wood that’s relatively new on the guitar scene, but it works. It’s smooth, comfortable to play, and paired with a laurel fretboard, it gives off a satisfying feel.

    The binding on the fretboard is a nice touch too. You wouldn’t expect that level of detail on a budget guitar, but here we are.

    You can check out my demo below.

    Set-Up Ready (Mostly)

    Another thing I love about this guitar? It came pretty much ready to go.

    After a quick tune-up and minor adjustments (you know how it is—every guitar needs a little love out of the box), I was good to go. The action was decent, the intonation was spot on, and the medium frets were smooth with no rough edges.

    Seriously, I’ve played more expensive guitars that didn’t come this well set up.

    Looking for more cool guitars? Check out my review of Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS!

    Sound That Surprised Me

    I’ll be honest—when I first saw the Infinity R humbuckers on this guitar, I wasn’t expecting much.

    They’re stock pickups, and stock pickups tend to be hit or miss. But here’s the thing: these humbuckers work. They give you that warm, full-bodied tone you want from a hollowbody, but they can also handle a bit of grit if you crank up the gain.

    as53 pickups

    It’s versatile enough for blues, jazz, or even some lighter rock. Don’t expect it to shred like a metal machine, but for what it’s meant to do, it delivers.

    And let’s not forget the 3-way switch, which allows you to move between neck, bridge, or a mix of both pickups.

    It’s a simple setup, but sometimes simplicity is key, right? If you’re looking to go from smooth, mellow jazz tones to something a bit brighter and punchier, this switch has you covered.

    Here’s my second video about this axe.

    Pro Tip: Add Some Effects

    If you’re feeling experimental, this guitar pairs well with some effects—especially reverb and delay.

    I ran it through my pedalboard, and adding a touch of reverb brought out the natural resonance of the hollowbody. The sound just opens up.

    Want a moodier vibe? Add some delay, and you’ll be swimming in lush tones before you know it.

    Value for Money: You Get A Lot

    Here’s where the Ibanez AS-53 truly shines—value for money.

    It’s hard to believe that this guitar comes in at such an affordable price. The quality you’re getting here—both in terms of build and sound—is easily comparable to guitars that cost two or three times more.

    I’m not saying it’s going to replace your high-end models, but for a guitar in the $300-$400 range, it’s seriously impressive.

    Lightweight and Comfortable

    Another big plus for the AS-53 is its lightweight build.

    Hollowbody guitars can sometimes get a bit heavy, especially if you’re used to solid-body electrics. But the basswood construction keeps the AS-53 feeling light, making it a great option for players who want that hollowbody sound without the added weight.

    Your shoulders will thank you after a long practice session or gig, trust me.

    Comparing the Ibanez AS-53, AS73, and AM53

    If you’re in the market for a hollowbody, you’ve probably come across other Ibanez models like the AS73 or AM53.

    So, how does the AS-53 stack up?

    Ibanez AS-53 vs. AS73

    The AS73 is another great option from Ibanez, but it’s a bit more expensive than the AS-53. The main difference here is in the tonewoods and the pickups.

    The AS73 uses maple for the body and has Classic Elite pickups, which give you a slightly brighter, more articulate sound compared to the AS-53’s basswood and Infinity R humbuckers.

    Both guitars have similar neck profiles, but if you want a guitar with a bit more bite and brightness, the AS73 might be more up your alley.

    But for my money, the AS-53 holds its own, especially when you consider the price difference.

    Ibanez AS-53 vs. AM53

    Then there’s the AM53, which is actually a smaller, more compact version of the AS-53.

    If you’re someone who likes the idea of a hollowbody but finds them too bulky, the AM53 is a great option. It’s easier to handle, especially for players with smaller hands or those who just prefer a more compact instrument.

    That being said, the AS-53’s full-size body gives it that extra resonance and warmth that you won’t get with the smaller AM53.

    So, if you’re after that classic hollowbody sound with all the depth and richness, the AS-53 is the way to go.

    Why I Love the Ibanez AS-53

    There’s a lot to love about the Ibanez AS-53. It’s got the looks, the sound, and the playability, all without costing an arm and a leg. What more could you ask for?

    photo of man playing on ibanez as53

    Here’s the thing: I’ve played guitars that cost five times as much as this one, and while those guitars were undeniably awesome, they didn’t necessarily feel five times better.

    The AS-53 punches way above its price point and proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a guitar that looks and sounds amazing.

    Bukowski-style joke incoming: If Bukowski played guitar, he’d probably write something like, “The AS-53 is like a cheap bottle of whiskey—smooth when it needs to be, a little rough around the edges, but it gets the job done without emptying your wallet.” 😏

    FAQ

    1. Is the Ibanez AS-53 good for beginners?
    Yes, the AS-53 is an excellent choice for beginners. Its lightweight build and smooth playability make it comfortable for new players, while the price point won’t scare off those who are just starting out.

    2. How does the AS-53 compare to the AS73?
    The AS73 offers a brighter, more articulate sound thanks to its maple body and Classic Elite pickups. It’s also a bit more expensive. The AS-53, on the other hand, offers a warmer, more rounded tone with its basswood body and Infinity R pickups. Both are great guitars, but the AS-53 gives you more bang for your buck.

    3. Can the AS-53 handle heavier music styles?
    The AS-53 is more suited for genres like jazz, blues, and classic rock. While it can handle some gain, it’s not designed for high-gain metal or shredding.

    4. Is the AS-53 worth upgrading with new pickups?
    If you’re a tone chaser, swapping out the pickups can definitely elevate the sound. But honestly, the stock pickups do a fine job for most players, especially if you’re into jazz or blues.

    5. How heavy is the Ibanez AS-53?
    The AS-53 is surprisingly lightweight for a hollowbody guitar, making it comfortable for long practice sessions or gigs.

    6. Can I use the AS-53 for gigging?
    Absolutely! The AS-53 is gig-ready out of the box. A quick setup might be needed, but once that’s done, this guitar will hold up well for live performances.

    Final Thoughts

    At the end of the day, the Ibanez AS-53 is a fantastic guitar for the price.

    It’s got the looks, the tone, and the playability that you’d expect from a much more expensive instrument.

    It’s not perfect—no guitar is—but for what you’re paying, the AS-53 over-delivers in just about every area.

    If you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight guitar that can handle anything from jazz to blues and classic rock, you won’t be disappointed!

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