So, the Ibanez AS73, huh? Let me tell you straight off—it’s a semi-hollow gem that brings a lot to the table.
This guitar is a real treat. Honestly, it’s the kind of guitar that makes you go, „Wait, is this really this affordable?”
Let’s dig in and see why the AS73 is a solid choice for players across the board, whether you’re into jazz, blues, or good ol’ rock. Spoiler: it’s pretty damn good.
Build Quality – What’s the Deal?
First Impressions
One word: wow. The Ibanez AS73 sports a semi-hollow maple body—not something you see every day in this price range. Maple gives it this real punchy, bright tone. And yeah, the Tobacco Brown finish? Just gorgeous.
That’s a color that gives it vintage vibes without looking dated. You’re getting something that looks slick without screaming “look at me!” in neon lights.
A little tip: maple’s gonna give you a bit more bite than something like mahogany, but it still delivers depth and warmth. It’s not “fancy” wood, but it gets the job done.
Listen to the demo below.
The Neck Feels Just Right
One thing I noticed immediately was the neck—it’s made of mahogany, which feels smooth and substantial.
The set-in neck attachment makes hitting the high frets a breeze. The laurel fretboard has a great feel, and the scale length of 24.75 inches (yup, a classic Gibson-style scale) feels comfortable whether you’re shredding or strumming.
You’re not gonna struggle with this neck, trust me.
Sound Quality – What Can It Do?
Classic Elite Pickups (Yes, They’re Awesome)
With two Classic Elite humbuckers, this guitar sounds warm and full without being mushy. It handles a range of tones—from smooth jazz to grittier blues and rock.
To be real, these pickups surprised me. Usually, stock pickups are okay but not amazing. These are actually pretty great.
Can You Play Everything?
The answer: mostly yes. You want soft, clean jazz? Done. Crank it up for blues or classic rock? No problem. High-gain stuff? Ehh, that’s where it hits a wall. It’s not made for metal; it’s more a chameleon than a heavy hitter. Still, it gives you enough options to play around and find “your” sound.
And a 3-way pickup selector switch? Yeah, this gives you different tones by moving between the neck, bridge, or both. You can dial it from mellow to bright with just a flick of the switch.
Set-Up and Playability: Easy, Breezy, and Ready to Rock
Most guitars, when they arrive, need a little tweaking. The AS73? Surprisingly ready to play straight out of the box. I had to adjust the tuning and maybe the action, but that was it. After a couple of minutes of tweaking, I was good to go.
The Bridge and Tailpiece
Let’s talk hardware. The ART-1 bridge and Quick Change III tailpiece combo is solid. These help with tuning stability and make it easy to change strings. Plus, that bridge adds a bit of sustain, which you’ll appreciate, especially on a semi-hollow where resonance really counts.
Specs
Here’s the breakdown of specs.
- Design: Semi-acoustic
- Body: Maple
- Body depth: 43 mm
- Neck: Mahogany
- Neck attachment: Set-in
- Fretboard: Laurel
- Scale: 628 mm (24.75″)
- Pickups: 2 x Classic Elite humbuckers
- Bridge: ART-1 with Quick Change III tailpiece
- Hardware: Chrome
- Colour: Tobacco Brown
Ibanez AS53 vs. AS73 – Which One’s for You?
AS53: The Affordable Option
I had this guitar for a little while and honestly, it was awesome. You can watch my video below 😉 Also if you enjoy it, subscribe to my channels Best Guitars Now and Strefa Gitar!
It’s a really nice entry-level option with a basswood body and Infinity R humbuckers. The tone is warm and rounded, great for beginners. It’s also super lightweight, which makes it easier to play for long stretches.
No pickguard, though. No pickup covers either. Does it matter? Sometimes, yes.
How About AS73?
But if you want something a little more refined, here’s the kicker: the AS73 takes it up a notch. The maple body and Classic Elite pickups give the AS73 a brighter, sharper tone. It’s also got a more polished feel overall.
In short:
- AS53: Affordable, warm tone, lightweight.
- AS73: Brighter, punchier sound, maple body, a bit more “premium.”
Both are awesome, but the AS73 feels a bit more grown-up. If you want a guitar that can evolve with you, go for the AS73.
FAQ
1. Is the Ibanez AS73 good for beginners?
Yes, it’s a solid choice for beginners. The AS73’s easy-to-play neck and great sound make it ideal for those just starting out or looking to up their game.
2. How does the AS73 compare to other semi-hollows?
In this price range? It’s hard to beat. The build quality, sound versatility, and playability are all top-notch. You might look at Epiphone or Gretsch, but this Ibanez really stands out for the price.
3. Can the AS73 handle heavier genres like rock or metal?
It can handle classic rock and some bluesy overdrive, sure. But it’s not built for metal. This one’s for smoother, more expressive playing—think jazz, blues, classic rock, maybe some indie.
4. Does the AS73 stay in tune?
Absolutely, thanks to the ART-1 bridge and Quick Change III tailpiece. This setup keeps it in tune, even during longer sessions. Just make sure to maintain it properly, as with any guitar.
5. Is the AS73 worth upgrading with new pickups?
If you’re really particular about tone, upgrading the pickups can elevate its sound. But the Classic Elite pickups do a fantastic job as-is, especially for jazz and blues tones.
6. How heavy is the Ibanez AS73?
It’s on the lighter side for a semi-hollow. You can play this thing for hours without killing your shoulder—definitely a plus.
7. Can I use the AS73 for recording?
Yes, yes, yes. Its semi-hollow resonance and the humbuckers make it sound warm and balanced in a studio setting. Perfect for jazz, blues, and rock recordings.
Final Thoughts: Is the Ibanez AS73 Really Worth It?
In one word: yes. The Ibanez AS73 is a fantastic guitar, giving you way more than you’d expect for the price. It looks like a high-end guitar, plays like one, and has the versatility to back it up.
From the maple body to the Classic Elite pickups and the smooth neck, you’re getting a guitar that’s honestly surprising in how much it offers. It’s not perfect, of course—no guitar is—but it’s close enough.
If you’re looking for a semi-hollow that’s affordable, stylish, and ready to handle a bunch of different genres, then this is it.
