NGD - Ibanez AR2619 CS

[exaN]

I've wanted an Ibanez AR for many many years, but I wasn't comfortable buying one of those old 80s AR off Ebay. I only found out not too long ago that Ibanez actually started making them again. They discontinued the cherry burst, but I checked Ibanez Rules last week and he had one left in stock. He also had a good price on it since the model is a few years old, but the guitar was still brand new.

Japanese Ibanez's always live up to their reputation. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is remarkable. The finish, the knobs that turn like butter with rubber grip on them, the pearl headstock inlay, the abalone/pearl block inlays, the binding, etc. I usually like less knobs, but I'm having a ton of fun playing with what they call the "tri-sound" switches. One switch per pickup, choice of series, coil tap or parallel (if someone could explain to me the difference between series and parallel that'd be great :icon_biggrin. The pickups are very hot but they clean up great and the volume knobs are super responsive. I couldn't be happier with it :hello2:.

Here are a few sound clips with different configurations using Guitar Rig 5. The last distorted bit is with the neck pickup in parallel and it's one of my favorite so far. It sounds really great in the middle of the neck.
[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/amisson/ibanez-ar2619-demo[/soundcloud]

 

[Fat Pete]

Nice get! That is a pretty thing - reminds me of working in a music store when I was just a kid, drooling over all the catalogues.

 

[Kostas]

...Japanese Ibanez's always live up to their reputation. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is remarkable...

That's something most Japanese brands have, their top models are equal of the best American brands and usually less expensive. Most people think they made their best guitars in the 70's & 80's but their most impressive work is their current work. I'm really surprised with their attention to detail. Other Asian countries are following their steps.

... One switch per pickup, choice of series, coil tap or parallel (if someone could explain to me the difference between series and parallel that'd be great :icon_biggrin...

http://www.seymourduncan.com/faqs/what-are-series-and-parallel-wiring
https://www.andersonguitarworks.com/sps/

 

[AirCap]

I have been an Ibanez fan since the late 70's when they made some great copies. Their original stuff has proven to be fantastic - especially the Artist series. I've owned early ones, and just bought a Korean one awhile back. Just as fantastic as the early stuff.

 

[Cagey]

I had a Korean Artist some years back that was a fine piece of work. The attention to detail was meticulous, and the quality was quite high. Most of the Asian stuff I see is that way, at least for the "better" stuff. I have an Agile 3200 right now that I'd put up against any factory-issue Gibson LP Custom and it would win any contest.

On the other hand, I was at our local "high end" guitar shop a couple months ago and was not favorably impressed by the fretwork on many of those instruments, including a number of "custom shop" issues. They weren't necessarily bad - certainly set up nicely and playable - but they were nothing like what I'd expect to see on instruments of that caliber and price.

 

[exaN]

I almost went for one of the less expensive models, but this is a dream guitar of mine and didn't want to regret my choice .

On the other hand, I was at our local "high end" guitar shop a couple months ago and was not favorably impressed by the fretwork on many of those instruments, including a number of "custom shop" issues. They weren't necessarily bad - certainly set up nicely and playable - but they were nothing like what I'd expect to see on instruments of that caliber and price.

You mean you wouldn't pay $7,000 to own the plainest maple top in the world :icon_biggrin: ?

 

[Cagey]

'Fraid not. Although if I were to win one in a contest or something, that'd be cool. I could probably move it on ebay easily enough and use the proceeds to finance something nice. Same with "vintage" instruments. To me they're just auction bait.

 

[Fat Pete]

...You mean you wouldn't pay $7,000 to own the plainest maple top in the world :icon_biggrin: ?

But "Every inch of this Les Paul has vibes".

They may be confused. Every inch of this has vibes:

 

[mayfly]

That's a very nice instrument.  Congratulations!  I always wanted one of the 'cowboy fancy' ones.

... I wonder if I could put a bender in it...

 

[AirCap]

I always wanted one of the 'cowboy fancy' ones.

You mean like the new Bob Weir, or some of the older stuff - like the Custom Agent?

 

[mayfly]

I was thinking of the Bob Weir one, but will checkout this 'Custom Agent' !

 

[mayfly]

Had a look - not a fan of the custom agent.  Still like this one!

 

[Cagey]

Nice axe. I'd rather not the frilly vegetation, but it wouldn't be a deal-killer on a used one.

 

[AirCap]

For those who aren't hip to the Ibanez Custom Agent... It's from the 70's...
http://forum.japanaxe.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=2729

Also, the Randy Scruggs model was cowboy fancy....
http://www.hosguitars.com/tiedostot/2.Iba%20kaula.jpg

That same peghead & vine motif was used on the Bob Weir of the 80's (I have one, but someone took the peghead overlay off).

Ibanez did a BUNCH of fancy inlaid axes - Musicians, Artists, etc.

 

[mayfly]

Here's a cheaper way to get that cowboy fancy look!

https://www.inlaystickers.com/products/bob-weir-inlay-cowboy-fancy