Robben Ford Discussion

tboulette · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2012 11:10 am Post subject: Ibanez AS103 vs. AM93

I posted this on The Gear Page, but it seems nobody has info or wants to share. So, I thought I'd try here.

I'm trying to choose between these models. Unfortunately there are no local dealers that carry either. I've tried a cheaper AS model, which felt nice. Pickups left something to be desired.

I like the idea of a smaller bodied version - hence the AM. Specs seem similar with same pickups and bridge. But, I don't know how the body size changes the tone. The price differential is significant - would obviously rather spend $550 (plus case) than $900, all other things being equal.

Anybody familiar with both guitars who can share any insights they may have would be appreciated.

tboulette · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:03 am Post subject:

Appears nobody has experience with both guitars, which is not surprising. I've just ordered the AM93, and for the benefit of anybody considering this guitar (and FWIW) I will post a quick review once I get it and have a chance to play a bit.

frank0936 · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2012 8:42 am Post subject: Ibanez comparison

Yeah, I've got an AS80 that I love, but I've never even seen an AM; much less played one.
Frank

tboulette · Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2012 10:12 am Post subject:

So here's the quick review of the Ibanez AM93:

As will surprise no one who's owned a Ibanez hollow or semi-hollow body guitar, it's wonderful. Beautiful to look at, flawless finish and cosmetic details. The body size (which is smaller than the AS models) is perfect for me. I would say that if you're used to playing 335-style guitars then go for the AS103. If, like me, you're used to playing smaller, solid body type guitars, this body size is perfect.

The neck is very comfortable, if slightly wide feeling. I think it might be a hair wider than 1 11/16" at the nut. I have relatively small hands, and have played strats and strat copies for years, so I'm really used to 1 5/8" necks. Still, my Carvin DC 127 (which has been my main player these days) is 1 11/16", I think. I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Sound: *Acoustically*, this thing sounds GREAT. Totally didn't expect that. There's just something about it. Unfortunately, it's also loud enough that any practice-while-the-wife-watches-TV will have to be on the Carvin! I haven't run it through my main rig yet, but I have no doubt it'll be killer. Sounded great through the little Roland DC10 I have in the living room. The pickups are fantastic. The bridge has plenty of high end for a humbucker, and can get me into RF territory easily. Even more impressive is the neck humbucker, which has a wonderfully balanced tone. With the tone on full, it's just a beautiful sound. The tone control is very responsive. I find that rolling it down to about 4 gives my a great classic jazz sound without muddiness: it's got that warmth, but still has some air -- not even my vintage ES-175 can do that. I really LOVE the neck pickup! I would say these are low to medium output pups, but the Carvin's active electronics may have messed with my sense of "low" and "high" output. (These are Ibanez Custom 58s -- exactly how those may be different than the Super 58s that Ibanez puts on it's pro models I haven't been able to determine.)

Street price on this was $549.99. Got a matching Ibanez hard case for another $89.99. An absolute STEAL from Ibanez. I don't know how they do it.

PS: I forgot to add -- one thing I don't really like. This has medium frets. I really would wish for at least medium-jumbos.