Ibanez Artist or Artstar?

art027 · Newbie Alert Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 2

Hi there,
I'm Michell, i live in the Netherlands. I once owned an Ibanez Artist (ES 335 model) guitar, at least i thought it was an Artist, the man that i sold the guitar to is now selling it again but in his advertisement he says it's an Ibanez Artstar AS80.
Here's is my confusion, It has 'ARTIST' on the headstock but on the stamp in the body it says 'AS80'
I can't remember the serial number now but i do know that it was build in Japan in 1983.
Does this make sence to any of you guys? I would like to know the exact model name of this guitar.
Thanks in advance,
Art

SAguitar · Posted: Fri May 23, 2003 9:11 pm Post subject:

I have seen these on Ebay frequently. I believe the AS80 stands for Artstar80. Many of those built in the early 80's were also labeled 'Artist' on the headstock. AS80's of that era are going for $700-900 American on Ebay lately. They are a very well made guitar IMHO.
_________________
"Live by the Groove. Die by the Groove."

art027 · Newbie Alert Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 2

Hi,
Thanks for your reply, So it is called just Ibanez AS80 right?
The newer AS80's, don't they have the 'Artist' on the headstock anymore?
You're right about the quality of this guitar, it is very well built and it plays like a dream. I regret that i sold it, now i learned what it's worth these days i regret it even more. I got $ 480 for it. When i bought it i only payed 400 dollars for it, bought it in a guitar store a few years ago.

Art

SAguitar · Posted: Sat May 24, 2003 6:49 am Post subject:

The newer ones don't have "Artist" on the headstock. Nowadays, the AS models are being made in Korea, as far as I know. I have an AS50 that was made there in the mid-90's. It is a very nice guitar, with great tone. Actually, it is one of the few guitars in my stable that I have left almost stock.
_________________
"Live by the Groove. Die by the Groove."