2017 Ibanez lineup at NAMM included a total of fifteen Hollow Body models, with two George Benson signatures and thirteen regular models shared among four series.
Ibanez Hollow Body division houses fully hollow and semi-hollow guitars, with both branches sporting modern and vintage models. Some of the most recent developments within the division saw the rise of modern archtops and semis, oriented towards guitarists interested In contemporary rock and blues styles. Vintage models do, however remain the backbone of the lineup. 2017 NAMM unveiled a set of fifteen new models, scattered across five series, one signature and four regular ones. Signature models are made in honor of George Benson`s four decades with Ibanez and their names are GB40th and GB40thII. Contemporary Archtop line makes its debut with a trio of modern hollow-bodies: AFC155, AFC151 and AFC125. Classic Artstar line`s expanded with sleek AM200 and AS153, while the Artcore Vintage series receives AFV10A and ASV10A 2017 versions. Artcore line will feature six new models: AF75G, AF75T, AFS75T, AS73, AS73L and AS7312.
Ibanez GB40th is an exclusive, made in Japan signature model made for George Benson and his 40th anniversary with Ibanez Guitars. It will cost you hefty five grands, but the sheer awesomeness and prestige of this mesmerizing archtop more than make up for the steep price tag. Playability and quality of tone are on boutique level. For further info and full specs list visit the GB40th detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez GB40thII is a more affordable (available for around $1,500) and regular-production version of George Benson`s limited edition 40th anniversary model. It features slightly different styling and color palette, with the core features remaining virtually unchanged. George Benson`s signature minibuckers, ebony fingerboard, flamed maple/spruce body and Gotoh hardware are all there. For further info and full specs list visit the GB40thII detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AFC155 opens up the regular side of the lineup. It is the top one of three Contemporary Archtop series models unveiled this year. The blue-clad single-cut comes in with dual minibucker pickups, sleek styling, 20-fret fingerboard and two-piece bridge unit. Special-designed pickguard and black/gold tuners add the modern vibe. For further info and full specs list visit the AFC155 detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AFC151 is the second-in-line member of the newly formed Contemporary Archtop series. It is a simple, modern hollow-body guitar, with two-piece bridge, lone neck-positioned minibucker pickup (with reduced controls unit), 20-fret fingerboard and combined black/gold hardware. Sunrise Red is the only available color option. For further info and full specs list visit the AFC151 detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AFC125 completes the three-piece lineup of the new Contemporary Archtop series, a line designed for players who want to infuse their modern music with some jazzy flavors. Single-cut AFC body, set neck with 20-fret fingerboard and dual Magic Touch minibuckers make up the backbone of this modern jazz/rock axe. For further info and full specs list visit the AFC125 detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AM200 is a Prestige class guitar and like all of the Prestige axes, it is made in Japan. The price tag of around $2,400-500 gets you a double-cut AM body (all-mahogany construction), Super 58 passive humbuckers, 22-fret fingerboard and top shelf Gotoh hardware. Black (with gold hardware) is the only available color option. For further info and full specs list visit the AM200 detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AS153 costs around a grand and is one of the finest double-cut semis out there in its class. The blue-clad beauty comes equipped with some mighty fine features and appointments. These include flamed maple back, top and sides, Super 58 humbuckers (w/gold covers), gold-plated hardware and bone nut. For further info and full specs list visit the AS153 detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AFV10A is a refreshed version of the last year`s model of the same name. It rocks the standard Artcore Vintage styling, including low gloss finish, aged hardware and vintage pots and switches. Ibanez`s own Classic Elite humbuckers bring out that classic jazz vibe, while the deep body contour grants this archtop richness of the tone. For further info and full specs list visit the AFV10A detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez ASV10A is one of two budget-friendly Artcore Vintage models introduced at this year`s NAMM. It is more of a refreshed variant of the last year`s model of the same name than a full-fledged new design. Nonetheless, the new ASV rocks an all-maple body, mahogany neck, Classic Elite pickups and aged hardware and paint. For further info and full specs list visit the ASV10A detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AF75G is a single-cut archtop, one of six brand new Artcore series models. This middle-class jazz box (price tag floats around the $500 mark) offers a deep-contoured all-maple body, 20-fret fingerboard, Classic Elite pickups and gold-plated hardware. Satin-finished Black Flat is currently the only member of the color palette. For further info and full specs list visit the AF75G detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AF75T comes in with classic styling, 20-fret fingerboard, fully hollow body and vibrato bridge. Ibanez offers two color options – Black and Transparent Cherry Red. Both options come with glossy finish, black plastics and chrome hardware. The new jazz box is expected to cost around $500 when it hits the stores. For further info and full specs list visit the AF75T detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AFS75T is one of six Artcore models introduced at Ibanez`s booth at this year`s NAMM. It is practically the same model as previously reviewed AF75T, only with additional two frets (making the total fret count 22). Other than that, and reduced color palette, these two are one and the same guitar. For further info and full specs list visit the AFS75T detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AS73 is 2017 incarnation of a popular semi-hollow model of the same name. The previous one cost around $400 and the new 73 is expected to be in the same price range. Design and construction have remained mostly unchanged, with pickups selection being notable exception (Classic Elite are installed on the new one). Other than that, things remain as they were. For further info and full specs list visit the AS73 detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AS73L is there for left-handed players who are looking for a well-built, reliable semi-hollow guitar in the under $500 range. Transparent Cherry Red (gloss finish, chrome hardware) is the only option featured in the color palette. All other features and appointments remain the same as on the right-handed model. For further info and full specs list visit the AS73L detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
Ibanez AS7312 is the only twelve-stringed semi hollow guitar Ibanez introduced this year. It is based on the popular AS73, sharing many of the construction and stylistic features with the six-string original. The only major differences are found in the hardware section, where twelve-piece set of tuners and twelve-string-adapted bridge replace the standard appointments. For further info and full specs list visit the AS7312 detail page on our site or Ibanez Guitars official web site.
