What is the primary body material of the Ibanez AS93FM?

The body is crafted from flamed maple, which provides a bright, punchy tone and a visually striking grain pattern.

Which pickups are installed in the AS93FM Artcore Expressionist?

The guitar is equipped with a set of Super 58 humbuckers, known for delivering smooth vintage tones suitable for jazz and rock.

What type of fingerboard does this model feature?

It features a bound ebony fingerboard, which contributes to sparkling highs and provides a comfortable playing surface.

What is the purpose of the Quik Change III tailpiece?

The Quik Change III tailpiece is designed to improve string stability and allow for faster, easier string replacements.

How does the hollow design affect the sound?

The hollow design infuses the guitar with acoustic characteristics, enhancing overall resonance and improving sustain.

What woods are used for the neck construction?

The neck is made from a combination of maple and mahogany, providing a balance of strength and tonal warmth.

What controls are available for tone shaping?

The guitar features independent volume and tone controls for both the neck and bridge pickups, plus a pickup selector switch.

What is the typical price for the Ibanez AS93FM?

The typical price for this model is approximately £629, placing it in the mid-range category of electric guitars.

What finish is used on this specific Artcore Expressionist model?

This model features a Violin Sunburst finish, which highlights the flamed maple wood grain.

Is the Ibanez AS93FM suitable for high-gain rock music?

While designed for vintage tones, the Super 58 pickups and semi-hollow design handle overdrive well, though very high gain may cause feedback due to the hollow body.

How does the ART-1 bridge contribute to the guitar's performance?

The ART-1 bridge is designed to improve string stability and ensure the guitar stays in tune during play.

Is this instrument a violin or a guitar?

Despite the 'Violin Sunburst' name, it is a semi-hollow electric guitar. It is not related to orchestral violins like the Stentor Graduate or Messina models.

Gear article

Ibanez AS93FM Artcore Expressionist Violin Sunburst

The Ibanez AS93FM Artcore Expressionist is a semi-hollow body electric guitar designed to deliver vintage aesthetics and classic jazz, blues, and rock tones. Part of the renowned Artcore Expressionist series, it features a flamed maple construction and Super 58 humbucking pickups for a balance of acoustic resonance and electric versatility.

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Overview and Construction

The AS93FM Artcore Expressionist is defined by its striking flamed maple body, which provides both a premium visual aesthetic and a specific sonic profile. As a semi-hollow instrument, it features a central block to reduce feedback while maintaining the airy resonance typically associated with archtop guitars. The body is finished in a traditional Violin Sunburst, emphasizing the natural grain of the maple.

The neck is constructed from a combination of maple and mahogany, providing structural stability and a comfortable playing profile. This is paired with a bound ebony fingerboard, a material chosen for its smooth feel under the fingers and its contribution to the instrument's tonal clarity.

Electronics and Hardware

At the heart of the AS93FM’s amplified sound is a pair of Super 58 humbucking pickups. These pickups are favoured for their ability to produce smooth, nuanced vintage tones without the excessive noise often associated with single-coil designs. The control layout includes independent volume and tone knobs for each pickup, allowing players to blend the neck and bridge signals precisely.

Hardware specifications include the ART-1 bridge, which ensures accurate intonation and tuning stability. This is complemented by the Quik Change III tailpiece, designed to facilitate faster and easier string changes compared to traditional trapeze or stop-bar designs.

Tonal Character

The combination of tonewoods and electronics results in a bright, punchy sound with significant sustain. The flamed maple body contributes to a crisp attack, while the hollow design infuses the tone with acoustic resonance. The ebony fingerboard adds 'sparkle' to the high frequencies and helps maintain 'crunchy' lows when used with overdrive.

When played through a clean channel, the Super 58 pickups deliver the warmth required for jazz and mellow blues. When pushed, the guitar maintains clarity, making it suitable for more aggressive blues-rock applications.

Suitability and Comparisons

The AS93FM is aimed primarily at traditional players who value vintage styling and versatile tonal options. Its physical comfort and balanced weight make it an appropriate choice for both studio work and live performance.

In the context of other Ibanez models or market alternatives, the AS93FM sits as a mid-tier professional instrument. While it shares the 'Violin Sunburst' aesthetic with classical string instruments like the Stentor Graduate or Messina series, it is a dedicated electric guitar. Compared to entry-level hollow bodies, the inclusion of ebony fingerboards and Super 58 pickups represents a significant hardware upgrade.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body material of the Ibanez AS93FM?: The body is crafted from flamed maple, which provides a bright, punchy tone and a visually striking grain pattern.
Which pickups are installed in the AS93FM Artcore Expressionist?: The guitar is equipped with a set of Super 58 humbuckers, known for delivering smooth vintage tones suitable for jazz and rock.
What type of fingerboard does this model feature?: It features a bound ebony fingerboard, which contributes to sparkling highs and provides a comfortable playing surface.
What is the purpose of the Quik Change III tailpiece?: The Quik Change III tailpiece is designed to improve string stability and allow for faster, easier string replacements.
How does the hollow design affect the sound?: The hollow design infuses the guitar with acoustic characteristics, enhancing overall resonance and improving sustain.
What woods are used for the neck construction?: The neck is made from a combination of maple and mahogany, providing a balance of strength and tonal warmth.
What controls are available for tone shaping?: The guitar features independent volume and tone controls for both the neck and bridge pickups, plus a pickup selector switch.
What is the typical price for the Ibanez AS93FM?: The typical price for this model is approximately £629, placing it in the mid-range category of electric guitars.
What finish is used on this specific Artcore Expressionist model?: This model features a Violin Sunburst finish, which highlights the flamed maple wood grain.
Is the Ibanez AS93FM suitable for high-gain rock music?: While designed for vintage tones, the Super 58 pickups and semi-hollow design handle overdrive well, though very high gain may cause feedback due to the hollow body.
How does the ART-1 bridge contribute to the guitar's performance?: The ART-1 bridge is designed to improve string stability and ensure the guitar stays in tune during play.
Is this instrument a violin or a guitar?: Despite the 'Violin Sunburst' name, it is a semi-hollow electric guitar. It is not related to orchestral violins like the Stentor Graduate or Messina models.