NGD- Semi GAS sated...

Beexter

Having sold off a few unused pedals, I saved up enough for this...
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Ian_Lea/Mobile Uploads/DSC_0552_zpsxxmgzwbw.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/Ian_Lea/Mobile Uploads/DSC_0554_zpsuxb6kj9n.jpg

Given my budget, I'd narrowed it down to the Ibanez AS93 or a Hagstrom Viking. Tried the two back to back today and settled on the Ibanez. The Ibanez felt more "alive" for want of a better term. It had better sustain, projected much louder unplugged and felt like a much better quality instrument, despite it's lower price tag. The build quality is very, very good. It is overall brighter than the Hagstrom but the tone controls offer quite a lot of range.
I really wanted to like the Hagstrom but I didn't think the build quality or sound were there. The pickup selector was intermittent, the pickups seemed to have a more limited tone range and the trapeze was very, very close to the body meaning that the slightest pressure on it made it contact the top. The Ibanez is a LOT of guitar for the money and it's easy to see why the Artcore/ Artstar range gets the praise they do.

Basher

Sweet. Love the Ibanez AS types. Very "jam band" in a way that makes you work on your modal shit. Eric Krasno-tastic: 

Dave_Mc

that's very nice

meltedbuzzbox

for me they are the kings of the sub £1000 price bracket. 

Good gas bud. 

DrJazzTap

I'd rather have one of these than a epiphone, good score bud

Beexter

DrJazzTap;414777" said:

I'd rather have one of these than a epiphone, good score bud

Tried a couple of Epiphones (Dot's) but didn't like them personally. The ones I tried sounded flat/dead and I didn't like the necks.
Really pleased with the Ibanez, especially as it was funded entirely by pedals I wasn't using any more..

sunshinewelly

I had an as103 which was very well built. I do regret trading it.

Phil_aka_Pip

Good GAS, Sir!

Jalapeno

Excellent swag ! B-)

Evilmags

Very nice. You need to learn some John Scofield now.

Loobs

Cool. I have an early 00s as120. It's rad. Korean made. Got it for £300.