WTB:- Ibanez Artist, ca 1976-1985

hywelg

I've been hankering after one of these for a while, I'd prefer the bling version with triple binding, pearl/abalone inlays, and a nice top, preferably a burst but I am open minded about the wood/finish. Pristine isn't essential, however I'm not interested in a wreck either.

Anyone know of anything?

GuitarMonkey

A mate of mine is selling this, it's an '82 model.

but it is currently in Perth, Western Australia. Can put you in touch if you like?

Last I heard he wanted £780 for it, but exchange rates may have shifted.

GuitarMonkey

Some more photos for you:

hywelg

That is very very nice and exactly what I'm looking for. It would have been exceptional with an original green lined case but I'd happily forego that.

Unfortunately I'd not be happy about shipping it half way round the world. He's not coming here on holiday is he?

TTony

hywelg said:

Unfortunately I'd not be happy about shipping it half way round the world. 

I've had 3 shipped over from Japan.  No problems.  

Apart from the grief I got from Mrs TT obviously.

blueskunk

Thats nice
I shipped a laney lc 30 to Russia once with no hassle

bertie

all I can say is,  had an '81 with less bling,  it was simply - superb 

GuitarMonkey

I've been in touch with the owner and it's still for sale

A couple more photos for your delectation:

New posts have been fitted.

There is a scratch (caused by a previous owner) that is only noticeable close up

hywelg

Yes its still gorgeous, but I still have reservations over the distance thing. Its one thing buying off eBay from a respected seller with all the protections in place from both eBay and Paypal, its quite another to buy blind from a mate of a forum acquaintance. Not suggesting anything about either of you mind! If I was buying from someone in the UK I'd want to have my mitts on it before parting with cash and I'd be prepared to travel to do it.

Short of me booking a holiday to Aus, if there was anyway round that dilemma I'd be very pleased to hear about it, but I suspect I'm going to be disappointed.

GuitarMonkey

Life is full of disappointments.

The owner is over every year or two as he has family here. He was here only a few weeks ago though, so you may have to wait for the next trip.

steamabacus

Have you tried the Ibanez Collectors' Forum?

Rave

That should sell easily at that price!

hywelg

steamabacus said:

Have you tried the Ibanez Collectors' Forum?

Registered now. Looking forward to seeing whats on there. Is it UK or worldwide?

hywelg

GuitarMonkey said:

 He was here only a few weeks ago though, so you may have to wait for the next trip.

Bugger!!!

steamabacus

hywelg said:

steamabacus said:

Have you tried the Ibanez Collectors' Forum?

Registered now. Looking forward to seeing whats on there. Is it UK or worldwide?

It's a worldwide forum. I don't go on there often - I have 3 old Ibanezes but I'm no collector. They're just heavily modded working guitars.
But the  ICF seems to be the place for genuine Ibanez knowledge and advice - and collectors!  

hywelg

Bump....

sinbaadi

Bloody gorgeous don't blame you for wanting one!

hywelg

Bump. Still looking everywhere, been a few on eBay but mostly too far away to try 'em.

usedtobe

I'd love an old Ibanez Artist, too - there's something about them...!

custom1981

hywelg said:

I've been hankering after one of these for a while, I'd prefer the bling version with triple binding, pearl/abalone inlays, and a nice top, preferably a burst but I am open minded about the wood/finish. Pristine isn't essential, however I'm not interested in a wreck either.

Anyone know of anything?

 

If you have never tried one of these guitars before then it may help you to know that the necks are very small and thin with a fairly flat fretboard and they have a very similar shape neck to the Ibanez wizard neck

if you are checking out a version that has the flame maple top it is worth taking out a pickup to look underneath to see if the cap is solid flame maple or very thin flame maple veneer as this to my mind should be a consideration when placing a value on the guitar

The solid flame maple ones are very easy to spot as you can see the flame running right through the full thickness of the cap in the pick up cavity when the pickup is removed.

I have owned several of these guitars and they vary quite a bit in terms of how they sound but in general I think the ones I have owned all sounded more like a les paul custom as opposed to a les paul standard , I have found the reissues are nowhere near as good the originals also the should you manage to get your mitts on a very early original it will become very obvious that the early ones were handbuilt and are all slightly different and unique , if you find an early one with a solid maple cap you cannot go wrong and they are a great bang for buck and if it said gibson on it instead of Ibanez then you would have to pay a small fortune for the same sort of quality, oh yeah some of the pickups are sublime.....   

fretfinder

Our drummer's got one. I picked it up the other day, it must weigh over 12lbs - strong shoulders required! :-O