Ibanez AFC151 Contemporary
Archtop
The Ibanez Artcore Series has long
been a standard bearer for affordable
excellence in the archtop guitar world,
and 2017 finds this venerable Japanese
guitar manufacturer stepping up its game
with the Contemporary Archtop Series.
Whereas many modern instruments go for
a decidedly retro aesthetic, with designs
and appointments that recall the golden
era of big band jazz, the Ibanez AFC151
sets its sights squarely on the now. The
laminated spruce and flamed maple body
looks like candy with its high gloss,
Sunrise Red transparent finish, and
its sleek, bound ebony fretboard
is complemented by minimalist
offset mother-of-pearl
inlays. The effect is much
more Tesla than
38
TONE TALK //
Studebaker, with Ibanez aiming this guitar
clearly at the young, hip modern jazz
enthusiast of modest means. The Ibanez
AFC151 Contempary Archtop guitar can be
had brand new for just a penny under 980
dollars street price.
6 Archtops for the Working Class Jazzer