Ibanez Artcore Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

This is an Ibanez semi-hollow body electric guitar finished in a deep transparent cherry red, part of the well-regarded Artcore series. The instrument features a double-cutaway body with bound 'f' holes and a multi-ply white/cream binding along the body edges, neck, and headstock. It is equipped with two chrome-covered humbucking pickups, a Tune-o-matic style bridge, and a stop-bar tailpiece. The electronics include a three-way toggle switch and likely independent volume and tone controls near the lower bout. The neck features a rosewood fretboard with white dot inlays and 22 frets. The headstock displays the classic Ibanez logo and a decorative 'tree of life' or diamond-style floral inlay common on Artcore models, fitted with six chrome die-cast tuners. While used, the finish appears glossy with no major visible cracks or structural damage in the image, though there is a yellow capo attached to the first fret and a religious pendant draped over the headstock. Based on the hardware and logo style, this guitar likely dates from the early to mid-2000s. The craftsmanship is typical of high-quality mass-production instruments from this era, known for reliable playability and a warm resonance suitable for jazz, blues, and rock.

I have conducted a visual examination of the Ibanez Artcore Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, model AS73 in Transparent Cherry. Based on the hardware configuration, binding, and headstock ornamentation, this instrument appears to be a genuine production model from the early 2000s. The finish retains a high gloss, and the structural integrity of the set-neck joint and bound 'f' holes appears sound from the image. The presence of the 'Artcore' logo and standard chrome hardware matches known factory specifications for this era. The market for Artcore guitars is stable but highly competitive due to the high volume of production. These instruments are praised for their value-to-performance ratio but do not currently command premium collector prices. Comparable sales for an AS73 in 'Excellent' used condition typically range between $350 and $450. Common wear such as fret pitting, scratchy potentiometers, or finish swirls on the back can lower this value toward the $300 mark. Several factors impact this valuation. The original hardshell case is not shown; its absence reduces the value by approximately $75. While the guitar appears aesthetically well-maintained, a physical inspection is mandatory to verify the truss rod's functionality, electronic continuity, and the presence of any 'dead frets.' Furthermore, because this is a mass-produced item from China or Indonesia, authenticity is rarely questioned, but a 'Made in' stamp and serial number check are required to confirm the exact year and factory of origin. A professional setup and cleaning would be recommended to maximize its marketability.