The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

hey all. last night I played a late 70's Ibanez Artist at a buddies. It was the first time I have played one and now I have a craving. However, I wonder if that craving can be filled more cost effectively (yet same quality) with a Mats guitar. Does anyone have any idea which model is close to a late 70's Artist?
thanks in advance

The Ibanez Artist is, I believe, a well respected and much sought after guitar. I've never owned or played one, but those who have seem to be quite happy with them. As for a Mats made equivalent, off the top of my head I think I'd be looking at the Vantage Entertainer series, or the Entertainar series (with an "a") which we've discovered is a separate animal.

They may not be as ornately finished as some of the Artists I've seen but as far as body style, sound and playability is concerned I think you might find them a worthy replacement.

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Never owned one but I have played one. I'd say any set-neck or neck-through Mat would be comparable in quality.

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Well i have.
Artists and AM´s and what have you not and i agree 101% with Jorg here. The ICW crowd has sure haussed prices of certain Ibbys. No two ways about that,and that is part of the charm with MOST of the uncle Mat offerings. They can still be had for reasonable money.

But. Being more specific,if value for money´s what you´re after and bells n whistles matters all the same to you i´d look into a PE-R. A PE-R80 to be more specific. If you can find it...a PE-60.
Don´t expect it to be for free though... Good guitars basically built very much like the Ibby artists,just with more of a Lespaul of a design.

If you´re up to it check the gallery and specifically the PE series of guitars. That should do it. Be aware though that some of the highend PE´s ain´t listed. Some..can be found in the visitors gallery at the bottom. Those might be real scarse tho and about as common as hens teeth.
Take your pick in short

Ibanez Artists tend to have a very heavy bridge mounted with big studs to the body. The result of that is not favourable for the sound. However, there are a few Artists using a bridge with thin screws mounted directly in the wood (think old Gibson style)... and those sound glorious.

For comparable Aria Pro II models... think PE or TA series (depending if you are looking for a solid or semi).

Don't neglect some of the Electra offerings. A ProEndorser or an Elvin Bishop would do very nicely.