The history of Ibanez AR (The ARTIST SERIES)

I've written articles focusing on Aria Pro II and Yamaha's original models so far, but there are still many other brands and models that are indispensable.

Among them, the one we'll be focusing on this time is the Ibanez original model "AR"! Ibanez is currently known for its multi-string guitars popular in hard rock and metal, full acoustic guitars for jazz, and a wide variety of other guitars.EffectorIt is known as a brand that offers a wide range of products.

From Ibanez comes the legendary original model that appeared in the 1970s, gained enthusiastic support overseas, and then made a triumphant return to Japan in the form of a "reverse import"—that's The Artist Series "AR"!

Now, let's delve deeper into the history leading up to the birth of AR and its specifications!

Ibanez is one of the brands owned by Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.
The history of Hoshino Gakki/Ibanez dates back to the 1920s.
The musical instrument department of Hoshino Shoten was founded in 1908, and Hoshino Gakki was established in 1929.

Then, in 1929, they began importing and selling classical guitars and ukuleles from a Spanish brand called Salvador Ibanez.

In 1935, they began manufacturing gut-string guitars, releasing them under the brand name "Ibanez Salvador," which was later changed to Ibanez.

From then on, the Tama factory focused on manufacturing "TAMA drums."

In the mid-1970s, they also developed original models, and in 1973, they released the "The ARTIST SERIES" (2611/2612/2613/2614/2615/2616) in collaboration with artists.

Aside from the 2615/2616 models, all other models are bolt-on models with a double-cutaway body shape similar to the ES-339, and these models served as the prototype for subsequent AR series models.

In 1975, models such as the 2405, which featured an LP-style body shape and luxurious mother-of-pearl inlays behind the tailpiece, and the 2617, which had a thin double-cutaway body with a German-style curved neckline, were released.

The following year, in 1976, a limited edition model was released as the "Professional Series," which almost perfectly reproduced the specifications of the instruments used by artists.

The Professional Series includes the 2681, a Bob Weir model from the Grateful Dead, and the 2671, a Randy Slacks model.

With the introduction of models designed for overseas artists, the expansion of the domestic electric guitar market, and the availability of Ibanez catalogs in stores, the Artist Series gradually gained popularity in Japan during the late 1970s.

Finally, in 1979, The Artist Series began selling domestically through a reverse import. At that time, the model name was changed from a four-digit number to AR.

This is how the Ibanez AR was born.

From 1979 onward, minor specification changes and various models were introduced, establishing its position as an original Japanese-made model.

From here onTCGAKKIWe'll take a look at the evolution of AR specifications while reviewing past releases of The Artist Series!

This model, released in 1975, features a mandolin-like headstock shape and a single-cutaway body.

The headstock features a vase-shaped inlay, and the fretboard also features the same design as Ibanez mandolins of that era.RecruitIt features an inlay that resembles a pattern that was previously used.

The Artist Series, which was first released in 1975, featured the first set neck design.RecruitThis is the model.
The 2617 was also the first to use ebony for the fretboard and abalone blocks for the position markers. The body shape, with its double cutaway and German-style curve, is similar to the AR, and it can be called the prototype for the AR.

The Artist Series underwent specification changes in the 1970s, including changes to the headstock shape.
This particular guitar is from 1978, so it features transitional specifications, with the headstock shape changing from a Gibson-like shape to a tapered shape.

This model was manufactured for only three years, from 1976 to 1979. It is part of Ibanez's "Professional Series," which commercialized guitars with the same specifications as those made by Ibanez for overseas artists.

This model has the same specifications as the 2681, but with simplified decorations and a lower price point.

The basic specifications, such as the ash body, ebony fingerboard, set-in neck, and pickups, are the same as the 2681, but the Tree of Life inlay on the fingerboard has been changed to dot position markers, and the body binding has been changed from abalone to cream-colored celluloid binding.

This model was launched with the lowest price point among models sold domestically.
While this model is positioned as an entry-level model, it retains the distinctive features of the AR series, such as the characteristic inlay on the headstock and the Gibraltar bridge.

In 1983, the pickups were changed to Super 58s, and from then on, the tone knob became a push-button design, and a duo sound function was added.

A model with a burl mahogany top.

The controls and pickups are the same as the AR100, but the body is made of a wood combination of burl mahogany, maple, and nato, which is rarely seen even today.

This model is based on the AR100 but with a 12-string configuration.

Aside from being a 12-string model, it has the same specifications as the AR100.

Ibanez AR is a representative model.

AR200 with front pickupRecruitThis model features the Tri-Sound System, which was previously only available in the front and rear positions, and includes abalone block inlays on the fretboard and abalone around the body's perimeter. It is the most popular and widely available model in the AR series.

In addition to AR's signature colors such as Cherry Sunburst and Antique Violin, it also comes in a variety of other colors including Gold and White.

This model is based on the AR100 but with a 12-string configuration.

Aside from being a 12-string model, it has the same specifications as the AR100.

This model was released as a minor revision of the AR500, exclusively for the Japanese domestic market.

The AR500, like the AR300, features the TriSound System and also includes an active 3-band equalizer. However, the AR550 was developed based on advice from Yasuhiro Suzuki of Off Course, who was a big fan of the AR500. 

By eliminating the heavy sustain block to reduce weight and changing the Tri-Sound System to a Duo-Sound System, the guitar has been refined into a more practical specification that prioritizes stage usability.

This model was sold as a limited edition in 2000.
The AR2000 had been sold overseas since 1998, but in 2000 it was sold domestically as a limited edition Prestige model.

The body is slightly thinner for reduced weight, but the top is made of 16mm thick maple. The thinner body gives it a more solid sound with a faster attack compared to the conventional AR, and it's also easier to handle. 

The pickup escutcheon is made of rosewood, giving the entire guitar a luxurious look befitting a Limited model.

The controls are simple, consisting of a toggle switch and 2 volume and 2 tone controls, without features like a Tri-Sound System or active EQ.

This particular instrument is in the Vintage Violin color, but a Cherry Red Sunburst color also exists, and only 50 of each color were produced.

Unlike other domestic brands, Ibanez focused its development on overseas markets. By examining its relationship with Fujigen and Kanda Shokai, I gained some insight into why Ibanez remains popular worldwide today.

Furthermore, the unique characteristics and approach of AR combine the appeal of a musical instrument with the appeal of a tool, and I felt it was my mission to spread this appeal to even more people.

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