1980 Ibanez AS-100 Artist (Made in Japan) — Vintage Gibson P-90 Mod — Very Good — 8 lbs 13 oz
Here’s a seriously cool, genre-hopping semi-hollow: a 1980 Ibanez AS100 Artist made in Japan, upgraded with an authentic vintage Gibson P-90 (clear bobbin, late 1960’s) and a 5-way switch wired in a familiar “Strat-style” layout. The result is a one-of-a-kind blend of ES-335/ES-225 flavor with a splash of Strat-like snap and in-between sparkle—while still delivering the warm, woody punch the AS100 is famous for.
The two humbuckers have a clean PAF-style voice with a bit more beef and appear to be Japanese-made Maxon pickups. Add the P-90 into the mix and you’ve got everything from articulate chord shimmer to gritty, urgent single-note lines—without losing the fast, comfortable feel of a great old Ibanez.
Condition & Setup
- Condition: Very Good — light scratches and a few tiny dings (only one shows bare wood); most marks are only visible up close and in reflections.
- Frets: 9/10 with minimal wear.
- Neck: Straight with level frets; no warps or twists.
- Setup: Low, fast action and an easy-playing feel.
- Weight: 8 lbs 13 oz.
Modifications
- Added vintage Gibson P-90 (clear bobbin, late 1960’s) in the middle position.
- Added 5-way selector switch wired in a typical 3-pickup / “Strat-style” pattern: Bridge HB / Bridge HB + P-90 / P-90 / P-90 + Neck HB / Neck HB.
- All other features are consistent with an AS100 platform and the guitar presents exceptionally well for its age.
How It Sounds
- Humbuckers: Clear, open PAF character with extra push—great for blues, classic rock, fusion, and jazzier cleans.
- P-90: Fast attack, punchy mids, and that chewy grind when you lean in.
- In-between positions: A unique semi-hollow “cluck & chime” that can feel surprisingly Strat-adjacent—perfect for rhythm textures and layered parts.
Great for: blues, classic rock, jazz, indie/alternative, pop, funk, soul/R&B, country, fusion, worship, and studio session work.
Specifications (AS100 Platform)
- Model: Ibanez AS100 Artist (1979–1982 era)
- Year: 1980
- Made in: Japan (FujiGen)
- Body: Semi-hollow double cutaway; laminated maple or birch top/back/sides with hard rock maple center block
- Neck: Set-in 3-piece mahogany
- Fingerboard: Ebony, 22 frets, pearl dot inlays
- Scale Length: 24.75" (628mm)
- Nut Width: 43mm (bone nut)
- Bridge/Tailpiece: Tune-o-matic style bridge & Quik Change tailpiece (AS100 spec)
- Original Electronics Layout: 2 volumes, 2 tones, 3-way toggle (AS100 spec)
- Current Pickup Layout: HB / P-90 / HB with 5-way selector (see “Modifications”)
- Finish: Antique Violin Sunburst family (appearance consistent with AS100 AV style)
Note: Specs above reflect the standard AS100 platform for this era; this instrument is additionally modified as described.
What’s Included
- Original Ibanez hardshell case
The guitar shown is the exact instrument you will receive. Professionally inspected, set up, and ready to ship fast from BCR Music & Sound.