As evidenced by our long-standing association with jazz guitar giants such as George Benson, Pat Metheny and John Scofield, Ibanez has been a constant pioneer in the world of hollow-body guitar building for more than three decades. Part of that esteemed legacy is due to the Artcore collection, which succeeded in smashing all preconceptions as to what a great hollow or semi-hollow-body guitar ought to be. The Artcore formula builds on equal parts luthiery know-how, daring design and a passion for warm, full-bodied tone.
The AG85 features a select-grade Linden hollow body, a set-in Nyatoh/Maple neck and Ebony fretboard. These elements contribute to the warm-sounding characteristics of the AG85. The Ibanez custom made "Magic Touch-Mini" humbucker pickups provide a balance of classic tones and clear articulation on both the top and bottom of the sound spectrum. Players can enjoy the clean response on the top end, presenting fast melodies or complex chord progressions with clarity and precision. The bottom end also has a deep warm and rich classic sound, but with a clarity specially adjusted to help avoid muddy low end tones. This tonal balance is complimented by the pickups' extra sensitivity that clearly captures and accentuates a player's pick attack and plucking style, opening the possibilities of a wide range of playing techniques. Thanks to a floating mount, the "Magic Touch-Mini" pickups do not dampen the guitars natural body vibration, thus allowing a bigger, richer acoustic tone. Sure Grip III knobs enable non-slip functionality and Gibraltar Performer bridge provides improved sustain and tuning stability.
