Ibanez has long been a titan in the world of extended-range guitars, but their latest release takes a detour from the high-gain metal world and heads straight for the soulful, resonant territory of semi-hollows. The Ibanez Artcore AS7328 is a baritone guitar designed for players who want to explore lower registers without sacrificing the vintage aesthetic and “air” of a classic hollowbody.
Whether you are looking for that haunting “spaghetti western” twang, deep jazz textures, or heavy, gain-drenched riffs that retain clarity, the AS7328 is built to bridge the gap between traditional style and modern low-end demands.
At a Glance: Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Model | Ibanez Artcore AS7328 |
| Scale Length | 28 inches (Baritone) |
| Body Material | Linden (Top, Back, and Sides) |
| Neck | 3-piece Nyatoh/Maple (Set-in) |
| Fretboard | Bound Rosewood with Acrylic Block Inlays |
| Pickups | Dual Classic Elite Humbuckers (Passive/Ceramic) |
| Bridge | Gibraltar Performer with VT06 Trapeze Tailpiece |
| Factory Tuning | B–F#–D–A–E–B |
Built for Comfort and Command
The first thing you’ll notice about the AS7328 is its familiar AS body shape. However, beneath that classic silhouette lies a 28-inch scale length. This extra length is crucial; it provides the necessary tension to keep your low B-string from feeling “floppy,” ensuring that your riffs stay articulate and punchy.
The body is crafted from Linden, a tonewood known for its lightweight, resonant properties. This choice ensures that, despite its larger size, the guitar remains comfortable for long sets. The set-in 3-piece Nyatoh/Maple neck features the “AS Artcore” profile—a comfortable C-shape that feels substantial enough for chordal work but fast enough for lead lines.
Classic Elite Electronics: Vintage Voice, Modern Depth
To translate the physical resonance of a baritone hollowbody into an amplifier, Ibanez opted for their Classic Elite humbuckers.
“These pickups are engineered to deliver a fattened low end while maintaining a clear, vintage-informed midrange. They handle high-gain distortion surprisingly well, but they truly shine when played clean or with a touch of ‘edge-of-breakup’ grit.”
The electronics are rounded out by a standard 3-way toggle switch and dedicated volume and tone knobs for each pickup, giving you a massive palette of sounds to work with.
Hardware That Holds Tight
Stability is the name of the game when you’re dealing with heavy-gauge strings (D’Addario EXL157 come standard). The AS7328 features:
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Gibraltar Performer Bridge: Offers low-profile saddles for picking hand comfort and rock-solid intonation.
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VT06 Trapeze Tailpiece: Adds a touch of old-school class while contributing to the guitar’s overall sustain.
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Ibanez Tuning Machines: Reliable, sealed-back tuners that make fine-tuning your B-to-B setup a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a 28-inch scale length hard to play?
It definitely feels different than a standard 24.75″ or 25.5″ scale. The frets are slightly wider apart, but most players find the transition to a 28″ baritone quite natural, especially for riffing and open chords.
Can I tune this to standard E-to-E?
Technically, yes, but it isn’t recommended. The 28″ scale is designed specifically for lower tunings (like B or A). Tuning to standard would put extreme tension on the neck and likely require a much lighter string gauge.
What kind of music is this guitar for?
While baritones are famous in metal, the semi-hollow nature of the AS7328 makes it incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for surf rock, ambient cinematic music, jazz, blues, and heavy alternative rock.
The Verdict
The Ibanez Artcore AS7328 is a refreshing addition to the baritone market. It successfully blends the “brawn” of a 28-inch scale with the “beauty” of the Artcore series. If you’ve been looking to expand your sonic palette with deep, thunderous tones without losing that classic semi-hollow soul, this is a guitar that deserves a spot in your arsenal.
Price & Availability
Available at Andertons, priced £549
More Information
#Ibanez #Artcore AS7328
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