Ibanez AF55-TF

I have done something I have never done before, ie...purchase a guitar without playing it (Ibanez AF55 TF jazz hollow body electric). Well, Thomann has a good reputation as indeed do Ibanez (who's guitars I am very familiar with), so I took a gamble. I must say I am very impressed with the excellent service provided by Thomann...ordered very late on a Saturday evening and delivered to Scotland mid day on Wednesday, in packaging that could withstand very rough handling by carriers.

As for the AF55 what can I say other than astounding value for the really low price charged by Thomann. After the obligatory fret polishing, fingerboard oiling, very minor adjustments to neck, and intonation the instrument plays beautifully, no buzzes or extraneous noises, and the sound from the stock pick-ups is pure jazz. If I have any negative comment it is regards the stock tuners, which while they keep the instrument in tune, they are unpleasant to use...so much free play. This is low priced stripped down guitar which has everything it needs, and nothing it does'nt. So I will replace the tuners eventually, and stick on some flat wound strings...This instrument looks great, feels great and holds it's own with others costing four or 5 time more. Oh, and the recommended 'Rockbag 335' style gig bag fits like a glove.

Thank you Thomann for a super service, and to Ibanez for producing such an super value instrument. This is the lowest price of all the guitars I own by far, though it punches well above it's weight.
Kind regards,
John Wilkinson

I bought this because it was cheap enough to take a gamble. I'm very glad I did.

Stock tuners: I found them to be a bit on the cheap side. I was having tuning issues. I decided to change them for locking tuners which helped loads. Stock tuners acceptable for home, but wouldn't depend on them for a gig.

Pickups: I got a bit confused with this. I was told it had ACH pickups, it doesn't. Mine say 'hot 'n' nasty' on the back of them. Regardless of that they are non staggered flat poles with ceramic magnets. Not exactly quality, but for home volumes I was pleasantly surprised. Slightly scooped sounding but good clarity (I'm always on the neck). I did change them out for something else but didn't like that. Also tried changing the magnet on the stock pickup to a Alnico V or II magnets
Jury still out on that one. If you are after distorted noises I think they're fine.

Body/neck: really good! Frets and neck were great. Really pleased. Can't fault it. Body also a work of art, no faults at all. Loved the burst on it. Great worn look. Not a fan of the matt finish. I compound polished the whole body and buffed to shine. Gleams now with a satin/gloss finish. You can see the grain much better.

Overall: great guitar for any time you need an arch top. Its not my main axe currently but when I found a pickup I'm happy with it certainly might be!