AF55-TF : excellent quality

11 years ago

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!

Image Ibanez AF55-TF

Technical Data

  • Manufactured by Ibanez
  • Released in 2014
  • Average price : $437
Share linkedin post Tweet Share