Ibanez AS93QMSPDBS - Semi-Hollow Guitar - Musical Expression
The perfect balance between acoustic resonance and electrical power.
The Ibanez AS93QMSP from the Artcore Expressionist series is the ultimate instrument for the versatile musician. Featuring a spectacular quilted maple top and equipped with legendary Super 58 pickups, this semi-hollow guitar offers endless sustain and exemplary feedback resistance. Whether you're exploring smooth jazz or more aggressive rock, it delivers a dynamic response that faithfully reproduces every nuance of your touch.
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The Ibanez AS Authority: The Mistress of Versatility
The Ibanez AS series has established itself as the semi-hollow standard for professionals who refuse to compromise. Unlike fully hollow bodies, the AS93QMSP features a solid center section that allows you to push the gain without fear of uncontrollable feedback. It's the ideal tool for the session guitarist: warm enough for bebop, yet biting enough for blues-rock or fusion. At Garage à Musique, we recommend this model for its robust construction and its ability to transcend trends without ever losing its sonic relevance.
Full Technical Specifications
Construction and Body
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Body type | Semi-hollow body |
| Table | Quilted Maple |
| Back and Ribs | Quilted Maple |
| Central block | Solid (Anti-feedback) |
| Finishing | Violin Sunburst (VLS) |
| Body length | 19 1/4" |
| Maximum width | 15 3/4" |
| Maximum depth | 2 5/8" |
Neck and Fingerboard
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Sleeve type | AS Expressionist 3pc Nyatoh/Maple (Set-in) |
| Touch | Macassar ebony with inlay (Bound Macassar Ebony) |
| Key markers | Acrylic blocks (Acrylic block inlay) |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Type of frets | Medium |
| Tuning fork | 628 mm / 24.7" |
| Touchdown radius (Radius) | 305 mmR |
| Nut width | 43 mm |
| Width at the 22nd fret | 57 mm |
| Thickness at the 1st fret | 21 mm |
| Thickness at the 9th fret | 24 mm |
Electronics and Marine Hardware
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Micro neck | Super 58 (H) - Passive / Alnico |
| Bridge microphone | Super 58 (H) - Passive / Alnico |
| Easel | Gibraltar Performer |
| Tailpiece | Quik Change III |
| Space between the strings | 10.5 mm |
| Deck hardware color | Gold |
| Selector | 3 positions |
| Controls | 2 Volumes, 2 Tones |
Comparative Analysis: The Professional Semi-Hollow Segment
Sources consulted: MusicRadar, Gearspace, Guitar Player.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Epiphone Sheraton-II PRO | Semi-Hollow Blues | Heavier, ProBucker vs Super 58 pickups. | Available here |
| Gretsch G5622 Electromatic | Rock / Indie | Its distinct "twang," less of a jazzy roundness. | Available here |
| Gibson ES-335 Figured | Industry standard | The original model, significantly more expensive. | Available here |
| Yamaha SA2200 | Premium Fusion | Exceptional Japanese instrument making, more expensive. | Available here |
| Guild Starfire IV ST | Classic Rock | Thinner neck profile, LB-1 pickups. | Available here |
| Eastman T486 | Craft Shop | Original Seymour Duncan pickups, more vintage profile. | Product not listed |
| D'Angelico Premier DC | Modern Semi-Hollow | Eccentric design, brighter sound. | Available here |
| Sir Larry Carlton H7 | Value for money | Excellent finish, but less history than the AS. | Product not listed |
| Hagstrom Viking | Scandi-Design | Very thin neck, more "electric" sound. | Product not listed |
| Ibanez AS73 | Entry-level | Simplified version, Classic Elite pickups (less rich). | Available here |
History & Evolution: From Artist Series to Expressionist
The AS93QMSP is a direct descendant of the renowned "Artist" series introduced by Ibanez in the late 1970s. The goal was to compete with the American giants by offering guitars with impeccable craftsmanship and superior stability. The Artcore Expressionist series represents the pinnacle of this democratization: it incorporates Super 58 pickups, formerly reserved for high-end signature models (like John Scofield's AS200), into an instrument accessible to working musicians. The use of Quilted Maple on this specific model is a recent aesthetic evolution aimed at providing a "Custom Shop" look as standard.
Cultural References & Artists
The DNA of the AS series and its Super 58 microphones can be found among the greatest:
John Scofield - A Go Go (1998) : Son modèle AS200 est l'ancêtre direct de la AS93.
George Benson - Breezin' : Utilise les Super 58 pour sa sonorité signature.
Eric Krasno (Soulive) : Fidèle à la série AS pour ses rythmiques funk-soul.
Pat Metheny : A bâti sa légende sur la réponse dynamique des micros Ibanez.
Lee Ritenour : Adepte de la polyvalence Ibanez en session de studio.
Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) : A utilisé des modèles semi-hollow Ibanez en studio.
Josh Homme (QOTSA) : Apprécie le feedback contrôlé des Ibanez creuses.
Emily Remler : Utilisait la précision des touches ébène Ibanez.
Steve Lukather : Pour les sons cleans cristallins en fusion.
Mimi Fox : Démontre l'agilité de la série sur des tempos bebop rapides.
Ben Monder : Exploite les harmoniques complexes du bloc central.
Vinnie Moore : Pour ses explorations bluesy hors métal.
Kurt Rosenwinkel : A utilisé les modèles semi-hollow pour sa quête sonore.
Joe Pass : Pour la fidélité de la reproduction Alnico.
Stanley Jordan : Le sustain du montage "set-in" favorise son tapping.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is the difference in sound between pommele maple and curly maple?
A: On a semi-hollow guitar like the AS93QMSP, the difference is primarily aesthetic. However, maple provides a natural clarity and precise attack that compensates for the warmth of the body, preventing an overly muffled sound.
Q: Can I play distorted rock with this guitar without feedback?
A: Yes. Thanks to the solid wood center block, the AS93QMSP handles high gain levels much better than a fully hollow guitar, while retaining the typical woody sustain.
Q: What does the Quik Change III tailpiece actually offer?
A: This system allows you to slide the strings directly into the notches instead of threading them. This drastically reduces string change time and minimizes latency during your stage setups.
Q: Are Super 58 microphones sensitive to background noise (RF)?
A: As humbuckers with Alnico magnets, they are naturally designed to cancel hum. They are very well isolated against common RF interference found in studios or bars.
Q: Does the Macassar Ebony fingerboard require special care?
A: Ebony is a very dense and resistant wood. A light oiling once a year is sufficient to prevent drying out, ensuring a smooth playing feel under the fingers.
Q: How can I avoid a ground loop with this guitar?
A: Make sure you use high-quality cables. If a hum persists, the ground loop often originates from the amplifier or pedal chain, as Ibanez internal wiring is ISO certified.
Q: Is this guitar too big for a young musician?
A: With a width of 15 3/4", it is imposing but its body is thinner than an acoustic guitar, which makes it ergonomic even for average builds.
Q: Is the Gibraltar Performer easel stable?
A: It's a high-precision bridge. It maintains intonation even after aggressive bends, offering superior tuning stability compared to standard Tune-o-matic bridges.
Q: Are medium frets suitable for jazz?
R: Absolutely. They offer an ideal balance: enough height for clear notes and enough discretion for smooth slides typical of jazz or blues playing.
Q: Why buy my Ibanez from Garage à Musique?
A: As a local expert, Garage à Musique conducts a rigorous inspection of every AS93QMSP to ensure perfect action and intonation, providing you with a stage-ready instrument right out of the box.
The Ibanez AS Authority: The Mistress of Versatility
The Ibanez AS series has established itself as the semi-hollow standard for professionals who refuse to compromise. Unlike fully hollow bodies, the AS93QMSP features a solid center section that allows you to push the gain without fear of uncontrollable feedback. It's the ideal tool for the session guitarist: warm enough for bebop, yet biting enough for blues-rock or fusion. At Garage à Musique, we recommend this model for its robust construction and its ability to transcend trends without ever losing its sonic relevance.
Full Technical Specifications
Construction and Body
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Body type | Semi-hollow body |
| Table | Quilted Maple |
| Back and Ribs | Quilted Maple |
| Central block | Solid (Anti-feedback) |
| Finishing | Violin Sunburst (VLS) |
| Body length | 19 1/4" |
| Maximum width | 15 3/4" |
| Maximum depth | 2 5/8" |
Neck and Fingerboard
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Sleeve type | AS Expressionist 3pc Nyatoh/Maple (Set-in) |
| Touch | Macassar ebony with inlay (Bound Macassar Ebony) |
| Key markers | Acrylic blocks (Acrylic block inlay) |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Type of frets | Medium |
| Tuning fork | 628 mm / 24.7" |
| Touchdown radius (Radius) | 305 mmR |
| Nut width | 43 mm |
| Width at the 22nd fret | 57 mm |
| Thickness at the 1st fret | 21 mm |
| Thickness at the 9th fret | 24 mm |
Electronics and Marine Hardware
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Micro neck | Super 58 (H) - Passive / Alnico |
| Bridge microphone | Super 58 (H) - Passive / Alnico |
| Easel | Gibraltar Performer |
| Tailpiece | Quik Change III |
| Space between the strings | 10.5 mm |
| Deck hardware color | Gold |
| Selector | 3 positions |
| Controls | 2 Volumes, 2 Tones |
Comparative Analysis: The Professional Semi-Hollow Segment
Sources consulted: MusicRadar, Gearspace, Guitar Player.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Epiphone Sheraton-II PRO | Semi-Hollow Blues | Heavier, ProBucker vs Super 58 pickups. | Available here |
| Gretsch G5622 Electromatic | Rock / Indie | Its distinct "twang," less of a jazzy roundness. | Available here |
| Gibson ES-335 Figured | Industry standard | The original model, significantly more expensive. | Available here |
| Yamaha SA2200 | Premium Fusion | Exceptional Japanese instrument making, more expensive. | Available here |
| Guild Starfire IV ST | Classic Rock | Thinner neck profile, LB-1 pickups. | Available here |
| Eastman T486 | Craft Shop | Original Seymour Duncan pickups, more vintage profile. | Product not listed |
| D'Angelico Premier DC | Modern Semi-Hollow | Eccentric design, brighter sound. | Available here |
| Sir Larry Carlton H7 | Value for money | Excellent finish, but less history than the AS. | Product not listed |
| Hagstrom Viking | Scandi-Design | Very thin neck, more "electric" sound. | Product not listed |
| Ibanez AS73 | Entry-level | Simplified version, Classic Elite pickups (less rich). | Available here |
History & Evolution: From Artist Series to Expressionist
The AS93QMSP is a direct descendant of the renowned "Artist" series introduced by Ibanez in the late 1970s. The goal was to compete with the American giants by offering guitars with impeccable craftsmanship and superior stability. The Artcore Expressionist series represents the pinnacle of this democratization: it incorporates Super 58 pickups, formerly reserved for high-end signature models (like John Scofield's AS200), into an instrument accessible to working musicians. The use of Quilted Maple on this specific model is a recent aesthetic evolution aimed at providing a "Custom Shop" look as standard.
Cultural References & Artists
The DNA of the AS series and its Super 58 microphones can be found among the greatest:
John Scofield - A Go Go (1998) : Son modèle AS200 est l'ancêtre direct de la AS93.
George Benson - Breezin' : Utilise les Super 58 pour sa sonorité signature.
Eric Krasno (Soulive) : Fidèle à la série AS pour ses rythmiques funk-soul.
Pat Metheny : A bâti sa légende sur la réponse dynamique des micros Ibanez.
Lee Ritenour : Adepte de la polyvalence Ibanez en session de studio.
Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) : A utilisé des modèles semi-hollow Ibanez en studio.
Josh Homme (QOTSA) : Apprécie le feedback contrôlé des Ibanez creuses.
Emily Remler : Utilisait la précision des touches ébène Ibanez.
Steve Lukather : Pour les sons cleans cristallins en fusion.
Mimi Fox : Démontre l'agilité de la série sur des tempos bebop rapides.
Ben Monder : Exploite les harmoniques complexes du bloc central.
Vinnie Moore : Pour ses explorations bluesy hors métal.
Kurt Rosenwinkel : A utilisé les modèles semi-hollow pour sa quête sonore.
Joe Pass : Pour la fidélité de la reproduction Alnico.
Stanley Jordan : Le sustain du montage "set-in" favorise son tapping.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is the difference in sound between pommele maple and curly maple?
A: On a semi-hollow guitar like the AS93QMSP, the difference is primarily aesthetic. However, maple provides a natural clarity and precise attack that compensates for the warmth of the body, preventing an overly muffled sound.
Q: Can I play distorted rock with this guitar without feedback?
A: Yes. Thanks to the solid wood center block, the AS93QMSP handles high gain levels much better than a fully hollow guitar, while retaining the typical woody sustain.
Q: What does the Quik Change III tailpiece actually offer?
A: This system allows you to slide the strings directly into the notches instead of threading them. This drastically reduces string change time and minimizes latency during your stage setups.
Q: Are Super 58 microphones sensitive to background noise (RF)?
A: As humbuckers with Alnico magnets, they are naturally designed to cancel hum. They are very well isolated against common RF interference found in studios or bars.
Q: Does the Macassar Ebony fingerboard require special care?
A: Ebony is a very dense and resistant wood. A light oiling once a year is sufficient to prevent drying out, ensuring a smooth playing feel under the fingers.
Q: How can I avoid a ground loop with this guitar?
A: Make sure you use high-quality cables. If a hum persists, the ground loop often originates from the amplifier or pedal chain, as Ibanez internal wiring is ISO certified.
Q: Is this guitar too big for a young musician?
A: With a width of 15 3/4", it is imposing but its body is thinner than an acoustic guitar, which makes it ergonomic even for average builds.
Q: Is the Gibraltar Performer easel stable?
A: It's a high-precision bridge. It maintains intonation even after aggressive bends, offering superior tuning stability compared to standard Tune-o-matic bridges.
Q: Are medium frets suitable for jazz?
R: Absolutely. They offer an ideal balance: enough height for clear notes and enough discretion for smooth slides typical of jazz or blues playing.
Q: Why buy my Ibanez from Garage à Musique?
A: As a local expert, Garage à Musique conducts a rigorous inspection of every AS93QMSP to ensure perfect action and intonation, providing you with a stage-ready instrument right out of the box.