Ibanez AW100

Mine was made around 2001 or 2002. Gorgeous Solid sitka spruce top (literally sparkles it's so nice), rosewood sides, back, and fretboard (also extremely beautiful), no electronics. Dreadnought body. Mother of pearl (or faux MOP) dot inlays, abalone rosette (very nice). White binding on the sides and on the fretboard. Gold tuners. Great internal bracing.

This is Ibanez's "Artist Wood" line, and they pulled out all the stops for this wonder. I can't believe they made a guitar this good for so cheap. I've played Taylors, Martins, and many others, and the AW100 rivals them all.

...it also smells great!

Big warm sound. Throw some high quality strings on it and it will blow you away. I have no negative comments about the sound.

Setup was very good...it's aged a bit and the action isn't what it once was (see the Durability section). Otherwise it's great.

The finish is incredible. The high gloss shows off the wood grain magnificently. I probably sound like I'm exaggerating or on drugs or something because of the high praise, but you've got to see it to believe it.

I've stored it in a climate controlled area in a hardshell case, and it's held up well. It has a few minor dents from where I was too careless, and I am still kicking myself for them. The action is off now, and it's at the shop getting fixed. They are also redressing the frets, which wore down a little too quick for my taste.

This is one of the best purchases I've ever made.

I got lucky when I bought this; I had not been playing very long, and I took the salesman's advice, which turned out to be very good. Since then I've played many other guitars, high and low end, and few can compare to this, especially considering the price. This is an amazing value.

I have also played some newer AW100s, and they were not as nice. It's a shame.

This has pretty much been covered a dozen times already. Grover tuners, spruce top, mahogany back/sides, flashy inlays and glossy finish. No electronics.

I play a lot of art-rock and experimental improv, but usually electric. On this, I do a lot of folk covers and work on my voice. Its not really a sound I want to use for performing or recording. A lot of people have called it bright, I call it nasally. There's just this harshness in the upper mid-range that I don't know how to deal with. I tried recording with it, kept moving the microphones around trying to find the sweet spot, and no amount of EQ'ing ultimately brought out the "good" characteristics of the guitar. Oddly enough, it starts to warm up if you detune it, almost as if the string tension murders the tone. I'm using light gauge strings already, afraid to try anything heavier.

Its definitely pretty. String action is a little high, kind of want to file down the bridge piece but afraid of ruining the intonation.

seems fine. I'm always accidentally knocking the case over and its holding up.

never had a problem.

I'd probably be bothered if I actually paid for it, but as a gift, its been fun for tinkering with while watching tv. You should be able to find something better for under $500 at any given guitar store.

This is Korean, not sure when it was made but some time within the past few years i'd imagine. i'm not gonna go too far into the specs. no electronics, but mics always sound better to me anyways

this is simply the best guitar i've heard in this price range. it is not very generic sounding, it has it's own feel. really bright sound. harmonics are relatively loud. i improvise higher melodies while playing bass notes a lot and this is great for that.

everything's fine

i've only had it for a few weeks but it seems pretty sturdy.

there's a one year limited warranty.

i've always had a prejudice against ibanez but when i first played this i knew i liked it. i've never liked an acoustic priced under 500 dollars as much as i like this one. it's just fun to play. it's easy to play, the neck feels just right. i'd recommend it. if it were stolen i'd probably buy another. i wish it had electronics even though i would hardly use them. just as an option it'd be nice.

i might add that the strings that came with it were quite nice. i don't know what they were though and if anybody does, fill me in.

2002, Korean made AW-100NT, Std. dreadnaught acoustic

Solid spruce top (natural), laminate mahogany sides and back, mahogany neck, rosewood fret board (21), nice gold Grover tuners, beautiful inlays, abalone rosette, classy tortoise pick guard, white binding on body and neck, very nice headstock w/ inlay "Ibanez" and "AW" logos.

First thing about this guitar is that it is beautiful. Looks alone make you want to pick it up and play it. Probably why most buy it. I've had mine for 3-4 months now and I smile everytime I take it out of its case. Ibanez dressed the AW100 up to be an attractive guitar with lots of bells and whistles (example, quality tuners and it even has a dove joint neck) that aren't heard of many guitars in this price range. The woods keep the price down and make the guitar what it really is.

I can't think of another feature you could want on a standard low-mid range guitar. I don't need or want electronics on it and a cheap system wouldn't help the cause of this first step into the nice Artwork line of Ibanez acoustics.

The more I learn about what's really important to a guitar, I start to realize why the price of this one was so affordable. (Such as plastic saddle and nut, and non-solid sides back of regular old mahogany.) They could have left half of the extras that are on it off and still charged the same amount; so in that respect it's definitely a "10."

For what it is and for what I paid, this is a great sounding and playing guitar. I play folk/rock and mostly strum. It has a nice balanced sound that really gives me what I need to practice, practice, practice. It rewards me well when I play right and I can duplicate the style of any song I'm going after. I paid $140 with shipping off eBay--what more could I ask for?

However, the posts on this site really mislead me into thinking this was greatest sounding acoustic every created. Coupled with the looks, I had blinders for an AW100 and couldn't sleep until I finally got one. I am very happy with it and really don't have the right to expect more out of a non-solid back/sided mahogany guitar.

But...for me, the sound is too bright and doesn't have a ton of character. I tone it down to D tuning for regular play and that sounds much better to me. In standard tuning I don't like an open D chord all that much and the regular open G sounded better on my Ibanez PF6. Everything in between is blown away by the AW100 (so overall it sounds pretty good) and at D tuning I have no complaints. However, trying to dull it down a little, I prefer to capo the 1st fret if I need to get back to std. tuning and I don't think that's a good/necessary procedure for a guitar people are throwing "10s" around like tictacs for its sound.

I know now that Mahogany is bright. Going solid probably would make me any happier. So, it may not be fair to dog a mahogany guitar too much; since many love bright and play music that sounds best with mahogany. I've found that I prefer the Kao's and Rosewoods that I can't afford yet. I've tried Martin SP, Elixir and D'Addarrio strings and have come to the conclusion that this is just a bright guitar and I can't do much about it.

To summarize, when I first strung up my AW100, I was in heaven. It sounded great overall. The more I play it, the less I care about its looks and the more I want it to sound like a rosewood guitar. This guitar is a great stepping stone, but it's not the last one I'll ever buy (my search for better sound is on going).

Action is fine. I don't see any reason to change it. It hurt like hell with medium Martin XPs (so it is a tad high) but with Elixirs on it everything is easy to get to, fret, and play. There is no buzzing, the frets are even and tight.

The neck is a little thick and round (the nut/fret board is not wide, it has thick wood on the upper neck itself). I've found that my thumb gets a little sore and tired when I play long periods of time. That is mostly because I clutch the neck too hard when I play barre chords; but the neck is noticeable thicker than most other guitars I've picked up. The neck is very smooth and has great feel to it though.

The quality of the guitar is first rate. Excellent attention to detail. There are no runs, smears, drips in the finish. Rosette, binding and inlays have perfect edges. Everything is tight and sturdy and I've had not a single bad feeling or experience with the craftsmanship.

And, keep in mind that mine is stamped used as a factory 2nd. What is wrong with it, I couldn't tell you--there must be some picky folks in the Ibanez quality control group.

No problems. Guitar seem strong and I don't worry that it is going to crumble in my hands, break, or even get out of tune when I bump or knock it.

(No warranty or support on a used/2nd)

I've been playing for about a year now. I'm old, 35, and this is my way of postponing a mid-life crisis. Being older, I think I'm more patient and started by studying and learning the basics. I've advanced quite a bit and have enough sense to judge/rate a guitar. Though, I am a long way from an expert and I'm sure I'll look back at this post and laugh at myself later for some of my comments--so take that into consideration when you read my review.

I am a cheapskate when it comes to buying guitars and hawk eBay looking for my next great deal. At $140 this was a heck of a deal! And anyone looking for a good starter guitar, or for me it was a step up to solid top, will do extremely well by grabbing one of these babies. I think I would have been disappointed at $400+ if I'd bought it before the model became discontinued. For that much, nowadays, on eBay you can land yourself a much sweeter Asian mass-production guitar (for instance a nice used AW500, Alvarez MD, or Takamine AN).

I appreciate what this guitar is and what it's done to help me advance as a guitar player. I am still very excited to play it everyday and it treats me very well.

If it broke or was stolen I would be bumbed because I'd lose at least $100 in resale value towards my next one. I don't think I'd by another AW100 however. I'd save up until I could afford $250+ and grab something less showie, but with higher quality woods. Keep in mind, my value of guitars is very skewed by eBay. As a father of 5 I don't have much to spend towards my hobby and I couldn't afford to walk into a guitar shop and by anything. In a guitar shop the AW100 for $200-300 is an incredible value (since others on the wall of equal quality may easily be tagged between $400-600). For the $$$ I can put into a replacement guitar, I'd prefer, now, to get a beat up used guitar made of all solid, quality woods (dreamingly rosewood). From what I've seen, the AW100 is the ideal guitar for someone on a budget who wants a new, shiny, perfect guitar. However, since I'm starting to judge sound over everything else now, I can't rate it higher than an 8 (1 point credit for looks and extras).

I think that's as fair and honest an assessment as I can offer about this guitar. Those of you shopping for guitars and considering an AW100 are probably trying to get the most value for your money. This is a great guitar for that. I couldn't see how you'd be disappointed with one at the current prices. Just don't get carried away, like I did, and think this will outperform $1000s-of-dollar ones.

I own a 2004 model made in Korea. It has 22 frets with a solid Engelmann spruce top and Mahogany back and sides.The body and neck are mahogany. The finish is absolutely beautiful, if not a little too glossy. The inlay, binding, and meticulous woodwork also add to this. The top and back aren't exactly bookmatched, but come closer than any guitar that you could get for twice what this one costs. Gold Grover tuners come standard on this model.

This guitar sounds absolutely beautiful! It's bright and very rich and full. It's also focused in on the mid range, which means the low and high could be better, but I'm willing to overlook that.

The guitar came set up out of the box with perfect action and correctly strung strings. The top was obviously not bookmatched like any other guitar in this price range, but was still beautiful. The back, though, was almost perfectly bookmatched across the inlay pattern. The bridge was also properly routed. I could find no flaws.

This is a solid guitar that can really take a beating. I've dropped it, banged it against the corner of a desk, and even accidentaly put my whole body weight on the neck, and nothing is even dented or scuffed.

Never had to deal with it.

This was my first guitar that I ever bought. I now own a Epiphone LP Custom, but still come back to this and play it almost every day.

2004 Model;Solid Engleman Spruce Top, with laminate Mahogany back and sides, with Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Fully glossed finish, w/ nice binding, back in-lay strip, and great looking "pearly" rosette. Fully bound, satin finished, thin and fast one-peice neck, attached to the body with a true "Dove Tail" joint (See Ibanez catalog)I was pleasently suprised to find this feature at this "price point". The headstock features more of the pearly stuff we like in the form of two nice looking logos. The gold plated Grover tuners are great and do thier job well. The manufacturing and quality control that went into the production of this guitar are first rate! What else could you ask for at $300??

Ahh the sound! It was good in the store with the stock light D?Addario EXP's. I wanted more presence/body and tried some medium Martin SP's and boom the bottom end opened up very well, with plenty of sustain and balance across all strings. After the uncoated Martin strings died, I put some med. Elixir's on and the sound is great...sweet ringing highs and charging bass!! I practice with the Elixirs, but I reccomend the medium Martin SP stings for the best sound that I have found.

As I stated;the "Fit & Finish" is top notch!! I am very pleased and have found no flaws.

No problems here... very solid. I plan on owning/enjoying it for many years.

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I also own a Larrivee D-03R ($950) which is a great guitar;and in comparison does sound better than the Ibanez AW 100. Now having said that, if you were to ask me to choose one of the two options:the Larrive or the Ibanez and the extra $650 that my Larrivee cost over the Ibanez; it's a issue of demensioning returns. The Larrivee sounds better, but not 3 times better! If the AW 100 were stolen or stepped on, lost in a fire or other mishap, I would purchase again.

Made in Korea....excellent gloss finish, it really caught my eye.
Mine was just the acoustic model, came with no electronics. Solid spruce top dreadnought and laminated Mahogany back and sides. Nice thin neck which i love

Best sounding guitar in its price range. Even beats some of the more expensive Taylors and Takamine's. Suits my music style which is mostly pop rock and folk music like Pete Murray (great Australian artist, check him out), Ben Harper and Jack Johnson

The fit was good. the action was perfect, maybe a bit high but i got it fixed. I like the gloss finish but wish it were a bit thinner. No such flaws in the body work

everything seems strong and with the gloss finish this guitar is probably bullet proof.

never dealt with them.

I have been playing for about 1 1/2 years and also have a Gibson, Takamine and Maton acoustics. This is probably my favourite because it has an awesome tone and it is very LOUD. It is also the best looking guitar you will find along with some Martins. All in All just a Great guitar!

2004 SOLID ENGLEMAN SPRUCE TOP, LAMINATE MAHOGANY BACK/SIDES
GOLD GROVER TUNERS, NO ELECTRONICS, DRED BODY.
CREAM COLORED BINDING WITH GLOSS FINISH ON BODY AND SATIN FINISH ON
NECK WITH WHITE BINDING, IT IS A NICE LOOKING GUITAR FOR THIS PRICE
RANGE. I GUESS IT WOULD BE A 9 AS FAR AS FEATURES FOR A STRAIGHT
ACOUSTIC WITHOUT PICKUP.

HERE IS THE PROBLEM WITH THIS GUITAR, I TRIED 3 OF THEM AT THE LOCAL MUSIC STORES AFTER READING SOME OF THE AMAZING SOUND REVIEWS HERE,
THIS GUITAR SOUNDS NO BETTER THAN A 99$ EPIPHONE DR100 STARTER GUITAR
AT ANY GC, THE TONE IS VERY TINNY AND BRITTLE WITH VERY WEEK SUSTAIN
IT DOES LOOK A LOT NICER THAN YOUR AVERAGE STARTER GUITAR, AND NOT IN THE SAME LEAGUE WITH THE BIG NAME ENTRY LEVEL GUITARS (TAYLOR 110
MARTIN DX,DM,) I WOULD SAVE UP THE EXTRA MONEY AND GET A WAY BETTER
SOUNDING 110 OR DM,DR, OR TACOMA DR9,

THE FIT AND FINISH ARE FINE, NO MAJOR FLAWS

IT APPEARS TO BE VERY DURABLE, IT JUST SOUNDS LIKE CRAP

NA

I HAVE BEEN PLAYING ABOUT 18 YEARS, MOSTLY ACOUSTIC, I HAVE OWNED WASHBURNS (THEY ARE IMO THE BEST INEXPENSIVE GUITAR AT 200$ FOR A
D10) GUILDS, GIBSON, TACOMA, AND MARTINS. LIKE I SAID BEFORE THE AW100 IS IN THE SAME CLASS AS A 100-150$ EPIPHONE, TONEWISE THE SOUND IS BLAND THIN BRITTLE AND TOTTALY UNINPRESSIVE, THE APPEARENCE
IS AN UPGARDE FROM YOUR BASIC CHEAP GUITAR IF THAT MATTERS TO YOU,

This is a 2004 AW100 dreadnaught acoustic. The top is solid spruce and the sides are laminated mahogany. The tuners are Grover which I greatly appreciated. It also has scalloped bracing more common to much higher end acoustics.

The majority of what I play is country and bluegrass rythym. The guitar is moderately loud. I compare it to my Martin D16GT which does have more volume than but the Ibanez is plenty loud. It responds well to hard strums, fills, and runs. It also responds well to softer touch tunes. The bass is a bit lite but acceptable and the mid-ranges and high end are very adaquate. Overall I'm pleased with it's sound characteristics. Actually the sound is comparable to more expensive instruments.

The AW100 came from the factory with a Low-Medium setup. The finish was excellent although it is a little too glossy for my taste (thats pretty subjective though and shouldn't be taken as a negative). There were a few glue smears on the inside of the box and the top bracing was a little rough and could have used a bit more sanding to smooth it out. The Grover tuners were mounted properly and in excellent working condition.

The guitar seems to be very durable and reliable. I would not have any problem taking this instrument to a festival or open mic session without a backup. The endpin and tuners were properly installed and are dependable. Last but not least it stays tuned.

N/A

I've been playing off and on for 31 years. I also own a Martin D16GT, Martin HD28, and Gibson LG0 and the AW100 will be my travel guitar. While it probably wouldn't hold it's own with the louder HD28, it would fit right in with my D16GT as long as "Real Loud" wasn't the order of the day. It will bury my Gibson LG0. All of this is exactly what I expected. If I had to do it again I'd buy the AW100 over comparably priced instruments again.

2002 Ibanez Artwood 100. See rest of reviews. Pros are the solid top and grover tuners. Cons are the sticky neck (i don't like necks with finish) and laminated sides/back.

Mine is strung with Martin .010's and tuned to D and i must say it sound very good for a guitar this price. I'm basicly a electric-only man, but this guitar is great for kicking back and strum.

Finish has taken numerous beatings and nothing serious happened. Great neck shape, hate the finish though. The back inlay, headstock inlay, gold hardware and full binding sure makes it a pretty guitar to look at. Quite goodlokking top and back/neck too. The price makes it easier to take it to friend/drink beer while playing/bast into things.

Finish seems durable, stays in tune forever. I never gig with it though.

Never dealt with them.

Like I said, I'm a electric guitar player (Flying V guitar & Engl amp) and allround Ibanez hater. I never seriously played a acoustic before i bought it, but as time goes on, it turns out the AW100 is a winner in its pricerange. Fastastic value. Now I only hate Ibanez electrics :)