Joy! - Ibanez Artcore Vibrante AS63-LY

Meet Joy! 

This pocketful of sunshine came to us after her owner moved house and abandoned her. She was looking a bit tired, but we perked her right up, and she’s ready to enjoy the summer with a new friend.

Ibanez Artcore Vibrante AS63 (Lemon Yellow)

The short-lived Artcore Vibrante series took the proven Artcore formula and dressed it in the bold, vibrant colours of the 1960s. Celebrated for their comfortable compact bodies, excellent tonewoods, and dependable electronics, these guitars had all the ingredients to be exceptional instruments, but factory cost-cutting often left them falling short of their true potential. We’ve taken the time to put that right and give this AS63 the attention it deserves.

First and foremost, this guitar is an absolute head-turner. Finished in the stunning Lemon Yellow colourway, it’s a shade that genuinely has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. The vibrant finish is beautifully complemented by a four-ply white pearloid pickguard, creating a look that effortlessly stands out from the crowd.

When she arrived with us, she showed the signs of a life well lived, with several dings, areas of missing paint, and sections of lifted polyurethane lacquer. These issues have all been professionally addressed, with the damaged areas painstakingly repaired using custom colour-matched paintwork mixed and applied by Sarah to blend seamlessly with the original finish. Once the repairs were completed, the entire guitar was polished to a deep, glass-like shine. Beneath that striking finish lies a laminated sapele body paired with a solid maple centre sustain block, delivering excellent resonance, rich tonal character, and impressive sustain.

The playability has received the same level of attention. Jordan undertook a complete mechanical restoration and setup, transforming the rough factory finish into a guitar that feels every bit as good as it looks. The fretwork has been treated to a full level, crown, and polish, leaving all 22 frets gleaming with a mirror finish. The laurel fretboard was thoroughly cleaned and conditioned using our preparatory treatment system, restoring moisture and leaving it feeling smooth, fast, and luxurious under the fingers.

Electronics and hardware have also been carefully dialled in by Jordan on our bench. The ceramic Ibanez R humbuckers have been height-balanced and tuned to ensure consistent output and tonal balance across all six strings. Combined with the Gibraltar Performer bridge, which mounts directly into the solid maple centre block, you get much of the sustain and attack associated with a solid-body guitar while retaining the warmth, openness, and character that only a semi-hollow can provide.

Tonally, the AS63 is exceptionally versatile. It delivers sparkling cleans with clarity and depth, while responding beautifully to overdrive with all the energy and attitude you’d expect from a great semi-hollow. The straightforward control layout of a master volume, master tone, and three-way selector switch makes on-the-fly adjustments effortless, whether you’re in the studio, rehearsal room, or under stage lights.

To complete the restoration, Jordan carefully adjusted the bridge action, set the neck relief, eliminated unwanted buzz, and fully intonated the guitar. The result is a comfortable, buzz-free playing experience that allows you to enjoy every inch of the fretboard without worrying about choking bends or tuning inconsistencies.

Whether you’re looking for a stage companion that refuses to blend into the background or a versatile studio partner capable of covering a wide range of tones, this Ibanez Artcore Vibrante AS63 is ready for its next chapter. Finished to our premium standards and set up to perform from day one, she’s ready to turn heads wherever she goes.