The AS53 is an Artcore series hollow body electric guitar model introduced by Ibanez in mid 2011. It was originally produced in China; production began in Indonesia in 2016; Chinese production ceased in 2018.
The AS53 features a double-cutaway, semi-hollow body design constructed of an arched laminated sapele top with ƒ holes and ivory binding on laminated sapele sides and back. The set-in mahogany neck has a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with ivory binding and pearl dot position markers. Components include a pair of Ibanez Artcore humbucking pickups, a Tune-o-matic style bridge with separate tailpiece, a plastic nut, speed knobs, and Ibanez tuning machines.
Several changes have been made in the AS53's life cycle. Mid-year 2014 the Artcore pickups were replaced with Infinity R pickups and the pearl dot fretboard inlays were switched to acrylic. For 2018 the rosewood fretboard was replaced in some markets with treated New Zealand pine. For 2019 the mahogany neck was replaced with nyatoh, and the fretboard was replaced with laurel. For 2020 the fretboard was again changed, this time to walnut, and the bridge was replaced with the new Gibraltar Performer.
The AS53L is a left-handed version. The AS63 is a similar model with a white pearloid pickguard. The AM53 is a related model with a slightly smaller body.
