The AS73 is an Artcore series hollow body electric guitar model introduced by Ibanez in 2002. It was originally produced in China, but since 2016 production has moved to Indonesia.
The AS73 features a double-cutaway, semi-hollow body design constructed of an arched laminated maple top with ƒ holes and ivory multi-binding on laminated maple 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 with chrome covers and individual volume and tone controls, a Tune-o-matic style bridge with a Quik Change tailpiece, a plastic nut, speed knobs, and Ibanez tuning machines.
Several changes have been made in the AS73's life cycle. For 2010 the frets were changed from large to medium. For 2011 the speed knobs were replaced with Sure Grip III knobs. For 2015 the Artcore pickups were replaced with Classic Elite pickups and the pearl dot fretboard inlays were switched to acrylic. For 2017 acrylic block inlays replaced the acrylic dots and a black pickguard was added. For 2018 the rosewood fretboard was replaced in some markets with treated New Zealand pine. For 2019 the maple body construction changed to linden, the mahogany neck was replaced with nyatoh, and the rosewood 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 AS73L is a left-handed version. The AS73D is a similar model with ivory pickup rings. The AS73G is a similar model with gold hardware. The AS73B is a similar model with uncovered black pickups. The AS73FM is a similar model with a flamed maple top. The AS7312 is a 12-string version. The AS73T is a similar model with a vibrato tailpiece. The AS74 and ASF80 are related models with a trapeze tailpiece.
