Ibanez AS93SP-BK

Ibanez AS93SP-BK review

The Ibanez AS93SP-BK is a black semi-hollow electric guitar with a set-in neck, two Super 80 humbuckers, and gold-colored hardware. It has the traditional visual cues of a dressed-up semi-hollow, including decorative Tree of Life fingerboard inlays, while its specification remains practical for players who want a comfortable instrument for jazz, blues, or classic rock. The supplied price is 753, and the model has been available since March 2025.

In hands-on use, the first impression is its polished appearance and tidy construction. The neck feels comfortable in the hand, and the shorter 628 mm scale makes the guitar feel easy to play. The player feedback also describes longer sessions as comfortable. That combination gives the AS93SP-BK an approachable feel without changing its full-size 24-fret layout.

Body and construction

The AS93SP-BK is a semi-hollow guitar, not a fully hollow instrument. Its body, top, back, and sides are listed as basswood. That construction is the foundation for the open, resonant character noted during playing. As with other semi-hollow designs, the body can respond to room volume and amplifier placement, so players should expect some sensitivity to feedback when playing loudly. The supplied field report notes that feedback can occur at high volume and treats it as normal for this style of guitar.

The three-piece set-in neck combines nyatoh and maple, and the fingerboard is Macassar ebony. Its high-gloss urethane finish gives the neck a slick, finished feel. A 305 mm (12-inch) fingerboard radius and 43 mm nut width complete the basic neck dimensions. The 24 medium frets were reported to be cleanly finished, a detail that supports the smooth playing feel described in the hands-on notes.

The scale length is 628 mm, or 24.7 inches. Compared with a longer-scale guitar, this gives the strings a more relaxed feel at the same tuning and string gauge. The reviewer found the scale easy to play, including over extended sessions. These dimensions suit players who value comfortable fretting and bends, though individual preferences for neck shape and string tension will still matter.

Pickups and controls

Two Super 80 humbuckers occupy the neck and bridge positions. In the reported playing, they produced warm, open tones with a clear, balanced character. That description points toward the guitar's strongest territory: jazz phrasing, blues lines, and classic rock parts where note definition and body are useful. The pickups were not presented as a first choice for high-gain metal, so players focused on dense, heavily distorted tones may want to compare them with a guitar voiced specifically for that sound.

The control layout is straightforward. There are two volume controls, two tone controls, and a three-way toggle switch. Each pickup has its own volume and tone adjustment, giving players direct control over the neck and bridge sounds. The switch selects between the neck pickup, bridge pickup, or both. This familiar arrangement makes it easy to shape the guitar's sound without navigating a complicated electronic system.

Bridge, hardware, and details

Ibanez fits the guitar with a Gibraltar Performer bridge and a Quik Change Classic tailpiece. The hardware is gold-colored, matching the black finish and decorative fingerboard inlays. Ibanez machine heads complete the tuning hardware. There is no tremolo system, which keeps the bridge setup focused on a fixed configuration rather than pitch effects.

The Tree of Life inlays are a prominent visual feature, and the gold hardware reinforces the instrument's formal look. Those details were among the aspects that stood out in the field feedback, alongside the overall finish and construction. Buyers looking for a restrained, plain appearance may find the ornamentation more elaborate than they need. For players drawn to a distinctive semi-hollow style, the combination gives the AS93SP-BK a recognizable identity.

Verdict

The Ibanez AS93SP-BK brings together a comfortable short-scale feel, a resonant semi-hollow body, and a pair of warm-sounding Super 80 humbuckers. Its 24-fret neck, clean fretwork, and familiar four-control layout make it a practical option for players exploring jazz, blues, and classic rock. The build and decorative finish also make a strong first impression.

Its main considerations are tied to the instrument's character. Feedback may become an issue at high stage or amplifier volume, and the pickup voicing is not aimed at high-gain metal. There is no case or bag included. Players who want an expressive semi-hollow with a comfortable neck and an open, balanced sound should find the AS93SP-BK worth considering. Those who prioritize very high-gain use or need included transport protection should account for those needs before buying.