Ibanez ASH300-TBC

Ibanez ASH300-TBC review

The Ibanez ASH300-TBC is a full hollowbody electric guitar in the Artstar series, finished in Tobacco Brown. Its specification combines a flamed maple body with a spruce top, a set-in maple and nyatoh neck, and two Super 58 humbucking pickups. The listed price is 1,299, and the model has been available since March 2026.

There is a clear point to weigh before buying: one owner describes the guitar as attractive and very well finished, but reports that the strings sit too high near the body and that the bass notes sound muted. That account does not establish whether the cause is the setup, the strings, or the pickups. It does make a hands-on inspection and a careful setup check worthwhile.

Construction and playing dimensions

The hollowbody design uses a flamed maple body and a spruce top. Ibanez fits a set-in neck made from nyatoh and maple, paired with a Macassar ebony fingerboard. The fingerboard radius is 305 mm, or 12.01 inches, and the scale length is 628 mm, or 24.72 inches. The nut measures 43 mm, or 1.69 inches, and is made from bone and bronze.

The guitar has 22 medium frets. Those measurements describe a relatively compact scale compared with many standard electric guitars, while the nut width provides a useful reference for assessing the neck feel in person. Actual comfort will depend on hand size, playing style, and the instrument's setup. The reported high string action matters here: a poor setup can affect comfort and playability even when the underlying neck and fretboard dimensions suit the player.

Ibanez includes a case. No gig bag is listed. The hardware is gold, and the bridge is an Ibanez Gibraltar Artist model. The supplied strings are D'Addario EXL140. Those details identify the included configuration, but the available owner feedback raises a reason to verify the strings and setup rather than assume the factory condition will suit every player.

Pickups and controls

Two Super 58 humbuckers provide the pickup configuration. The control layout has two volume knobs and two tone knobs, with a Tri-sound switch also included. That gives the player dedicated level and tone controls for the two pickups, alongside the additional switching option. The specifications do not describe the switch's individual settings, so its exact operation is best confirmed in the product documentation or by testing the guitar directly.

The owner report is mixed on the sound. The bass notes were described as muffled, and the player planned to change the strings to determine whether the strings or pickups were responsible. This is a useful observation, but it is not enough to identify a definite fault or to characterize every ASH300-TBC. When trying one, listen to low notes across the strings, compare both pickups, and check whether the sound changes with the controls and switch positions. If the guitar is being purchased online, ask the seller about setup and return options.

Finish and practical checks

The owner's positive impression of the appearance and finish is consistent with the model's Tobacco Brown color and flamed maple body. Finish quality is subjective, and one report cannot guarantee that every example will arrive in identical condition. Inspect the surface, neck joint, frets, and hardware on the specific instrument you are considering.

Give particular attention to string height near the body, since that was the most direct playability concern in the feedback. Ask whether the guitar has been professionally set up, and check that the action is comfortable along the neck. A qualified technician can assess whether adjustment is appropriate. If the muted bass response persists after checking the strings and setup, have the pickups and electronics examined before drawing conclusions about the model as a whole.

Verdict

The Ibanez ASH300-TBC offers a defined hollowbody specification: flamed maple, a spruce top, a set-in nyatoh and maple neck, Macassar ebony fingerboard, two Super 58 humbuckers, and a case. Its gold hardware and Tobacco Brown finish contribute to the visual package, while the two-volume, two-tone layout and Tri-sound switch provide the listed control options.

The available field feedback supports a cautious recommendation rather than a blanket endorsement. The guitar was praised for its looks and finish, but the reported high action and muted bass response deserve attention at this price. Try the instrument if possible, or confirm its setup and sound with the seller. A well-adjusted example may suit a player seeking a hollowbody with these specifications, but the reported concerns should be resolved before purchase.