Ibanez AS93BC-BK Black Artcore Expressionist

Artcore Expressionist: a semi-hollow designed for expression

The Artcore series marked the revival of hollow and semi-hollow guitars at Ibanez, with instruments capable of covering both traditional and modern styles. The Artcore Expressionist version emphasizes musicality and response, notably thanks to the Super 58 pickups, known for their warm tone, balanced articulation, and excellent dynamics. On this AS93BC-BK, the pickups are mounted directly on the center block to increase sustain and reduce feedback.

For which guitarists and styles?

The Ibanez AS93BC-BK is aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists seeking a versatile semi-hollow, comfortable in jazz (round and rich tones), blues (singing tone and sustain), funk (precise attack, crisp chords), and rock (powerful controlled sound thanks to the center block). Its shorter scale length promotes a soft feel, pleasant for bends and expressive playing.

Sound

The pair of Super 58 humbuckers delivers a warm register, with excellent clarity on chords and even response across strings. The simple and effective electronics (2 volumes, 2 tones, 3-position selector switch) allow quick switching from a smooth neck sound to a sharper bridge tone, or a balanced blend. The semi-hollow design with center block enhances note sustain and stabilizes behavior at high volume. On the craftsmanship side, the Macassar ebony fingerboard provides precision and attack, while the combination of linden top and bocote back and sides aims for an expressive output with a strong presence in the midrange.

Recommended compatible accessories

For transport, the manufacturer's recommended references are the IHB541-BK gig bag and the MS100C case. To maintain the original string gauge, opt for strings like D'Addario EXL140 in .010/.013/.017/.030/.042/.052.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	HH	Body	Linden
Category	Hollow body	Bridge / tailpiece	Fixed
Left handed	No	Electronics	Passive
Strings	Steel	Color	Black
Nbr of strings	6	Finishing	Glossy
Fingerboard	Macassar ebony	Hardware	Gold
Nbrs of frets	22

Type	semi-hollow (center block)	Fret type	medium
Top	linden	Inlays	acrylic block
Back	bocote	Bridge	Gibraltar Performer
Sides	bocote	Tailpiece	Quik Change III
Finish	glossy polyurethane	Nut	plastic
Body depth	2.625" / 66.7 mm	String spacing	0.41" / 10.5 mm
Body width	15.75" / 400.0 mm	Tuners	Ibanez
Body length (for hollow section)	19.25" / 489.0 mm	Hardware color	gold
Total length	41.93" / 1065 mm	Neck pickup	Super 58 (H)
Body thickness	2.72" / 69 mm	Bridge pickup	Super 58 (H)
Body length	19.29" / 490 mm	Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Neck type	AS Expressionist	Selector	3-way toggle switch
Material	3-piece nyatoh/maple	String gauge	.010/.013/.017/.030/.042/.052
Thickness at 1st fret	0.83" / 21 mm	Special strings	D'Addario EXL140
Thickness at 7th fret	0.94" / 24 mm	Tuning (from high to low)	1E, 2B, 3G, 4D, 5A, 6E
Scale length	24.7" / 628 mm	Recommended gig bag	IHB541-BK
Nut width	1.7" / 43 mm	Recommended case	MS100C
Radius	12" / 305 mm	Included item(s)	hex key
Number of frets	22