The Ibanez Artist AR150 in Cherry Sunburst is a distinctive vintage Japanese electric guitar combining the elegant double-cutaway design of the Artist Series with rich humbucker tones and a versatile tremolo system. Produced during the early 1980s, the AR150 represents an interesting period in Ibanez history when the company's Japanese-made guitars were gaining an outstanding reputation for craftsmanship, innovative hardware and professional performance.

Featuring a carved flamed maple top over a solid mahogany body, the AR150 delivers a powerful, resonant tone with excellent sustain and natural warmth. Its set-in three-piece maple neck and bound rosewood fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience, while the distinctive Artist body shape allows easy access to the upper frets.

At the heart of the original AR150 design are two Ibanez Super 58 humbucking pickups, renowned for their smooth, vintage-inspired character, rich midrange and articulate response. These are complemented by individual volume and tone controls, a three-way pickup selector and the distinctive Ibanez Hard Rocker Pro tremolo system, offering expressive pitch control alongside traditional dual-humbucker versatility.

The Cherry Sunburst finish highlights the attractive figuring of the maple top, while gold-coloured hardware and traditional Artist appointments give the guitar an elegant vintage appearance.

This particular Ibanez Artist AR150 is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, carries the supplied serial number 1830553, weighs 9.62 lbs (approximately 4.36kg) and comes complete with a hardcase.

For guitarists and collectors interested in vintage Japanese instruments, the AR150 offers a compelling combination of early-1980s Ibanez craftsmanship, versatile humbucker sounds and distinctive hardware.

At A Glance

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This Ibanez Artist AR150 Cherry Sunburst is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

As an early-1980s Japanese Ibanez, the AR150 combines vintage character with a construction style that remains highly appealing to modern guitarists. Its carved maple top, bound fingerboard and distinctive double-cutaway body give it an elegant appearance, while the gold-coloured hardware adds to its classic styling.

Specific scratches, finish wear, hardware tarnishing, fret wear or other cosmetic imperfections have not been individually documented. Please study the product photographs for an accurate assessment of this particular instrument.

Serial Number & Production Year

Serial Number: 1830553

The Ibanez AR150 is documented as a 1983 Artist Series model, manufactured in Japan.

However, the supplied serial number begins with the character 1, which may be a transcription of the letter I. Ibanez serial numbers from this period commonly used a letter to identify the manufacturing month, followed by two digits indicating the year.

If the serial number is actually I830553, this would be consistent with a September 1983 manufacturing date. This interpretation requires confirmation from the original headstock marking and should not be treated as verified dating information.

Weight

With a substantial solid-body construction, the AR150 provides the reassuring feel associated with many traditional carved-top, dual-humbucker electric guitars.

Players accustomed to lighter instruments should consider its weight when choosing a guitar for extended standing performances.

Hardcase Included

This Ibanez Artist AR150 comes complete with a hardcase, providing useful protection during storage and transportation.

The case has not been confirmed as the original Ibanez factory case.

Originality & Modifications

The original AR150 specification includes Super 58 humbuckers, an Ibanez Hard Rocker Pro tremolo bridge, Sure Grip II control knobs and VelveTune tuning machines.

The originality of these individual components on this guitar has not been independently verified. No specific modifications, repairs or replacement parts have been reported, but this should not be interpreted as confirmation that every component remains factory-original.

What's Included

• Ibanez Artist AR150 Cherry Sunburst Electric Guitar

• Hardcase

No additional accessories, tremolo arm, original documentation or spare parts have been confirmed.

Service & Setup

The Ibanez Artist AR150 features a set neck, adjustable bridge and dual-humbucker electronics, allowing appropriate adjustments to playing action, intonation and pickup height. Its Hard Rocker Pro tremolo design also requires careful attention to bridge balance, tuning stability and the condition of its moving components. On a vintage example, checking fret wear, neck relief, electronics, hardware and any previous repairs is particularly important. No individual service history or completed setup measurements have been supplied. Guitar setups can naturally change due to fluctuations in humidity, temperature and environmental conditions, potentially affecting neck relief, string action and overall playability.

Key Features

• Vintage 1983 Ibanez Artist Design: A distinctive model from the company's celebrated Japanese production era.

• Made in Japan: Originally manufactured by FujiGen.

• Carved Flamed Maple Top: Attractive figuring beneath the Cherry Sunburst finish.

• Solid Mahogany Body: Rich, warm tonal foundation with impressive sustain.

• Set-In Three-Piece Maple Neck: Strong construction and comfortable upper-fret access.

• Bound Rosewood Fingerboard: Traditional appearance and smooth playing feel.

• 22 Frets: Suitable for expressive rhythm and lead guitar.

• Dual Ibanez Super 58 Humbuckers: Vintage-inspired warmth, clarity and rich harmonic response.

• Independent Volume & Tone Controls: Flexible adjustment of both pickups.

• Three-Way Pickup Selector: Traditional neck, combined and bridge pickup settings.

• Hard Rocker Pro Tremolo: Distinctive vintage Ibanez bridge design.

• Sure Grip II Control Knobs: Practical rubberised grip for easy adjustments.

• VelveTune Tuning Machines: Period-correct Ibanez hardware specification.

• Gold-Coloured Hardware: Complements the Cherry Sunburst finish.

• 9.62 lb Weight: Substantial, traditional solid-body construction.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: An appealing vintage Japanese electric guitar.

• Hardcase Included: Additional protection for storage and transport.

Why You'll Love It

The Ibanez Artist AR150 is particularly appealing because it combines familiar dual-humbucker performance with a design that is unmistakably Ibanez.

Its mahogany body and carved maple top provide a rich, resonant foundation, while the Super 58 pickups offer the warmth and articulate response associated with traditional vintage-style humbuckers.

The set-neck construction and sculpted double-cutaway body provide comfortable access across the fingerboard, making the guitar equally suitable for powerful rhythm playing and expressive lead work.

What particularly distinguishes the AR150 from many other Artist models is its Hard Rocker Pro tremolo, allowing players to introduce pitch modulation without abandoning the traditional carved-top, dual-humbucker format.

The Cherry Sunburst finish and gold-coloured appointments also make it a striking instrument, appealing to musicians who appreciate the aesthetic of classic Japanese guitars.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Carved Flamed Maple Top & Cherry Sunburst Finish

The AR150 features a carved flamed maple top that provides an elegant three-dimensional appearance and a distinctive visual character. The Cherry Sunburst finish highlights the natural figuring of the maple, transitioning from warm central tones to deeper red shades around the body's edges. Combined with the Artist Series' sculpted double-cutaway outline and gold-coloured hardware, the result is a guitar that reflects the decorative craftsmanship associated with premium Japanese instruments of the early 1980s.

Solid Mahogany Body

Beneath the maple top sits a solid mahogany body, providing a familiar tonal foundation associated with warmth, sustain and a rich midrange response. This construction complements the guitar's dual-humbucker configuration, helping produce full-bodied rhythm sounds and expressive lead tones. While pickups, amplifier settings and playing technique are central to the final sound, the combination of mahogany and maple has long been popular for versatile electric guitars capable of moving between clean playing and more heavily driven musical styles.

Three-Piece Maple Set Neck

The AR150 uses a set-in three-piece rock maple neck, combining a sturdy construction with the comfortable playing characteristics of the Ibanez Artist body design. Its smoothly shaped neck joint helps provide access to the upper frets, making the guitar particularly suitable for melodic lead playing and more demanding fretboard techniques. The traditional set-neck arrangement also complements the substantial body construction, giving the AR150 a familiar feel for musicians accustomed to classic dual-humbucker electric guitars.

Bound Rosewood Fingerboard

The rosewood fingerboard features 22 frets, decorative binding and pearloid dot position markers, creating an elegant appearance without excessive ornamentation. Its traditional scale length and comfortable neck profile make the AR150 suitable for both chord-based playing and expressive solo work. The bound fingerboard is also a distinctive feature of the vintage Artist design, contributing to the guitar's refined appearance and comfortable fretting experience.

Ibanez Super 58 Humbucking Pickups

The original AR150 specification includes two Ibanez Super 58 humbuckers, a pickup design particularly associated with the company's premium Artist instruments. These vintage-inspired pickups are known for their smooth, warm response, articulate note definition and balanced output, making them suitable for blues, jazz, classic rock and expressive lead guitar. The bridge pickup can provide strong attack and sustain when driven, while the neck pickup offers warmer, rounder tones ideal for melodic playing and clean arrangements. Their original installation on this individual guitar remains to be confirmed.

Traditional Dual-Humbucker Controls

The AR150 uses a conventional three-way pickup selector alongside independent volume and tone controls for each humbucker. This arrangement allows players to adjust the response of the neck and bridge pickups individually, providing a useful range of sounds without complicated switching systems. The combined pickup position can create balanced, rounded tones for rhythm playing, while the separate volume controls allow subtle changes in pickup balance and overall character.

Ibanez Hard Rocker Pro Tremolo

One of the defining features of the AR150 is its factory-fitted Hard Rocker Pro tremolo, a distinctive two-point bridge designed to provide expressive pitch modulation. This arrangement gives the guitar additional versatility compared with fixed-bridge Artist models, allowing players to introduce subtle vibrato and more pronounced pitch movement during solos. The system is an interesting part of Ibanez's early-1980s hardware development, although its exact operation and completeness should be verified on the individual instrument, particularly whether the original tremolo arm remains present.

Sure Grip II Control Knobs

The AR150's original hardware specification includes Ibanez Sure Grip II control knobs, featuring rubberised grips designed to make volume and tone adjustments easier during performance. These distinctive knobs are closely associated with several vintage Ibanez models and contribute to the guitar's period appearance. Their practical design also allows quick adjustments, which can be particularly useful when moving between clean and driven sounds using the guitar's onboard controls.

Vintage Ibanez VelveTune Tuning Machines

The original AR150 specification features Ibanez VelveTune tuning machines, designed to provide smooth and precise tuning adjustments. Their period styling complements the guitar's overall appearance, while reliable tuning operation is particularly important on an instrument equipped with a tremolo system. The condition and originality of the tuning machines on this particular example have not been confirmed, but they remain an important component to assess when examining a vintage Japanese Ibanez.

Japanese Artist Series Craftsmanship

The early-1980s Ibanez Artist range reflects a period when Japanese manufacturers were developing increasingly sophisticated electric guitars with high-quality construction, distinctive hardware and professional electronics. The AR150 combines these characteristics in a relatively unusual configuration, pairing the traditional carved-top Artist design with a dedicated tremolo system. For musicians and collectors interested in vintage Japanese guitars, this makes the model especially appealing, offering a different playing experience from more familiar Gibson-inspired or Fender-style instruments.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Japanese Guitar Enthusiasts: A distinctive instrument from Ibanez's early-1980s Artist Series.

Classic Rock Guitarists: Warm humbuckers, substantial construction and expressive tremolo capability suit classic rock rhythm and lead playing.

Blues Players: Responsive dual-humbucker sounds and traditional controls provide versatility for expressive playing.

Jazz & Fusion Guitarists: Smooth neck pickup tones and articulate clean sounds are well suited to melodic arrangements.

Collectors: The relatively uncommon AR150 model and its distinctive tremolo hardware make it particularly interesting.

Recording Musicians: Provides a different tonal character and playing experience from more conventional modern electric guitars.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Ibanez Artist AR150 is particularly well suited to classic rock, hard rock, blues, jazz-rock, fusion, indie and progressive guitar music.

Its dual-humbucker configuration offers warm clean sounds, articulate rhythm tones and sustaining lead sounds.

The Hard Rocker Pro tremolo allows additional expression through pitch modulation, making it useful for melodic playing and more adventurous solo techniques.

In a recording environment, the AR150 provides a traditional humbucker sound with the added flexibility of a tremolo-equipped instrument.

How It Compares

Ibanez Artist AR150 vs Ibanez Artist AR100

The AR100 and AR150 share a broadly similar carved-top, dual-humbucker Artist design. The principal distinction is the AR150's Hard Rocker Pro tremolo, compared with the fixed-bridge arrangement of the AR100. Players who prefer a straightforward fixed bridge may favour the AR100, while those seeking expressive vibrato will appreciate the additional flexibility of the AR150.

Ibanez Artist AR150 vs Ibanez Artist AR300

The AR300 is one of the better-known models in the classic Artist range, typically featuring a fixed Gibraltar bridge and additional electronic switching features depending on production year. The AR150 offers a different playing experience through its tremolo system and more conventional dual-humbucker electronics. Both reflect the quality of Japanese Artist production, with the choice depending on the player's preference for vibrato, switching options and hardware.

Ibanez Artist AR150 vs Gibson Les Paul Standard

Both guitars share a general construction philosophy built around mahogany, a carved maple top and dual humbuckers. However, the Ibanez Artist AR150 features a symmetrical double-cutaway body and a distinctive tremolo system, providing different upper-fret access and expressive capabilities. The Les Paul offers its own recognisable construction, sound and playing feel, while the AR150 is particularly appealing to players seeking an alternative vintage design.

Ibanez Artist Series Heritage

The Ibanez Artist Series became an important part of the company's electric guitar range during the 1970s and early 1980s.

As Japanese guitar manufacturing developed, Ibanez introduced increasingly original designs featuring carved bodies, sophisticated electronics and distinctive proprietary hardware.

The Artist range demonstrated the company's commitment to creating professional instruments that offered alternatives to established American designs.

By 1983, the series included models with different body constructions, pickup configurations and bridge systems.

The AR150 was a particularly interesting addition, combining traditional Artist styling with the innovative Hard Rocker Pro tremolo.

Today, vintage Japanese Ibanez Artist guitars remain popular among musicians and collectors who appreciate their distinctive design, construction quality and place in electric guitar history.

Technical Specifications

The following specifications relate to the original 1983 Ibanez Artist AR150. Individual hardware originality and the precise serial number marking should be verified before publication.

Power Requirements

The Ibanez Artist AR150 uses passive humbucking pickups and conventional guitar electronics.

It does not require a battery or external power supply.

The guitar connects to a suitable amplifier, effects processor or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

🎵 Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict ★★★★★

The Ibanez Artist AR150 Cherry Sunburst is a particularly interesting vintage Japanese electric guitar, combining the premium construction associated with the Artist Series and the expressive versatility of a tremolo-equipped design.

Its carved flamed maple top and mahogany body provide a traditional tonal foundation, while the original Super 58 pickup specification offers warm, expressive humbucker sounds suited to a broad range of musical styles.

The Hard Rocker Pro tremolo makes the AR150 especially distinctive when compared with other Artist models, allowing players to explore pitch modulation while retaining the familiar feel of a substantial carved-top electric guitar.

Its Cherry Sunburst finish, bound rosewood fingerboard and gold-coloured hardware also give it a striking vintage appearance.

This particular guitar is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 9.62 lbs, carries the supplied serial number 1830553 and comes complete with a hardcase.

Best Suited For: Vintage Japanese guitar enthusiasts, classic rock and blues players, collectors and musicians seeking an alternative to conventional dual-humbucker guitars.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Contemporary Ibanez Artist models, mid-range dual-humbucker instruments and conventional fixed-bridge electric guitars.

Most Commonly Paired With: Marshall-style valve amplifiers, vintage-inspired overdrive pedals, analogue delay, chorus and suitable guitar straps.

Our Tip: Experiment with the individual pickup volume controls in the middle selector position. Small adjustments can create useful variations in the balance between the warmth of the neck pickup and the attack of the bridge humbucker.

Showroom Advice: On a vintage AR150, the Hard Rocker Pro bridge deserves particular attention. Confirming its condition, correct operation and the presence of the tremolo arm is worthwhile, especially if you intend to use the vibrato system regularly.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned Ibanez Artist AR150 from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to own a distinctive Japanese-made electric guitar from an important period in Ibanez history.

Our experienced team understands the importance of accurate model identification, clear condition descriptions and transparent information about original components when dealing with vintage instruments.

This particular AR150 is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 9.62 lbs and comes complete with a hardcase.

For musicians and collectors seeking something different from modern production guitars, early-1980s Ibanez Artist instruments offer an appealing combination of traditional craftsmanship and distinctive design.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a vintage pre-owned electric guitar, and its condition and confirmed accessories are detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are subject to Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available delivery and collection options provided during checkout.

For a vintage instrument with specialist tremolo hardware, careful packaging and appropriate transport protection are particularly important.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

As Birmingham's largest independent music store, we specialise in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and friendly personal service to help customers choose equipment suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, secure online ordering, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical instruments and equipment, including vintage Japanese guitars, Ibanez electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals and keyboards.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this Ibanez Artist AR150.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Ibanez Artist AR150 in?

This guitar is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does the guitar come with a hardcase?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

The supplied hardcase has not been confirmed as the original Ibanez factory case.

How much does the guitar weigh?

This Ibanez Artist AR150 weighs 9.62 lbs, approximately 4.36kg.

What year was the Ibanez AR150 made?

The Ibanez Artist AR150 was produced in 1983. The exact manufacture date of this individual guitar has not been independently verified.

What is the serial number?

The supplied serial number is 1830553.

Does the serial number confirm the guitar was made in 1983?

Not as currently transcribed. If the first character is actually the letter I, the serial number would be consistent with the Japanese Ibanez dating format for September 1983. The physical marking should be checked.

Where was the AR150 manufactured?

The original AR150 was manufactured in Japan by FujiGen.

What wood is the body made from?

The factory specification features a mahogany body with a carved flamed maple top.

Does it have a set neck?

Yes. The original AR150 design uses a set-in three-piece maple neck.

What fingerboard does it have?

The factory model features a bound rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays.

How many frets does it have?

The AR150 features 22 frets.

What is the scale length?

The guitar uses a 24.75-inch scale length.

What pickups were originally fitted?

The factory specification includes two Ibanez Super 58 humbuckers.

Are these the original pickups?

Their originality on this individual instrument has not been independently verified.

What are Super 58 pickups?

Super 58 pickups are vintage-inspired Ibanez humbuckers, recognised for their warm, articulate character and smooth response.

Does the AR150 have coil splitting?

The original AR150 specification uses conventional dual-humbucker wiring with individual volume and tone controls. Coil splitting is not a standard advertised feature of this model.

What bridge does the AR150 have?

The factory model features the Ibanez Hard Rocker Pro tremolo system.

Is the AR150 the same as the AR100?

No. Although the guitars are closely related, the AR150 uses a tremolo bridge, while the AR100 features a fixed-bridge design.

Does this guitar include a tremolo arm?

The inclusion of a tremolo arm has not been confirmed.

What are Sure Grip II knobs?

They are Ibanez control knobs with rubberised grips, designed to make adjustments easier during performance.

Does this guitar require a battery?

No. The original passive pickup configuration does not require battery power.

Is the Ibanez AR150 suitable for blues?

Yes. Its vintage-style humbuckers and traditional controls make it particularly suitable for expressive blues playing.

Is it suitable for hard rock?

Yes. Its humbucker configuration provides the warmth, sustain and output required for classic and hard rock.

Is the AR150 a collectable guitar?

Vintage Japanese Ibanez Artist instruments are of interest to collectors, particularly examples retaining their original hardware, electronics and finish.

Can I part-exchange another guitar towards this AR150?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers guitars, amplifiers and other musical equipment for part exchange.