SEMI-PRECIOUS
When it comes to modding a new guitar, there’s every chance it’ll be a straightforward job. Older instruments can be trickier and might need a little more thought and respect. I’m not talking ‘vintage’ old (although the cut-off point for ‘vintage’ continually moves, it seems) but maybe something a few decades old that’s been played a lot.
“There’s plenty to learn and evaluate, so don’t rush, but make a mental (or physical) note of any ‘concerns’ you have”
As an example, some while ago I inherited a Japanese-made Ibanez AS-50 semi from a mate who’s quite partial to these slightly downsized models, and according to the serial number stamped into the back of the headstock, it was made in June 1981. I’m no Ibanez history buff, but it seems the AS-50 joined the existing AS-200 and AS-100 back around 1979 but was downsized (to 389mm wide by 460mm long). A catalogue from 1981 tells us the thinking behind that decision: “Players who are accustomed to solidbodies often complain that most semi-acoustics are too large for them to
