There are at least two variants of AR50, and the earlier one had "regular speed knobs," I believe.

Mine is 1979 built, the earlier one:


And this one is 1982 built, with two switches installed afterward:

I stand corrected then. I'd wager money that if his has speed knobs, then it probably came with them. I know not all AR50's had them. There's certainly no reason not to put them on though. They are nicer than standard knobs. The older AR's used the same sized pots so new SGII's will work. There's also a guy on ICW who makes really nice SGI repros.

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1998 Ibanez Artist AR700
1983 Ibanez Artist AM50
2007 Ibanez Artist AR305
2005 Ibanez Artist AR200
2004 Ibanez Artcore AM77
1985 Ibanez Pro Line PL1770
Custom made doubleneck

Actually, there was quite a bit of minor variation in the features of AR50's.
So anything is just as possible as anything else either way.

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…Reply and quote with caution

Yes, I agree, and that's why I wrote "The specs apply only to the regular models, thus, so-called "transition models" are not included here" when I uploaded a "DATA Sheet for AR guitars."
http://www.geocities.jp/ar_lovers_room/ARdata/eARmodellist.html

On top of that, it is no strange that some parts of a guitar have been changed after nearly 30 years have passed since its production.

Hope to see your picture soon.

Here are some pics of the new knobs and removed pick-guard, more to do still, have found a spanner for the truss-rod nut adjuster so will be tackling a bit of relief later tonight.



and another



and finally



Any comments on my choice of knobs, I definitely prefer the lack of pick-guard.
pulsestudio

Hasenobu, here is the serial #
Did you like my choice of control knobs? I think they look really tidy and suit the guitar, I will keep the original speed knobs just in case I ever sell it.
Oh BTW I may have found a nice 1986 Super Edition Artist AR300CS, early days but we are talking, could I PM you for some of topic info please?



cheers

pulsestudio

Thank you Hasebnobu, I have sent an e-mail to your private account, you have been very helpful, thank you, and yes I guess the original knobs do look more suited but is this because this is what we are used too, I think the new knobs look really cool and will keep them on the guitar for now, and they do feel very nice to use as the finger sits comfortably in a channel and is great for bowing techniques.

Last night I slackened off the truss-rod nut a little and brought a little relief to the neck, this has cured the small amount fret buzz that could only be heard when used not amplified, but it has made the action a little slower and doesn't feel as slick, so tonight I will tighten a little more, this has to be done over a period of time I believe, until the neck settles?
many thanks
pulsestudio

Hi Jason43, I have left it over last night and today and it has settled in quite nicely now, but I am going to teak the truss rod a little more as I think there is still a bit more to go, and then I will raise the bridge a little if required.
On another topic but closely related, some may know of my re-kindled desire toward these amazing guitars since buying my AR50 just last week, and my desire to own a top of the range AR300CS, well I think I may have found my dream Artist, not going to say too much yet but it is looking like a done deal and when it does I will post some pics of this beautiful instrument here, till then I am still reeling with excitment about my AR50 which is a pleasure to own and play, I am so pleased I decided to go for another Ibby, can you believe I looked at a PRS Custom 24 just 2 weeks ago and walked away from it, and that was 4 times the price of my AR50, and less of a guitar, just goes to show that it pays to try before you buy.
pulsestudio