I only owned my AR50 for about a year, and to be honest - I can't remember for sure what year it was built, but I distinctly recall it had Sure Grip knobs. Original Sure Grips are fairly pricey (if ya can find 'em at all), but you can get Sure Grip II's from the Ibanez Store site at only $6.00 each (US). My AR2000's have SGII's, and personally, I prefer them over speed knobs any ol' day. The only question I'd have is whether the pot shafts on the AR50 are the same diameter as on current/recent Ibby's.

Paul, that's 15 guitars total. The 'twin' AR2000VV's are the only Ibby's currently in the stable.

Mark

Mmmmm the plot thickens Hasenobu, the 2 images you have just posted are not like my AR50, well actually they both are, mine has the body, neck, headstock, with the bound edging of your '82, yet it has the PUP's, Bridge, Tail, and knobs of your '79, mine is a cross breed, a mongrol Ibanez guitar aghhhhhh !! have I got a duffo Artist ?
pulsestudio

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