I just purchased an Artcore to replace the PM 100 that drowned during Hurricane Katrina. I was actually going to the music store to order another PM when my dealer suggested I give the AF105 a spin. Because, at least to me, the AF played just as well and was better suited to my tastes (and was exceptionally well built with a beautiful grain and finish), I bought it instead of ordering the PM. Even though the finish is NT, it is significantly different from other Natural finishes in the Artcore line. I was also told that as a custom model, only 60 were made. What I'm trying to find out is whether indeed only 60 were produced and what type of wood was used for the neck and body. I assume this can only be answered by an Ibanez rep, so if anyone in the know is reading this a response would be much appreciated. It still amazes me how Ibanez continues to make such excellent jazz guitars at such a reasonable price while Gibson continues to manufacture overpriced, poorly finished junk. I am proud to tell anyone that even though I've continued to give Gibson the benefit of the doubt, I've traded in every one I've ever owned (when I can unstick my thumb from the neck that is). Ibanez makes a far superior guitar at less than half the price. They play better, sound better and generally are made better than the majority of other guitars out there - hands down.

The store where I bought it is owned by a friend of 20 yrs. The "limited to 60" was on the sales tag. He also specifically showed me the guitar because I have been replacing guitars over the last couple of years and wanted ones that were not only excellent in re craftsmanship and playability, but would also increase in value. He handed it to me as soon as I walked in and told me that I should seriously consider playing it before I finalized the order for the Pat Metheny model. It still boggles my mind that Ibanez can hold prices down while surpassing other companies' alleged high end stuff. I was also going to purchase a Howard Roberts Fusion but after playing the AF 105 for only a day I've decided to pass. The AF 105 is truly a great guitar. I still want to find out more about the SM - NT finish. I've only seen it listed on a Japanese site but I can't read the language. Thanks for the feedback.

well I'll be....
just noticed one on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/IBAN...DVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

maybe you can find out more about it through that seller.

The AS103NT flamed maple are not a limited edition. The spalted and burl version are.

very true on the gibsons. i bought one early one and while i do like it, i feel gibson is overpriced by about a third.
the quality is definitely hit or miss. can be very good or show stupid errors that should not be there on $3000 guitars.
i like the ibanez but do have to say that i dont love the thick plastic finish as much as nitro.
the eastman t186mx i just got is absolutely incredible. really. compared to a gibson 335 this cost less than half as much and outshines the
gibber completely. rather than laminated wood this uses solid, hand carved maple and ebony fret boards. the varnish /nitro is incredible.
didnt mean to hijack the thread..just wanted to echo the idea that brand name isnt always what its cracked up to be.
check out the eastman on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9W8OdSpsho