The Ibanez Artist series kicked off in the mid-'70s as part of the Japanese company's efforts to build more original designs rather than just copying American guitars. The AR models were Les Paul-like in their construction featuring two humbuckers and a Mahogany body with a set neck. The AR-500 was set apart by its inclusion of an onboard EQ circuit. 

Years of Production: 1979 - 1982

Wood Composition: Mahogany body, Maple top

Design Elements: Two humbucker pickups, block inlays, set neck, three volume control knobs, three-band EQ