Ibanez Artwood AW Series Dreadnought 1996 - Natural

This mid-90s Ibanez Artwood series dreadnought is a true player’s guitar—well broken in, professionally refretted, and sounding exactly like a mature solid-top acoustic should.

Built in August of 1996, this guitar features a solid spruce top that has spent nearly 30 years opening up and developing a rich, warm, resonant voice that newer guitars simply haven’t had time to acquire. The tone is full, open, and balanced, with excellent projection and a naturally seasoned character.

Unlike many older acoustics that become difficult to play over time, this one has already had the important work done. It recently received a complete refret, giving it a smooth, clean playing feel with decades of life still ahead of it.

Additional upgrades include a set of Grover tuners for improved tuning stability and reliability.

Cosmetically, this is an honest player’s guitar. It has the minor dings and signs of use you’d expect from an instrument that’s actually been played and enjoyed for nearly three decades, but nothing excessive or abusive.

This isn’t a flashy collector piece—it’s the kind of guitar someone picks up, plays for five minutes, and immediately understands.