Introduction
The Ibanez AC340 Artwood is an affordable, all-solid wood acoustic guitar that offers great tone and playability. As part of Ibanez’s popular Artwood series, it features a compact Grand Concert body made with solid Okoume top, back and sides. The AC340 also has a Mahogany neck and an open pore natural finish that enhances resonance.
With its smaller body size, solid wood construction and focused mid-range tone, the AC340 is ideal for fingerstyle playing and recording applications. It provides warm, balanced acoustic tone without breaking the bank.
In this in-depth review, we’ll take a close look at the specs, sound, playability and value proposition of the Ibanez AC340 Artwood to see how it stacks up.
Ibanez Artwood Series Background
The Ibanez Artwood series was first introduced in 2002 as the company’s line of affordable all-solid wood acoustic guitars. Unlike Ibanez’s mid-priced acoustic offerings at the time that relied on laminate woods, the Artwood series was constructed using traditional solid tonewoods like mahogany, rosewood, maple and exotic varieties like bubinga and okoume.
This allowed the Artwood models to deliver the rich, complex tone expected from an all-solid instrument, while keeping costs down through innovative construction techniques and smart use of sustainable tonewoods. The series quickly gained a reputation for providing great value by combining quality materials with high-end appointments not typically found in lower-priced acoustics.
Over the years, the Artwood line has expanded to cover a range of body shapes and sizes, while maintaining its focus on all-solid wood construction and strong price-to-performance ratio. Models like the AC340 exemplify the spirit of the Artwood series, with its solid okoume top, back and sides and elegant appointments, offered at a price that belies the quality inside. This winning combination of exotic tonewoods, elegant aesthetics and accessible pricing has earned the Artwood series a dedicated following among players looking for an inspiring, professional-grade acoustic guitar without breaking the bank.
AC340 Body Shape and Construction
The Ibanez AC340 features a compact Grand Concert body shape, which provides a balanced and articulate tone perfect for fingerstyle playing. The Grand Concert’s mid-size proportions make it comfortable for smaller players or anyone who wants excellent playability without a large, boomy dreadnought body.
At the heart of the AC340 is its all-solid wood construction using Okoume for the top, back, and sides. Okoume is an exotic tonewood valued for its acoustic properties – it has a clear, bright resonance similar to mahogany with excellent note separation and definition. The all-solid Okoume build allows the AC340 to produce warm, balanced tones with great projection and dynamics.
The AC340 has a mahogany neck which adds stability, sustain and a smooth playing feel. Mahogany is a popular neck wood among acoustic builders for its tonal balance and reliable performance. Combined with the Okoume top and back, the AC340 delivers great tone and playability in an affordable package.
Other Hardware and Appointments
The Ibanez AC340 comes equipped with quality hardware to complement its all-solid wood construction. It features Ibanez Advantage bridge pins and chrome die-cast tuners.
The Ibanez Advantage bridge pins are made from a proprietary composite material designed to improve tone and sustain. The material transfers string vibrations through the bridge more efficiently compared to standard plastic bridge pins. This results in better resonance and more complex overtones in the guitar’s voice.
The AC340 uses Ibanez chrome die-cast tuners. These are open-gear style tuners with a quality chrome finish. The die-cast construction makes them durable and able to keep the guitar in tune through changes in humidity and temperature. The tuners have a smooth action and precise 18:1 gear ratio for accurate and stable tuning.
Overall, the hardware appointments on the AC340 like the Ibanez Advantage bridge pins and chrome tuners complement the all-solid wood construction nicely. They help produce clear, balanced tone and resonance. The tuners in particular make staying in tune effortless.
Sound and Tone
The Ibanez AC340 Artwood has a balanced and articulate tone, with a pleasing midrange focus. The all-solid Okoume wood construction gives it a nice warmth and richness in the mids, without being overly bassy or muddy.
The Grand Concert body shape helps project the midrange, while still allowing for good volume and dynamics. There’s enough crispness in the high end to bring out individual notes and nuances. Chords have a nice ringing sustain.
It’s not an overly bright or boomy acoustic. Rather, the AC340 has an even tonal response across lows, mids and highs. There’s a natural woodiness that enhances, but doesn’t overpower the core midrange voice. Fingerstyle playing really allows the notes to bloom with harmonic complexity.
The AC340 works well for various styles, from strumming to fingerpicking. It’s articulate enough for fast runs yet warm enough for accompanying vocals. The balanced sound profile makes it a versatile and dynamic instrument. Overall, it’s an acoustic that focuses on balanced, quality tone versus hype in any one frequency range.
Playability and Feel
The Ibanez AC340 Artwood delivers excellent playability right out of the box. The action is set low and comfortable, making chords and lead lines a breeze to fret. The slim neck has a fast, modern C-shaped profile that accommodates both small and large hands. The rosewood fretboard feels smooth and inviting.
While the AC340 is accessible for beginners, experienced players will appreciate the effortless feel. The low action allows for speedy riffs and solos without buzzing out. The neck width at the nut is a very playable 1 11/16", providing room for complex chords and fingerstyle playing. The neck joint allows easy access to the upper frets.
Overall, the AC340 presents a very playable acoustic package suitable for guitarists of all skill levels. The comfortable setup and fast yet sturdy neck offer an inspiring playing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, the AC340 feels great in the hands.
Aesthetics and Finish
The Ibanez AC340 Artwood has an elegantly simple aesthetic that really lets the natural beauty of the wood shine through. It forgoes any fancy binding, inlays or appointments, and instead relies on its open pore natural finish to provide visual flair.
The all-solid wood construction is displayed in full glory, with the lovely natural grain patterns of the Okoume top, back and sides on full display. The open pore finish enhances this natural beauty, avoiding any opaque lacquers or thick polyurethane coats that might mute the vibrancy of the wood. Light is reflected and refracted gently off the pores in the wood, showcasing the varied grain patterns.
There’s a certain rustic earthiness imparted by the open pore treatment, which fits the handcrafted vibe of the guitar. The mahogany neck also has a similar finish, creating a cohesive look. The fretboard edges are smoothly rolled for comfort.
The bridge and rosette provide simple but elegant accents, framed by the Okoume top. The headstock has an understated Ibanez logo that lets the wood be the star. Overall, the AC340 has a refined yet organic aesthetic that flatters both the tonewoods and the construction. Players who appreciate naturally beautiful instruments will love its inviting, unadorned look.
Value for the Price
The Ibanez AC340 provides excellent value for money given its all-solid wood construction and quality appointments. At an MSRP of $399, it competes very favorably against other all-solid wood guitars in this price range.
Most comparable all-solid wood acoustics from major brands like Martin, Taylor, and Guild cost well over $500, often $700-900. The AC340 manages to keep costs down through the use of Okoume rather than more expensive rosewoods or mahoganies, along with Ibanez’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities.
Compared to similarly priced laminate guitars, the AC340’s solid wood build gives it a clear edge in terms of tone, projection and long-term value. While laminates have improved greatly over the years, a solid wood instrument offers unmatched resonance and organic sound.
Considering the quality materials, construction and hardware, the AC340 delivers professional level specs and tone at an entry-level price point. The excellent playability and balanced voice make it a smart choice for developing musicians who want an inspiring instrument that will last.
Overall, the Ibanez AC340 Artwood punches far above its weight class, providing a real solid wood acoustic guitar at a budget friendly price that few competitors can match. This makes it easy to recommend for those seeking great value in their first serious acoustic.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- All-solid wood construction provides excellent resonance and sustain
- Okoume top produces a balanced, articulate tone
- Grand Concert body offers comfort and ideal size for many players
- Mahogany neck adds warmth and stability
- Open pore finish enhances tone and provides an attractive look
- Quality hardware like Ibanez Advantage bridge pins and die-cast tuners
- Excellent value for money from a trusted brand
Cons
- Lacks electronics like built-in pickups
- Not ideal for players wanting big bass response or projection
- Some may find the neck width too slim
- Limited color and finish options
- No included case or gig bag
Who the AC340 Is Best Suited For
The Ibanez AC340 Artwood is an exceptionally versatile acoustic guitar that will appeal to a wide variety of players. Here’s a look at who can get the most out of this guitar:
Beginner and Intermediate Players
With its accessible price point and comfortable playability, the AC340 is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate level players looking for their first serious acoustic guitar or an affordable upgrade. The smooth neck, low action, and smaller Grand Concert body size make it easy to play and learn on. More advanced beginners will appreciate being able to grow with a pro-quality, all-solid wood instrument.
Fingerstyle Players
The balanced articulation and warm, focused midrange of the AC340 make it a great fingerstyle guitar. The notes ring out clearly in fingerpicking passages, and the Okoume construction provides excellent note separation for complex fingerstyle arrangements. The comfortable neck and body size also facilitate intricate finger movements up and down the fretboard.
Recording Artists
The AC340 is an ideal acoustic for recording applications, capturing the true sound of the all-solid wood construction. The focused midrange cuts through a mix, while the balanced tone prevents the guitar from overpowering other instruments. The smaller body size also reduces boominess and feedback in the studio.
Gigging Musicians
While not as large and booming as a dreadnought, the AC340 projects surprisingly well for its compact size. The focused midrange cuts through a live mix. The slightly smaller footprint is also comfortable for extended on-stage use and easier to transport from gig to gig.
Players Seeking an Affordable High-Quality Acoustic
For those seeking the best acoustic guitar possible on a real-world budget, the AC340 delivers professional grade build, sound, and playability at an accessible price point. It’s a great way to get into the Artwood series without breaking the bank.
Alternatives to Consider
For those who need more volume and bass response, a dreadnought like the Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood could be a better option. Players who want a wider tonal palette for more varied styles may want to check out a spruce/rosewood model like the Ibanez AW400SM. Lefty and banjo players should look at the Ibanez AC340L Artwood.