Carlton sounds from a Ibanez AS-200 85 ?

[Monk's Habit]

Hello I have this great offer on a 1985 AS200 (Scofield model), but it is not possible for me to test it out before buying (another country). What I'm looking for is the classic Larry Carlton ES-335 creamy lead tones. My concern is that the Ibanez will be too bright and snappy with the ebony fretboard and 58 pickups. Will the ebony also have a shorter sustain and a thinner sound than the rosewood 335 ?
I think the Ibanez will have just as good build quality as the Gibson, so that isn' t a problem. And I know that playing style/technique has alot to say for the sound. But on the other hand, I dont want my Semi-hollow to be bright and twangy. I want it to be woody and singing I know, I'm exaggerating here, but any opinions on this matter ?

 

[sshan25]

I wouldn't pass on a great deal because of that concern. I have a MIC. Ibanez AS 83 that l replaced all the hardware and electronics on. Close your eyes and you'll never know it's not a Gibson (and l've owned a few real 335's over the years). Carlton's tone is in his fingers anyway.

 

[rongtr1]

I wouldn't pass on a great deal because of that concern. I have a MIC. Ibanez AS 83 that l replaced all the hardware and electronics on. Close your eyes and you'll never know it's not a Gibson (and l've owned a few real 335's over the years). Carlton's tone is in his fingers anyway.

Larry can get that tone from a tele! That having been said, I second getting the Ibanez!

 

[jamester]

The Sco model is a great guitar, but it's definitely different than a 335 in a lot of ways. I think you can get any tone out of it though, with the right pickups/amp/touch.

I've played a few through the years, they have all been stunning quality-wise, but rather bright sounding and kind of heavy as well.

 

[robertkoa]

Ebony board may have a little brighter (subtle) Tone and a little more attack ( subtle)

but sustain generally the same as Rosewood or maybe a hair better ( subtle ).

The Gibson 335s and 355s with the same electronics are usually fairly similar sounding , maybe
a tad more edge due to the Ebony.

I had an ES 347 with Ebony Board, Brass Nut, Sustain Block (metal studs in body) and still was a warm instrument less air than 335.

Those Ibanez are usually really good, worst case, a pickup change or capacitor, volume tone swap to get the Carlton warmth.

The trick to playing like Carlton or Similar is just play perfectly or nearly perfectly ALL The time, lol.

But you are on the right track with this type Guitar IMO.

 

[Monk's Habit]

Ok thanks. Guess I'll give it a go. I'm sure the quality is allright, and if I can't bond with the guitar, I can probably sell it without loss.