Confused in choosing between Ibanez AS53 vs Epiphone Dot? Both of them are semi-hollow electric guitars that are very popular on the market. Ibanez AS53 is praised for the neck playability, overall build quality, and consistent sound quality. On the other hand, Epiphone Dot is more expensive, and is said to be comparable to the Gibson, which is saying a lot. Which one is better for the money? Which one does have the better sound? Find out below!
Construction
Ibanez AS53 features a sapele body. The sapele wood is used for the top, back, and sides. It is paired with a bound rosewood fretboard which features white dot inlays and a mahogany set-in neck. It has chrome hardware. Ibanez AS53 is a well-built guitar; it has been praised for the solid feel and excellent durability. For sure, you still have to take good care of it; but it is more rugged, and it can withstand more abuse than Epiphone Dot.
On the other hand, Epiphone Dot comes with a laminated maple body. It is paired with a mahogany neck with the SlimTaper “D” Profile, and the fretboard is equipped with pearloid dot inlays. It has nickel hardware. Compared to Ibanez AS53, Epiphone Dot does not feel as rugged. It feels more vulnerable, so you will have to be more careful when handling it. (Read also : Ibanez AS73 Vs Epiphone Dot)
Playability
According to many users who have tried both guitars, Ibanez AS53 has better playability than Epiphone Dot. This is because the neck of Ibanez AS53 allows easier access to the frets. The upper fret access is also much better. You will feel more comfortable when playing Ibanez AS53 than Epiphone Dot. On the other hand, Epiphone Dot is a good guitar, but the playability is not as great due to the different neck design.
Finish Options
If you have a specific finish preference, let’s have a look at the available finish options of Ibanez AS53 vs Epiphone Dot. There are just two finish options of Ibanez AS53, which are Transparent Black Flat and Tobacco Flat.
On the other hand, Epiphone Dot is available in four finish options. There are Cherry, Ebony, Vintage Sunburst, and Natural. There is also a left-handed version, which is available with the Cherry finish.
Pickups
Ibanez AS53 comes with Infinity R passive ceramic pickups for the neck and bridge. These pickups are not really impressive, although they are also not too bad. For the best sound quality, you may want to replace the pickups with the better ones.
This is perhaps the only part where Epiphone Dot holds the better edge. The pickups are impressive. It has an Alnico Classic Humbucker neck pickup and an Alnico Classic Plus Humbucker bridge pickup. They are hotter and more responsive.
Ibanez AS53 Vs Epiphone Dot
| Ibanez AS53 | Epiphone Dot | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Ibanez | Epiphone |
| Key features | - Sapele top back and sides - Mahogany set neck - Bound rosewood fingerboard - ACH-ST humbuckers - Case not included | - Laminated mahogany top, back, and sides Set maple neck Semi-hollow construction Vintage Alnico V plus pickups Rosewood fretboard LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece Scale length - 24-3/4" Nut width - 1-17/25" |
| Price | ||
| Customer Ratings* | n/a | 4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Deal* | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
NOTE : Product prices, availability, ratings and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen right bellow the tittle) and are subject to change. Any price, ratings, availability and save money information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Decision
In the end, we recommend you to choose Ibanez AS53, which has better build quality, playability, and consistent sound. The pickups are not really impressive, but you can just replace them with the better ones. Epiphone Dot is more expensive; you can save more money with Ibanez AS53 and better pickups.