Ibanez AF Series AF75D User Manual

CB3, GIBRALTAR III BASS

NECK TONE

BRIDGE TONE

3 WAY

PICKUP SELECTOR

NECK

VOLUME

BRIDGE VOLUME

2V, 2T

MASTER TONE

MASTER

VOLUME

3WAY PICKUP

SELECTOR

1V, 1T

NECK

CENTER

BRIDGE

2 PICKUPS (H-H)

For best results we recommend replacing one string at a time. This will help to

avoid removing the string tension from the neck and keep the vibrato spring

under tension. 

To replace the strings on the VBX60 and VBS80,

thread the new string under the front tailpiece

retainer bar (A). On VBF70 there is no front

retainer bar.

The ball end of the string should be threaded over

and around the rear tailpiece retainer bar (B).

The ball end of the string’s hole is inserted into

the rear tailpiece retainer bar pin and the string

should be pulled tight towards the headstock.

Releasing the string tension from the tailpiece

may cause the ball end to slip off the pin. Keeping

string tension on the string by pulling it towards

the headstock will alleviate this problem.

Thread the string through the machine head and

while keeping tension on the string, wind the

string around the post. Make sure that the string

lands on the proper string saddle on the bridge.

Once tight, tune the string to pitch. Repeat this

process for the other strings.

Below is the standard location of the bridge for AF, AFS and AG guitars.

Adjust the location to obtain proper intonation.

(A)

Bridge 

➣➣

Tailpiece 

➣➣

The intonation can be adjusted by moving the saddle

forward or backward using a Slot head (-) screwdriver on

the adjustment screw. String height is controlled by

raising or lowering the two height adjustment studs or

spinners on either side of the bridge (A).

(A)

(A)

(B)

(A)

(B)

(B)

VBX60

VBS80

VBF70

Vintage Vibrato 

➣➣

Bridge 

➣➣

REPLACING THE STRINGS : CB30

Install strings by inserting them from the front of the

bridge.

ART1,2 BRIDGE

The height adjustment of the tailpiece can be raised or

lowered using the two height adjustment studs on

either side of the tailpiece (A).

QUICKCHANGE III /

QUICKCHANGE III BASS

The strings are installed by putting the ball end

into the slot (A) and hooking the ball end below

the string catch (B).

To raise or lower the string action, insert the

correct Allen wrench into the  screw (A) at the

saddle. To raise the saddle turn the wrench

clockwise and to lower the saddle turn the

wrench counter clockwise.

Intonation adjustments can be made by adjusting

the intonation screws (B) at the rear of the bridge

clockwise to move the saddle back and counter

clockwise to move the saddle forward.

The string height of an arch top bridge can be

adjusted by turning the thumb wheel screws

located on either side of the bridge. Clockwise

lowers the string action; counter clockwise

raises the string action.

As the bridge is not fixed to the body,

intonation can be adjusted by loosening the

strings and moving the location of the bridge forward or backward.

(A)

(B)

(A)

(B)

FXB-50

ADJUSTABLE ARCH-TOP

Bridge Location 

➣➣

Controls 

➣➣

AF, AFS, AK

SWITCHING FUNCTION

CONTROLS

AG

Ibanez steel string models are equipped with adjustable truss rods. The purpose of a

truss rod is to adjust the neck to counteract string tension. There are many reasons

for truss rod adjustments. One of the most frequent reasons is changing string

gauges or tuning pitch which can affect string tension. String tension changes may

affect the string height and cause fret buzz or notes that don’t ring true. To adjust the

truss rod, locate the truss rod nut and adjust it by inserting the correct wrench into

the nut and tightening (clockwise) or loosening (counter clockwise) the rod. Truss rod

tension can be measured by installing a capo at the first fret the holding the strings

down at the fret position where the neck joins the body. Insert a thickness gauge

between the string and the fret at the 8th fret. There should between 0.3 mm to

0.5mm clearance. That clearance is referred to as “neck relief.” Too much neck

relief can cause the neck to have higher action in the middle of the neck causing

poor intonation and uncomfortable playability. No neck relief can cause fret buzz.

* Appropriate care must be taken when adjusting the neck and we recommend only qualified technicians perform

this procedure.

Intonation adjustment is

the operation of adjusting

the location of the string at

the saddle to compensate

for different string gauges

or different tunings. Follow

the instructions of the particular bridge intonation below. Intonation is properly

set when the 12th fret note and the 12th fret harmonic are exactly the same note .

This is the center point of the scale and the most accurate way of setting a

standard scale length. With the harmonic note as the standard, if the fretted note

is flat move the bridge saddle forward toward the headstock (a) to decrease the

string length. If the fretted note is sharp, move it back away from the headstock

(b) to increase the string length intonation adjustments. 

* Please note that strings can be broken when the saddle is moved, so always loosen the strings before

making adjustments.

The output level of the instrument as well as the quality

of the signal can be affected by the pickup height. Pickup

height should be adjusted until the volume of neck and

bridge pickups are almost equal with both volumes wide

open.  The volume may drop drastically if the pickup

height is too low.  As the pickups are magnetic, fret

buzzing and distortion may occur if the pickup is too close to the strings. Use a

small screwdriver to make adjustments to raise or lower the pickup.

*Instruments that have adjustable pole pieces can be adjusted to balance the output of each string.

Regular cleaning of your guitar is

one the most important ways you

can maintain the finish and

lengthen string life. After playing,

wipe down your instrument to

remove any perspiration from the

instrument. Perspiration can actually contain acids that can be corrosive to the

strings and metal parts of the guitar. Gloss finish guitars should be polished with

polish formulated specifically for musical instruments, and a soft, treated guitar

cloth or a cotton rag. Abrasive rags such as polyester can scratch the finish. Oil

finished guitars should be wiped clean immediately after playing with a dry cotton

rag only. If your guitar has become discolored due to extended use or heavy

perspiration, factory appearance, see a qualified guitar repair person about

methods to restore the oil finish to its original factory appearance.

LOOSEN

TIGHTEN

8TH FRET

0.3~0.5mm

Maintenance 

➣➣

Our congratulations and deepest thanks on

making Ibanez your choice of instrument.

Ibanez standards are second to none. All Ibanez

instruments are set up to our strict quality

control standards before shipping. The purpose

of this manual is to explain how to maintain

your instrument’s finish and to keep your guitar

playing as well as it did when it left our factory.

If strings become dirty, discolored, or produce a dull

sound or buzz, replace the strings with new ones. For

best results we recommend replacing one string at a

time, this will help to avoid removing the string tension

from the neck. When replacing strings with different

gauge strings, it may be necessary to adjust the truss rod

tension. (We recommend only qualified technicians

perform this.) Instruments that have tremolo systems

installed may need to be adjusted after string

replacement as changes in string tension can cause the

tremolo to raise or lower. Ibanez guitars and basses are

factory equipped with the following string gauges. Please

follow the instructions below for your particular model.

The strings should be tightly wound on to the tuning

machines from top to bottom with 2 to 3 string wraps

around the post. In the case of unwound guitar strings,

the ends of the strings should be prepared as shown in

the diagram to prevent unintentional slippage from the

posts. In the case of tuning machines, where the string

ends are inserted into the posts, the string can be cut to

length in advance using a pair of string cutters.

If the tuning machines are sealed gear units, they are

self-lubricating types. The set screws for the tuning knob

are adjustment screws that can be tightened with a small

Phillips head screwdriver to increase the tension.

*The use of coarse strings may lead to buzzing and sound distortion. Using strings

that have twists or kinks may cause buzzing or decreased sustain. Make sure

that the new strings are smooth and free from any defects before installing.

1

3

2

LOOSEN

TIGHTEN

Artcore Guitars

.010-.046”

STRING GAUGES

LOOSEN

TIGHTEN

Ibanez guitar and bass string action is set at the factory.

However there are many reasons that an instrument’s

string height can change. Instruments can be affected by

changes in temperature and moisture. High string action

can make the guitar difficult to play. If the string action is

too low, fret buzz or unclear notes can occur. To remedy

this, follow the instructions for the particular type of

bridge installed. In the case of

string action, make sure the

guitar is in tune and the truss

rod is adjusted properly. Ibanez

action is set at the 14th fret (Basses: 12th fret). The action may also need to be

readjusted after the neck has been adjusted or strings have been changed to a

different gauge. Follow the instructions in the relevant bridge manual to make

adjustments.

* If strings other than those described above are used, gradually increase the action clearance from the treble side

through to the bass side.

Artcore Guitars

Artcore Basses

1.7mm

2.0mm

2.3mm

2.5mm

BASS SIDE

TREBLE SIDE

CLEANING

STRINGS AND TUNING MACHINES

INTONATION

ACTION

NECK

PICKUPS

(A)

(B)

The intonation can be adjusted by moving the saddle

forward or backward using an Allen wrench on the

adjustment screw at the rear of the bridge (A). String

height is controlled by raising or lowering the two

height adjustment studs  on either side of the bridge (B).

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