Artist AS78 Bound Burl Review
A burl top with binding, glow-in-the-dark fret markers, and the AS72's excellent neck. The specs read like a custom order.
Some guitars earn their price with a famous headstock logo. The AS78 earns it with a parts list that made me look twice: a bound burl wood top, the same quartersawn roasted maple neck Artist uses on the AS72, stainless steel frets, and side dots that glow in the dark.
I have not played an AS78 yet, so treat this as a spec spotlight rather than a hands-on review. The reason I am confident writing it anyway is that I know this platform: the AS72 shares its neck construction and overall build standard, and I have played enough of the AS series to know what that neck feels like.
Burl wood tops usually show up on guitars with a comma in the price. At $749, the AS78 is one of the more interesting value propositions I have seen from any brand this year.
Specifications
| Body | Bound body with burl wood top |
|---|---|
| Neck | Quartersawn roasted maple, satin nitro, C profile |
| Fretboard | Dark rosewood, 14 inch radius, 22 stainless steel frets |
| Pickups | HSS Alnico V (17.89K hot bridge humbucker, 6.9K vintage singles) |
| Extras | Glow-in-the-dark side dots, copper-shielded cavity |
| Price | $749 AUD |
What we like
- A bound burl top at $749. Burl figuring is a premium cosmetic, and it is usually the first thing to disappear from a spec sheet when a brand cuts costs. Seriously unusual at this price.
- Stainless steel frets. This is the upgrade that keeps on giving: no refret bills, ever, and smooth bends for the life of the guitar.
- The neck is the same quartersawn roasted maple platform as the AS72, which I have played plenty. That is not a promise, it is a track record.
- Glow-in-the-dark side dots. Gimmick until you play a dark stage, then permanently on the wishlist.
Honest limitations
- No hands-on verdict from me yet. The specification and the AS72's build quality are strong signals, but they are not a substitute for playing it.
- The dark burl aesthetic is a specific look. If you want understated, the AS50 or AS72 will suit more rooms.
- At $749 this is a serious purchase. If you are still finding your feet, the AS30 remains the smarter first buy.
Buy it if
- Players who want a statement guitar without the custom-shop price
- Gigging players who want frets that will outlast the band
- Anyone already sold on the AS72 neck who wants more visual drama
Skip it if
- First-time buyers who have not settled on playing style yet
- Players who prefer understated finishes
AS78 Bound Burl: $749
Bought through these links, Artist Guitars pays Six Strings a small commission at no extra cost to you. It keeps independent reviews like this one going.
AS78 Bound Burl FAQ
What is burl wood and why does it matter on the AS78?
Burl is a swirling, knotted grain pattern taken from tree growths, and it is prized for its figuring. On the AS78 it is a cosmetic upgrade that you normally see on much more expensive instruments, paired with body binding for a finished edge all the way around.
Does the Artist AS78 have stainless steel frets?
Yes. All 22 frets are stainless steel, which resist wear far better than nickel silver. In practice that means consistently smooth bends and no refret costs over the life of the guitar.
How does the AS78 compare to the AS72?
They share the same quartersawn roasted maple neck platform and HSS layout. The AS78 adds the bound burl top, stainless frets and glow-in-the-dark side dots, and sits $250 higher. If you loved the AS72's neck, the AS78 is that with more visual presence. If you already have an AS72, stick with it unless the burl top really grabs you. Choosing between the two fresh? Definitely compare them at home. Heck, Artist's 100 day money back guarantee means you can order both, pick your favourite, and send the other one back.
Still deciding?
See the full shortlist across all price tiers, or ask us at a lesson and we will match a guitar to your hands, height and taste in music.