Product Description

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Artist AS94 Cherry Flame Hybrid Active Passive Electric Guitar & Padded Bag

For the modern shredders and classic rockers alike, the Artist AS94 represents the ultimate versatile option, with pro-level specs, premium woods, and a revolutionary hybrid active/passive switching system that combines to create one of our finest instruments yet.

With an ergonomically contoured slimline two-piece mahogany body, topped with a truly stunning A-grade flame maple top, the AS94 is the ultimate head turner. While it may look incredible in the images above, this is a finish that truly has to be seen in person to be appreciated properly. Sitting atop a quartersawn roasted maple neck, a 22 fret, 9.5" radius Bolivian rosewood fretboard, inlaid with timeless mother of pearl, adds a touch of vintage flair to this modern beast, while a 42mm bone nut and high-grade locking tuners keep your tuning stable and your sustain infinite.

Equipped with a set of YHL Mercury Alnico V pickups in an HSH configuration, these machine-wound pickups deliver the lively, organic response that handwound pickups are renowned for, courtesy of the 'Fine Structure Scattering Wound' (FSSW) technology that the team at YHL have spent years fine-tuning. This winding technology delivers hand-wound character with machine consistency, as well as a revolutionary frequency response curve previously only possible with studio EQ. With a beefy mid-range, natural top-end grit, and smooth bass response, these pickups are custom-tuned to deliver rich-sparkling tones, with a subtle and natural compression - especially when paired with a valve amplifier in full voice.

For those who prefer a little more compression and a whole lot more output, an active circuit can be engaged using the push-pull tone knob, driving the front end of your favourite high-gain amp for insane chugging goodness, or delivering pristine modern-prog style compression. Prefer something with a little more vintage flavour? Simply depress the push-pull pot for glorious vintage humbucker goodness or balanced, woody single-coil tones in equal measure.

Each AS94 comes complete with a road-ready padded gig bag, perfect for transport from the practice space to the stage, and beyond. If that wasn't enough, we've also thrown in a set of strap-locks to help you keep this flame-topped chameleon in pristine condition, show after show, night after night. 

 


The Tech Features

Body
Body Material: Mahogany
Body Finish: Cherry Burst
Body Paint: Polyurethane
Body Construction: Solid

Neck
Neck Material:
 Light Roasted Quartersawn Maple
Neck Construction: One Piece
Neck Joint: Bolt-On
Neck Finish: Satin
Neck Shape: 20.5mm C Profile
Scale Length: 648mm / 25.5"
Fretboard Material: Bolivian Rosewood
Fretboard Radius: 240mm / 9.5"
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Material: 25% Nickel
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
Nut Material: Bone
Nut Width: 42mm
Position Inlays: White Mother of Pearl
Binding: N/A
Side Dots: Black
Truss Rod: Dual Action 2-Way

Electronics
Bridge Pickup:
 Alnico V YHL Mercury 50 Humbucker
Middle Pickup: Alnico V YHL Mercury 83 Single Coil
Neck Pickup: Alnico V YHL Mercury 54 Humbucker
Switching: 5-Way Switch
Configuration: HSH
Special Electronics: Push-Pull Tone Knob for Active/Passive Switching

Hardware
Bridge:
 Two-Point Tremolo
Hardware Finish: Chrome
Machine Heads: Chrome Locking
Pickguard: N/A

Miscellaneous/Special Features
Strings:
 D'Addario EXL110 10-46
Weight: 3.4kg - 3.6kg / 7.5-8lbs

Accessories
Included Accessories: 
Padded Gig Bag, Strap Locks, Instrument Cable, Truss Rod Adjustment Key, Bridge Adjustment Key, Picks
Optional Hard Cases: REC300RC, REC350FTB, REC350BK
Optional Bags: HGBAGST, BAGST

(18958)


Reviews (1)

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Experimental guitar

By: on 20 March 2026
I recently picked up the Artist AS94—my fourth guitar from Artist—and overall it’s a really impressive instrument for the price, with a few quirks. First off, the build quality stands out immediately. The body feels solid and well-balanced, and the flame maple top gives it a premium look that punches well above its price range. Visually and ergonomically, the model sits somewhere between a high-end flame-top Suhr and a PRS-style guitar—that’s honestly the best way I can describe it. It has that refined, modern aesthetic while still feeling like a serious performance instrument. The neck and fretboard combination is a highlight. The back of the neck is roasted maple with a very comfortable, not overly glossy finish, which makes it smooth and easy to move around on without feeling sticky. Paired with the Bolivian rosewood fretboard, it strikes a great balance between warmth and clarity, and feels great under the fingers. The locking tuners are a great addition, making string changes quick and tuning stability very reliable, especially when using the tremolo. That said, the string tree needs to be changed, but nothing serous. Out of the box, there was a minor fret buzz on a few frets, but nothing serious. A basic setup (or slight fret polish/adjustment) should easily resolve it, so it’s not a dealbreaker. Now, the most unique—and slightly confusing—part of this guitar is the electronics. Instead of a traditional tone control, the push/pull knob activates an active preamp circuit. When engaged, the knob behaves more like a gain/boost control, pushing the signal and adding drive. However, in passive mode, there is effectively no functional tone control, which may catch some players off guard. I am not sure if this is by design or by faulty wiring. So don’t know, haven’t had any thing like it. The active side doesn’t sound like EMG, the guitar has a tone of its own, that I can’t compare to others. For the price it’s amazing instrument.

Artist Guitars Response
Thanks for the detailed review and for your continued support — great to hear the AS94 impressed you on build, feel, and value. We appreciate the feedback as well. Should our customers experience a concern or have a question regarding their purchase, they are always welcome to contact us. We are always more than happy to help and we have our customers covered with our 100 days free returns and great warranty policy.