After two years of development by the Ibanez R & D team, the Allan Holdsworth model was launched in 1985. The AH10 design has several features chosen to fit Allan Holdsworth's playing style, musical range and artistic expression:

• Spider logo on peghead and neck plate: Designed by Allan Holdsworth himself this distinctive logo identifies  the AH10 as a Holdsworth signature instrument - inspired by Holdsworth's spidery fingered playing style often stretching to play impossible looking chords.
• Neck and Frets: The 17 inch radius ebony fingerboard is extra flat and wider for exceptional playing ease. Jim Dunlop #6100 Jumbo fret wire is used, providing a comfortable, solid feel
• Body: The body of the AH10 is built of lightweight Basswood with a special sound cavity under the pickguard. This sound chamber adds a distinct clarity and warmth helping to create a “singing” tone quality.  
• Pickup: The new AH Special pickup was developed to meet Allan's exacting needs. Custom coil winding and Alnico magnets were used to achieve an exceptionally clear, smooth, warm sound. All twelve pole-pieces are adjustable to assure perfect string to string balance. 
• Powerocker Special tremolo: This black-chrome plated tremolo has several features designed especially to suit Allan’s unique style. An aluminum block brings out rich, full harmonics. Narrow spacing between strings aides in lightening fast right hand passages,while lining the strings up perfectly with each pole-piece of the pickup. A short 150mm tremolo arm makes subtle vibrato shading possible.
• String spacing: Probably the most unique feature of the AH10 is its 25.5 scale neck with a custom 53 mm String pitch at the bridge. This is a much narrower spacing than an ordinary guitar, allowing for better string balance and alignment for the maximum in speed and feel.
• Custom Holdsworth signature fingerboard inlay: at the 21st fret