posted on 3/12/2024 by Fretboard Therapy

The Ibanez AZES series, part of the AZ Essentials line, offers electric guitars designed to provide quality and versatility at an accessible price point. Aimed at beginners and intermediate players, the AZES models incorporate features inspired by Ibanez's higher-end AZ series, ensuring a comfortable playing experience without compromising on sound.

Overview

The AZES guitars feature a poplar body paired with a maple neck and a jatoba fingerboard, delivering a balanced tonal foundation. The 25-inch scale length is tailored for ease of play, accommodating both younger musicians and those with smaller hands. Equipped with a T106 tremolo bridge with comfort round steel saddles, the guitar ensures stable tuning and smooth tremolo action. The pickup configuration varies by model, with the AZES40 sporting an HSS setup—Essentials single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions, and an Accord humbucker at the bridge—offering a wide tonal palette suitable for various musical genres.

Pros

• Playability: The medium fret size and 250mm (9.84-inch) fingerboard radius contribute to a comfortable playing experience, facilitating both chordal work and lead playing.

• Versatile Tones: The combination of single-coil and humbucking pickups, along with the 5-way pickup selector and Dyna-MIX9 switching system, allows for a diverse range of sounds, from bright cleans to heavier overdriven tones.

• Build Quality: Users have praised the guitar's construction, noting that it feels solid and well-crafted, often exceeding expectations for its price range.

Cons

• Fretboard Maintenance: Some players have reported that the fretboard can arrive dry, necessitating conditioning upon purchase.

• Pickup Output: While versatile, the stock pickups may not satisfy those seeking higher output or specific tonal characteristics, leading some to consider aftermarket replacements.

User Feedback

Overall, the Ibanez AZES series has been well-received by the guitar community. Players appreciate its affordability combined with features typically found on more expensive instruments. The comfortable neck profile and versatile electronics make it a suitable choice for various playing styles. However, as with many entry-level guitars, some users suggest that minor setup adjustments and personal customizations can enhance the playing experience.

Specifications and Features

• Body Material

Poplar

• Neck Material

Maple

• Fingerboard Material

Jatoba

• Scale Length

25 inches (635mm)

• Fingerboard Radius

9.84 inches (250mm)

• Number of Frets

22 Medium

• Nut Width

42mm (1.65 inches)

• Bridge

T106 tremolo bridge with comfort round steel saddles

• Pickup Configuration

HSS (Essentials single-coils in neck and middle, Accord humbucker in bridge)

• Controls

Volume, Tone, 5-way pickup selector, Dyna-MIX9 switching system

• Hardware Finish

Chrome

• Finish Options

Black, Mint Green, Purist Blue, Tungsten

The Ibanez AZES series stands out as a commendable option for those seeking a reliable and versatile electric guitar without breaking the bank. Its blend of thoughtful design, playability, and tonal flexibility makes it a worthy contender in the entry-level guitar market.

See the Manufacturer's website for more information on this product:  https://www.ibanez.com/na/products/model/azes/