As the proud owner of the Ibanez AZ2204, I’ve been wanting to do a video with it for a while now. With a window of opportunity, I got busy writing and came up with this new song. Check out the full list of gear that I used below along with my take on the AZ series by Ibanez.
Let us know in the comments if you’d like to see a backing track and tabs/notation!
Gear Used
- Fender American Stratocaster (Left Rhythm) – Tuned C#, G#, C#, F#, A#, C#
- Ibanez AZ2204 (Right Rhythm and Lead) – Tuned Standard
- Squier P Bass – Tuned 1/2 Step Down
- Line 6 Helix (Effects and Amp Simulations)
- EZ Drummer 2 (Drum Software)
About the Ibanez AZ Series
In my mind, the AZ series is Ibanez’s response to the rising popularity of the boutique builders such as Suhr and Tom Anderson. Recent trends have led these builders to develop guitars with modern features with some classic styling. In fact, Ibanez even managed to pull in two endorsees that were once with Suhr, Tom Quayle and Martin Miller, both of which now have signature AZ models. Though the price range of the AZ series isn’t low (around $1300 US for the Premium Indonesian models and $2000+ for the Prestige Japanese models), they are generally a more affordable option than a guitar with similar specs from a smaller boutique builder.
Here are a few quick thoughts I’d like to share on this guitar.
Pros
- The roasted maple neck is one of the best feeling and playing necks that I’ve ever owned
- The frets are as smooth as Kenny G making bends and vibrato happen with ease
- The pickups are versatile and clear
- The selection switches give you loads of tonal options to choose from
- Lower price tag compared to boutique builders like Suhr
Cons
- Inconsistent setups
- Squeaky tremolo bar (details below)
- Buying from a smaller/boutique builders might do more to support local communities directly, rather than buying from larger companies like Ibanez, if that is something that you consider when making purchases
A quick backstory: I purchased the Premium model first, but found that it had a slight warp in the neck. Upon swapping it out with another, I found that the next one had a few high frets – something that I can understand at certain price points but is difficult to get past at $1300. Finally I’d had enough and traded up for the Prestige model, which is what you see in the video. Though the frets felt great, it still needed a small setup. But the most frustrating thing is a scratching sound that I get when I swing the tremolo bar. Some grease will give me relief from the sound for several days, but it always returns. I’ve contacted Ibanez about this issue, but haven’t yet received a response.
Conclusion
So does the AZ series stand up to the boutique competitors? The AZ series is a killer line of guitars with impressive features. When buying from smaller boutique builders, one difference you might encounter is in the little extra touch that comes in during the final stages of building and setting up the instrument. This is what might have been missing for me, at least initially. This is also why I’d recommend bypassing the Premium AZ and going for the Prestige model if you’re considering an AZ and can afford the difference. Of course, if you’ve already purchased a Premium and are happy with it, then great! The problems I had were hopefully isolated issues. I will say that I like the necks on the Prestige models more though. Even with some of the issues I ran into when purchasing this guitar, I’m a fan, and I don’t plan on getting rid of this guitar any time soon. I just hope they fix that damn trem bar on the next models.
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hugo wolterman says
Hey man, great stuff!
I have an Ibanez az2402 TFB myself, and I love it.
However, I’ve run into the squeaky tremolo arm problem as well. Has Ibanez responded to your email yet? (I’ve sent one myself a month or so ago, but I haven’t heard back from them either).
I also have another question. I have been noticing that the roasted maple in the neck is kind of soft-ish. I discovered this when I started playing with my thumb behind the neck (instead of wrapped around the neck) that my nail could make indents in the neck, even when softly moved across the back of the neck. Have you found that your maple neck also damages or dents easily, and if so, do you know how or if I can avoid further damage?
I’ve theorized a little bit myself, and maybe it has something to do with the roasted maple sucking up moisture, and thereby getting softer, but this did not seem logical to me, because the neck has only been played inside and Ibanez seems to be really proud of their stable necks.
Thanks in advance!
All the best.
🙂
Sean Thrower says
Sadly, no response from Ibanez still on the trem. I did add some nut grease to the bar not long ago, and that seems to have helped a bit.
I haven’t noticed any marks on my neck, but perhaps the lighter finish makes them more prone to marking.
I still really enjoy my AZ, but am interested in trying out one of their newer models to see if they addressed some of the issues (especially at this price point).
Thanks for checking out the article and shooting us a comment!
Cheers,
Sean
Joe says
I’m fairly new in buying guitars but have been playing for a few years. I noticed my Prestige neck relief is different at the Low and High E. On the low side, its almost straight while on the high side its got a bit more relief. Not too much but enough to be noticible if I test it using the string as a guide on the first fret and 15th.
Does this mean my neck is warped to a degree? Its around 4 months old – Not sure what to expect and what degree Ibanez is willing to warranty it out.
Sean Thrower says
Hey Joe,
My experience is somewhat limited, but from what I understand and from your description, it COULD be a sign of a warp/twist in the neck, or perhaps some funky fret work. I would suggest taking it to a trusted luthier to get a clearer idea of what the issue is. That way, if something is wrong, you’d be able to present that expert opinion to Ibanez or the store you purchased it from.
In the meantime, you could try using a straight edge, placing it across the frets on the low e side and then the high e side, and comparing the relief that way as well. That might either confirm your suspicion that something is up, ease your mind, or just add to the quandary.