Since you already have an AZ, just swap out for the differently voiced pickups. :-) I would. The only way you're going to go back to being friends with it in the same way is to give it a transplant or buy it a cousin to hang with so you have both. Both is, of course, the optimal result. :-)
Pull out the stops, use a Keeley Filaments! Can make all those sweet Marshall in a box effect, and really, you could make it sound 🍊 as well as Fender. Pretty versatile little stomper.
@@russellzauner yep, get em both while they are affordable, and even made, really. Ibanez has a history of disappearing awesome models out of nowhere, and not bringing them back. They should be reissuing the SZ series, and stick a 2 point on that. Fight back against that Silver Sky vibe by going after the heart of the ripoff.
I am still in love with my Ibanez Ex series 350. It is a great guitar and I have had it for years. It has an awesome tone and great action as well as a nice style body. Loved this review and thanks for the upload!!
I still have my Ibanez Roadstar from 1983. That was my first real electric and it was the closest thing to a Strat I could afford at that time. Still love that Guitar
I bought a 1990 RG570 a few years back. The original wizard necks are incredible in terms of playability and the 90’s made in Japan ibanez’s are impeccable quality wise
i saw you sniffing the guitar and i must admit, when i got a charvel dk24 the first thing i noticed was the neck smelt like maple syrup, when you played it for longer then ten min it warmed up and started to give off a stronger scent. it was glorious
It’s not often I scroll through YT anymore and a guitar stops me in my tracks but damn this thing is nice. I got a yamaha 611 and this reminds me of an upscale/more feature packed version of it.
I bought a Harley Benton Fusion ll with the roasted neck and stainless frets, staggered locking tuners and HSH configuration. I can split the humbuckers and added a switch to engage the bridge pickup in any position of the 5 way blade. 24 frets and very stable bridge with tusq nut and this guitar rivals my '73 strat for sound and play-ability and cost me around $600.00 Canadian. I have many high quality guitars and this one gets the majority of my personal playing time and all my gig time. I would love to see your review on these guitars. Comments?
D or oval neck shape with a 43+mm nut will never be able to replace my strats. These look cool, but I know from the spec sheet alone I wouldn’t pick one over a strat. (Or Carrozza)
What a stunning guitar Andy. It sounds wonderful too. I’ve had problems with HSS guitars before in that they seem to fall between two stools tonally but that sounds pretty good. A wonderful Swiss army gigging guitar. Great thorough review Andy - cheers 😀👍👍👍 Ps Andy’s Zombie Navy
i tried az in a store, while i like the unique tone that it brings, it sounds really thin in my modest opinion. Maybe i buy one in future and get an inspiration to write some music, i sort of imagine it in more of an ambient music style and not rocking it out with a band
OMG! I want one. I'm humbucker player and an Ibanez fan . This is awesome. Would like to see the Ibanez compared to the Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS strat.
The AZ prestige can be pretty pricey, thankfully they have a premium range with a lower price but isn't really that different from prestige (but as a broke student, I still can't afford the premium) but nontheless, those are dream guitars!
No idea what AZN stands for, but thanks for the review. Nice job. Very helpful. My guitar journey doesn’t yet require, let alone justify, such an instrument. But this might just make my short list for what I am eventually aiming to get.
AH ... this ain't no StratoWhatever ... this is just the better guitar fret by fret (;-)) An RG in a more classic design. And ... does it sound top ... YES! Thanks a lot for sharing.
I'd try an American Professional 2 at 600 dollars less before throwing my hat in this ring, especially since you can pretty much select whatever bridge, whatever pickup configuration (including hh) and the colors are sweet as well this year. Maui Blue comes to mind, with maple board.... insert Homer Simpson drooling over donuts noise. Yeah and the extra ton shaping controls step up the performance for literally next to no increase in cost. Shawbuckers too, what a great sound...
Hey Andy cheers from NY! Ya gotta love a guitar that plays well, looks good and smells good. Very nice guitar indeed! How about Andy's Zealful Noodling? Thanks for the review! :-)
Not sure what these are going for but the mini toggle made me happy. Peavey Predator DX, Turbo switch here. Mini toggle up, std SC. Middle, Br hits two slanted SC when the PU switch is down. Down, Right to the dbl sc's. Playing example, LS, Workin' For MCA. One guitar could nail this (on a good day :) Btw, blk, 22 frets on a beautiful birds eye MN, Crafted In America, '95. $235 as a 'kit' (GB, cord, etc). This IBZ is close as i've seen ever since. edit,,,,poplar body. Steve Morse liked this.
Thank you!! I've had this on order from Sweeetwater since March. Watched whole video, feel validated. AZ-N = Another Zelda Nerd. sorry, that's all I got.
The A-mu-Zing gNu guitar is gorgeous in toan? tone and the Prussian Blue (sans cat) is a great color. A little higher $$$ than the Pro II but that’s the way the guitar plays. Enjoyed the demo bigtime. Cheers. Keep playing.
If I want the best Strat I would go fender. If I want the best AZ or RG or jazz guitar I go Ibanez. Ideally get Ibanez AND fender. But how many people need ONLY that one guitar that does it all AND is more Strat/vintage like? It’s unique I guess and very very nice indeed but I think it’s a limited market .
Fender haven't made the best Strats in a while. Go to your local music shop and test drive a Custom Shop Strat against an Xotic or Silver Sky then compare the prices. Fender spend all their profits on marketing their 'play' app and other nonsense whilst overcharging for the same guitar (mass produced and with cheaper offshore parts) they always have. PRS and Ibanez wouldn't be jumping into Strats if Fender was concerned with making the best guitars possible (they're not they want to make as much profit as possible they don't care which product).
People have been making better strays than Fender for decades now, and none of them have threatened Fender’s stranglehold on the Stratocaster market. Certain brands are beyond needing to be the best to sell the best. Iconic, like Coca Cola.
@@larryvey Yes they have. But not company's as ginormous as Ibanez and not any that have the resources consumer base to legitimately make Fender squirm. Kramer, BC Rich,Robin and many others did well,....but that guitar he is playing is a culmination of many attempts and many failures. All close,....but couldn't quite capture that Stratocaster vibe ,.....and that 2nd & 4th toggle position tone. But this Ibanez,...this guitar has it all in spades and in my opinion,...does more. And does it better. And again. Fender??? You've been put on notice.
@@theariesexperiment4642 I still prefer the Sliver Sky to this myself. And none of them come anywhere no near my Tom Anderson for example, but, again, these have been around. Fender hasn’t made the best Strats since the early 60s, but the brand was already untouchable by then. Both Gibson and Fender spent almost 20 years putting out garbage, until others stepped up the QC game, and it didn’t effect their reign as king.
@@larryvey Well yeah. Tom Anderson's are boutique. I'm talking about your basic consumer's who never spend over $1900. That market is what I'm talking about. And sure,...the Silver Sky is a wonderful instrument. I've owned one myself. But again,....I'm talking about a particular price point and consumer. These new vintage inspired Ibanez Premium and RG Prestige lines,..?...?.are simply unbeatable. Just my opinion. Been playing and trading for 30+ years. Hard to beat that new Ibanez. Without spending $4000-$6000.
13:13 "Most important part of the guitar". - I love it! No playing, no listening, just enjoying the guitar on a different level (with a different sense). @TheGuitarGeek Maybe one question: When comparing the AZ with the Fender Professional you used two different pickups. So I guess when both guitars the same pickups, the difference in the tone would be close to nothing, right? Anyway, thanks for this video and your opinion. 🙂 (I could not find a meaning for AZN...)
I love that you are saying "A Z" like an American rather than "Ah Zed" like a Brit/former colony (other than the US). The guitar looks great and has every plus you could want, including locking tuners. Nice review. UPDATE: Just heard your explanation for "Ay Zee" vs "Ah Zed" DOUBLE UPDATE: "AZN" = "Australia, Zealand New"
According to Thomann: Compound fretboard radius: 228 - 305 mm (8.98"- 12.01") From the link that you provided. So basically 9" to 12"... NOT 12" to 16"
That AZ sounds amazing. Currently have a jackson rr3 and want a second electric without a floyd and the az2204b or the THBB10 (its also an az) is the 2 im looking at.
Reminds me of myself when you apologize to the Strat for liking the Ibanez, so I am not alone and I guess I do not need any professional help :) Great Video - All Zen.
AZN Android Zombies Nebula…lol Nice job Andy… I haven’t played either series of the AZ but want one anyway… want one cheaper or free, but who doesn’t… 🎸🤓🎸🇺🇸☮️
My first ‘real’ guitar was a Japanese Ibanez Blazer 3 single coils plus a phase switch bought way back in 1982 for £160 one could argue that this is a modern take on that. Funnily enough I had the option of buying a JV Squier from the same shop 10 quid cheaper, I chose the Ibanez cos I wanted the extra switches what did I know. JV Squiers have vastly appreciated in value cant say the same for my Ibanez, still got it though sentimental value I guess
The Blazer is a fantastic guitar. I've worked on at least two over the years, and was impressed with the build quality and tone. My first "real" guitar was an RS135 that I bought new in 1985. Wish I still had it.
A high end Ibanez "Strat" at a Fender USA price has to be highly desirable. I much prefer Ibanez necks to fenders way the thick ones. It's high time that someone made a Strat killer that realy can sound like one and is easier to play. Time to start saving, they are only available as pre-orders here in the UK.
@@UmVtCg In my "opinion" i find Fenders thick necks difficult to play, i was not trying to state a fact. Everyone has a different requirement regarding how easy or diificult they find a guitar neck size and shape to play.
I had the Fender performer, and have the Ibanez AZ. I find the latter to be much easier to play based on setup out of factory. The rounder neck radius just wasn't my thing, but that's a matter of technique and preference.
It's funny cause I was working on a pickup system that similar to what they did. Going about it slightly different an its only one 9f those projects guitar plqy with but fund it funny. I was trying to to use two humbuckers one single but then have a switch to tum the humbuckers in to single . Ya I won't have the configuration of the two outside pickups working at same time but. Also won't have a bowl of spaghetti under the hood
just received mine today £1600 on special offer,the black version! was worried as some people didnt like the neck shape,i love it.its set up superbly, the only thing il change is the strings to 9s.just feels like quality.
@@theroguerocker666 if you send me a message I can share better video that really shows that warm neck sound. I like this guitar more than my Martin Miller AZ and I love that thing
AZ what you mean (got my bad pun of my chest) man, very versatile! Have you ever considered installing one of those 10-way switches in your strat though? You get the usual strat possibilities plus humbucker wirings and others. I might take the plunge and put one in my G&L, I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat though when it comes to technical stuff.
While I've always liked Ibanez and still have my RG3120, this model has too many options for my liking. My 2020 Player Strat has the simplicity of a traditional Strat. Personally, I don't think Fender has anything to be worried about. Just my 2 cents. 😀
I've got an HSS Strat and I love the pickup combination. This Ibanez sounds fantastic. Gorgeous too... except the tort guard, which I've never been a fan of (though I know I'm in the minority there).
I love American Fenders but they have one problem they fail to address; the Bi-Flex trussrods on the American Pro on up. If they are installed correctly, no excess glue to bind the rod and nut, they work great but if not the suck. An 1/8 inch hex nut is NOT strong enough or reliable. Strip too easy! I have had to replace a few necks. Ibanez is not stuck in tradition and always update. That could be bad or good but paying 2k for a Prestige AZ makes more sense than about the same for an Ultra American Fender.
Since I got three Eart guitars I will not buy any guitar unless it sport Stainless steel frets roasted neck and compound radius and super easy access to upper frets. Well done Ibanez just follow the new standard.
that guitar is really a convincing concept, thou i couldnt even stand the strat form anymore :D. if they would release it with a jaguar form, or a jazzmaster form :D
Nowadays with modern guitar processing pedal units, and amps you would be hard pressed to distinguish different sounds from guitar a) to guitar b). Or is it me?......
Hi TheGuitarGeek! I hope you can see my comment :) I have a question to ask and it's important to me because i'm a little worried about it: I've noticed that when i have the alter switch down i get louder sound and when i toggle it up i get quieter sound. Is this normal? Because i didn't give attention to it ever since my 1 year of playing it and i got it fell off on the floor when it was in it's hardcase. It was like a slice of bread standing up then falling on the ground and it happened twice, my cat was running around the room and somehow managed to knock it down lol. Now i realised this while playing and it got me worrying as if something was off etc. it's a dumb thought but it got me worried. I'd be very glad if you'd leave an answer to my question. Thank you!
I'm not sold on the sound of the pickups, but then again that just might be how you have it set up with the amp. Ibanez's have always been quality instruments, but if I could pick their only flaw, it's resale. When I want to trade in or sell it later, the Strat will hold it's value better (unless it's a limited one off of course). Impeccable build quality, though - better than most other guitar manufactures, even with their budget models. My only other complaint - and this is completely subjective - would probably be that their finishes are a little bland. Solid flamed maple tops or something similar would really move their guitars into a more "premium" tier, I think. I'd probably just swap pickups and electronics more to my tastes if I were to buy one as a "keeper". I still think the "best of the best" Strat-type guitars are Suhrs, but that price tag for a good one... ouch!
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Since you already have an AZ, just swap out for the differently voiced pickups. :-)
I would. The only way you're going to go back to being friends with it in the same way is to give it a transplant or buy it a cousin to hang with so you have both.
Both is, of course, the optimal result. :-)
Pull out the stops, use a Keeley Filaments! Can make all those sweet Marshall in a box effect, and really, you could make it sound 🍊 as well as Fender. Pretty versatile little stomper.
@@russellzauner yep, get em both while they are affordable, and even made, really. Ibanez has a history of disappearing awesome models out of nowhere, and not bringing them back. They should be reissuing the SZ series, and stick a 2 point on that. Fight back against that Silver Sky vibe by going after the heart of the ripoff.
41k views 🤯🤝
AZ stands for the alphabet of guitar needs. All in one package.
This guitar is beautiful in every way!
It’s on my to buy list.
Man that's nice
I am still in love with my Ibanez Ex series 350.
It is a great guitar and I have had it for years.
It has an awesome tone and great action as well as a nice style body.
Loved this review and thanks for the upload!!
I still have my Ibanez Roadstar from 1983. That was my first real electric and it was the closest thing to a Strat I could afford at that time. Still love that Guitar
Same here- feels heavy like a Les Paul- best of both worlds
Same here. I love my Roadstar II.
Bought one because of this video and im not disappointed at all
You can’t beat an Ibanez neck for me, I got an RG560 for my 18th in 1991 and it’s still my favourite guitar 🤟🏼
RG is love, RG is life!
90ties was the Ibanez golden era. Those guitars are perfect.
I bought a 1990 RG570 a few years back. The original wizard necks are incredible in terms of playability and the 90’s made in Japan ibanez’s are impeccable quality wise
this one is thicker, sadly (i think)
i saw you sniffing the guitar and i must admit, when i got a charvel dk24 the first thing i noticed was the neck smelt like maple syrup, when you played it for longer then ten min it warmed up and started to give off a stronger scent. it was glorious
Sounds like a James Tyler ! Strat yes, but much more. Sounds fantastic. Very nice !
It’s not often I scroll through YT anymore and a guitar stops me in my tracks but damn this thing is nice. I got a yamaha 611 and this reminds me of an upscale/more feature packed version of it.
Okay. First time I've ever seen anyone give a positive review for a guitar's smell! Talk about being thorough! Lol
I bought a Harley Benton Fusion ll with the roasted neck and stainless frets, staggered locking tuners and HSH configuration. I can split the humbuckers and added a switch to engage the bridge pickup in any position of the 5 way blade. 24 frets and very stable bridge with tusq nut and this guitar rivals my '73 strat for sound and play-ability and cost me around $600.00 Canadian. I have many high quality guitars and this one gets the majority of my personal playing time and all my gig time.
I would love to see your review on these guitars.
Comments?
Beats the hell out of paying $2K for this. I mean, it's a lovely guitar but $2,000?
@@Chris.Wiley.agreed 2k I mean wtf I just dont see that much value in that guitar myself, I'll just stick with my Peavey Wolfgang ty very much.
No clue what AZ means but I love the guitar! Thanks for reviewing it for us.
D or oval neck shape with a 43+mm nut will never be able to replace my strats. These look cool, but I know from the spec sheet alone I wouldn’t pick one over a strat. (Or Carrozza)
I absolutely love mine. Took some time to get used to the neck and 10s with a locked trem but now my fingers are meaty enough it's amazing.
Does everything from A to Z. Great review!! Loved it!
Does everything from chimpan-A to chimpan-...?
I have a 1983 Ibanez Roadster II. Specs are very close to this particular guitar. I love high end Ibanez models.
Great looking guitar with so many tone options. It sells for $2,900 at Long & McQuade here in Canada. Have to save up because I want one!!!
That's a lot of canadough
What a stunning guitar Andy. It sounds wonderful too. I’ve had problems with HSS guitars before in that they seem to fall between two stools tonally but that sounds pretty good. A wonderful Swiss army gigging guitar. Great thorough review Andy - cheers 😀👍👍👍
Ps Andy’s Zombie Navy
Great video, thanks
i tried az in a store, while i like the unique tone that it brings, it sounds really thin in my modest opinion. Maybe i buy one in future and get an inspiration to write some music, i sort of imagine it in more of an ambient music style and not rocking it out with a band
OMG! I want one. I'm humbucker player and an Ibanez fan . This is awesome. Would like to see the Ibanez compared to the Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS strat.
Great idea! I’ll see what I can do
@@TheGuitarGeek Thank you so much.
The AZ prestige can be pretty pricey, thankfully they have a premium range with a lower price but isn't really that different from prestige (but as a broke student, I still can't afford the premium) but nontheless, those are dream guitars!
Now they have the azes series too :)
I've played the premium. Is it worth 1800? Not sure. It's super nice though.
You had me at "Canadian Bar-Mitzvah." Well done, sir. Another one of Andy's Zesty Narratives.
I don’t know WHERE that came from. Glad you have you on board
@@TheGuitarGeek That *was* weird, tbh.
GREAT TEAL LOOKING BACKGROUND!
Ibby all day. I was debating but now it’s a buy for me
No idea what AZN stands for, but thanks for the review. Nice job. Very helpful. My guitar journey doesn’t yet require, let alone justify, such an instrument. But this might just make my short list for what I am eventually aiming to get.
You’re welcome! Always worth having something to aspire to
The N stands for non recessed bridge cavity. Unlike the rest of the AZ series
Mine is a jackson sl4x it just feels so good in the hands.
I still have my 1971 Ibanez Les Paul clone, the one they got sued over. It's not a great guitar but it's better than me.
Nice demo and tones you’ve pulled up. I’m gonna try one, in Mint Green.
Edit: AZ = Alpha Zulu (military jargon)
AH ... this ain't no StratoWhatever ... this is just the better guitar fret by fret (;-))
An RG in a more classic design.
And ... does it sound top ... YES!
Thanks a lot for sharing.
I'd try an American Professional 2 at 600 dollars less before throwing my hat in this ring, especially since you can pretty much select whatever bridge, whatever pickup configuration (including hh) and the colors are sweet as well this year. Maui Blue comes to mind, with maple board.... insert Homer Simpson drooling over donuts noise. Yeah and the extra ton shaping controls step up the performance for literally next to no increase in cost. Shawbuckers too, what a great sound...
The specs are perfect but it still sounds like an Ibanez, close my eyes and Im hearing an RG, this is not necessarily a bad thing.
Ibanez should let you keep that guitar! Subscribed
Love the guitar. Nice video. Fret buzz is very 50's - 60's. Probably needs some fine adjustment on neck and nut.
The alter switch is a mod switch for Any Zany Noise ;) thanks for the video Andy
Was just looking at these on Sweetwater and they say the compound radius is 9”-12”.
I want one!
Andy's Zanyism Nidulates - as in your particular brand of crazy creates a calm, nested space one can enjoy.
Hey Andy cheers from NY! Ya gotta love a guitar that plays well, looks good and smells good.
Very nice guitar indeed! How about Andy's Zealful Noodling? Thanks for the review! :-)
That has some really nice tones!
Exelent concept of guitar
Very nice, thank you . . . I'd have a Player series.
Awesome guitar!
That guitar is either extra small or you are
a beastly sasquatch of a man. Nice demo, thanks.
Of course you love it, you sell it.
You would love a ginsu set too if you sell them.
Not sure what these are going for but the mini toggle made me happy.
Peavey Predator DX, Turbo switch here.
Mini toggle up, std SC.
Middle, Br hits two slanted SC when the PU switch is down.
Down, Right to the dbl sc's.
Playing example, LS, Workin' For MCA. One guitar could nail this (on a good day :)
Btw, blk, 22 frets on a beautiful birds eye MN, Crafted In America, '95.
$235 as a 'kit' (GB, cord, etc).
This IBZ is close as i've seen ever since.
edit,,,,poplar body. Steve Morse liked this.
Thank you!! I've had this on order from Sweeetwater since March. Watched whole video, feel validated. AZ-N = Another Zelda Nerd. sorry, that's all I got.
The A-mu-Zing gNu guitar is gorgeous in toan? tone and the Prussian Blue (sans cat) is a great color. A little higher $$$ than the Pro II but that’s the way the guitar plays. Enjoyed the demo bigtime. Cheers. Keep playing.
Cheers Steve! It’s a top notch guitar
If I want the best Strat I would go fender. If I want the best AZ or RG or jazz guitar I go Ibanez. Ideally get Ibanez AND fender. But how many people need ONLY that one guitar that does it all AND is more Strat/vintage like? It’s unique I guess and very very nice indeed but I think it’s a limited market .
Fender haven't made the best Strats in a while. Go to your local music shop and test drive a Custom Shop Strat against an Xotic or Silver Sky then compare the prices. Fender spend all their profits on marketing their 'play' app and other nonsense whilst overcharging for the same guitar (mass produced and with cheaper offshore parts) they always have. PRS and Ibanez wouldn't be jumping into Strats if Fender was concerned with making the best guitars possible (they're not they want to make as much profit as possible they don't care which product).
We have the exact same hairstyle, so i subscribed. Us curlieds gots to stick together, don't we.
You’re 100% right! Let the curls flow!
Definitely a strat killer...😎👍🎸
Looks like you are Achieving Zenith Nirvana on that guitar. Nice.
oh i LIKE it
Great video. Do you think these pickups are hot enough for 80's metal?
That thing sounds absolutely incredible. Yeah Fender. Your are officially on notice.
People have been making better strays than Fender for decades now, and none of them have threatened Fender’s stranglehold on the Stratocaster market. Certain brands are beyond needing to be the best to sell the best. Iconic, like Coca Cola.
@@larryvey Yes they have. But not company's as ginormous as Ibanez and not any that have the resources consumer base to legitimately make Fender squirm. Kramer, BC Rich,Robin and many others did well,....but that guitar he is playing is a culmination of many attempts and many failures. All close,....but couldn't quite capture that Stratocaster vibe ,.....and that 2nd & 4th toggle position tone. But this Ibanez,...this guitar has it all in spades and in my opinion,...does more. And does it better. And again. Fender??? You've been put on notice.
@@theariesexperiment4642 I still prefer the Sliver Sky to this myself. And none of them come anywhere no near my Tom Anderson for example, but, again, these have been around. Fender hasn’t made the best Strats since the early 60s, but the brand was already untouchable by then. Both Gibson and Fender spent almost 20 years putting out garbage, until others stepped up the QC game, and it didn’t effect their reign as king.
@@larryvey Well yeah. Tom Anderson's are boutique. I'm talking about your basic consumer's who never spend over $1900. That market is what I'm talking about. And sure,...the Silver Sky is a wonderful instrument. I've owned one myself. But again,....I'm talking about a particular price point and consumer. These new vintage inspired Ibanez Premium and RG Prestige lines,..?...?.are simply unbeatable. Just my opinion. Been playing and trading for 30+ years. Hard to beat that new Ibanez. Without spending $4000-$6000.
13:13 "Most important part of the guitar". - I love it! No playing, no listening, just enjoying the guitar on a different level (with a different sense).
@TheGuitarGeek Maybe one question: When comparing the AZ with the Fender Professional you used two different pickups. So I guess when both guitars the same pickups, the difference in the tone would be close to nothing, right?
Anyway, thanks for this video and your opinion. 🙂
(I could not find a meaning for AZN...)
I love that you are saying "A Z" like an American rather than "Ah Zed" like a Brit/former colony (other than the US).
The guitar looks great and has every plus you could want, including locking tuners.
Nice review.
UPDATE: Just heard your explanation for "Ay Zee" vs "Ah Zed"
DOUBLE UPDATE: "AZN" = "Australia, Zealand New"
Also, it looks like a kid's guitar in your hands. Whereas I like the 24" scale, the 25.5" looks like a 21.5" for you. [big eyes emoji]
According to Thomann: Compound fretboard radius: 228 - 305 mm (8.98"- 12.01")
From the link that you provided.
So basically 9" to 12"...
NOT 12" to 16"
Is the Ibanez noticeably lighter?
(It looks like it is smaller/thinner.)
so beautiful
That AZ sounds amazing. Currently have a jackson rr3 and want a second electric without a floyd and the az2204b or the THBB10 (its also an az) is the 2 im looking at.
Andy .. Zepra.. Nuts?.. I enjoyed the video if that means anything.
Yes, it does. It means a lot.
Good demo. But, the Fender Strat is iconic and everybody wants one … or four.
I have 2, but I still would love one of these
Reminds me of myself when you apologize to the Strat for liking the Ibanez, so I am not alone and I guess I do not need any professional help :) Great Video - All Zen.
I kind of like Ibanez on the headstock , ,I have 5 old fenders but ive been playing for over 40 years and 1000 gigs.
i sooo want a headless Ibanez now i've seen one :)
I played one and I can concur. They are Great. Video on the way!
@@TheGuitarGeek love the woody-ness of the 7 string though I'm an Open C 6 string Devin kinda player 😁
Great, entertaining channel. Yes, I've subscribed/liked/belled it. :-)
Only problem for me, is I need a neck that's not as wide as that. Maybe a 10" to 14" radius.
AZN Android Zombies Nebula…lol
Nice job Andy… I haven’t played either series of the AZ but want one anyway… want one cheaper or free, but who doesn’t…
🎸🤓🎸🇺🇸☮️
I just think that Angry Rhubarb should have been the name of a 70s Prog Band!
The prestige AZ goes with two types of pick ups: SD Fortuna and SD Hyperion. Any idea on the difference?
Hi...may i know what model is the Fender? Love the sound...
Great reveiw Andy, Thanks. AZN stands for Andy's Zonal Nuances.........!
My first ‘real’ guitar was a Japanese Ibanez Blazer 3 single coils plus a phase switch bought way back in 1982 for £160 one could argue that this is a modern take on that. Funnily enough I had the option of buying a JV Squier from the same shop 10 quid cheaper, I chose the Ibanez cos I wanted the extra switches what did I know. JV Squiers have vastly appreciated in value cant say the same for my Ibanez, still got it though sentimental value I guess
The Blazer is a fantastic guitar. I've worked on at least two over the years, and was impressed with the build quality and tone. My first "real" guitar was an RS135 that I bought new in 1985. Wish I still had it.
A high end Ibanez "Strat" at a Fender USA price has to be highly desirable.
I much prefer Ibanez necks to fenders way the thick ones.
It's high time that someone made a Strat killer that realy can sound like one
and is easier to play.
Time to start saving, they are only available as pre-orders here in the UK.
Easier to play is relative, an opinion not a fact.
@@UmVtCg In my "opinion" i find Fenders thick necks difficult to play, i was not trying to state a fact.
Everyone has a different requirement regarding how easy or diificult they find a guitar neck size and shape to play.
I had the Fender performer, and have the Ibanez AZ. I find the latter to be much easier to play based on setup out of factory. The rounder neck radius just wasn't my thing, but that's a matter of technique and preference.
@@UmVtCg It's easier to reach the higher notes on the Ibanez, due to the design itself. That's not an opinion.
Is the neck thinner than an American strat?
Back in the late 70s Ibanez made the Blazer. Great alternative to a Strat for about 500 bucks or so.
Why does it sound so thin?
Same feeling.
It was OK with the Tumnus.
Would you do a rundown of this guitar and the Yamaha Pacifica 612? Not seeing much of a difference to justify the $2000 price tag versus $650.
You have to turn that gain up on the Tumnus.
Sold my fender custom shop strats and bought three
AZ premium with SD’s got stolen was honestly my favorite guitar
It's funny cause I was working on a pickup system that similar to what they did. Going about it slightly different an its only one 9f those projects guitar plqy with but fund it funny. I was trying to to use two humbuckers one single but then have a switch to tum the humbuckers in to single . Ya I won't have the configuration of the two outside pickups working at same time but. Also won't have a bowl of spaghetti under the hood
Ibanez have the most memorable model names
just received mine today £1600 on special offer,the black version! was worried as some people didnt like the neck shape,i love it.its set up superbly, the only thing il change is the strings to 9s.just feels like quality.
I just love it....
Put Suhr pickups in my AZ HSS. Amazing. And yep Hyperions WAAAAY to hot. V60s/Thornbucker combo is perfect. With Highwood saddles.
can u post a video of this combo , or is it in your insta or facebook .
@@theroguerocker666 if you send me a message I can share better video that really shows that warm neck sound. I like this guitar more than my Martin Miller AZ and I love that thing
I did the same to mine and it’s great!
AZ what you mean (got my bad pun of my chest) man, very versatile! Have you ever considered installing one of those 10-way switches in your strat though? You get the usual strat possibilities plus humbucker wirings and others. I might take the plunge and put one in my G&L, I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat though when it comes to technical stuff.
While I've always liked Ibanez and still have my RG3120, this model has too many options for my liking. My 2020 Player Strat has the simplicity of a traditional Strat. Personally, I don't think Fender has anything to be worried about. Just my 2 cents. 😀
I've got an HSS Strat and I love the pickup combination. This Ibanez sounds fantastic. Gorgeous too... except the tort guard, which I've never been a fan of (though I know I'm in the minority there).
I agree with you on the tort pick guard. Just not a fan of them.
One more less than a fan for the ugly ass pickgard here.
Call me a hater even.
I love American Fenders but they have one problem they fail to address; the Bi-Flex trussrods on the American Pro on up. If they are installed correctly, no excess glue to bind the rod and nut, they work great but if not the suck. An 1/8 inch hex nut is NOT strong enough or reliable. Strip too easy! I have had to replace a few necks. Ibanez is not stuck in tradition and always update. That could be bad or good but paying 2k for a Prestige AZ makes more sense than about the same for an Ultra American Fender.
Would it be sacrilege to play this through a twin reverb ?
Since I got three Eart guitars I will not buy any guitar unless it sport Stainless steel frets roasted neck and compound radius and super easy access to upper frets. Well done Ibanez just follow the new standard.
Love my AZ
that guitar is really a convincing concept, thou i couldnt even stand the strat form anymore :D. if they would release it with a jaguar form, or a jazzmaster form :D
I’d love to see an offset AZ
The Fortuna singles are true single coils or noiseless pickups??
For that AZ series i prefer Ice Blue metallic color 😍
What’s the name of the first song you played
Nowadays with modern guitar processing pedal units, and amps you would be hard pressed to distinguish different sounds from guitar a) to guitar b). Or is it me?......
Hi TheGuitarGeek! I hope you can see my comment :)
I have a question to ask and it's important to me because i'm a little worried about it: I've noticed that when i have the alter switch down i get louder sound and when i toggle it up i get quieter sound. Is this normal?
Because i didn't give attention to it ever since my 1 year of playing it and i got it fell off on the floor when it was in it's hardcase. It was like a slice of bread standing up then falling on the ground and it happened twice, my cat was running around the room and somehow managed to knock it down lol. Now i realised this while playing and it got me worrying as if something was off etc. it's a dumb thought but it got me worried. I'd be very glad if you'd leave an answer to my question. Thank you!
Did they rum out of pickguard material?
I'm not sold on the sound of the pickups, but then again that just might be how you have it set up with the amp. Ibanez's have always been quality instruments, but if I could pick their only flaw, it's resale. When I want to trade in or sell it later, the Strat will hold it's value better (unless it's a limited one off of course). Impeccable build quality, though - better than most other guitar manufactures, even with their budget models. My only other complaint - and this is completely subjective - would probably be that their finishes are a little bland. Solid flamed maple tops or something similar would really move their guitars into a more "premium" tier, I think. I'd probably just swap pickups and electronics more to my tastes if I were to buy one as a "keeper". I still think the "best of the best" Strat-type guitars are Suhrs, but that price tag for a good one... ouch!
There are some US made boutiques that hold up or surpass the Suhr Strats, Xotic is one but there are a few. Agree on all counts though.
Purposeful and well build tool. But does it have "A Zoul"?
"The smell... Its like a campfire on a mountain top... Its like a Canadian bar mitzvah!" xox