Ibanez (Actually) Made What Fender Wouldn't.

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16 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 764

@JunkfoodZombieGuns 8 месяцев назад

You forgot to mention the incredibly ergonomic heel joint. Fender acts like their "easy access" heel joint is something special, when all they did is round off one corner of their clunky-ass block joint. The AZ heel joint is stunningly good for a bolt on, and as close to a neck-through as you could ask for.

@jamesmarcin4787 8 месяцев назад

It's not just one corner. It's the whole block. I own an American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster and Ultra Luxe Telecaster

@mthew6721 8 месяцев назад

@@jamesmarcin4787 he's talking about the rounded off heel on the professional series. The ultra series is definitely closer to the az.

@jamesmarcin4787 8 месяцев назад

@@mthew6721 , thanks for the clarification 👍

@WildWildWeasel 8 месяцев назад

Even the freaking Ibanez GIO guitars come with the rounded off heel, same with the basses, my GSR320 has a rounder neck heel.

@russellzauner 8 месяцев назад

Fender has that AANJ. It's on the Fender Prophecy basses and Fender Talon guitars. IYKYK

@obiwanjacobi 8 месяцев назад

The output jack is positioned to run the cable behind the strap. Makes sense when your wearing a strap.

@mikehartigan2703 8 месяцев назад

That was the first thing I thought when I saw it.

@creggur 8 месяцев назад

@@dano7690 A right angle wouldn't work with my JEM that had that style output jack. I like it though - aimed perfectly to run behind the strap, and wouldn't pull out if I accidentally stepped on the cable...

@DDWyss 8 месяцев назад

Exactly. 👍

@russellzauner 8 месяцев назад

I've had acoustic guitars where it was literally in the strap button and that actually worked out real well with straight when sitting and perfectly when using an angled cord standing with a strap. I know it may limit options for people who are using straplocks but it's also an opportunity for them (whoever starts putting straplock jacks in) to design, brand, sell straplocks that work for guitars that have 1/4" jack where the straplock goes, then just add it to the feature set of their higher end guitars (because routing programs, parts list, etc change, it would add cost and no value to do for production mid/low tier models).

@fuzzymuppet1990 8 месяцев назад

I've always used straight cables , and i like the reverse input jacks on guitars . It gets the cable out of the way for me when im sitting down, instead of digging into my hip or into my chair or bed

@wesleyalan9179 8 месяцев назад

The input jack is made that way for a reason. Its so its in line with the strap so you can wrap the cable around it like alot of people do. I think its a great feature if you're the kind of person that wraps the cable around the strap.

@0b11000100 8 месяцев назад

it's an output jack though.

@Craig52-zq1bt 7 месяцев назад

Anyone who plays on stage, wraps the cord over the strap pin. Otherwise, it can pull out as you move, making you look like a total noob, not to mention the noise.

@rushrulz65 8 месяцев назад

As an owner of a Fender Pro II Strat (HSS) and a Ibanez AZ2204 Prestige (Hazy Rose) I have to say both are great but the Ibanez is definitely a step up. The necks are similar shape deep C but the roasted maple and stainless frets are a massive upgrade and the heel joint is way better. The Hyperion pickups give me all the Strat warmth and quack I get from the V-Mod II's in the Strat plus 4 more really cool options. I find myself reaching for the Ibanez more than the Strat. Fender needs to step up it's game! You can get these used at a really good price as well.

@nickfarrow4788 8 месяцев назад

Bought the Hazy Rose Yesterday. The neck is incredible and the Hyperions are good.

@jhhag 8 месяцев назад

This one has Fortunas, not Hyperions. (And a non-recessed bridge cavity, so no floating trem). I've got one. Incredible sustain, waaay better than my MIA Fenders.

@nickfarrow4788 8 месяцев назад

@@jhhag yes i was answering to Paul, that like me has the regular 2204. Fortuna are also great, maybe less modern? I love the AZ

@thefrogking481 8 месяцев назад

Its perspective. I've played both (owned most of everything). Some guys swear by PRS....its all perspective.

@valebliz 8 месяцев назад

@@nickfarrow4788fortuna are slightly less output than hyperions, still more modern and full sounding compared to vintage voiced strat pickups. I like them a lot though.

@agirlsname7159 8 месяцев назад

I actually love input jacks that don't poke into the couch when I'm sitting!

@lulu5243 7 месяцев назад

same feeling bro but now im avoiding it by using 90 degree input jacks

@jamesgalick5278 7 месяцев назад

My strat doesn’t either.

@adaamdavis5434 7 месяцев назад

After he pulls the cable through the strap and then plugs it in he will understand

@benirodriguez9516 6 месяцев назад

@@adaamdavis5434precisely! I was going to write the same. Much better than plugs sticking down, cause they get easily tramped on, and fall out on stage, and putting these thru the strap, creates uncomfortable kink on the cable. Ibanez thought of this!

@Maktheblade 7 месяцев назад

I only want them to add a daisy wheel truss rod adjustment at the heel. It's more accessible, you won't damage the wood around the entry hole (giggity), and there's no risk of rounding the edges of the socket.

@unleashed1966 7 месяцев назад

“Giggity” 😂😂

@Gitfiddle 7 месяцев назад

I have this exact model. It’s very very good. I personally think this model is attempting a mass production version of a Suhr Modern mixed with a Strat. The biggest selling points for me are the jumbo SS frets, the satin neck and neck heel, and the low output pickups. This is a one guitar for any gig type instrument.

@dkobola 7 месяцев назад

Exactly. They named it AZ bc it can play everything from A to Z and in my experience this is totally true of these guitars.

@JasonHobbsGuitarist 8 месяцев назад

Love the paint scheme … with tortoise shell 👍 Totally agree with the “tool”, Fender needs to include one as well. Cool video man!

@BigHairyGuitars 8 месяцев назад

Such a nice one!!! They really got the necks right on the AG series

@RobertBakerGuitar 8 месяцев назад

YES the necks are so awesome. I prefer it to some of the more modern Fender necks

@travissimpson7829 8 месяцев назад

*AZ

@cs83 7 месяцев назад

I absolutely love the Vai-style input jack, to me it makes way more sense than the standard 4:00 jack placement that constantly gets in the way if you're playing sitting down, while not being as visually obtrusive as the Strat football jack.

@taylormedia1000 8 месяцев назад

"Historical weight" is a very accurate description, and not one I'd not considered as it relates to a company's mandate of don't fix it if ain't broke, Given my age, I should use that to describe myself

@JunkfoodZombieGuns 8 месяцев назад

A couple points to make: You should mention that this is a Japanese-made Prestige model. It is the only AZ line that comes with stainless frets and a hard case. If you get a Premium version made in Indonesia, it does come with a gig bag, and nickel frets. They are however, still amazing instruments. The much cheaper line of AZs that are made (I believe) in China are not on the same level as the Premium and Prestige versions, both of which have Seymour Duncan pickups.

@RobertBakerGuitar 8 месяцев назад

great point I'll pin this comment for peeps to see.

@JunkfoodZombieGuns 8 месяцев назад

@@RobertBakerGuitar Good deal. Thanks for highlighting the AZ. I have one of the Premium versions with the two SD humbuckers (Hyperion, I believe), and it's just awesome. Definitely a daily driver.

@metraxray 8 месяцев назад

All the premiums have stainless steel frets.

@JunkfoodZombieGuns 8 месяцев назад

@@metraxray You are correct. I feel like that is more recent, maybe? I feel like in the back of my mind remembering them not having stainless when I got mine... Not positive, but thanks for the correction.

@vmx23 8 месяцев назад

The standard AZ is also made in Indonesia dude. Tested one when they came out back in 2018

@creggur 8 месяцев назад

Had a JEM with that style output jack - I liked it because it was aimed perfectly to run the cable behind the strap. Often wondered why other manufacturers didn't do that to be honest...

@Scrimshaw_DuBois42 8 месяцев назад

Charvel uses a similar design on their Dinky models, they basically cut wood off that corner and stuck a regular input jack on it. Which actually means Fender has been making guitars like the AZ for a while haha

@dahmc59 8 месяцев назад

I did not start off thinking Ibanez would be the main name in my studio, but it is. Jem (w/o bling-bling), Artstar (the first series) semi-hollow, and a 5 string soundgear bass. Still have the pt5 multi eff pedal, too. I did not set out to buy a bunch of Ibanez, yet here I am. A fan.

@RyanWellsMusic 8 месяцев назад

I went to a music store a while back to buy a used Gibson ES335 (from the 80s). I had the cash and fully intended to walk out with it; however, they had a 2005 Ibanez JSM100 as well. I shot them out both acoustically and plugged in. The JSM was much more balance and alive sounding. The guy behind the counter even changed the strings on the 335 suggesting they could be dead (reasonable). That didn’t help. I came home with the JSM.

@jasondorsey7110 8 месяцев назад

@@RyanWellsMusicGibsons can be fantastic, but in my experience the japanese are more consistent

@DylanODonnell 8 месяцев назад

Re: the jack, I've got the TOD10 with the same angled jack and I like it better than a locking jack where you have to click to release. By angling it you can still pull it out raw, but also on stage you don't have to worry about stepping on the lead and pulling it out accidentally. (or doing the old school loop around the strap thing.)

@johnladdsmusic 8 месяцев назад

My first guitar way back in the 80’s was a Roadstar series…I still have it…it’s built like a tank and rivals any Strat I’ve ever played

@northy556 8 месяцев назад

I have a Roadstar II and love it. I wonder if Ibanez will ever do the Roadstar again?

@pablodebiddlybo3771 8 месяцев назад

Fujigen gakki. Master craftsmen

@simonsmith2642 8 месяцев назад

Those were great road warriors back in the day. Had one in the 90’s

@afterstars 8 месяцев назад

I still have an 83 Roadatar II I got in a pawn shop when I was maybe 16. It’s got a Floyd on it and it’s sweet. Have some 4-6k guitars and I always come back to the Roadstar

@stratfanstl 7 месяцев назад

My first Strat style guitar was a 1984 Roadstar II purchased new for $279 cuz a $599 Strat was out of reach in HS. I still have it. Still plays great, sounds great and has never had electronic / wiring problems. That generation even had pickups that were like Lace Sensors before those started appearing on the Clapton signature Strat in 1986. Dead quiet. The only thing I don't like about it is that the body has no tummy cut and arm cut tapering. Not quite as comfortable to play. Phenomenal quality instrument.

@garrisonic 7 месяцев назад

Never was much of an Ibanez fan. To me and other players I knew, Ibanez was for beginners who couldn't play a big boy's guitar. Then Steve Vai loaned me a black Vai model from the late 80s and a lime green one from the early 90s and I used them as back ups for my Tom Anderson's. Within a couple of weeks they were often times opening the shows with the TAs playing backup. Fast, articulate and at least the Vai model was definitely not a little boy's guitar.

@weedian710 8 месяцев назад

Why do I keep watching AZ demos? I have one already 😅 It’s like the perfect guitar.

@taossmith85 8 месяцев назад

I have this same one and I'm watching too

@signal76 8 месяцев назад

I have the black version, and I'm watching as well.

@jean-philippemorin1176 8 месяцев назад

I have 2 fender strats and I am still watching strat videos... Ibanez makes nice instruments. I have had many ibanez basses.

@bsaj1 8 месяцев назад

It's for reassurance from an expert... Good decision...

@impartialobservers7060 4 месяца назад

Same - fantastic guitars.

@allengoeddey2719 8 месяцев назад

You got me at compound neck radius. I don’t have a HSS guitar. Hmmmm going to check these out

@dahmc59 8 месяцев назад

before you decide on a pickgaurd, consider a p90 style pickup in neck instead a single strat style. My double is too thick and singles there sound less impressive to me.

@rmaxtpmx 7 месяцев назад

@dahmc59 then you need a more appropriate humbucker to match single coil output.

@allengoeddey2719 7 месяцев назад

@@dahmc59 I have a strat with two P-90's which I love, and a parts caster with dual humbuckers, and yet another strat (mim) that is all singles. So an HSS would complete the collection. As if a collection of guitars is ever complete.

@1-eye-willy 8 месяцев назад

i had an ibanez GIO that looked like that with the pointier horns like tne RG, or a GEM without the floating trem and a few frets. they been hitting it out of the park for a while

@jakemixd 7 месяцев назад

I’m gigging with my “premium” ibanez az for over 4 years now. Not a single problem I encountered compared to my other guitars.

@koryjames8361 8 месяцев назад

My Jem has that same input jam placement. It's great for live performances (or standing up in general) because it angles the cable upwards to easily go behind the strap button. Sitting down, it's not the greatest if you place the guitar on your left leg. Then it gets in the way. It's a catch 22. Advantages and disadvantages.

@highstreetjackmusic 8 месяцев назад

I always love the little compositions in your videos.

@DreidMusicalX 8 месяцев назад

I hate to say this. But I have owned 3 Fender Strats in my life and I hated every last one of them. Back in 2004 was my last attempt with Fender because they just kept using cheap ass bridges with the 6 screws and a screw in bar that always wiggled. Its was a miracle when they put on the first Floyd Rose with locking nut. I ended up buying that STRAT and then it broke the body because they made them too thin there. I was done! DONE with Fender! And those baseball bat necks. Yuck! That doesn't bother me so much anymore, because no matter the guitar I buy now ill sand the chunk right off to make the neck what I want. But I might go play one of these and check them out. I have the Ibanez RG550 Japan model. Love it!

@LeonLandgren-qt9pg 8 месяцев назад

Good for you 7321 ibanez for me.

@Thunderkyss 6 дней назад

There's nothing inherently cheap about a six screw bridge. There are plenty high dollar 6 screw bridges out there.

@talbertini83 8 месяцев назад

I have that exact AZ, color and all. It's my absolute favorite guitar. Super versatile, plays like a dream. I splurged on one for my 40th bday last year and man was it worth every penny.

@TheZipeedoo 2 месяца назад

The input jack is obviously set up to receive a jack that is looped around the strap button, for a player standing up. It works great for that application.

@iamanovercomer3253 8 месяцев назад

I like the Ibanez AZS PRESTIGE GUITAR. I agree Robert, being a Fender guy, I've tried quite a few different guitars and none of them got my attention, until I picked up an Ibanez AZS Prestige and I was impressed with the guitar ❗️

@feelmytool 7 месяцев назад

The Ibanez AZS I have might be the most comfortable neck I’ve ever played. Not only that but the pickups sounds amazing as well.

@rsuazon 8 месяцев назад

Ibanez did a great job with the AZ2204N. The new Yamaha Pacifica Pro's are also another good option as it is also MIJ, stainless steel frets and HSS. What I don't get though is that here in Canada the Yamaha is $500 cheaper than the Ibanez, but in the US the Ibanez is $200 cheaper.

@JacobMoen 7 месяцев назад

The Pacifica Standard Plus do have stainless frets as well. No compound radiused neck, but the rest of the guitar is equivalent.

@arjnoro1 3 дня назад

The only thing with pacificas is the width at the nut being 41 mm. Why? Fenders are 42mm and drives me nuts! C'mon yamaha, you make great guitars otherwise.

@wildesage4172 7 месяцев назад

Man, I freaking love Ibanez. Their lineup is a playground for mold-breaking Japanese engineering and design. I hate to hear people thinking they're just RGs with Wizard necks. They're so much more than that. They're not even just guitars! On the bass guitar side of things, the SR500 is an institution for working-class musicians. Also, they've got plenty of prestige (no pun intended) of their own: we're used to seeing our guitar heroes with Strats and Les Pauls strapped across them, with Marshalls stacked behind them, but we're usually not seeing the TONE SCREAMER on their pedal board!! 😁 P.S. Really beautiful playing as always, Robert

@ClintCurtis 8 месяцев назад

Been looking at these for a long time! How's the action setup? I like a straight neck with low action ;)

@Revelatus 7 месяцев назад

That thing looks incredible. I love the pick guard which is something I never thought I'd say about a pick guard.

@toddyrocks 6 месяцев назад

The input is based on Steve Vais' specs for the Jem. It was, according to him, to stop the lead being pulled out if trod on plus the smaller loop when thread through the strap

@BSPotter 8 месяцев назад

Fender does SS frets on the American Ultra Luxe series. Priced a bit more than this Ibanez series. I have a couple Suhr guitars with SS frets and a bunch of custom specs but the price point is way beyond these Ibanez guitars. Really glad to see SS frets on a guitar in this price range.

@anmolatwal 8 месяцев назад

You can find SS frets on harley bentonite these days.

@BSPotter 8 месяцев назад

@@anmolatwal ill pass. however Schecter uses SS at an even lower price than this Ibanez series.

@anmolatwal 8 месяцев назад

@@BSPotter True.

@southboundguitar 8 месяцев назад

Stainless Steel frets aren't all they're cracked up to be. They chew through strings and they're nearly impossible to fix once they're fucked (i.e. filing, recrowning & polishing). That's why Fender still uses Nickle plated on everything they make (except the ones they're trying to sell to the spoiled rich kids whose parents buy them really expensive toys all of the time).

@valebliz 8 месяцев назад

@@southboundguitarlol you can work on SS frets easily provided you use the right abrasives, mainly diamond based. Even stew mac sell this stuff today, don’t swallow up every bs lazy luthiers tell you. I personally crowned and polished SS frets on a warmoth neck at home in about an hour.

@troykelso 7 месяцев назад

That output jack is perfect - use a straight cable and run it through your strap when standing, or use a 90-degree cable while sitting. Both ways keep the cable completely out of your way.

@kellyp9438 7 месяцев назад

The Yamaha PAC611VFM is $699 and you get graphtech nut, Seymour Duncans Humbucker and P-90/split coil humbucker/ rosewood fretboard…but it’s a 13.5 fretboard radius. Oh and Wilkinson trem and Grover locking tuners…most bang for your buck Please check it out

@bacongl 8 месяцев назад

Sounds amazing. Prestige is a thing. I just didn't realize they did a Prestige AZ. I just saw the entry level ones, which are excellent as well. Also the output jack is designed so you can tuck the cable behind the strap. Which everyone already mentioned. But I actually love that feature.

@Urizen777 3 месяца назад

Way before this, was a now non-produced Carvin Bolt which took all of the best elements of a Stratocaster and greatly improved upon it. I have an HSS version and speaking of the crazy pickup configuration it doesn't only have a coil split for the bridge humbucker, but there is also a switch to activate bridge pickup separately and combine it either with the neck pickup or even have all three pickups on at the same time. It generally does come with a flatter neck radius (12 to 14) so based on that aspect alone it might be viewed as more of a super-strat, but it is much more versatile, exciting, and comfortable to play than any strat I've played, while not going into the full "metal-oriented shredding guitar" category.

@guitarjedi247 3 месяца назад

The plug is in the perfect spot, out of the way and wraps around the strap when you stand up, best ever... Like the Jems!!

@brandontreyborup5179 7 месяцев назад

Wow! I have always thought you were a great player, but I really love the intro piece you composed. I thought it was super interesting and loved the use of harmonies in the guitar solo. Kudos, sir!

@alextorry4057 3 месяца назад

I like those kind of input jacks for playing live. The way it angles upwards makes it so if you step on your lead it won't pull out of the guitar. when I was playing in bands I'd always run my lead through the strap to stop that exact thing from happening (especially seeing as we played on small stages that were often cramped for space XD).

@BAND-MAID-USA 8 месяцев назад

And the 2 versions of the AZ-ES models are absolutely incredible too. Got $350. I bought both version HSS and SSS. 2 incredible guitars for less than a Fender Mexico. Both even have roasted necks. And both have the most comfortable heel joints on earth. And the stock pups sound amazing.

@vladzubac5360 14 дней назад

Fender has the Ultra HSS Stratocasters, that kind of do the same, even having a Floyd Rose setup on the Ultra-Luxe series. The new neck joint of the Fender Ultra is incredible. Cool review as always!

@bobbusby5058 8 месяцев назад

the input jack for the chord would be great if you're the type that loops the chord through your strap while playing live. I think thats the intention, I kinda like it for that reason but would annoy me for noodling in general.

@charlesg.1207 8 месяцев назад

Lots of features this year. Was really impressed. HSS, SS frets (what???), the neck and radias, and all the PUP selections, 2 point trem, big fat tires and everything. Would have liked to seen a Gotoh 510 with the more modern saddles, but I get it. Glad they stepped up. Really cool. Great price point too. The jack could have been better designed.

@southboundguitar 8 месяцев назад

This year? These are like two years old.

@dlux703 8 месяцев назад

You are right about the output jack location. You cannot stand the guitar on the floor and lean it against your amp because of that, and even the nice compact 'low' guitar stands I like to use will still result in the cord sticking out where you don't want it. Why couldn't they do the regualar strat style jack in the back of the body?

@michaelrains64295 8 месяцев назад

It’s meant to wrap your cable up around your strap like most people connect their guitar anyway.

@dlux703 8 месяцев назад

That's obvious, but the inset fender-style jack in the back would do that as well without having the cord sticking out when you want to set down the guitar.. @@michaelrains64295

@Kaisermb1 4 месяца назад

I’m a pretty traditional Strat guy but bought an MMN1 because of the list of features and every single MIJ instrument I’ve owned has been legit amazing with exceptional build quality.

@f33dback 7 месяцев назад

I had an American Strat, nice guitar, played a friend Ibanez and fell in love with that 17 inch radius, nice flat neck. So I bought a Ibanez RG652AHMFX and gave away the strat.

@briankeenan4901 7 месяцев назад

I've got a 1982 Ibanez Roadstar II series hardtail guitar with phase switch and three typical strat pickups. The plug is in the pickguard. It's quite obvious and a big afterthought . I know I wouldn't like the plug on the one shown by you either. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

@KitBasher1 8 месяцев назад

I’m pretty happy with Ibanez. I started playing a couple of the 1980s era early five strings. There are really super skinny neck and early EMG designed pick ups they made in 1985 and in 1986 before changing headstock and string spacing for the five strings. But these have become my favorite bases to play and they’re approaching the 40 year mark. I like them so much I wish Ivan is with reissue this model.!

@mj6582 8 месяцев назад

That's the reason why I bought one. For just about 2k you can get the prestige version from Japan. The finish and quality are great, the components are great, love the bridge, love the roasted neck it feels amazing although a bit too much shoulder for my hand size. And yes stainless frets are so good, still glide like the first day I got the guitar and never polished them once. For the money you get such a great versatile guitar that none of the other big brands offer honestly. Plus I didn't want an RG or S shape so the AZ design is an absolute banger from ibanez, classy yet modern

@Crunch0123 7 месяцев назад

The input jack has been like that on JEM series forever. Once you get used to it, it is cool. It is not ugly like in a strat, it does not pop out like in a tele. Its great.

@Stuff-i-Like 7 месяцев назад

Locking machine heads, roller nut, and a better quality bridge i.e the Strat Plus, should be the basis for any Strat / copy.

@LatentPoet 8 месяцев назад

I played one at Sam Ash back in June last year, they play amazing. It's definitely something I didn't expect to like as much as I did, the price point though at $2,000 is pretty high.

@deadstarr7 8 месяцев назад

its really not compared to other guitars that are similar for example the prs fiore or silver sky at 2850 and 2750 respectively and honestly the quality is the same. ibanez makes some really great guitars before the fiore went up in price i was in between an az and a fiore (could have gotten them about the same price used at the time) ended up going with the ibanez after playing both

@bruunm1975 7 месяцев назад

Love my AZ's... got a Miller AZ in HH and a Indonesian HSS in Topaz Burst (with Suhr pickups). The HSS is my main gigging guitar and stays in tune all might... 4 sets from 60s to current hits, no issues. Love it. Can't wait for Mahogany HSS Miller to be more widely released.

@psulux 7 месяцев назад

Hi I play an ibanez RG550 But if memory serves me right There was a Fender 84 ish with white covered pick ups which had a wide fat neck and was nearly there

@davidnoguera1470 8 месяцев назад

Thank you for the great content and honest reviews !

@alainbrisebois8334 7 месяцев назад

My first guitar, is a late 70's Ibanez blonde strat with a c shape maple neck. I trade it for my old leather jacket that was too small for me, back in 84, to a guy that didn't know how to play. It was brand new. I have another Ibanez. It's a Les Paul with the Maxon pickups. Love them both. I have the best of both world, FOR DIRT CHEAP.

@calebfodor6258 8 месяцев назад

I had this exact model last summer but returned it. Couldn’t get into the beefier neck and lower output pickups.

@virginiadeath4507 7 месяцев назад

Jack position makes it so you can sit on a bed. Potentially kinda cool, for those of us who have had a guitar pretty much posted up on a cable plug and the jack...

@donkeymagician 7 месяцев назад

Would be keen to hear how it stacks up against a charvel dk24. I have a dk24. It has a thin neck, I prefer a slightly wider neck, but the charvel has all the pickup configs that the ibanez has, but it's an HH model. Does the single coil tones well. But would be interested playability wise if you have any opinions on the differences and which you prefer and why as well as how the ibanez does higher gain well. You've said fender can't do certain things, but I suppose charvel is their way of doing those things so any thoughts on this would be interesting to me

@Elektronijaenis 7 месяцев назад

Including the multitool is like they were trying to tell the player something... Like you have to maintain the instrument a bit too. :D And oh... A pet peeve. The guitar does not take signal in. It gives a signal out. You are playing the guitar and the guitar feeds signal based on what you are palying to the amp. So: Guitars have an output jack. Amps have an input jack.

@rudiyantohalim736 8 месяцев назад

Ibanez AZ at the begining came with SD Hyperion pups, and it's easily become my fav modern guitar from an old school guitar nerd. I also love Lari Basillio's Ibanez AZ with Telecaster shape. 👍👍👍

@supermario2100 8 месяцев назад

I feel like the Fender's American Luxe Ultra HSS is this guitar and then some. Flatter 10-14" radius board with SS frets, a Floyd Rose, a contoured heel joint and lower horn. You're paying a little more for the Fender name and the USA make, but it's about as modern a Strat as you'll find from Fender proper.

@stephenreese9841 8 месяцев назад

That guitar sounds very good IMHO... the single coils have the classic bell, chime and sparkle, and the humbucker doesn't seem too hot. Thanks for sharing Robert.

@trex257 7 месяцев назад

Steve Vai designed that input jack style for the JEMs so he wouldn't put the cord out when he was on stage and stepped on the cord. You still look the cord through the strap but that input jack makes sure you won't pull the cord out accidentally.

@aspirativemusicproduction2135 3 месяца назад

You can run the chord behind your strap so the input jack is actually in a good place if you want to do that.

@actuallysilentrob2570 8 месяцев назад

I agree about disliking the jack location. As others have stated, it's great when using a strap (standing up). However, it gets in the way when sitting down sometimes. Some songs I play require my to tilt the guitar up a little bit to be able to play, such as the solo in Ice Cream Man. When seated, ff I tilt up the guitar, the cord hits by leg and causes the jack to lose contact with the cable. Otherwise, it's a fantastic guitar.

@tollan23 8 месяцев назад

I played one of these recently. It was the most interesting guitar to me in the entire store. I would buy one if I had the spare $$.

@grandpasmuse 8 месяцев назад

Thanks for the clean and cool intro. Reminded me of Adrian Legg. Beautiful 😊

@JohnvanCapel 8 месяцев назад

I think the angled jack is a bit of a love-or-hate thing. Some fat-ended cables and *especially* headphone amplifiers or wireless systems straight up won't fit in the angled jack. I *do*, however, appreciate that the angled jack is a lot more step-on-cable proof. I haven't had the cable fall out of my AZ from stepping on the cable, and that's without doing the cable-tuck.

@jayumble8390 7 месяцев назад

What about neck scale length? I am not a fan of the Fender scale size (25.5). Does Ibanez offer scale options...24.75 or even 24.5?

@stricknine8623 8 месяцев назад

Why does every manufacturer insist on putting the closest volume pot RIGHT IN THE WAY of soo many players ? There have been soo many guitars that I was interested in that have this deal breaker condition. It's just ridiculous.

@JunkfoodZombieGuns 8 месяцев назад

Some people who like to constantly adjust their volume like it, but I'm with you. It could be a little further away and be both out of the way, and usable for those who fiddle with the knob a lot.

@stricknine8623 8 месяцев назад

@@JunkfoodZombieGuns That is EXACTLY what I mean. Thankyou. For some people or perhaps many people,..I just cannot play Fender Strat or Strat style guitars for this reason. They aren't really my thing from a neck feel and certainly not my favorite tone but I do like like the tone would like to own a Strat. Maybe buy one and have the pot re-located I guess..

@trev3971 8 месяцев назад

Because we like pinky swells.

@stricknine8623 8 месяцев назад

@@trev3971 I wasn't questioning or wondering WHY someone may like it there. Obviously I'm referring to an option to that for the players that the pot is dead in the way and a deal-breaker.

@joebloe9901 8 месяцев назад

Amen. I usually throw the tone knob in the dumpster and move the volume to that spot. The rhythm guitarist in my band throws all his knobs away and uses an on/off switch. Volume knobs are almost useless unless you're Jeff Beck....a good amp and good pickups are touch sensitive so playing quiet or loud isn't a problem for me.👍

@JarickL 8 месяцев назад

This has been my number one guitar since late 2022. Amazing instrument. I put Suhr pickups in mine but I love it.

@JarickL 8 месяцев назад

@@karlsalocks right now I have a Thornbucker Plus in the bridge and V60LP middle and neck. The V60LP I took out of my Strat so I have a pair of ML (V63+) that I will swap for soon. The stock pickups are good but I found the single coils a bit quiet and the stagger didn't work great for the board radius. Also I replaced all the electronics. The original volume pot failed and I didn't like the complex switching. I put some good CTS pots in and a standard 5-way switch. Also swapped the plastics out for aged white and the humbucker is reverse zebra and I think that looks awesome with the tort guard.

@JarickL 8 месяцев назад

One other thing I should add, this has the best fret work of any guitar I've played. You could tell me it's a $3,000+ guitar and I'd believe it. My guitar was a dealer "blem" and it was so well set up I didn't touch anything on it for weeks.

@JarickL 7 месяцев назад

@@karlsalocks totally! I really want to try their Tele style guitar at some point.

@KyleCarrington 7 месяцев назад

Been watching you for years. I like the guitar. I like your playing on this video even more, very melodic and tasty. As fir the input jack, I'd say it's specifically intended to place your cable over your guitar strap, then into the input jack, while standing. Cheers

@ElijahGrae 7 месяцев назад

Bought one a year ago and it’s been my road warrior/studio machine ever since. Just a phenomenal instrument. Rock solid tuning stability and reliable beyond belief. Wasn’t a huge fan of the pickups at first but they sit in a mix brilliantly and are so good for live work. I own a lot of high end fender’s and a lovely vintage piece but for the studio work I do and gigging this is the only S type guitar I take (it dethroned my Silver Sky fwiw)

@dhavidcg 8 месяцев назад

Not sure when you did your last live gig, but you should notice that the input jack was designed to be used with guitar straps. Bedroom/studio only guitarist often don't recognized it because the rarely use straps (?)

@ALTDOK667 8 месяцев назад

...as for the out jack, i would try a right angle plug.

@danz4904 8 месяцев назад

I don't like the input jack location either. You have to unplug to set it on a guitar stand. Also, I play more often sitting down at home without a guitar strap than I do at gigs. I think it was a poor decision to orient the jack like that. Some folks say it makes it easier to wrap the cord around your strap when gigging. With traditional jack placement you can simply use a cable with a right-angle plug to make the wire easily route towards your strap. So, this awkward new jack orientation isn't really fixing anything and causes more issues.

@youareinflames 7 месяцев назад

what if you swap the fender custom pickups on this bad boy? I mean you already have the custom shop specs, the only thing you need is the pick up sounds.

@HarryBall-fw7pv 3 месяца назад

One of the best and most versatile guitars made imo. The AZ your playing, the AZ2404b in black or the AZ2404 in hazy rose is my next axe. Yes the output jack is in a odd location

@terrycornelius4 7 месяцев назад

8:00 - I'm pretty sure they made the input jack in that position so it's easier to plug your straight instrument jack in while looping the cable through the strap. Though I do see the annoyances that come with it (setting it on a stand plugged-in for example).

@robbiedaug 7 месяцев назад

I am surprised that it has a string tree (even a roller one) when using Gotoh's H.A.P. tuners. The website site says: "Rock-solid Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads with H.A.P. system", so, this guitar has the H.A.P-M tuners. I installed a set of those on my 1981 Ibanez Blazer and i was able to remove the two string trees that were originally on the guitar. I think Ibanez added a roller tree because it's "fancy". The Height Adjustable Posts of every tuner in this set should make it possible to have no trees - unless the angle is too great - but then i wonder why they even would use those tuners if the angle is too great thus requiring the string tree. In addition, i installed a Vegatrem system on my Blazer. Everybody is raving about them so i bought one for the Blazer.

@tns4421 8 месяцев назад

I have been playing my Ibanez rg standard for many years and it's a keeper. Never thought about a strat Ibanez so thank you!!

@RyanWellsMusic 8 месяцев назад

That's a nice looking "super strat". So much to appreciate here: I like how the volume knob isn't up under the pickup; going sans truss rod cover, just makes sense imo. Also, I wonder if they took cues from Andy Timmons' broken pick gurad, how they are terminating the point of the guard extending into the lower horn early. Lol, like it.

@marshallstack8570 7 месяцев назад

I had a 1976 Ibanez Challenger. WHAT AN AXE!🤠🎼

@lanesuzza 7 месяцев назад

I had a Challenger P-bass…. I liked it so much, I sold my Fender P.bass and kept the Ibanez.

@m0j0b0ne 7 месяцев назад

I may have to re-evaluate my guitar desires. I'd been meaning to add a shredder axe to my stable, despite I don't shred; I do production music, which requires versatility, and a Stratocaster is my ride or die, for that reason. Well also, my three favorite guitarists are strat wranglers and whammy masters: SRV, Jeff Beck and Adrian Belew, in no particular order. Well, also Jimi but I mean, come ON; Jimi's switch was stuck on God mode. There's so much to love about this design, stuff I've always wanted from a stock Strat; the two-point trem, brass block/saddles, compound radius, locking tuners, roasted neck, stainless frets, bone nut and then there's this wonderful pickup complement/system. Even the oddball output jack makes sense to oldie stage musicians like meself, because I'm threading my cable through the strap, on the way to the wireless transmitter. And if I weren't, it'd still go through the strap, in case I step on the cable, lol. Ibanez, if you're listening, the ONE thing I'd miss is a scaled UP swamp ash body; I'm six feet plus and nigh 300 lbs, and your skinny little suoer strats make me look like I'm playing a toothpick. Even so, you just knocked a David Grissom PRS off the top of my list.

@uptownphotography 7 месяцев назад

Nice job. Looks cool. I am thinking of making one in HO scale. Question please: What did you use mixed with the vinegar. I can't quite make out what you said. Thanks. Phil NYC Area

@Shred_The_Weapon 8 месяцев назад

The idea that Gibson and Fender can’t allow themselves to modernize their product designs is why my latest guitar purchase from Feb. 2024 is a replica of the Brian May Red Special (albeit in black and gold). It’s got the soundest of both Gibson and Fender with (what I consider) more palatable features. I’m (kind of) up to here in the blade switch and how it doesn’t access the 2 outside pickups together without hardwiring the neck pickup to be constantly activated. The Special includes an individual toggle to turn on each pickup which I greatly prefer (in tandem with the frictionless stringing).

@Pj32Sr 8 месяцев назад

Great to have options

@michealjoseph9943 7 месяцев назад

Looks and sounds fantastic!!! But this model is a bit on the spendy side for some of us. I'll keep my Carvin bolt with stainless steel frets, ebony fingerboard, hard-shell case, and Seymour Duncan's it came with for a budget friendly price.

@listairgin 5 дней назад

42 mm nut width isn’t for everyone. Good idea to always try before you buy . The fender pro 2 Stratocaster is 42.8 mm nut width and I don’t really feel comfortable with anything narrower. Just be careful if you are going to buy without having tried one first. The Ibanez is a lovely guitar for sure. Nice demo, thank you for doing it for us all. 🌠🌅🌌👍🏻🕊

@robyates136 8 месяцев назад

Comment about Fender “just making classic strats” isn’t strictly the case .. I’ll hold up my Roadhouse Deluxe as an excellent example. Built in pre-amp/tone selector and very wide range of tones. If I had to take one guitar to a gig that i didn’t know what the set list was - that’s it. As for the Ibanez, very cool tone range. But it’s ugly (yes that’s subjective). It looks like a modded bedroom guitar. But I’m not a fan of tortoiseshell … or white plastics … if it was black/black/cream I’d be happier. But it sounded great.

@LewisShieldsUS 7 месяцев назад

My #3 has a Strat type body A strat type neck. Strat type single coil pickups. Strat type logo on the headstock.

@deadstarr7 8 месяцев назад

the only realy problem the az lineup has currently imo is that if you want the fortuna pickups (more standard output) you have to get a rosewood fretboard and if you wan the hyperion pickups (hotter output) you have to go with a maple fretboard otherwise i love these guitars theyre awesome

@seandugan9871 3 месяца назад

I had an American Strat and always felt that the string spacing is too close together. How is the spacing on the Ibanez? Is it Strat like or Ibanez like? That Ibanez does sound pretty sweet.

@rs1357 2 месяца назад

I believe Ibanez have a 10.8mm for most of their guitar

@joermnyc 8 месяцев назад

My favorite 2-point trem are those Wilkinson ones where the saddles are the only thing above the bridge plate (the intonation screw just lets the saddles slide back and forth. You’ll find those on Reverends (usually), but I’m sure other brands might use them as well.