Ibanez AZ Essentials – Tone, Versatility, and Affordability

Japanese guitar giant Ibanez has a powerful reputation for their high-quality guitars that push the boundaries of design and practicality. Ibanez are trusted by guitar greats like Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Tim Henson, and so many more. 

One of Ibanez’s most popular series of guitars over the last few decades is the AZ series. The range has established itself and carved out a place that spans everything from the warmest blues licks, to the most intense, shred-heavy metal riffs.

Enter 2021 and the AZ Essentials line-up. Ibanez has brought the tone, versatility and, playability of this celebrated range to a wider array of players.

Let’s take a look at the guitars in the AZ Essentials range…

The Build

The two models in the AZES line-up share the same fundamental build style, body and neck shape, and construction.

Maple Neck, Jatoba Fretboard, Poplar Body, and Medium Frets

The AZES range features a maple neck, a Jatoba fretboard which provides a rich mid range with a crisp high end, and incredibly accurate medium frets.

25″ Scale, and a 250mm Radius

The 25″ scale length ensures easy playing for people of all ages and sizes, while the easy playing 250mm fretboard radius is great for beginners and pro’s alike.

All Access Neck Joint

The All Access Neck Joint offers incredibly easy playing at the high frets.

The Models

AZES31

The AZES31 is the hardtail, SSS model. This comes in the form of the Ibanez F106 hardtail bridge which  is equipped with newly developed comfort round Steel saddles. Its construction provides wider range of height adjustment and ease of setting up.

The three Essentials Series Single Coil pickups provide well-balanced tone as well as versatility.

The Switching

The AZES31 includes the Dyna-MIX8 switching system with Alter Switch. This offers eight sound variations and can  switch between humbucker and single coil modes with just a flick of the mini switch. It even simulates a humbucking sound from the combination of two single coil pickups.

AZES40

The AZES40 is the tremolo-fitted, HSS model. This comes in the form of the Ibanez T106 tremolo bridge which provides a wider range of height adjustment and ease of setting up.

The two Essentials Series Single Coil pickups  are paired with an Accord Humbucker which adds a classic, well-balanced and versatile tone.

The Switching

The AZES40 includes the Dyna-MIX9 switching system with Alter Switch. This offers nine sound variations and can switch between humbucker and single coil modes with just a flick of the mini switch. It even simulates a humbucking sound from the combination of two single coil pickups.

Shop the AZES range now...

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