[Explanation of classic guitars] Ibanez Prestige AZ series [History, features, reviews]

Ibanez is a brand that cannot be left out when talking about the evolution of guitars.

This high-end line is popular worldwide as a model that combines outstanding playability and sound quality while meeting the demands of professional guitarists.

Ibanez Prestige AZ Series

"I want a guitar that is modern but also has a vintage feel to it."
"I want to cover a wide range of genres with one film."

The Ibanez Prestige AZ was born to meet these needs.
In this article, we will take a closer look at its history, features, and reviews.

Ibanez Prestige AZ Series | History and Background

The origins of the Ibanez brand

Ibanez is a guitar brand developed by the Japanese musical instrument manufacturer Hoshino Gakki.

The company's history began in 1908 when the musical instrument department of Hoshino Bookstore was founded, and in 1929 it began importing and selling guitars made by Salvador Ibáñez, a long-established Spanish guitar manufacturer.

The brand name "Ibanez" comes from this Spanish-made guitar, and after the war, the company began full-scale production of original guitars, and has grown into a world-renowned brand in a variety of genres, including rock and jazz.

The Birth of the Prestige Series

The Prestige series is a high-end model line launched by Ibanez in the late 1990s, with the concept of "precision, high performance, and excellent playability."

These high-quality guitars are primarily manufactured in Japan and are produced under strict quality control, combining traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology.

Until then, the only mass-produced Ibanez models wereRG SeriesThese were well-known models, but the Prestige series is more high-end than those, and features specifications and a finish that can withstand professional use.

Introducing the AZ Series: A guitar packed with everything from A to Z

The AZ series is a relatively new line that first appeared in 2018, and is a series that incorporates all of the technology that Ibanez has cultivated over the years - literally "from A to Z."

From the start of development, it was designed with the goal of being "suitable for any performance situation" for guitarists with a wide range of backgrounds, including rock, metal, and fusion, and was released in 2018.

While the conventional RG and S series were superstrat-like models that were specialized for fast playing and heavy genres, the AZ series aims to be a "new generation standard" that incorporates the latest ideas while still having a more classic style as its foundation.

In fact, famous fusion guitarists such as Tom Quayle and Martin Miller were involved in the development of the AZ series, and their signature models (TQM1 and MM1) were released in the AZ series. With this background, the AZ series has been highly praised by many professional guitarists since its release, who call it a "great guitar."

Ibanez Prestige AZ Series | Specifications and Features

S-TECH WOOD neck | Durability and playability

The Prestige AZ series is made with a special heat treatment.S-TECH WOOD (Roasted Maple)The neck is resistant to humidity and temperature changes, and maintains a stable neck condition.

The neck shape is an Oval C shape that fits your hand well, and has a natural grip that is different from the extremely thin Wizard neck. It is designed for both fast playing and chord playing.

Stainless steel frets and Gotoh hardware

Hyperion pickup & dyna-MIX system

Many of the AZ series models includeSeymour Duncan Hyperion pickupsIt is equipped with a medium output Alnico V magnet.Well-balanced from clean to high gain.

Furthermore, dyna-MIX switching systemYou can switch between up to nine different pickup wirings. It's great that you can cover everything from the bright tone of a single coil to a thick humbucker sound with just one guitar.

Ibanez Prestige AZ Series | Lineup

AZ2402 | Flagship model for all genres

The AZ2402 is the standard flagship model of the Ibanez Prestige AZ series.

Designed to be similar to modern guitars like the Suhr Modern, it can be used by a wide range of players, from technical players to blues and rock players. The HH-configured Hyperion pickups are characterized by a clear sound that is not muffled even at high gain.

This is a versatile guitar that can be used for not only rock and metal, but also fusion and jazz.

Guitarist used

Tom Quayle
Martin Miller
Max Ostro

AZ2204 | Vintage-like model with SSH configuration

The AZ2204 is a hybrid between a vintage Strat and a modern guitar.

Thanks to its SSH configuration, it has a wide range of expressiveness from clean to crunch, and is particularly recommended for players of blues, pop, country, and jazz.

There are also designs with pickguards, which will suit guitarists who prefer a more Stratocaster-like look.

Guitarist used

Tomo Fujita
Lee Ritenour
Andy Timmons*Signature model based on this one

AZS2200 | Single cutaway Telecaster-style AZ model

The AZS2200 is a unique Telecaster-like single cutaway design among the AZ series.

The bridge pickup is an Alnico II Pro Custom, which produces a sweet, warm tone.

It's perfect for Telecaster-style cutting and clean country playing, but also has modern playability."Vintage x Modern" Hybrid Guitar.

Guitarist used

Tom Quayle

AZS2209H | AZS model with humbucker mounted on rear

The AZS2209H is a model equipped with a humbucker in the rear of the Telecaster-like AZS series. Because it is a humbucker in the rear, you can get a thicker sound that is more rock-like. It is recommended for those who like the look of a Telecaster but want a more modern sound.

Guitarist used

Isaiah Sharkey
Mateus Asato

AZ24047 | High-spec 7-string model

The AZ24047 is a 7-string AZ model. It is designed to accommodate heavy drop tunings and is especially suitable for Djent and progressive metal players.

Its characteristic is that it maintains a clear separation even with a 7-string guitar while also ensuring thickness of the bass. This is a rare guitar that can achieve a fractal, high-resolution tone for 7-string guitars, which tend to have a blurred bass range.

Guitarist used

Tosin Abasi
Jake Bowen

Ibanez Prestige AZ Series | Reviews and Reputation

Good reputation

Bad reputation

Summary | Ibanez Prestige AZ is recommended for these people!

The Prestige AZ series is one of Ibanez's finest guitars, incorporating the best of their technology. It combines flexibility, playability, and durability to suit all genres.Recommended as a guitar for life.

If you're looking for a guitar that can handle any type of playing, be sure to check out the Ibanez Prestige AZ!