Ibanez AZ Prestige Full Demo / Review AZ2204F-TAB & AZ2402-ICM

A detailed look at the Ibanez AZ2204F-TAB and AZ2402-ICM
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Nick Granville proudly uses Ibanez Guitars and Elixir Strings.
about Nick Granville:
Guitarist, session musician, educator and composer Nick Granville has worked with artists as diverse as Dave Weckl, Tony Lindsay (Santana), Dave Mathews, Chris De Burgh, Ronan Keating, Delta Goodrem, Steve Smith, Mike Stern, Joey Defrancesco, Eric Marienthal, Kurt Elling and with the band on New Zealand's "Dancing with the Stars". Nick leads his own groups that play regularly including at the major jazz festivals in NZ and he is a founding member of the Wellington Jazz Orchestra. He has released five CD's as a band leader and has played on many records, film scores, TV programs and radio. He has taught and taken workshops at the New Zealand School of Music, Goodtime Music Academy, Musicworks stores, Christchurch Jazz school (CPIT), Otago University, Auckland University and at jazz festivals all around NZ. Nick has performed around the world and recorded in the best recording studios (including Capitol recording studio A in Los Angeles). He hold a masters degree with first class honours in jazz performance from the University of Auckland.

[@TheRealCowlick]

First video I'm seeing of this guy and already he's my favourite demo player. He's got it all: skill, knowledge and the ability to demo a guitar correctly. Awesome...

[@NickGranville]

Dr. Rick Titball thanks so much. Appreciate it

[@tarekmakky2804]

Literally the best demo I’ve ever seen of a guitar.

[@NickGranville]

Tarek Makky oh man, thanks so much. Really appreciate the kind words. Cheers

[@RLK94]

By far the best demo I’ve seen of this guitar. I think I just found my next guitar!!

[@NickGranville]

Richard Körner thanks man! Appreciate your kind words. Stay safe

[@ZacBarnesMusic]

One of the best demos on this guitar!!

[@NickGranville]

Cheers man. Thats very kind of you to say!

[@luislazaro1071]

best demo of this guitar period

[@NickGranville]

Thanks so much! Appreciate it.

[@kbtofalconi1030]

Best demo ever from that Guitars!!! Thank you Nick!

[@NickGranville]

Wow! That’s man, really appreciate it. 😊

[@joeb1009]

Pretty sure with the switch down all the positions and coils are as you expect... 1 humbucker, 2 humbucker NOT split with middle coil, 3 middle, 4 middle and neck, 5 neck... with the switch up... 1 full humbucker, 2 humbucker split and middle (like a normal sss position 2), 3 all coils but middle and neck wired in series (to give you a double hunbucker middle position sound), 4 is neck and humbucker split using the outside coil of the humbucker (giving you a tele sound like you said), and 5 is the neck and middle in series. So with the switch down you have a normal HSS with a 5 way, with the switch up you get what is essentially a HH with position 1 3 and 5 acting as your 3 way and position 2 and 4 are bonus positions. Hope this helps anyone interested!

[@NickGranville]

Sounds about right. Yep, it’s crazy versatile

[@ipasha1437]

Such an enjoyable review, Nick! Thank you! Ibanez guitars are dope as hell, especially the AZ series!

[@NickGranville]

Thanks so much! Cheers Nick

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

That second position (Tapped) is to die for..Like your perfect strat tone..

[@NickGranville]

Yeah man, it's a sweet tone. They nailed that sound.

[@iamarocketship]

Thanks for a video that demonstrates a range of sounds and styles, with unpretentious, practical observations about the instrument.

[@NickGranville]

I Am a Rocketship thanks man! Appreciate it. I try to keep the reviews as honest and true to how I play as possible.

[@BrettFairchild]

Great demo and great video production too man! Your playing was great too which usually is hard to find in demos these days I find. Definitely subscribing

[@NickGranville]

Brett Fairchild thanks so much. I appreciate the feedback

[@tommc49]

Thanks for posting a very thorough and informative demo. Well played.. I definitely am interested. Hope I can find one local to try.

[@NickGranville]

tommc49 thanks! Hope you find one too.

[@tommc49]

@@NickGranville After quite a bit of research, I think I have determined that the neck is too thin and too flat for me. I prefer big, chunky necks. It's a shame since I really like the versatility of the pickups.

[@NickGranville]

tommc49 the neck definitely isn’t thin, it’s not a typical shredder type neck. It’s comfy. Not big like a ‘59 Les Paul but has some size. Try it, I think you’ll like it

[@jamesreadman6559]

About to be getting the HH AZ2402, very stoked after seeing this. Great review!

[@NickGranville]

Thanks man. Enjoy the new guitar. :)

[@thelastcat8406]

hey , how is the guitar ??

[@jamesreadman6559]

@@thelastcat8406 it's amazing, I love it. Neck is a little thicker than what I usually go for but still super comfy. Definitely recommended if you want a strat alternative but still keeping a traditional vibe.

[@thelastcat8406]

@@jamesreadman6559 :(( i dont have a strat its too expensive in my country cause of the taxes, its too hard for me to get an expensive guitar , also this is gonna be my first so i m watchin every video askin people makin sure myself thnks for the answer :)

[@mikegeeguitarman8991]

most excellent demo ..well done and wow i like teh guitar too on all sounds!

[@NickGranville]

MIKE GEE GUITARMAN thanks man! Glad you like it. Cheers

[@HC_GUITAR]

Great demo and playing Nick, subscribed : )

[@NickGranville]

Hugh Caldwell thanks man

[@Axman66]

Thank you so much for this great Video. Very well made. Just the right balance between talking and playing++++ and no shreddering what is cool

[@NickGranville]

Axel Kipp thanks! Appreciate the feedback

[@christianboddum8783]

The "Telecaster"position is such a useable sound, I have it on almost all my Stratstyle guitars on position 3 (via superswitch) it's great for gritty rhythm but also for more even almost acoustic textures, it's an even sound in which you can still get the high harmonics because of the bridgepickup. Good review - Kudos.

[@NickGranville]

Absolutely. I could set my guitar to that position all night if I had my way! Ha. Thanks man

[@alexlush87]

Very good demo! In fact, great sound!

[@NickGranville]

Thanks so much Alex

[@everythingguitars]

Excellent video Nick stunning guitar!

[@NickGranville]

Everything Guitars thanks so much. Appreciate it

[@baritonerguitarrista]

Awesome! i loved this demo...

[@NickGranville]

Thanks man! Appreciated

[@ClintCurtis]

Nice demo - I tried the sunburst ish one, the neck was too big for me, which was surprising for Ibanez. I have a Charvel Pro Mod and the neck is just right. I love the sound options in those!

[@NickGranville]

Clint Curtis thanks, yes the neck is quite surprising. It’s bigger than many Ibanez guitars - which I really like that about this guitar.

[@jaymarasigan3302]

Sweet tone and chops. Wish I could afford one.

[@NickGranville]

Jay Marasigan thanks man! There is s cheaper line called the premium series which are 90% the same guitar. They’re good value for money. Or the prestige are very very good but cost more

[@samwilcockmusic]

Great review Nick

[@NickGranville]

samwilcockmusic thanks Sam!

[@potterman83]

Great guitar, a friend of mine got it and tried a earlier this week. The neck is an AMAZING chunky s-style neck roasted maple. Fretwork is awesome really top notch. The pickup combination have potential but not quite impressed with the tone of the pups. Good with drive but weak on the clean side IMO. Still I would buy it used and change the pups. The neck is just a delight to look at...

[@srmd22]

Nice little diminished descending run near the end there!

[@NickGranville]

Thanks! :)

[@anyeurisgtr6330]

Nice sound buddy

[@NickGranville]

Anyeuris Reyes thanks man! Appreciate it

[@pablo9364]

Really nice review

[@NickGranville]

pablo9364 thanks!

[@geyinparon3573]

Wonderful review.. 👍 thanks Nick.. 👍👍

[@NickGranville]

Thanks

[@willmcc5063]

To hell with the guitar I want That Shirt Nick

[@NickGranville]

Will McC 😂

[@AlexDD]

Well done, Nick!

[@NickGranville]

Thanks

[@MarkdeManbey]

Thanks - great demo.

[@NickGranville]

Cheers Mark!

[@marketguy2]

Really enjoyed your video. Really useful. Question. How is the Single Coil hum on this guitar?

[@NickGranville]

It’s really quiet which was a surprise. I can’t stand single coil hum but on this guitar it’s not a problem. Must be shielded well or something. Still, can’t play high gain on the neck pickup without some noise

[@followyourpassion8378]

In my country, it costs the same as an American Ultra. The AU tanks, if you want/need to sell it. I wonder about the Ibanez.

[@NickGranville]

I won’t be selling mine but thanks all the same. I’m sure you can pick one up secondhand online

[@Ramiroocampo]

Nice review! Why can't all reviewers demo the clean options of a guitar as detailed as here?

[@NickGranville]

NewSongs4TheWorld thanks! I always try to show as much of what a guitar can do as possible - especially the clean tones, as that’s what most guitarists use most of the time

[@robrudock3452]

@@NickGranville like hell! But I do love the clean tones on this. I just ordered mine.

[@jamiew4851]

That's really nice work! I am considering getting the AZ2204 or PRS custom. PRS is double price vs the Ibanez. What do you think/ recommend which one I should go for? Thanks!

[@NickGranville]

Jamie W PRS make great guitars but if it’s twice the price, id go for the Ibanez AZ. You get a lot for your money with all Ibanez guitars. As always I’d recommend you try a bunch of the the same guitar in person and go for the one that resonates with you. Every guitar is slightly different even if the same make and model.

[@kindnick58]

That thing sounds good

[@NickGranville]

Thanks! Agreed, it’s a beast

[@Arkery]

It's quickly becoming my favorite guitar, the neck on them are something special when mixed with how clear but bassy the pickups are!

[@NickGranville]

Arkery it’s damn cool aye. They nailed it on the neck.

[@nathanielg.m.888]

HSS nails the neck humbucker tone 3:15 10:20

[@NickGranville]

Thanks!

[@ronaldsiegel2192]

Nick, what amp, pedals, etc are you using? Thank you. I never thought those sounds could come out of an Ibanez!

[@NickGranville]

RONALD SIEGEL thanks! I used a fractal AX8 set to a fender twin amp model - a sound we all know. Recorded if direct as we were in a music shop. Cheers

[@niptodstan]

This seems to be a new version of the 92 only RT model.

[@NickGranville]

LarryUK I don’t know the 92 only RT model. I’ll have to look that one up. Do you mean 1992? If so, I wouldn’t have thought they’d have stainless steel frets back then, or this switching system or the baked neck etc. the body shape is kinda similar to many other Ibanez guitars so it’s really the details which seperate it

[@DirkRadloff]

Very tasteful playling; In my opinion the clean sounds of the 2204 have more depth compared to the 2402

[@NickGranville]

Dirk Radloff thanks Mann yeah, I’d agree. So much so I got a 2204 for myself as I love those clean tones...

[@liamtahaney713]

Are you Aussie or kiwi? I would say I agree the the bridge not being messed with the switch, but it would be cool if they could have done it with series/parallel so we could have a noiseless bridge twang. This is a great demo. Thank you.

[@NickGranville]

Liam Tahaney I’m a kiwi! Currently living in Wellington, NZ but about to go travelling and become a citizen of the world for a while. Cheers

[@rockers2rockers616]

Really nice playing Nick Granville. Both of these guitars sound great and are these available at Music Works?

[@NickGranville]

Rockers2Rockers hi. Yes, musicworks stocks these. I filmed this video in the Wellington store. Steve Davey the manager was on the camera. Ha. Glad you like the video. Cheers

[@rockers2rockers616]

Sweet. See you soon.

[@riasatmanzoor]

Very nice demo

[@NickGranville]

Riasat Manzoor thanks so much

[@smen407]

Amazing!!!

[@NickGranville]

Thanks

[@johnmiller9219]

if the humbucker model was 22 frets it would be mine.

[@NickGranville]

Yeah, I’m the same - I much prefer 22 fret guitars

[@onlyguitars]

Me too. Get the HSS. I just got the premium and I love it!

[@jorgemlcosta]

Somebody at Ibanez heard you and AZ2202A was just released at NAMM. Just beware it is pricier than the AZ2204 and AZ2402.

[@goldylicious2018]

How thick is Flame Maple Top? Is It Just Veneer or actual Thick Top Wood? Thank You

[@NickGranville]

I’m not sure tbh. I’d think give this is a prestige instrument it would be a proper not and not just a veneer. Not sure though, where would someone find this info?

[@davidwalker41]

I love the tones in this video. May I ask what amp you're playing with?

[@NickGranville]

Thanks man. No amp, I'm using a Fractal Ax8 recorded direct. The amp sim style is a fender twin type amp. Cheers

[@jaymarasigan3302]

What Laney speaker is that? Sounds awesome though

[@NickGranville]

Jay Marasigan thanks man. It’s an IRT-X. Tiny little speaker yet plenty loud enough for most things including gigs when needed. Cheers

[@jhonemilecuriantun8360]

Hi ! i mean .. not clearly decided about this one ... is it stronger than a fender strato.. !? lighter !? heavier.. !?

[@NickGranville]

Jhon Emile Curi Antun it’s probably about the same in terms of strength compared to a strat. One thing I and many others love about strats are they’re unbreakable (almost). This guitar is the same. Pretty much. It’s well balanced so not heavy, and not light either. Ideal weight for me. Do go try one in a shop and see what you think?

[@bernardzeigenbein4319]

I cant find this colour 2204 online at all!??

[@NickGranville]

Should be able to. The TAB part stands for Trans Aqua Blue. It’s a striking colour in that it looks blue in some light and green in others and most cameras struggle to capture the true colour as it looks to the eye.

[@bernardzeigenbein4319]

Cheers Nick, I had another look, there must be none in TAB in Australia!

[@peterthomas3589]

No pickguard is a nice feature..:)

[@NickGranville]

Petter Thomas I cant make up my mind if I like pickguards or not. I guess it depends on the guitar. A les Paul looks better without, but a strat style suits it. Maybe

[@alnon6304]

Hi. Bery good. How the Az40. ? Is good ad this one por favor ,??

[@NickGranville]

Sorry, I don't understand the question?

[@nathanglass512]

Seriously considering this but ive heard multiple setup issues straight outta the box so I dunno... For that much there should not be a need for any adjustments.

[@NickGranville]

I’d always recommend trying any guitar in person before purchasing. Especially if spending this sorta money. I’ve found every guitar I buy needs setting up - cause I like it a certain way and that’s not what appeals to most; hence how they are in the shops. So I just factor that into it

[@NickGranville]

I’d always recommend trying any guitar in person before purchasing. Especially if spending this sorta money. I’ve found every guitar I buy needs setting up - cause I like it a certain way and that’s not what appeals to most; hence how they are in the shops. So I just factor that into it

[@niptodstan]

What does the F stand for in this model? One is F and the other isn’t yet look the same.

[@NickGranville]

LarryUK the F stands for Flame I think.

[@YesuAiNimen]

Hey Nick! Great job! How is the tuning stability when the bar is used?

[@NickGranville]

vuduhwy thanks! Tuning stability is really good. It has locking tuners and a smooth tremolo. I find myself using the bar a lot on this guitar.

[@BOUZOUKISIGNIS]

Excellent sounds from both guitars. I don't like ibanez guitars.... Too modern but with these "strats" nailed it.

[@NickGranville]

BOUZOUKISIGNIS if you like the older school vibe check out the Talman prestige. It’s very Tele like and my favourite guitar.

[@intexeasysetpools]

What about coil tap on the ICM?

[@NickGranville]

Intex EasySet Pool Setup & Maintenance did I not show that? I’ve never been a big fan of coil tapped humbuckers but it is useful to have extra tones

[@intexeasysetpools]

@@NickGranville Yeah, me either really. I was just jonesing for it. Picked one of these bad boys up this week. Love it so far!

[@NickGranville]

Intex EasySet Pool Setup & Maintenance cool.

[@ForViewingOnly]

Hi Nick, great video. How does the neck compare to the Talman Prestige for shape and fatness/narrowness? I'll probably grab one of these too, but my frustration is that I've been following the AZ since its prototype stage last year but I still haven't managed to get my hands on one. I guess I'll have to wait for the hype to die down and for everybody's pre-orders to be fulfilled before I can find one in a guitar store. 2:37 Got a 'Band on the Run' by Paul McCartney vibe there! :-) Best regards.

[@NickGranville]

Hey. Nice spotting on the band on the run, thats it! The next is quite different from the Talman, the AZ is a little bigger and rounder. It's also an oil finish rather than the lacquer so it feels very different. I like it a lot. I think you'll like it if you get one, it's a nice compliment to the Talman. Cheers

[@ForViewingOnly]

Thanks Nick, I'll defo try one as soon as I can find one :-)

[@NickGranville]

Cool, yeah. I've heard there is delays at the moment unfortunately.

[@ForViewingOnly]

Still, I'm happy that Ibanez keep up their legendary high quality rather than rush production to meet demand.

[@NickGranville]

Me too! Cheers

[@johnmarch007]

Do you feel the extra $500 for the flame maple top is worth it?

[@NickGranville]

john march I like the flamed top so sure. Also the way they top wraps around the curve by the arm rest is amazing - I’ve not seen it done on other guitars and wouldn’t be easy to do that.

[@VaibhavMittalIndia]

I tried these AZ series and they are wonderful in line with Anderson’s/ Suhr. The flame top will alter the inherent tone of guitar, kinda better for fast pickers for thumpy response! I prefer them without top!

Nice demo. I do prefer Suhr custom for this price of that prestige one.

[@NickGranville]

GÜREL PEYNİRCİLİK each to their own I guess. But have you actually tried one of these in person? Or just seen demos etc? Also, surely a custom suhr would be a lot more expensive?

[@NickGranville]

GÜREL PEYNİRCİLİK suhr does make great instruments

Nick Granville I have both Suhr and Ibanez guitars. The suhr guitars are perceived as expensive. The guitars of the Ibanez brand are also increasing their prices every year but it's a bit hard to say that it's the same quality as custom production guitars and Suhr produces 80 guitars per month and Ibanez is much more. Ibanez has no customer relationship except USA customers too.

[@NickGranville]

GÜREL PEYNİRCİLİK what do you mean Ibanez has no customer relationship outside of the USA, I live in New Zealand and have found them excellent to deal with.

Nick Granville Hi. I would like to say that I have no hostility to this company firstly. It was the one of the nicest guitars company for me. The warranty covers only the US guitars. You can easily check it on their official Ibanez site. Does not this explain why they did not answer me? About customer services. I am very happy for you if you can communicate with them easily but you are not just a customer in my opinion you are the dealer. That's two different things. I bought one my guitar from an authorised dealer in Turkey. I had a serious problem with my guitar and I tried to reach the company with my own individual efforts. I sent many emails the addresses I found. I couldn't reach anyone. Thanks God this is not the case with the other guitar companies. I can communicate with them easily. Its not important. The company has already stated on its site that it does not offer a guarantee for non-US countries. I had to know when I bought it. Thanks for your understanding.

[@robvandevelde5141]

Hello Nick, can you have that telecaster sound with the two humber model?

[@robvandevelde5141]

=humbucker

[@NickGranville]

Rob van de Velde hi. I think it does do a version of that sound but it’s not as good. 2 humbuckers don’t really get that sound, where as this has a single coil in the neck so gets it happening really well

[@robvandevelde5141]

Nick Granville thank you ,i ask that because i was visite the ibanez site and you can switch the humbucker to singlecoile .but i was wondering how the sound is.

[@NickGranville]

Rob van de Velde yep, the pickups can be switched into a single coil mode but it’s not the same. It’s still usable but the real single coil is obviously better at that sound

[@robvandevelde5141]

Nick Granville thank you Nick

[@overkill2006]

does it have a compound radius?

[@NickGranville]

I don’t think it does. Spec on the website says 305mm, whatever that means?

[@jonathanjariani6029]

No its a 12" radius

[@bladerunner12]

I wish there were some other pickguard options available. That blue flame HSS is calling to me but the pearl pickguard is a bit too ostentatious

[@NickGranville]

bladerunner12 you could always get one made for you? That way you’d have the only pick guard of its type and a unique looking instrument! Would be bad ass!

[@danijandolleteguitars9484]

Time to start saving hahaha

[@NickGranville]

Ha, yep. It's totally worth it though

[@danijandolleteguitars9484]

@@NickGranville it costs a hundred thousand of pesos 😁

[@Kasparow]

Oi brother stainless steel frits

[@NickGranville]

chris Rr yep, kiwi accent.

[@jhonemilecuriantun8360]

no emntiendo .. no se que me atrae d este modelo de ibanez ... !? por ahi es por esa forma en el anverso a la altura del cuello... o por ahi vi muchos videos y comentarios sobre las az... hay muchos modelos premium de ibanez con mejores prestaciones que esta guitarra.. tambien hay gente que le cambio los mics . por notarlos con pocA GANANCIA... pero la ganancia extra se la podemos dar con un buen pedal overdrive o un booster.. la verda ... no se si comprarla... me siento muy marketinizado por este modelo ... escucho opiniones.. Gracias

[@NickGranville]

Jhon Emile Curi Antun sorry, can you give me this message in english? Trying to copy it into google translate with no luck. Cheers

[@denisshannon3626]

Ever hear of a whammy bar? It’s that little metal bar in the case Try using it sometime!!! 😂

[@NickGranville]

Denis Shannon nah, I’ve never been into them myself. I’d rather have better tuning stability and if I do put the whammy bar on I’ll overuse it - aw most people do

[@Sadowsky46]

Nick Granville do you need to fix the trem block to avoid de-tuning at multi-string bends?

[@lk8192]

Its basically a Tom Anderson rip off, im surprised he hasn't sued!

[@NickGranville]

Kinda. IMO it’s like a suhr, Anderson, and 80’s/90’s Ibanez had an offspring. It’s the best parts of them all. I’m curious to see what they come out with next in this line.

[@lk8192]

@@NickGranville Its also ideal if you don't wanna risk damaging a TA/Suhr when gigging.

[@NickGranville]

L K yeah, guitars should be used. Not babied. I’ve never worried about scratches or chips etc

[@kjatexas3679]

Everybody is making a "Stratocaster", now days. So.........why not just buy the original, a Fender Stratocaster. If you want a Tele sound, buy a Tele also.

[@NickGranville]

kjatexas things can be made better. In this case and in the case of suhr etc those models have been built upon, so why not! They’re essentially hot rodded strat’s and tele’s.

[@midnightwind8067]

You had mr until you plugged it into a Fractal. I have no Idea what this guitar sounds like after passing through a piece of modeling gear like that. It si simply not the way to do this. people would never be able to tell how much modeling was warping the tone. Sorry man.. total fail. i know. the fan boys will slurp it up. But I have outgrown gear worship and only want the clear facts. next time, leave the "obfuscation machine" out of it and just go straight into a common amp like a hot rod deluxe or something more people might be likely to have. Otherwise , its a waste.

[@NickGranville]

James Herrell ok, I guess you don’t dig it then. The amp model on the Fractal was a fender twin I think, with just a touch of reverb. We all know what those sound like. How is this different from using a hot rod Deville, which we also know what one sounds like (similar to a twin!). The Fractal AX8 is my rig these days. I also have two Victoria amps - a deluxe and a Bassman and I choose the Fractal cause it gets the job done. I’ve compared it to those amps and it’s so close and yet way more versatile. But if you still think this is a fail then move onto the next demo, and thanks for taking the time to listen as much as you did.