Ibanez AZES - Is it as GOOD as they're saying?

For my Presets visit: johnnathancordy.gumroad.com/ So my relationship with the Ibanez AZ has been a little rocky. I LOVE the aesthetic choices, but I've not found one that I really bonded with. Of course the Ibanez AZES (AZ Essentials) - the most basic model - is getting some rave reviews, so I wanted to check it out and see if the fuss was warranted.
redir.love/thoprod/524926?par... - here's a Thomann affiliate link in case you were thinking of grabbing one and wanted me to get a small kickback!
This Preset is "JCZenLead" for Pod Go or HX Stomp.
/ johnnathancordy get my backing tracks here
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnath... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!
I've decided to make it possible to grab both my Helix/HX Stomp bundles (the expression bundle with freeze presets has always been separate) together for £5 - www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr... - I will then email you a link to both bundles!
You can get my EXPRESSION patches in this bundle using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
Try my GENERAL Patches for Helix or HX Stomp in this bundle for £3 using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
Try my patches for Pod GO for £3 using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
/ johnnathancordy get my backing tracks here
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnath... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!

[@johnnathancordy]

00:00 Intro 2:35 Unboxing 4:04 Unsheathing and first impressions 5:51 close up 6:14 Cleans and stuff 11:32 Some more playing 14:04 My very first notes on it 16:00 More closeups

[@Hiro.the.God.]

You play amazing mate!

[@AlexandruCojocaru27]

Always a pleasure to watch gifted players reviewing instruments.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Lucasadamrau]

Dude I could listen to you noodle all day. Your melodic choices are right up there with Plini. Cheers man, love your stuff

[@emirjanranara3477]

beautiful playing mate, you make that budget guitar sound like a high-end instrument.

[@Hiro.the.God.]

There’s nothing beginner about this puppy. I love this guitar. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it, and I will mod it eventually with locking tuners and a Wilkinson trem. It sounds great as is.

[@JackWGuitarLessons]

you make it sound so good on the cleans! Unreal!

[@junito1957]

you got my sub because your playing style is what i like to listen and try to play

[@louisanthony266]

You’re so talented! Love your guitar playing. To be honest, this review helped me make the decision to buy my azes. I honestly love it. It offers a lot for the price, and it’s pretty comfortable.

[@johnnathancordy]

I think they're lovely little guitars!

[@ansmfella]

Great stuff! Came for the cheap Guitar review, stayed for the top quality playing! Man, Love, love, LOVE you're unique style and phrasing in this.. I also very much covet your fluid playing with timing and tempo or "Accelerando"? Few players ramp up like that so gradually across subdivisions of beats. Tops

[@leeroysdad]

great playing! it sounds more modern and tbh the kind I like.. I ordered mine already.

[@Joe_Hunter]

Thanks for checking this out - I'm very intrigued by these as my go-to guitar has become a '97 Ibanez BL850 Blazer reissue. These AZ models are very similar in spec to the old reissue blazers, which are hard to find anymore. It is beyond a doubt, one of the most versatile and comfortable guitars I've owned - even out of the much higher end instruments I have/have had.

[@johnnathancordy]

My first electric was a roadstar!

[@Joe_Hunter]

@@johnnathancordy Maybe a cool video to make - finding an old roadstar!

[@Art-zs6sl]

It has clear tone and sounds great for leads to my ears.

[@keithb5612]

Great inclusion of the dip switch tonal options for series /parallel tones. I'm never too keen on x2 string trees on any guitar however.

[@gauravlama2079]

Wanted to see this from you with azes40 buddy 😊😊 it was great asking you about it. Sounds fantastic

[@jamesdagostino9285]

You're becoming one of my favorite players. Absolutely beautiful.

[@andrewrwhitfield]

Sounds great! But given how well you play, not sure how much credit to give the guitar lol.

[@user-pt1ye7vd7m]

Just ignore the playing and listen to the tone alone. lol Simple.

[@andrewrwhitfield]

@@user-pt1ye7vd7m I was complimenting him on his playing 😉👍🏻

[@zamoseba]

@@andrewrwhitfield i understand you bro, this guys play like a god! Jaja

[@maJastoL]

​@@user-pt1ye7vd7m never heard the phrase tone is in the fingers?

[@anthonygonzalez8684]

Have not seen your videos for some time. Forgot how good you are. I love that guitar. Bucket list. No hurry.

[@alexwalker5645]

Mesmerizing opening track and playing!!

[@m.rupakganguly1]

Hey man, I have been following you from quite some times, not just for your guitar reviews, also because you are a great guitar player and you have a nice taste of music. Love you man. Here I want to request you to review EART GW2 HEADLESS GUITAR. This is also a budget friendly guitar model. Thanks.

[@moosey62]

WHOAHH! Mate, that was amazing.

[@tarheeltone]

I think these pickups sound amazing!

[@bradylynne]

bro you sold me just from that playing at the beginning! I got emotional haha

[@smop]

Sounds good to the point where I can’t imagine most people actually needing a “better” guitar. I’ve had expensive guitars that ended up needing a lot of work, but my cheap 90’s Ibanez RX (not GRX or Gio) has played flawlessly since I got it. Glad to see Ibanez making some less-ugly instruments, too!

[@ahjess768]

It's too bad I wish it had a contemporary color with black hardware and pickups more similar to Tim Henson's signature guitar or the Q54.

[@fordhammie]

SAMICK is probably why this rig is so good! SAMICK..Expertise in guitar making 100% :)

[@s0818629]

hey bro i have a 90's ibanez RX.. but its a single cut and i can't find it online anywhere.. This is a long shot but anychance yours is too? Or have you seen one before?

[@smop]

@@s0818629 Sorry, that is not like any RX I’ve seen or read about. I used to get the yearly Ibanez catalogs, where they would show all of the guitars, and I’m certain they never showed an RX like that. My best guess is that someone took an RX neck and put it on another body; I did that once with a Talman neck, and it worked well. Otherwise, perhaps a prototype or possibly it was sold in a other country. I’m curious, any way!

[@s0818629]

@@smop Yeah.. thats what I thought, it must be a Frankenstein of some sort.. bought it used in 2003 (my first guitar). Still plays decent, changed up the electronics a bunch over time tho. Cheers for the reply!

[@aelmorky]

This vid made me decided to get this AZES. I'm just waiting for the Pastel Pink to arrive :) Cheers mate and Happy New Year!

[@bluwng]

How big are the frets and if they are medium is it a larger or smaller medium? Thanks

[@aelmorky]

@@bluwng for me its more like Smaller Medium. That's why I decided to have it changed to medium jumbo in stainless steel.

[@joshuawong_]

omggg it sounds so good !! could you give us a tutorial on how you create your backing tracks ?

[@rottenpotato4399]

I love your playing man

[@mehmetnaciakkk3983]

I just bought one after being in and out of the shop for almost acweek. It is definitely a very good guitar. Tones comparable to much more expensive guitars. And very playable. Low actiion without any buzz. For me, the next thing to do is to actually be able to play it. Your playing is amazing. I hope to be able to play 1/10th as good as you do some day 😔 Thank you for the review and especially for the music!

[@dan_santana]

Great video as always, and, the guitar sounded very good! I'd like to see you playing a brazilian guitar brand named Tagima, have you ever heard of it?

[@scoobybenguitars]

Gorgeous tone!

[@allanb1402]

I'm quite certain you could make any guitar sound great sir.

[@Mdougherty8054]

man, you make that guitar sing. well done.

[@CamposCaster]

Hello, it's the first video where I really realize how good it sounds for the price it has,,,I know something about guitars and I'm always looking for not very expensive models, which can be improved,,,,this one killed me and it's also good that whoever shows it, plays seriously, since one sees that an instrument like this can get a good sound (yes, need time and calibration) Thank you,,,probably buy one and of that color,,,Greetings

[@ed4564]

Proof positive that 99%+ of tone and ear-pleasing music comes from the player, not the gear. So nice. Checking out you patreon page...

[@omaralvarado22]

You sound incredibly well. Super melodic and talented! Is ther any chance to have you backing tracks? They are so inspiring to me and calms my soul deeply. Greetings from Colombia, South America.

[@jerryjohnson575]

bought one for myy2nd guitar surprised how good it sounds', so fun to play,,,,, for the price its a steal....

[@jonathanrodriguez5584]

Man I’m gonna order one they are great value thanks for the video! Hey John do you mind sharing your neck setup, neck relief and string action!!??? Please thanks!

[@rodrigobinderpimentel]

plays very beautiful Congrats!

[@jakollee]

Wow, I'm pretty impressed, this seemed to inspire some fine playing from you! I've had a moratorium on buying guitars (and any other pricey gear) for a while, but must admit I'm tempted by this; the HSS models seem to go for $349 US. What does the little toggle switch do?

[@johnnathancordy]

The little toggle switch gives some kind of split combinations and stuff, not any sounds that I think will blow your hair back though, I find the settings with it off more useful!

[@neiljoshua11]

What do you say about the Tuning when using the tremolo arm?? I respect your judgment

[@MadSonStudios]

damn bro your playing is incredible and the tone is amazing. do you have the preset for pod hd pro rackmount that's what i have but i have been thinking about getting the axe fx.do you think i should?

[@GelsonBcJunior]

I'm a bit torn between the G&L Tribute Legacy, this Ibanez AZES, the Gretsch G5230T and also the Yamaha Pacifica, which is the cheapest of these 4. My question is between the quality and comfort of the instrument, because it's not my first guitar and I know they all sound good. Unfortunately I don't have the opportunity to test them. I would like to know the opinion of those who have tried this guitars. Thanks!!

[@joelortizv2494]

i have the same guitar, but i just want that fuzzy tone, how can i get that? you can tell me the amp and overdrive simulation? that tone is impresive, eric johnson or like allan holdsworth kind of

[@wesleydevries7415]

Hey John, I've got a question. I'm a beginner player who wants to play pop, 80s (pop, rock [dire straits, etc], and disco). Shall I buy this one, the Azes 31 or the Harley Benton Fusion III? Thanks!

[@medabroud9855]

Wow! Awsome licks I like your style ❤️❤️✌️

[@tikendying]

Is this the 'Purist Blue' or the 'Mint Green'?

[@modscientist9793]

Just got one, what a great little guitar..once you tweak the horrid nut. At least on mine, it looked as if a monkey had cut it with a chainsaw..the guitar would not stay in tune to save my life. All is well now, but I ordered a Tusqxl nut anyway. Cheers! Great video, playing, and tone, as always.

[@adorethered]

When you switched to position 4 at around 6:40 and played that little lead lick, I immediately got stank face!

[@melexdy]

I'm thinking about getting the SSS version. Not because of the trem instability reports but rather for the pickup configuration. I think the pups sound great, great playing mate. Really enjoyed this video!

[@jakollee]

Just noticed that The Ring has migrated to the other hand!

[@ansmfella]

Real quick tho, amazing playing, sound and review aside (I'm sold already btw and have an AZES40BK on the way!!!)... thoughts on the pickguard not quite reaching through the entirety of the bottom horn? tbh when I first seen it, it's stood out and I wasn't sure how I thought about it's looks, now it's grown on me and an eye catcher for sure. Thoughts?

[@alnon6304]

Muy bien. Que amp utilizado y cuánto Reverb?? O delay? Gracias.

[@crisepuyao7722]

Man, this guitar sounds really beautiful. Is it lightweight?

[@emmanuel3072]

What effect pedal do you use?

[@nunolance23]

Try one of the Harley Benton Fusion III models! I got a shell pink one recently and have been really enjoying it

[@athathoth01]

You are magical on a guitar.

[@Calbertone]

If the fretwork is good that is absolutely phenomenal value

[@jordanedwards6736]

Best budget guitar I’ve played is my Squier affinity Tele it’s almost all original and hasn’t ever let me down

[@kennytseguitar8574]

Worth it

[@byZander]

bro, please put out an album. This is fantastic

[@lauriemacquanan2141]

It's a year later Jan 2023, I saw a video where a guy got a small piece of a foam earplug an put it in the trem hole to keep it in place if it comes loose.

[@tubo777]

Great playing, I think you (as I) have Bret Garsed in your influences :)

[@ronhoffman7941]

To me for the price of guitars this is Really Great and your playing is Fantastic thank you

[@anthonybrock9435]

Greetings from Glasgow, John. Just got my Ibanez azes hardtail (ivory) via post. One, your playing at the top is exemplary, just lovely. May I ask how you're getting the tone you are at that volume level ? I was mesmerized. I'm a new subscriber and a player of 55 yrs. Thank you ! 🍀 🎸🍀 (Would love to set and listen to you and Eric Johnson jam !)

[@johnnathancordy]

Hey! I think I'm using the HX Stomp here!

[@dragtr0n]

It might sound weird but how do you compare it with the bullet strat SSS? I dont care about the more sounds switch.

[@johnnathancordy]

Yeh the more sounds switch is kinda...not something I'd use. I've not actually played a recent bullet strat. I'd put this quality wise up there with a classic vibe?

[@fordhammie]

This is definitely not a cheap guitar; it's affordable by a brand who knows how to make freakin guitars (SAMICK)! Make a couple of upgrades and it'll be stellar!

[@andre.-5926]

amp settings bro?

[@frank.grimes]

Okay, the guitar seems nice, but your playing is the real star here.

[@neal_laugman]

With that Celeste sound in the background, I feel like I'm watching a rerun of Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood.

[@SystematicChaosAD]

Nice playing.

[@dpedrosoliano]

is this purist blue?

[@tomasmarques1851]

Hi John, how does the AZES compare with your white Sire S7 HSS Strat? I know the Sire is more expensive but not much more expensive (about 200 EUR more). Are the two in the same league in your opinion, or is the Sire much more of a deal given its high standard and (still) affordability?

[@coaststrings]

I'd be curious about this comparison as well. If you add-in the costs for upgrading to locking tuners and perhaps modifying the trem to system to float, you'd be close to the cost of a Sire S7 HSS. Assuming there is enough room, you could then also upgrade the S7 switch with a $50 Free-Way 10-way switch to get the same extra pickup configs of the AZ series. The Ibanez AZES series is made by CORT in Indonesia and the Sire is supposedly made by a different factory in that country. So there could be differences in build and quality control.

[@keithb5612]

@@coaststrings I did the very same to my S7 by adding the Freeway Switch for x10 tones. Am EQ pedal also adds even greater tonal versatility. I swapped the pickups too. Very nice guitar.

[@coaststrings]

@@keithb5612 Nice to hear that someone has been able to do it.

[@getattrs]

Also don't forget roasted neck, cheap guitar necks usually sprout because they didn't dry out, roasted shouldn't have this issue. Sire seems like a level up from this guitar on paper but can't say without trying both. Will be ordering S7 vintage for black friday

[@tomasmarques1851]

@@getattrs I got the Sire S7 Vintage in 3TSB a few weeks ago and I love it!!

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

great guitars....😎👍🎸

[@user-pt1ye7vd7m]

Not exactly the tone I look for in singlecoils, probably due to the magnet type, but still usable for sure.

[@johnnathancordy]

quite hot for single coils!

[@picksalot1]

Solid body electric guitars are simple, so exorbitant prices for them are unjustified in my opinion. Looks like Ibanez did a good job on the guitar. The tone could perhaps be dialed in, as I thought it was a little thin and harsh. As you know, pickup height makes a huge difference for getting a good tone from the instrument. Two budget brand guitars that I've seen many videos that have caught my attention are the Firefly, and Wolf (AIO) guitars. Both have strikingly beautiful models at low prices. Have you ever tried a headless guitar? Lower weights are "back" friendly. Glad to see your ring has found it's way home. 😎

[@Ottophil]

Don’t buy that chinese junk. Expensive guitars are worth it. I only play american instruments

[@bluwng]

I wonder if he still likes it?

[@biswaroopshyam8840]

Is this guitar's body a bit smaller in size in general ? Than other guitars

[@johnnathancordy]

Yeh I'd say a smidge smaller yep

[@JeeWeeDonkers]

Great how you worked your way out of that awkward high E... And I love the hang tag thing, and maybe it's time to take off the plastic. 😂 Great playing though, I love your Holdsworthian chord voicings. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@johnnathancordy]

Lol I didnt work my way out I just fluffed it, made a face and walked off lol.

[@JeeWeeDonkers]

@@johnnathancordy that's the way to do it!

[@briane.paulson]

Just bought one in blue.

[@thekramer1097]

The only thing that ever stoped me form buying one of this was the scale length.

[@Bazs0811]

Specwise this is the same as basic GIO model apart from wiring and neck scale, but for double price. Does it worth the extra money? I picked it up in the local store and felt like the GIO...nevertheless nice playing and sound as always!

[@johnnathancordy]

I've not tried this in Gio form specifically, but my experience with Gio in the past has not been great to be honest

[@Bazs0811]

@@johnnathancordy GIO is not great even as entry level guitar I can confirm as well, this is why I am a bit surprised how a totally similar guitar is actually evaluated as an outstanding great entry/advanced level instrument by most of the youtubers. However, regardless just keep playing on whatever inspiring spec is secondary !

[@kennethm.3296]

My AZ Essentials came with a neck back bow which couldn't be relieved with the truss rod, plus tooling marks, and paint chip. I sent it back. It's basically a GIO, sub Squire Classic Vibe series, Bullet range maybe.

[@johnnathancordy]

@@kennethm.3296 I explicitly say in the video that I've bought the guitar. Sorry to hear yours was a bad example - this one I've got was pretty perfect - only issue is tuning stability with the trem?

[@kennethm.3296]

@@johnnathancordy tuning was ok, seems standard for lower end guitars, maybe somewhat better. I would have replaced them. I didn't mind the pickups. Thought they were good enough.

[@fpszoa]

would it be possible to change the trem to make it better? beginner here but am eyeing this model

[@johnnathancordy]

A guitar tech could probably get these playing lovely, don't think the trem would need replacing at all, just some attention at the nut? (You may even just get a guitar that has a more stable trem than mine)

[@fpszoa]

@@johnnathancordy how about the tuning stability? from what I heard it's not the best

[@MarkFromTaiwan]

sound good like to see you use whammy bar

[@MarkFromTaiwan]

sound good like to see you use whammy bar wildly please

[@johnbrasher5156]

Would love the chord diagrams from your demos...

[@CMHobbies]

His Patreon has stuff like that.

[@thegaindane]

I really fancy one of these guitars. They're really well designed guitars for the money 👍

[@tiago5a]

how does it compares with Ibanez GRX40?

[@johnnathancordy]

I've never had one! I've tried a Gio or two and haven't felt they were quite as good quality as the AZES

[@101shred]

Nice legato!!!

[@hirocaster]

is this one mint green or purist blue??

[@johnnathancordy]

Hey Kubo - this was the Purist Blue (I think?)

[@hirocaster]

@@johnnathancordy thanks man, you think it's good to play stuff like "always with me, always with you"?

[@coaststrings]

Great video! Looking forward to more of your impressions on the AZES40 and any recommendations you might have for refining it. Two folks had reported that the trem on this model doesn't float and so can only drop the pitch. I assume this is true and you don't find it to be a limitation?

[@johnnathancordy]

This is true, but I'm not sure I'd be expecting much trem action on this type of guitar anyway? But yeh there's no recess beneath the trem

[@prof_jesus]

around 10:25 is when I hear that rare eric johnson tone... at least almost alike

[@fullrank6408]

Same here haha sound like ej

[@brettphillips2309]

I just got this guitar the other day and it sounds great but it has problems. Tremolo system is useless. You have to press real hard for it to dive and then it’s completely out of tune. And the nut was horrible. I know it’s plastic but it was horribly done.

[@rockingstar3534]

Your clean tone had me bro! What is your tone setting?? Can share?

[@israelvicentemonteiro1986]

Music intro?????

[@enricotoso]

Ciao, complimenti,bella chitarra,ma tu sei un grande chitarrista,suoni bene anche un pezzo di legno.

[@redcomn]

Hi John I just got a AZES31 today. Funny thing is it uses 500k vol pot despite being all single coil. Like AZES40 it have hsh routing cavity.

[@ABCDEFGHIJKELA...]

It's only as good as you feel when you play it.

[@fordhammie]

This AZ smells like it came from an extremely knowledgeable manufacturer (SAMICK). Is SAMICK still making IBANEZ guitars? I have a gorgeous Burnt Orange Samick Valley Arts with that AZ's exact headstock shape and would imagine that since SAMICK is arguably the #1 guitar maker for many many brands like, Fender, Ibanez; backed by Gibson, can do whatever they want. if I recall correctly.

[@elbib2446]

cort/cortek makes more guitars than samick

[@fordhammie]

@@elbib2446 ahhh true 😁

[@droidfan]

Harley Benton Fusion II and III: Roasted Maple, Locking Tuners, Wilkinson Tremolo, Stainless Steel Frets. All that for around 300 EUR Those are my fav budget guitars. You get a whole lot for such a small price.

[@keithb5612]

Are the Fusion series staying in tune with the stock Trem system?

[@droidfan]

@@keithb5612 I can only vouch for the ones and I've used, and yes! No tuning issues. They are still Wilkinson systems. I always go back to the price issue. I have a Luthier friend. He has over 30 years of experience and he told me he would not do stainless steel frets for less than $300 USD. That helped me put those Fusion into perspective lol I pray that if you get one, you have the same great experience I had.

[@keithb5612]

@@droidfan Thanks for the reply and info. I would consider the Fusion if it has a 9.5" fretboard radius. The rolled neck and radius etc on my Sire S7 is very comfortable and nice to play. We are spoiled for choice these days.

[@droidfan]

@@keithb5612 haha no luck on the Freboard radius (around 300mm/12,000") - but they are super comfortable - no, I don't work for Thomann LOL it's just that they took me by surprise :)

[@johnong2655]

It's no longer that cheap anymore

[@squirelova1815]

It's about Time Ibanez since not everyone wants the wafer thin Wizard neck profile with a 16" Radius and locking tremolo situation and then have to pay $$$$ for it too.