Ibanez AZES31: The BEST Budget Guitar I've Played

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[@beneunson]

Thanks again, Tomo! I really appreciate it!

[@andreasjonsson5823]

Wow what a production Ben. This is just amazing. Amazing you can get these sounds out of a cheap guitar

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much, Andreas!

[@stevesmith5434]

What a lovely tone! Glad I found this review just for that alone. Great review of the instrument without a ton of added commentary.

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for watching! I really appreciate it

[@abowla7187]

Your playing is amazing!

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for listening!

[@floatinganarchychannel3204]

like the way you review! nice retro music :]

[@beneunson]

Thanks for watching!

[@snegs11]

Only just found your channel. Your playing is magnificent and I especially love the educational videos you’re putting out. Finger stretching goodness 🤟. Greetings from Adelaide Oz 👋

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much Greg, I really appreciate it! 😀

[@togkei]

Thanks for the great review of the Ibanez Azes31.

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for watching, it's a great guitar!

[@jackcarrolton12]

Let's take a minute to appreciate the smoke coming off the guitar before he's even played it!!! 😄

[@beneunson]

😆😆😆

[@Gregorypeckory]

That was really all we needed; Obviously it's a magical guitar! ❤️😁

[@NickGranville]

Hey Ben! Sounds great. Killer price too.

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for checking it out, Nick!

[@bob32069]

Randomly played one of these in my local GC when I went in to look at a 1K Charvel. The Charvel was crap but the Ibanez blew me away. Feels amazing, plays amazing, looks amazing. Couldn't believe the price. Didn't buy it because I don't really need another axe, but came really close because it was so good. Price is amazing too. Definitely no case or gig bag included though.

[@beneunson]

Thanks for sharing!

[@giosuemazzei6019]

Just got one and it absolutely rocks

[@beneunson]

Fantastic! It's a great guitar!

[@ClassicAutoPrince]

That's Eric Johnson sound at the beginning. Amazing guitar and is on my list

[@DrKennyWang]

Ben could make a spatula sound rad

[@beneunson]

Haha thanks Ken!

[@tonyhills2112]

Great demo, & fantastic playing!

[@beneunson]

thanks Tony!

[@bazza852]

Great stuff m8. Beautiful playing

[@beneunson]

thanks!

[@joesloan2207]

Ben you frikin legend mate!!! Heaps of Licks for days!!

[@beneunson]

thanks Joe!

[@Brad143]

Wow nice sound 🤟

[@beneunson]

thanks for watching! 😃

[@Brad143]

@@beneunson yeah 🤟

[@majortwang]

I removed the complete harness, pickups. Installed Alnico 5 pups and USA parts with one volume and two tone pots, one is for the bridge only. Also new Gotoh Staggered Locking tuners and she is a keeper.😊

[@beneunson]

That sounds amazing! Would love to see that.

[@XPhantomLord]

Whoa that fretboard looks gorgeous!

[@beneunson]

It’s a great guitar for sure! 😃

[@Negative.mrb1]

I have this exact guitar it blows my mind so many different tones and super easy to play! I had bought a sterling cutlass with roasted neck this had by far better electronics and was more comfortable and I generally play a Earnie sting ray and to top it off it’s like a soft peach color

[@HenryMusic255]

Demos sound like Lee Ritenour, Solid sound. Does the guitar get louder with the alter switch on?

[@anthonygonzalez8684]

Tried one at Guitar center.. was completely impressed with tones even not setup.

[@dkpianist]

Very good review, not too long but quite comprehensive. I also like your playing. I have two Ibanez basses, the cheaper of which I actually like better. Bodes well for the AZES.

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for checking this out, yes - the AZES is great!

[@r_pro_]

Thoughts on the neck? Is it that ibanez buttery fast

[@neonmoon9205]

gr8 review. Is it good for smaller hands/shorter fingers? can't decide between this and the pacifica 112j.

[@beneunson]

I personally think it would work well as it has a slightly shorter 25.00 inch scale length (instead of the typical longer Strat-type 25.5 inch scale) making the fret spacing a bit smaller.

[@Guitar-free]

Nothing wrong it! Ibanez make very good guitars! I have a Pat Metheny PM 120 hand made in Japan early 90's I love it!

[@beneunson]

PM 120 is an incredible guitar!

[@captainmorgan5449]

Nice. I am a beginner. I just order a Squier Classic Vibe 70's Strat. This Ibanez sounds nice. I kinda wish I would have order this Ibanez instead. I am not sure if the CV can sound like the ES. Different tone...kinda Santana like. The Squire CV sounds more Hendrix like. New subscriber...

[@beneunson]

Thank you for subscribing! The Squier strat should be great - if you decide to try the AZES however, you won't be disappointed!

[@captainmorgan5449]

@@beneunson Yes, that Squier is linked to Fender's history and legacy. Like most guitar players I know...I will have more than one. So the AZES will probably be added to the collection. 😃

[@beneunson]

Fantastic! I hope you enjoy both guitars! 😃

[@raymundo5044]

Great guitar 🎸 playing too ...

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Luke-Emmanuel]

what shape is the NECK?

[@Neesavampi]

I picked up a Es 40 and loved it so much I got a second one in black tuned it To D . Great guitars. I think calling it an entry level guitar is not accurate. It's great for beginners as well as pros. I've been playing for years and these guitars are as good or better than guitars that cost much more.

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for watching! It's entry level in terms of price, but I have used it in a number of professional situations and it works great! I agree, it's great for beginners and pros alike 😀

[@spost26]

Super versatile and hardtail which I prefer!

[@beneunson]

I agree!

[@mauriciocavalla]

thank you for sharing, very nice guitar on a budget. Can you tell me what you used for your tone (modeller, pedals, etc)? I really enjoy your sound as well as your playing

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for checking it out! It's a great guitar. I have a full gear rundown video coming soon!

[@mauriciocavalla]

@@beneunson Hi Ben, I just bought this guitar and I loved it, I feel great playing it, very good balance and comfortable, I'm glad I saw your video, thanks for the recommendation.

[@boborjanpandacsoki5239]

What can you tell us about the tuners? Are those massive or the guitar is out of tone frequently?

[@accentontheoff]

Sorry if I missed it, but which amp are you using here?

[@ruylarios6317]

You can make anything sound good.

[@beneunson]

Thank you so much!

[@JC-fx3wh]

Can you have low action on that guitar?

[@beneunson]

Pretty low, but not as low as some of the more high-end Ibanez models

[@straddieman1]

This is who made all the “ on hold “ music in the 90’s

[@beneunson]

I would enjoy waiting on that phone line 😎

[@bobjanetmart506]

How do you like the frets? Any good?

[@beneunson]

Good question - these are the stock frets, I didn't change them. They play great to me!

[@lookforbriansjazz7832]

How is the 60 cycle hum on this?

[@beneunson]

Not too bad in my opinion - comparable to most strat-type guitars. Of course settings 2 and 4 are the quietest 😀

[@lookforbriansjazz7832]

Thanks! I imagine the alter switch helps by turning the pups into humbuckers, yes?

[@hammondcheeseman5361]

​@lookforbriansjazz7832 except for the alt middle setting (neck + bridge ) yes all of the positions that engage multiple pickups are hum cancelling.

[@dusanbogunovic6148]

wich pedal you used pleace answer

[@beneunson]

Which pedal? 😀 I have a gear video here that might answer the question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHjIp4tjdt-Lh9E

[@bluwng]

The frets look small.

[@neilkellow7851]

Amazing. Like Bob ross for guitar. Some happy little notes in there. Good review.😂

[@beneunson]

Thanks for watching!

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

The only thing against this guitar is that it does not make coffee 😮 Nice playing.

[@beneunson]

Haha thanks for watching!

[@Meemorp_]

Dang it came with a hardshell case, too? Probably the best beginner guitars on the market right now!

[@bytencoded]

It does not come with hard case. Not even gigbag.

[@beneunson]

I think it is totally one of the best beginner guitars! Not sure about the case - my one came in a hard case.

[@kid.dynamite4918]

Cool

[@lageyu9488]

😍

[@beneunson]

😀

[@Truthinshredding1]

We all know you could make a plank of wood sound great.

[@beneunson]

Haha thank you!

[@fastpeak]

that's a cool guitar ben, but you'd sound amazing on a "wet blanket with a bunch of clotheslines"! ps- sounds lorber-ish

[@beneunson]

Haha thank you so much Urs! And yes - definitely a bit of Lorber in there! 😀

[@davidalzofon540]

Ain't fair. He has six fingers on his left hand.

[@beneunson]

😆

[@AllThingmac]

I don't think I've heard a nicer middle pickup. I'm serious.

[@beneunson]

I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@patrickmckay6621]

the greatest guitar for under 300....ok, but not the greatest guitar....for under 300.

[@cooldebt]

😂