Ibanez budget beginner rock guitar shootout: AZES40 vs GRG121SP with Leigh Fuge at

Today, we’re back at 42 Gear Street Four with my good friend Leigh Fuge, and we’re pitting two affordable Ibanez rock machines against one another: this is the Ibanez AZES40 and the Ibanez GRG121SP compared!
AZES40 at Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/524946?offid=...
At Sweetwater_ sweetwater.sjv.io/an4dOb
Get the GRG121SP at Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/541748?offid=...
At Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/an4dKW
If you watch my channel, you’ll have seen quite a few videos with the Ibanez AZES guitars over the past year - these guitars were some of my favorite discoveries at 42 Gear Street Three, and I rate them extremely highly as affordable, classic Strat-type options.
This year, Ibanez have released the catchily-named GRG121SP - an RG model in the same price bracket as the AZES guitars, but with a slightly more ‘built for rock’ vibe! So it was only natural to try out the humbucker-equipped AZES40 against the new pretender.
In the video, Leigh and I play the guitars in clean and overdriven settings, plus we discuss the specs and features and try and decide which guitar would be the best buy for a beginner who’s choosing between the two.
Here are some links to the various playing samples and info bits in the video:
00:00 Hello!
00:13 Introduction and what we’re doing today
02:14 AZES vs GRG121SP
03:34 AZES40 clean tones and discussion
05:04 GRG121SP clean tones and discussion
07:18 Differences between the two guitars
09:01 GRG121SP overdrive tones and discussion
09:33 The Volta The Blue overdrive pedal
09:55 Comparing the two guitars with overdrive
11:31 Lead sounds on both guitars
12:50 Which guitar should a beginner buy?
13:47 Final thoughts and conclusion
Here’s the Volta Pedals The Blue we used for the drive sounds: www.voltacustom.com/gb/overdr...
And we used the Blackstar St. James 50 6L6 H amp: thmn.to/thoprod/543952?offid=...
Check out Leigh here: / leighfugeguitar
Enjoy!
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Backing music from the KZbin Audio Library: Controlled Distress - Biz Baz Studio.
#42GSFour #42GearStreet #Ibanez #IbanezAZES #GRG121SP #LeighFuge
Note: certain links in the description are affiliate links. If you click said links and purchase anything as a result, I will receive a small commission. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it does help to support the channel. So, if you do that, thank you very much!
‪@IbanezOfficial‬
‪@LeighFugeGuitar‬
‪@EytschPi42‬

[@RichWordsMusic]

And here's your timestamps: 00:00 Hello! 00:13 Introduction and what we’re doing today 02:14 AZES vs GRG121SP 03:34 AZES40 clean tones and discussion 05:04 GRG121SP clean tones and discussion 07:18 Differences between the two guitars 09:01 GRG121SP overdrive tones and discussion 09:33 The Volta The Blue overdrive pedal 09:55 Comparing the two guitars with overdrive 11:31 Lead sounds on both guitars 12:50 Which guitar should a beginner buy? 13:47 Final thoughts and conclusion

[@MxAngelSL]

6 months with my grg and I'm really satisfied. The color is amazing, it works perfectly for rhythms and overdrive. I just changed the locking tuners for gotoh and runs awesome🔥🔥

[@lorencing]

Thanks for the video. One question about the 121SP, I noticed that on my 121SP, black version, I am getting fret buzz on the low E, the fattest string, and the saddles are already very high and I mean very high, like 6mm (1/4") to the bottom of the saddle. You can really see the bigger angle the 2 screws in the saddle. Did also notice a few high frets causing the buzz. I feel like it needs a few hours of work and did not expect that as everybody is sort of giving good reviews. Also the volume of the pickup poles of the higher three strings, G, B and E, seems to be higher than the other three. And the two single coil split positions are really a lot quieter - although the 1 and 5 position do have a good sound for metal, rock and even jazz. Also found a small ding in the paint in the front and the body glue joint and some other undulations visible in the reflection of light on the back ... also two of the bridge screws were already turning without gripping, had to fix that to ... I wonder if it would maybe make more sense to buy a higher end HB, I think you get better QC in the 300eur options, if you are not into brand names, and with 121SP you get one of the cheapest models Ibanez has on offer. Must say that I do like the neck joint shape and the colour of the roasted maple, but again the shape does not feel ergonomic, sort of more chunky that other Ibanezes. And the fretboard is really on the flat side. I don't know, maybe I expected too much for 300eur.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing!

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks so much Tomo! You did great work here ;)

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

@@RichWordsMusic ❤🙏❤

[@Steven_SK]

Nice job!

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks Steven!

[@letsgobrandon6903]

Ouch! I haven’t noticed the ‘butcher block’ lines before as I have on yours at 2:42 ☹️

[@RichWordsMusic]

Oh wow, and I didn't see them until this comment! That's unfortunate.

[@garyt.8745]

Need some advice here, I am looking for a Strat type guitar and I'm looking at three models, the Squier Contemporary, the Ibanez AZES 40, and (pushing my budget to the absolute max) the Sire S7. All you guys who have played all three, which would you recommend? Blues, Rock, and Pop style music. No metal, nothing heavy. From my point of view I love the looks of the Contemporary and the S7. The AZ, visually, doesn't appeal to me, but the tone and the versatility of the Dynamic switching is really the key there.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Hi Gary, that's a good question! I am not in the ideal place to answer it, as I haven't played the Sire S7 either - although I would love to try one. They seem like excellent instruments. But my advice would be, if possible, for you to try all three guitars in person if you can, and pick the one that clicks with you the most. That's the only surefire way to get the best one for you personally, and it would prove, for example, if the S7 is indeed worth stretching the budget for! A guitar that inspires you is the one you'll pick up to play every day. However, I realize that it's not always possible to try guitars in person before ordering them. What I can tell you from my own personal experience is that the AZES40 us an excellent guitar for the money, and every Ibanez I've tried has always been set up excellently straight out the box. I've tried four different AZES guitars in the past few months, and they've all been great! The AZES40 is also incredibly versatile, much more so than the Squier and the S7 on paper. In reality, I don't often find myself using the Alter Switch much, except for the one setting. With the Squier, the Contemporary guitar look great, and I love the roasted maple necks. They're not really traditional Strats in a sense, though, because the middle pickup is much closer to the bridge, and it means you don't quite get the same Strat-type tones as the other guitars. That said, I found the one I tried really fun. On paper, the S7 looks the best of the bunch, but you do pay considerably more too! Hope these rambling thoughts help a bit :)

[@overnightguitarist5063]

Get an Ibanez Gio GSA60.Its an Ibanez,strat style,HSS configuration.plays better blues.roxk.pop.and metal! It looks better in my opinion also

[@DougHinVA]

I got the metallic blue GIO GRG121SP for less than 1/2 price and repaired a neck crack with yellow glue and clamps and some spray paint. I knew what to do from all those models built long ago and the guitar will be easy to 'flip' for an easy $60-70 'pocket profit'... And the buyer will get a guitar all set up and repaired well and comfortable!

[@RichWordsMusic]

Nice work - that's going to be a bargain for someone! If I was anywhere near you I might have gone for it ;)

[@DougHinVA]

@@RichWordsMusic Sold, shipped and to be delivered today (Thursday) to some guy in CA.

[@RichWordsMusic]

@@DougHinVA Score! Yeah, wouldn't have been worth posting to here in Europe anyway.

[@jensnilsson1507]

Rich and Leigh! Yay!!! 🎉

[@PooNinja]

Are you “two coffee Jens”Andy is always raving about?

[@RichWordsMusic]

It's always lovely having Leigh on the channel!

[@jensnilsson1507]

@@PooNinja Sadly not. Would love to be someone Andy is raving about! My friends sometimes refer to me as 'too much coffee Jens', though, but I guess that's more of a hint to cut down some😁

[@PooNinja]

@@jensnilsson1507 a pot a day keeps the sleeps away. We’re busy people with stuff ta do!!! But my high caffeine intake and watching most things in 2X speed (because 4x isn’t yet available ) has altered my speech patterns 😂

[@DMSProduktions]

@@PooNinja But you can't drink in your LS suit!

[@valueofnothing2487]

Any sharp fret ends, buzzing with low action?

[@RichWordsMusic]

I've had no problem with that at all with any AZES guitars, and I've played about 5 or 6 now. The ones I tried have all been set up excellently straight out of the box.

[@PooNinja]

That chameleon paint is (has been since the early 90’s) one of my favorite colors for a guitar. Ibanez Ibanez !banez!!!!!

[@RichWordsMusic]

It's a pretty special color, I agree! (Custom Pia in that color?!) Ibanez needs more love!

[@PooNinja]

@@RichWordsMusic whilst the onyx is still my favorite, I’m trying to manifest a Woody Pia, those naked Jems were beautiful. Now if I could only get my income leveled up to where I have that kind of discretionary spending. Or I just keep nagging at Dr. Dan till he caves😂

[@DMSProduktions]

@@PooNinja ASK Darth Sikkius for a raise?

[@PooNinja]

@@DMSProduktions empirical bureaucracy is a nightmare. I’ll try and pick up some freelance work in the outer rim.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@PooNinja Merc? Bounty hunter? Force sensitive eliminator?

[@if_you_know_you_know]

Sir which one is better Ibanez grg 221pa or 121sp bmc ????😅

[@RichWordsMusic]

For me, it's the GRG121SP BMC! That guitar works better for me with the roasted maple neck and the Classic Elite humbuckers. However, if you play heavy music, the 221PA might work better for this... but I only need the GRG121SP :) Hope this helps!

[@if_you_know_you_know]

​@@RichWordsMusic Thank you sooo much ❤ I'm going to get 121sp BMC soon 😊

[@650thunderbird5]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@RichWordsMusic]

Many thanks as ever!

[@bluwng]

The Gio needs vibrato hope they create one.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Hopefully that’ll come in 2023…

[@reyntalao6]

Hi again, i’m here to ask for amplifiers haha. Nux Mighty 40bt or recommend me something better? or nux it is haha?

[@RichWordsMusic]

Ha ha, no worries! I haven't tried the NUX, but I all the other gear I have tried from them has been great! What are you looking for in an amp? Just for home practice? Lots of different sounds, or just pure guitar tones? Let me know, maybe I can make another couple of recommendations :)

[@reyntalao6]

@@RichWordsMusic I prefer lots of different sounds and that i can gig with. i here that NUX mighty 40bt is good and it is a modelling amp and why not put it in the option haha.

[@RichWordsMusic]

@@reyntalao6 Yes, it looks like a cool and versatile choice for sure. It probably won't have the volume to gig with, so you would need to connect it to a PA for that. Otherwise, for a little more (or probably the same price used), I would really recommend the Boss Katana 50/100 - those are fantastic amps with loads of sounds and extra options, and more suitable for gigs. There are also other cool options like the Fender Mustang modeling amps for a similar price.

[@reyntalao6]

@@RichWordsMusic I don’t actually have the budget to go for the katana. just the same price as the nux is good for me. hahaha what should i buy?

[@RichWordsMusic]

@@reyntalao6 We'll take the discussion to the other video! ;) But one more advice point for anyone reading this: try the amps in person if you can... before you spend your money! That's the only way to know 100% that you are buying something you actually like.

[@DMSProduktions]

Didn't you do 1 with Hugh Jazz?

[@RichWordsMusic]

Nah, he was shooting with Amanda Hugandkiss when I had a free room slot. Next year!

[@DMSProduktions]

@@RichWordsMusic Ok, cool!

[@9unslin9er]

I owned multiple RGs and RGAs. That volume drop in the 2 and 4 positions is unacceptable. I know they are pushing for versatility, but those tones are not audible, nor usable even under gain.

[@RichWordsMusic]

I think I made that point somewhere in my dedicated GRG121SP video... I know what you mean. Not sure how they'd solve the issue, though - well, without totally redoing the pickups. Is this an issue across the board with 5-way switch Ibanez guitars, I wonder?

[@9unslin9er]

@@RichWordsMusic I remember buying a RGA42 and it used that same PCB 5-way switch. Same volume dip issue. That guitar had the Quantum set and I thought swapping a DiMarzio PAF Pro and Super Distortion set would resolve the volume drop issue in positions 2/4, but no. With these types of guitars I wish they would just do a 3-Way switch and EITHER a single master Volume knob, or 2 Volume knobs (1 for each pickup), or replace the tone knob with a Kill Switch. I don't think I've ever seen a single RG player actually use their Tone control.

[@maJastoL]

Same with my S

[@actuallyitskevin]

This is the first video I’ve seen from this channel. Are they all like this? Hurried towards the end? Why is someone telling you to hurry up? It’s not like you had to break for a commercial… Take your time. Who cares if it’s a little long? I’d rather have all the facts about the product, then have to watch you guys rush through the details. I’m going to check out another video but if it ends like this one I’ll probably not watch any others. Just saying

[@RichWordsMusic]

Well, the funny thing about this video is that it was filmed at a KZbin event called 42 Gear Street, where videos and the video studios are booked into extremely regimented slots! So this time, we actually did have a genuine deadline before the next video was due to shoot and had to get finished. But most of my videos are much longer and less rushed, let me assure you. (There’s a handful like this from the event where we keep things more concise, but that’s it!) Hope this helps and you can enjoy a couple of my lengthier, more relaxed offerings! Cheers and rock on :)

[@andrewguttry6886]

Forgive me if I don't take paid for promotions as impartial reviews.

[@RichWordsMusic]

You're forgiven. (Although I should say that Leigh and I didn't receive a solitary penny for this video!)

[@Fiveash-Art]

You should try the Pork Lotion.. I'm not endorsed by the product but fully stand behind it. It's delicious.

[@germanCrowbar]

You can get better ones for less.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Really, which ones would you recommend?

[@germanCrowbar]

@@RichWordsMusic For example Eko Guitars - Aire Series and Cort G Series.

[@Jeffadamsandonthisrockwerock]

There is no such thing as a beginner guitar. Mo

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yes, I know what you mean in a way - but, that said, guitars like this are built and priced in a way so as to deliberately make them attractive to beginners. So it’s close enough for me ;) Of course if a beginner wants to - and has the means to - spend more on a more ‘luxurious’ guitar, that is possibly even better!