when strat players discover Ibanez

[@LostSoulAscension]

The fact that the jack plug is angled up just shows Ibanez understands guitar players struggles...

[@johnnysizemore4301]

They’ve been doing that since the JEM’s

[@blkspade23]

The guy who understood this most was Mr. Vai in 1987.

[@j3ffn4v4rr0]

What's the purpose? So it's harder to accidentally pull out?

[@johnnysizemore4301]

@@j3ffn4v4rr0 that’s it!

[@user-nf8jj7pz6c]

Struggles! In the studio, the tele bellybutton style plug would always get banged on players' thighs, and eventually jar loose on the inside when playing seated and an L wouldn't reach because the jack is a bit reseeded. It was so frustrating, I changed it out to a les Paul style jack. It wasn't a problem standing though.

[@Turboy65]

Trust Ibanez to take an old guitar design, modernize it, improve its ergonomics and the way it's manufactured, make it a superior guitar in every way, and yet never lose the sound, spirit, and feel of the original that makes it a classic.

[@chrislovrock5115]

But I don't recognize the Strat sound at all, for me the Ibanez as a generic sound, though a real better neck

[@alexanderdeadmansche]

When I, a humble strat player, first discovered Ibanez, my heart burst out my ass and exploded in my pants…right there in the guitar store

[@kamranahmad4592]

Did they make you clean all that up?

[@alexanderdeadmansche]

@@kamranahmad4592 the momentum from the blast shot me in the air and i burst through the roof of the store like a cannonball

[@P.B.R._S._n_C.]

@@alexanderdeadmanscheso your experience with Ibanez was shitty

[@rigorhead01]

Damn, I bet that was embarrassing 🤣

[@Beyond-Antares]

Shouldn't have gone to Taco bell before going to guitar center.

[@FLAMINGBABYHEAD]

Dude... Your playing has come a long way. And the best part about it is that its not just in the technical sense. You're developing a genuine expressiveness, which is always great to see happen. Keep going!

[@Len0n0]

I cant wait for next week video "When Strat players discover Gretsch"

[@Len0n0]

Edit: This is just banter mate, I like your content.

[@galkeinan]

I would watch that

[@mikecole4489]

You may have just given me an idea 😂

[@Len0n0]

@@mikecole4489 Go for the White Falcon!

[@The_Adversarious_1]

Which era Gretsch? Original, Baldwin era, or current Fender era? BTW, I love my Gretsch 9240 Resonator.

[@christianconnett]

I have loved, played, and owned Ibanez guitars for over 30 years... I am now exclusive to Ibanez. Acoustic, Electrics, Basses, and even my Mandolin are all Ibanez. I have RG, and RGA, and have played S (not my favorite). Beautiful, and versatile guitars IMO.

[@SingleMaltMac]

I absolutely love the Ibanez "S" series. Great tones and super light.

[@IsmaelMarquez-wd3vl]

Me probably buying the ibanez Sa260fm (if TGB better) for the versatile to play slot of genres. Update: i buyed the ibanez sa260fm (Amber burst). It's coming to my house in 2 days :D

[@ronmillerguitar3004]

Great guitars

[@victorymansions]

I really liked the Yamaha Pacifica for it's lightness. I picked it up and did that overcompensating for the weight thing lol

[@christopherdennis65]

Just so! The “S” is light and sculpted. It is easy to work with and around. Thin, thin, thin body with a big, big, big sound.

[@juser-abuser]

light thin bodies are gay and designed for soi weak men. heavy les pauls are the best.

[@marziograva]

I have been saying, over and over again, that the PRS Silver Sky USA is the best strat for that price range. Last week I got an Ibanez AZ2204N as part of a trade deal... was planning to sell it but hey, I played with it and I am still mind-blown about HOW GOOD IT IS. Definitely a keeper. It has all the vintage and modern features a strat player would like to have, well built, super light (mine weighs 3.1kg), amazing fretwork. I am amazed by it. Moreover, I am always going for modern C shape neck and 7.25" fretboard radius. I was skeptical I would like this 9.5" to 12" compound radius with fat neck... BUT... to my surprise, I love it. I never even liked 9.5" standard before... but this one is crazy good. Objectively it may be better than the Silver Sky USA. Great video Mike!!!

[@SauloDSReis]

When strat players discover Ibanez (specially the AZs), they never come back. Most comfortable neck around.

[@taildragger53]

Oh, absolutely. Most here bitch about something really inconsequential, like the input jack but forget that can use a basic,simple guitar lead with an L shaped end.(duhh?) No problem at all.

[@SauloDSReis]

I use L input jacks with my strats hahahaha. What really makes a difference to me is the Ibanez neck shape. They are somehow different and more confortable for my playing.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

I like the Ibanez ASZ neck but I also like my 🇺🇸 strat neck , it fits my hands ‼️

[@xeofela]

agreed,currently own ibanez az prestige 2404,fender american standard,PRS se custom 24 ,ibanez grg 270 mod and 1 made by local luthier,AZ is always my fav,coz the roasted maple on the neck and the fretboard are just too damn smooth,cant wait to try SUHR to compare against the AZ

[@erikhendrickson59]

It's such a personal thing. Im 6'2 with large hands, but I still prefer a thinner neck.

[@kiezersosay49]

A premium AZ is the best value in high end guitars. Period. Ibanez now has there own factory in Indonesia for their premium/mid-tier imports. They have 100% caught up with the fugijen factory. I mean astonishingly good. My luthier(a real luthier) was SHOCKED how nice my AZ242f was built and asked my permission to take it apart to check out the work. The dyna-mix system is a game changer. It does everything! It's so fun to find a new patch/amp-setting and then play it through all the 10 positions(HH AZs have 10 positions). I recently acquired an Ibanez Q52 which has a lot of DNA from the AZ including the factory. It plays so damn good. Anything from Ibanez's Indonesia factory is amazing.

[@isuckatguitar6252]

I have the same guitar AZ242f, it's spectacular!

[@kiezersosay49]

@@isuckatguitar6252 @isuckatguitar6252 lol I bought the AZ for 800, sold it for 1100. I then bought an rg5320... Wizard necks are great, but they feel to big for me and cause pain in my hand. I traded the rg for a 2023 ltd m-1000 and that Ibanez Q52. It's been a journey.

[@abuventertainment2856]

I agree that Ibanez premium is the best value in the guitar world. Especially at used prices! I picked up two premium Ibanez RGs (HSH 6 string and HH 7 string) for $400 and $500 Canadian respectively and they can do anything from retro soul/funk/jazzy sounds to modern metal

[@michaeldschutte]

I bought literally this AZ last week after only playing RGs. Great guitars. Excellent quality

[@karlsalocks]

I own 4 Suhrs and this guitar. This guitar absolutely hangs. Maybe not 100 percent, but Ibanez made a great guitar here

[@justice100forwin2]

@@karlsalocks Why not 100% , what did you not like. Also I keep hearing Suhrs are what Fender should be doing , what makes a Suhr better than a top price Fender ( excluding Master builds and Custom shop Fenders ).

[@beefnacos6258]

​@karlsalocks so glad suhr is now available at sweetwater. Suhr should offer a fixed bridge hh for metal heads like me. I'm hoping they do

[@karlsalocks]

@@justice100forwin2 it’s really little nuances. Suhr pickups are more refined than the hyperions (I have a Hyperion version). Those locking tuners on the first round of azs are a little ridiculous. Yes they work, but one thing I like about locking tuners is stringing takes like half the time. Not true with the original az. It’s stuff like that. But the fact that you can get a prestige AZ for 2k new vs a suhr standard at 4k is some incredible value. If you have a good setup, the AS plays incredibly well

[@karlsalocks]

@@beefnacos6258 the Pete Thorn first model is pretty close to that. Although not a fixed bridge per se. You can always custom spec a guitar, but they quickly get more expensive that way

[@jimlahman68]

I have 2 of the RS525 models from the 80s. Both are super high build quality and sound amazing. I put them away for a while, and when I come back to them, they always amaze. Both are humbucker guitars with coil taps. Lots of usable tones and the most solid trem system ever. Thanks for your video, I'm curious.

[@joesatchton212]

Decades ago, I became an Ibanez player. It was a bit less the guitars themselves and a bit more WHO was playing them. Satch, Timmons, Petrucci,Vai, Gilbert - all among my all time fave players. Throw in George Benson, Gambale, John Scofield and so many others. Good enough for them, good enough for me. Then, after owning a few Ibanezes I discovered what great instruments they really are, at often super competitive prices, especially back in the 80s/90s. Fact: Ibanez has the finest, most plugged in and aggressively effective A&R team in all of the guitar universe. Bar none. Recently, the Ibanez AZ, Josh Smith T style, Lari Basilio T style and Nita Strauss' S series axes are objectively superb, highly versatile instruments, with the AZ and the Josh Smith T basically outdoing Fender, with both approaching Suhr/Anderson quality at the higher tiers. Facts. @Mike: Do a double vid on the latest Vai Pia and Satch Golden Boy models.

[@jimbobskinflute2878]

Just discovered your channel. I've been and Ibanez player dang near all my life. I've been playing for almost 20 years, and whenever I got my first Ibanez, I fell in love. I absolutely love the versatility when it comes to tone, the feel of the neck and fretboard, and the overall craftsmanship of these beautiful guitars. Keep picking, dude! Also, as soon as I heard Lenny, I subscribed immediately!!!

[@marklelonde6684]

Out of 12 guitars in my house, 5 are Ibanez. Love the quality, price, and innovation. Would love to see a show on the Jemm Steve Vai's guitars.

[@sergmont]

I love that Lenny is the go to song for strat like guitars

[@allanb1402]

School stage band back in 1977 - the other guitarist came in with an Ibanez LP style and it was beautiful. I recently moved from Am Pro II Strat to an AZ2204 and I love it.

[@TheGuiterguy]

The ibanez AZ series is the best.

[@Techco1]

No joke my only guitars that get real stage time is my az and tele. Sometimes the lp will make it out if I need long sustain stuff but for worship style ambient stuff the az kills it. Especially in the 2/4 position alt sw on/off

[@Dr.Barbapappa]

Ich hatte zuerst die AZ. Sie ist Sahne. Also holte ich als nächstes wieder eine Ibanez. Eine RGT, die meinen Erwartungen mehr als gerecht wurde. Sie ist zu meiner Favoritin geworden (vor der AZ). Aber ich wollte wegen dem einzigartigen Fender-Strat-Sound doch noch eine Original-Strat und bestellte eine Fender AM Pro2. Sie entspricht in etwa der Preisklasse der AZ, hat aber lange nicht so viel zu bieten, wie die Ibanez AZ. Ehrlich gesagt, verstehe ich den Preis dieser Fender nicht, während die AZ für mich jeden Cent wert ist. Die QC der Fender hat ebenfalls sehr enttäuscht, denn der Hals war schief angeschraubt, so dass die hohe E-Saite ständig vom Fretboard rutschte. Das sollte bei einer US-Gitarre dieser Preisklasse wirklich nicht passieren. Habe sie dennoch behalten und den Hals selbst gerichtet.

[@mikes2270]

I have one of those 1977 Ibanez Les Paul Customs and it’s wonderful.

[@alexbowman7582]

Jeff Beck said of Ibanez something like they’re great guitars but it’s hard to know which ones which, there’s that many models. They send me one every so often.

[@arthurfrayn7619]

Yea they have so many their newer models be like the AG5706b-EFG. Its' good "problem" tho that doesn't bother me since I love my AF75.

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

He also said they were too easy to play. He wanted them to fight back a bit.

[@greyfoxzero]

Beck wasn't human. He could play a rubber band and it sound other worldly.

[@dylanadams1455]

I would have thought the way he played that he would have been a Floyd convert but I don;t think I've ever seen him play anything that wasn't a Strat

[@codybeck8737]

@@dylanadams1455he actually played a Jackson Soloist for a bit in the 80’s. I’m also a big fan of his old Esquire and Black LP Standard.

[@drimblewedge2789]

Pat Metheny and George Benson play Ibanez. Nothing wrong Ibanez.

[@Gorbyrev]

Add to that Joe Pass and Frank Gambale. Ibanez make great guitars.

[@vincentc.4722]

Add John Scofield and you have just about all the aristocracy of jazz guitar.

[@michaeldschutte]

And Andy Timmons, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani also John Petrucci in the 80s

[@JohnSmith-in1tt]

@@Gorbyrevto be completely accurate, Joe Pass ended up not really liking his Ibanez and played a Gibson in his final years, but none the less, Ibanez still makes incredibly high quality and innovative guitars

[@Gorbyrev]

@@JohnSmith-in1tt Interesting. That would also be true for Alan Holdsworth and Steve Lukather.

[@MarkJohnson-wy1ii]

I bought my first Ibanez when I was 14 years old. Fell in love with the feel and tone. I bought a prestige when I was 43 and just last year at 57 I had to buy another. They are so fun to play. Ibanez makes great guitars.

[@YourDoomIsSealed]

True. But they don't make enough variety of models and their naming convention is just...too simplistic. (yes...that is sarcasm...i love ibanez)

[@SlyRyFry]

I have an Ibanez Prestige az2204n and the most recent rg550 and they're my favorite guitars. From the factory neither have required the first bit of maintenance besides string changes. Definitely not the budget approach but they feel and play double their price range imo

[@gorrellphoto]

My main guitar has been a Roadstar I bought new in 1983. One humbucker and a two-post non-locking whammy. Covers a lot of bases.

[@tiomkinnyborg2289]

The dumbest place to put a jack is on the bottom of the guitar. The day you forget and lean the guitar on something is the day you break your jack/guitar. Ibanez used to tilt the headstock slightly so there no need for string trees. This range has gone backwards. Guitarists enjoy living in the past as the perfect ax was made in the 1950s according to them.

[@mark7-oh6mv]

The most interesting thing is the difference of the neck. If you like the strat radius with 21 frets take a strat, if not, try an Ibanez with a more flat radius with 24 frets.

[@InReserveProductions]

My first guitar teacher introduced me to G3 when i was like 8/9, he was a huge Malmstein fan. I gravitated towards Vai and Satriani, it's helps that Vai did the guitar for Halo 2's theme. So yeah, I have a soft spot for the Jem.

[@PostedMalone]

You are super learned and humble. Easy on the ear too. Good work Mike.

[@anjoesatriani]

It's another story of discovery when you tried that Gotoh bridge and its whammy bar compared to a strat bridge, that thing can be abused almost like a floyd rose when setup properly, and the pitch up and down is super smooth.

[@nandu1770]

Its the ergonomics that come underneath the style in Ibanez man. Such amazing guitars. Even their midrange models are better than the competition in the segment.

[@2good2betrue3]

For me the only thing that separates the Ibanez is the superstrat from my other Fender Strat collection is the "thin Wizard neck" - it's so comfortable to play especially you can set it up to very low action without buzz or choking. 0.75 to 1mm at the high E on the 12th fret if measured by string action ruler. (which is not possible with a Fender Stratocaster with a 7.5 or 9.5 radius. it will always choke the higher fret bends and will buzz alot if you go lower than 1mm, which is the lowest possible "no problem" action for the Fender. Playability is the thing that my Ibanez Vai models really provides me.🔥 Another thing is the 24 Frets for additional note choices, but other than that the Fender Stratocaster or Comache GL Strats still Rules in terms of Versatility, TONE, Practical usage, Legacy and overall appeal.... Nothing beats the Strat on those categories.🎸

[@johnmeeks9308]

Oh so not true I have a strap with a 9.5 and I set it up at 65 and I guarantee you it bends no buzz's great sound you just need a better tech

[@2good2betrue3]

@@johnmeeks9308 I actually had a new Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop, which I asked the luthier/guitar tech to set-up the action the lowest as possible. He did comply and when I tested it, it was really low. (around the same as yours .060 or .65 at the 12th and there was no buzzing) I was so happy, but when I'm playing at home and I did a full bend of the high E at the 12 fret. The sound choked and died. So I decided to raise the action up again by increments by adjusting the bridge saddles: .075 then .85 still had a little choke, then at .95 to 1.0mm. That is when the "choke" vanished. Watched ALL the tutorials on KZbin and almost all pro Luthiers unanimously advised that the lowest Strat action should be 1mm at the high E, also for the "optimal string vibration" for rich clear tone.🙂 Thanks for your feedback👌.

[@markauckland666]

im a jazz player, been playing ibanez since the start, great price, build quality, playabillity and most of all the sound

[@Zundfolge]

The first "good" guitar I ever got was an RG550. For me it was the Wizard neck that made me love it. Haven't bought another Ibanez in years, but what they're doing with wiring in recent years really has me intrigued.

[@michaeldschutte]

I got an RG550 Genesis recently. One of the most perfect guitars I've ever played

[@The_Adversarious_1]

Still have my '89 RG550. Love that guitar.

[@keeratsingh968]

i bought a 2013 rg 570 thats japanese made and it sounds absolutely amazing and that super wizard neck is just beautiful. So versatile too

[@joconnell]

I had a couple of Jems over the years but if I had to pick up another electric, a friends 96 rg550 was amazing. They do it all.

[@AlanW]

Same! I loved my 550 until I broke the headstock off being dumb.

[@kssarh]

Just had to comment, it's a while since I've seen one of your videos, and it's incredible how much your playing has improved.

[@dylanadams1455]

The thing with an Ibby is that with those pick up options, you can cover a ridiculous amount of ground. I bought mine for metal, but I can totally get a classic strat blues tone as well as a thick creamy Les Paul-esque neck humbucker for soulful solos. If I played in a cover band it would be a great choice for a main gat.

[@no_name9906]

Just ran across your channel.... Very cool .. love we are just sitting here and talking vibe....love the playing

[@TheInfamousLegend27]

alternative title: "when fender strat players try an ibanez strat"

[@zachary963]

I started playing Ibanez because the guy at the guitar shop recommended an Ibanez acoustic as good value for a middle school price. Now, years later, I have a bunch of Ibanezes, and the RG style guitars have the most comfortable necks I’ve ever used. I am decidedly not a shredder; in fact, most of what I like to play falls solidly into the “rhythm guitar” category, but the Ibanez necks just feel sooo good.

[@wildwayz]

I feel the AZ line from Ibanez, is their nod to moving away from being known as the Shredders Brand and a step in with the big boys. I've played Ibanez guitars since 93 and have owned so many of them. One thing I've found, it's the player that creates the sound and genre and not the visuals of the guitar.

[@justice100forwin2]

@@wildwayz So true , you can play almost any style of music on the majority of guitars...like you say it's the player that creates the music.

[@ilikemusak]

I'm a sax player, only casually familiar with guitar history and progression. But you hit on something interesting that happens SO MUCH in the modern sax world: EVERY SINGLE MODERN SAX is chasing one legendary model, the mark vi. They all try to mimic the dimensions and therefore tone/tonality of that horn. Nevermind that it was produced for 22 years and underwent incremental evolutions... they all shoot for that sound and feel. Meanwhile, I prefer the vintage Horns that had totally different designs sonically, but almost no one makes a modern version, and absolutely no one makes something that really pushes boundaries (not that it is totally necessary, but still). Cool that Ibanez is thinking with a different perspective seemingly. I hope to one day design and manufacture my own saxophones with a similar philosophy

[@rickclark4714]

My best discoveries: Older Schecter PT, and Peavey Predator. Both in the $300-400 range.

[@agreenr6915]

Managed to get a Hellraiser Hybrid PT for under $500 it's pretty sick

[@JSession]

Schecter reaper. Got it for cheap because some dude thought it was a tune dud. Best guitar ever

[@MrDmadness]

Schecter omen elite.. cheap as chips, has coil tap, w6.5" scale 7 string ... pure joy

[@Connoryt2]

Just bought one of these a few weeks ago, it’s like my American deluxe strat but more versatile and comfy. Perfect combo of vintage and modern.

[@romeou4965]

So many great S-type guitars outside of Fender/CBS Corp

[@romeou4965]

Try the buttery MM Silhouette 🤤

[@danfuerthgillis4483]

"When strat players learn that you do not need massive bokeh to learn how to play their strats"

[@adriaanmuller4493]

I got a Ibanez AZES 40 for my first guitar in stead of a Squier. I did it for 4 reasons mainly. 1. It has the 9 pick-up positions and I wanted super versatility, especially because I wasn’t sure whether I wanted humbuckers or single-coils. 2. It was HSS and I wanted to play all types of different genres. 3. I saw “Tomo Fujita” and “Ibanez AZES” and “lector of John Mayer” next to each other in an article. Enough said😂 4. Everybody else had a Squier and I wanted to stand out. (Yes, very arrogant indeed😂)

[@RaymondUpenieks]

I bought one recently and have owned so many Ibanez but the AZES 40 is a steal for the money. Sounds great and feels right. It is a shorter scale length of 25" than other Ibanez guitars but Paul Reed Smith thinks that's the sweet spot on guitars and he's always searching for the little things on guitar and tone. Ibanez got the AZES right and in its price range really nothing compares

[@mattmcgriff5952]

Looking seriously at an AZES31 as an electric to noodle on. Love the tonal versatility

[@BangerangBen]

The lead guitarist in Explosions in the sky, Michael James, play an Ibanez talman and gets very strat like sounds

[@piano2873]

I so admire your passion for guitar culture and technology. Your production and verbal skills are the standard all KZbin personalities should aspire to.

[@Merglet]

Videos like this make me miss my old Yamaha RGX 603s. It was a hair-metal looking guitar, but three singles, a 12" radius fretboard, a yamaha version of a floyd rose, and I LOOOVED it. It could do stratty stuff, but I was a kiddo and didn't use it for that, more punky stuff. Had to sell at a difficult time. Ibanez makes stuff like it, but man, I want that guitar back lol.

[@BurakUnan]

I own a Jem 77B RMR for over 15 years now. At first I didn't realize how versatile these modern guitars are. You can practically play any style and tone on it. To me it's the most comfortable guitar. The neck, the tremolo, the pickups, everything feels right.

[@kevinspeight4664]

I like the approach to “understanding” a guitar took here, it me along time to understand how important, imo, that process is… although I have enough metalhead in me that still I see something I know nothing about and feel in my heart of hearts “I want NO I need that now” 😅🤘🙏

[@liamhemmings9039]

As usual a very high quality video. Consistently great content.

[@reggiepope2558]

Great job I just subscribed. Just the other day I was talking to a friend about the roasted neck and how I didn't like them. I love the way the feel but I also thought that every roasted neck guitar added a brittle high end another piece to the tone equation and simply put I don't want any more pieces.

[@therealandrecorbin4050]

Ibanez has been great since the mid 80s at least. My Destroyer2, and Roadstar2, great guitars around 4 to 5 hundred dollars, a lifetime ago of course.

[@mumbles215]

I have a 83 roadstar that I used to love. Sanded down the the natural wood finish and did. My own. Ery nice guitar. Really liked the sound and neck. My first baby and holds a great spot in my heart that roadstar.

[@banjoclark4675]

Nice, I still have a Roadstar 2. Its the white with blond neck and black pick guard

[@therealandrecorbin4050]

@@banjoclark4675 mine was green with rosewood fretboard, which I scalloped, black pick guard.

[@cuda426hemi]

Still have my Roadstar II '83 blue bookmatch maple cap, (like Lukather model) 1 cream bucker, wicked trem, $350 w/tweed hardshell case back in the day. If you wanna hear it find chained heat trailer with exorcist girl linda in it, that's me and the RG315 (and Roland Bass machine and Oberheim drums). might list it real soon as I have way too many monkeys (as in Iommi Gibsons) 🎸

[@cpearce]

I like the Ibanez Prestige line. Recently bought the Prestige AZ2203N...and it's perfect. Highly recommended. My strat player friends are astonished by it.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Great video Mike

[@j7cc]

Thanks, cool review ! ✌️

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Mine was in 2020 when I discovered the Jackson Adrian Smith SDXM

[@MoeVanprick]

I just watched your videos on your guitars yesterday love that Jackson Adrian Smith SDXM I didn't know they are selling them in some stores for $829.98 thanks for posting that information on your videos of the Jackson

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

@@MoeVanprick yeah man I posted all information on all my guitars that way there's no mistaking what I said and claimed it's all there to read and all Internet research

[@garyfarrell954]

ibanez knocks it out of the park with their hollow/semi hollows as well and some very affordable ones at that. definitely worth looking into...compare and contrast with epiphone...very nice!!

[@astorgaluthier]

Mike: with that amount of reverb and compresion you cant feel your axe. Clean it, bro. Single Coils and Humbuckers sound the same on your videos, due to that FX ocean wave.

[@NotMyName-q2v]

you Mr. Man, are freakin awesome! Thanks for great content,,,

[@karmicselling4252]

The greatest era for Ibanez guitars was during the 1970s and 1980s. During this period, Ibanez guitars were manufactured by Fujigen Gakki in Japan. It produced a range of high quality instruments offering great value for money for many brands including Ibanez, Yamaha, Greco, Fender and most recently Gibson.

[@PatrikWalzer-lt2qo]

The Prestige is still made at the Fujigen Gakki. And the late70s and early 80s were great for Jazz guitars. But for solid body guitars it was from mid 80s to mid 90s. They were really innovativ at this time and released guitars like the JEM, RG, S-Series, Radius, wich became later the JS, the Soundgear and Afirma Bass.

[@davescheer5038]

You sound knowledgeable about Ibanez guitars I’ve got an Ibanez EX , I picked up at a goodwill store about 15 yrs ago , I didn’t play it much had a small cheap amp got there two they sat in the closet till I saw this video, do you know what year it was made ? 🤔

[@mdzz182]

at 5:50. ngl this just gave so much nostalgia of the time growing up in Philippines in the early 2000s. This was basically the chord progression and tone at that time. It sounds amazing.

[@kiritazu4703]

My first Ibanez was the THBB10. I really loved Tim Henson and the Look of it. Sometime later when I played it the for tue first time, I instantly fell in love. It‘s so smooth. The only thing is, the gold from the hardware comes off, and it looks very worn off even tho I got it for only 2 years…

[@malerra]

Look into gold plating. It's actually really easy to do.

[@devontaylor4939]

My first Ibanez was the RG421. My second was the RG7421. my third was the as73

[@magogus7099]

Same! Picked it up and instantly fell in love, i've tried dozens of fender strats and it never clicked, but the ibanez az and especially the THBB10 are such a beautiful take on the classic S-Style guitar

[@9462-wu3li]

Tried tim henson signature for 3 minutes. Put it down and look for others and never came back . 😮

[@davidpicard5376]

Have an Ibanez RG from the late eighties and it's a phenomenal piece of equipment. I have a seventies Strat although the guitar you're demonstrating does raise my curiosity. Back to the Ibanez, it's a beautifully crafted guitar with so much versatility beyond just a shredding guitar.

[@hygog]

00:06 headstock

[@prileyosborne]

Holy smokes! How did I not know about Mike Cole? This video is amazing (video quality, personality, and information). Ibanez owes you a huge debt. They now are living in my list of future guitars when they never were before.

[@1-eye-willy]

ibanez makes better versions of familliar designs

[@michaels8597]

nice axe, great clean playing...I have an Ibanez bass..

[@Ace96x10]

Without running a guitar through an old Marshall, clean grit and lead, it's hard to get any idea of what it sounds like in a real life live hard/heavy rock situation.

[@KiLLJOY1056]

My guy youre getting ROASTED on Reddit right now 💀 im sorry to inform you

[@jimboi9517]

What are they saying 💀💀

[@tomeast0]

Which subreddit?😂I need to go and defend my boy

[@fuzzyechoes]

​@@tomeast0 guitarcirclejerk

[@TommyGunzzz]

What is the accusation?

[@KiLLJOY1056]

@@jimboi9517 I mean last time I checked there were like 500 comments or something like that, going off about him, Not just talking about this video, about all of them. But this Video specifically is the one that sparked the conversation. I'm pretty sure it was just in the regular guitar. Subreddit but it might have in another one too, i wasnt following it so i dont know if i could find it again. But he was getting obliterated lol

[@sonsauvage]

My first Ibanez was A GAX30BK. The first ibanez i ever saw was an SA260, the first ibanez I bought for myself was an RG350dx. I have owned hundreds of ibanez through the years. from rare to common, cheap to prestige. Ibanez is my favorite brand

[@josejvargas9932]

nice comment. do you have a late favorite one?thank you

[@lesbois53]

Hundreds? Wow! Where did you keep them? I have 30 and that is a squeeze! It has taken me 50 years to collect all those.

[@mxyplyzyk]

I own an Ibanez AM153 and one of their entry level flat-top auditoriums. I used to have an Ibanez bass from the 80's. I also have several hand-built guitars, Gibsons, fenders, etc.. For a production guitar, Ibanez nails it. Fit and finish, design, features - they know what they are doing. I would never hesitate to purchase an Ibanez. Another brand I like is Godin, by the way. Would love your take on them. Keep making these videos - you're doing a great job!

[@Bonsaiman1]

Finally a review from someone that looks like they studied something

[@michaeljohnston272]

As soon as i heard Lenny i almost wept

[@kevinferguson6967]

My very first guitar was an Ibanez Rg6003FM. I traded that in on a Fender American Standard Strat, HSS, which I love and still have. Last Fall, I purchased this exact Ibanez guitar and I love it. It is as good as and sometimes better than any of my Fender Strats. It is beautiful, has amazing sounds and is super comfortable to play.

[@HMan2828]

First time I fell in love with Ibanez is when I played a couple of quick riffs on a black Iceman at Steve's Music Store in Montreal... Couldn't afford it then (was like 16 or 17), and the only frame of reference I had was that cheap Squire Strat, but that Iceman felt special... Also looked so cool compared to a boring strat...

[@cjcurcio]

9 configurations?! I LOVE IBANEZ!

[@theprismaticsystem2833]

My understanding of the az line is it's basically Ibanez sitting down and trying to come up with how they would build a traditionalish strat, which for the prestige ones part of that is the Ibanez Jem style output jack location that they put on basically all of those that aren't the s series and one of those even has a blend in the opposite ends pickup knob where a tone knob would normally go. For the azes they have the jack built into the plate so that new players that aren't up to that repair don't have to deal with that because they understand that's important for how entry level those are, also they still have the mode switching though because that and the compound radius fretboard seem to be important to them to not cute for cost reasons when getting the price down.

[@ericpickering2406]

Thank you. First video newbie to your channel. Your detailed and articulate discussions are interesting and help me wade through the sea of guitar options, availability, capabilities and sound. Don't own an electric but looking now for a good jazz sounding electric. This might be in the running. Thanks again.

[@BangerangBen]

Nothing beats a USA made strat, for my money. Something about the way it feels

[@JR-lx8nn]

Another nicely produced, well scripted, and low key personable review that makes sense and is easy to listen to. Good narration is hard to find. Thanks. TT

[@brettgoodman7345]

Boy! I know what you mean about Ibanez. Many years ago I bought an Ibanez JEM 7 / metallic blue. I am a big G3 fan and I love the look and feel of Ibanez. John Petrucci used to play Ibanez. I have also owned a Music Man Steve Morse model. Lots of switches with 11 pickup combinations. I watched this video after a long day at work and found it highly informative and entertaining. Keep up the well presented videos.

[@petethescalemodeller6130]

THE LOOK sharp pointy bits lol

[@MCMLXXVII-]

Thank you for taking your time to help those, like myself, that really want to pull the trigger on guitars without fully understanding all, if any, of the attributes we are constantly searching for helping us with decisions to either pass, or as with this video being surprised with the Ibanez altered 10 position switch making it a definite, exciting yes. please keep the content coming all the best to you and yours. E.

[@indaeira]

The Scott LePage signature is incredible, it goes even further in the modern imagination of the strat. With its high output pickups you can get incredibly crispy tones out of it! Our guitarist is playing it for years.

[@Coco_Loco76]

First time I saw an Ibanez was in a catalogue when my dad had a music store in Italy in the late 80s. It was a bright yellow and black RG and blew my mind. Now that I'm 48, I'll buy a Cort :)

[@fajaradi1223]

Eh ... Why not? Some of them were made on the same factory/assembly lines anyway.

[@mikes2270]

Yes, I remember the first time I saw an Ibanez. It was in 1974 and the guitar was a pre-serial number korina Rocket Roll Flying V. It’s an amazing guitar and I have owned one since 1981. I also have a 1977 Ibanez Les Paul Custom flametop (one year post-lawsuit and before they changed the body shape). Its action is wonderful and it currently has Gibson ‘57 Classics, 500k pots and orange drop capacitors. Killer through a vintage Marshall.

[@WutipongWongsakuldej]

I have Ibanez AZ2204N … which is essentially the same model as yours, but in black. For those who don’t know, Prestige just means models with 4 numbers on it( sans J.Custom, which is also 4-digit but starts with 8 or 9 I believe). Basically it’s a higher tier,made in Japan model. The output jack was designed to let the output chord loop over the guitar strap. It’s originated in Steve Vai model (JEM, Universe) I think. I also have an S model, S470DXQM. Completely different guitar.

[@chrismuratore4451]

Vola guitars are the real hidden gems on the market. Between my Prestige AZ and my Vola, the Ibanez pretty much just lives in its case now

[@INNACCES13]

My first electric guitar is the Ibanez RG220B. From what I could gather from forums dating back to 2006 is that it's a Guitar Center exclusive model that only had three colors; red, gray, and black. Comes with a 5 way switch (bridge, single coil bridge, dual humbuckers, polar wired neck, neck), tone, and volume knob. I've only used Ernie Ball Super Slinkys with it. The curious thing about it is that it's a commissioned budget model. Ibanez contracted Cort guitars in South Korea to manufacture it though. I have a library's worth of instruments, but I can safely say that this guitar is my Mjölnir. I have played a ton of gigs with it and it has been tried by a countless amount of guitar players who were curious to ask about it after shows. The brows always rise the moment they play something as simple as a C Major chord, then I tell them to try the single coil setting and they lose their minds. I don't know if I should retire this guitar, but I'm grateful for the 22 years I've had with this thing ever since I saw DVDs of Steve Vai and Korn rocking them. Those shows convinced me to ask my parents for one and I don't think I can ever repay my parents for making my dream come true. Here's to 22 years and more!

[@stephanvenner2939]

I'm a longtime strat and tele player.I bought me the Ibanez AS53 and AM53 some years ago.I like the humbucker sound,and it's a different vibe and I enjoy it very much.The AS is more for Jazz and Blues, while the AM is more like a lightweight Les Paul for heavier sounds.

[@devondeswardt6239]

I’ve owned several strats, including a genuine ‘64 L series, and loved them! But Ibanez has always felt like home to me. Every rabbit trail I take always leads right back Ibanez. There is an enormous amount of versatility in their catalog and there’s a special kind of magic in their necks that again, just feels like home. I’m a session player and there have been very few gigs over the years that I couldn’t find the right Ibanez for. They deserve far more cred than they get, in my opinion

[@BNGamesYT]

The headstock and the pointy horns got me as a teenager all those years ago. Then thin necks for my baby hands. Buyer for life.

[@dk2428]

I have a 20yr old Ibanez AFS that i just can't put down. Sometimes you really find a gem and the road to discovery is even nicer than the find.

[@johnstewart5621]

Dude, I am a way off, rarely on again guitar player / learner. Have never seen one of your vids before. The playing on this video has inspired me to run into the other room and grab my guitar! Great playing, Thanks for the video!

[@nocirytas]

It looks more like a RG than a S serie to me.

[@blackfishgaming7145]

I found a 1978 Ibanez Challenger in a Goodwill years ago. It’s an exact copy of a Strat with the original Maxon pups. To this day, (20+ guitars later) it’s one of the best guitars I’ve owned.

[@vectormusic0]

I've owned 2 S-520EX's. They are solid built guitars. The adjustment wheel on the back for the floyd style trem was a real treat. I have found I like string-thru and fixed bridge guitars more. The deal breaker on the Ibanez for me was the neck. I could never get used to it. I like having a little something to hold on to. That one you're playing looks great. I have yet to play a roasted neck. Ibanez goes above and beyond with theirs and I love it.

[@Adventrium]

I had the opposite experience. All my early electric guitars were Ibanez and I remember playing the one that I loved the feel of the most. Then in my later 20s I finally tried a Strat and LOVED it. Now I play an RG Prestige with that super thin neck and jumbo frets, loaded with vintage Strat pickups.

[@AikiBudo22]

Definitely LOVE your tone. The rich reverb and the phase-y switch (altered) sounds awesome to me ear! I love the strat style, but the real (old) ones had a several hassles. So to me, the new copies improve on the basic pattern in almost every way! JMO.

[@joeghione5980]

My 2000s era Fender American Deluxe Strat had this exact same feature, 20 years ago. It's a push-push button that gives you 4 additional sounds by putting the pickups in series or in parallel. In fact Fender has been innovating in this space for awhile so it's not true that Fender is only trying to focus on vintage sounds and features.

[@CoASoFi]

I got my first guitar as a birthday present. It was an Ibanez double cutaway. Nothing about it really stood out to me besides it being my first guitar. What did stand out was the Paul Gilbert instructional DVD. That stuff blew my mind.

[@LiebsterFeind]

I only saw this once in my entire life, but there was absolutely amazing Gibson SG model that had *single coil* pickups. With just about any amp, it would feedback nearly any note you touched on the guitar without having to press the string to the fretboard (harmonics) with the most beautiful pure tone you've ever heard. It had one of those inexpensive thin bar whammy bars on it. Never saw one like it again and would love to see a video on it if you ever come across one.