NEW Ibanez AZES - Tone, Versatility, & Playability, Without Busting the Bank!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thanks so much for reviewing my babies! Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@alistairclifton1286]

Thanks so much for helping Ibanez put a guitar like this in my reach :D

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

@@alistairclifton1286 You're very welcome! I wish your happiness with Ibanez AZES!! Please enjoy playing!

[@MDCSYD]

@@TomoFujitaMusic Hi Sensei, these are brilliant guitars regardless of their price points. I’ve been very happy with mine!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

@@MDCSYD Thank you!!! Great to hear that!!

[@topisantakivi1512]

@TomoFujitaMusic Looks great! Is there a plan to do some runs for lefty versions?

[@theharvardyard2356]

That output jack sold me. It's the little but really smart improvements like that that make Ibanez such a great company.

[@thenotsoguitarguy9429]

Who knew that what we we've really needed all this time was for someone to build a better jack hole.

[@theharvardyard2356]

@@thenotsoguitarguy9429 as someone who's had multiple guitars cut out on me at inopportune moments due to loose jacks, I knew that

[@thenotsoguitarguy9429]

@@theharvardyard2356 hahahaha... I'm with you. Totally know that feeling. I was just trying to work in the phrase, "build a better jack hole." Sounds kind of rude, doesn't it.

[@theharvardyard2356]

@@thenotsoguitarguy9429 oh, ok lol

[@MrAntifed]

That little alter switch is pretty dope as well

[@cantrellisgod]

One of these with a Katana 50 would be enough for most people as a home rig. A great way to spend £500

[@Bobby_Digital37]

That was some of the best tone you and playing I've heard from you guys!! Those are some great sounding guitars!!

[@built2roll4life]

I enjoy hearing the guitars from the room mic. Makes me feel as though I'm actually listening to someone playing the guitar as opposed to a track. I really keyed in on those couple of moments here.

[@imacmadman22]

The opening jam was sublime gentlemen, please do more of that!

[@williamdon3442]

I’m totally blown away with by these guitars more so with the price. Good job Ibanez. I’ve always wanted an Ibanez because of Marty Mcfly

[@alnon6304]

Es por las pedales y los efectos.

[@redcomn]

The cavity route of this guitar is hsh so there's tons of mod potential. They surprisingly use normal size pot and the wiring on em were pretty neatly tuck in.

[@megatyaesree]

Baik Aizat

[@stanphillips7277]

Tomo did collaborate with Ibanez. It was a dream of his to design a guitar that was affordable but still a great instrument. He was particularly instrumental in helping design the bridge, although he had more input than just that. Tomo talks about on his channel "Tomo Fujita Music" right here on KZbin! Just a quick search away from the greatest teacher on KZbin in my humble opinion! Professor at Berkeley school, family, lesson videos, recording albums and still he takes the time to respond to his comments! A truly nice man, and an amazing guitar player!🎸✌️🎶

[@alistairclifton1286]

Berklee :) Not Berkley

[@stanphillips7277]

@@alistairclifton1286 I've been misspelling it for so long that my auto correct keyboard does that 😂 now even if I spell it Berklee 😂! Thanks though! 👍🎸🎶🤣✌️🙏

[@zach_theguitar2472]

I tried these up against the more expensive model and all the fenders in a shop. The AZES31 was the best sounding of the lot. Picking it up tomorrow.

[@gregmize01]

I do agree! Hats off to Ibanez!

[@Mark_Ocain]

These sound surprising good!! Nice rich tones here.

[@masvader08]

The captain's playing has aged like a fine wine. Vintage and exquisite, not to mention his choice of tone setting is immaculate.

[@PungkiAhimsa]

Yoo epic playing guys!! Please make a comparison video on affordable great guitars maybe something around the quality and price of Classic Vibe, this AZES, PRS SE, etc 👍👍👍

[@pjr114]

The Anderton (harmony) Brothers. What took so long? I've been waiting for your take on these. Thanks. Nice job as always. Dyna-mix really makes these. Nothing in this price seems to compare.

[@cemsarioglu5947]

I have an ‘83 Roadster II Ibanez and I think I found my new guitar. Thank you guys.

[@mikeg.9238]

Just bought this AZES31 , getting it tomorrow...Ibanez kills it with every guitar , this will be my third one. Great review!

[@xanderfilms8820]

I’ve heard rumors of bad build quality and severe need for a setup. What was your experience straight out of the box

[@mikeg.9238]

@@xanderfilms8820 I had no problem whatsoever , it was nearly perfect out of the box. I just lowered the action slightly on the bass side , oiled the board and new strings. Honestly i love it , totally different sound. It's like having 9 pickups in one guitar. Way more of a twang than my tele , i wanted something different than the standard double H. Iv'e got enough of those , wanted something different and this delivered. Couldn't be more pleased....

[@xanderfilms8820]

@@mikeg.9238 That is refreshing news. I use a Tele as my daily and really wanted an Ibanez, it seems like this is my best choice since my parents won't be buying me gear for a while😅

[@mikeg.9238]

@@xanderfilms8820 HaHa , if you want something different , you can also check out the Ibanez RG , it's in the same price range , but more fore metal. It has the HH set-up. Also a great player and perfect out of the box. Honestly this is my third different Ibanez and haven't had any issues with QC at all....

[@digitalchris6681]

Ooh, I'm liking that extra little chrome switch thingy

[@anthonycashero7605]

Me also. cool idea.

[@mikeg.9238]

Yeah thats pretty slick , can't wait to try it out....

[@digitalchris6681]

@@mikeg.9238 I now have - bought one from Andertons, arrived today. It's a really versatile guitar. Nine different tones, all useful! The frets are a little rough, but a bit of polish will sort that out.

[@mikeg.9238]

@@digitalchris6681 Yeah mine also , this is exactly what i was looking for , mine didn't have any fret issues. Just a very dry board , which i oiled up before i restrung it , i lowered the action a hair. But other than that i am very pleased. It's amazing how versatile it is , you can go from Johnny Cash to Chuck Berry to ZZ Top and Stevie Ray with just that toggle switch. Very satisfied with this guitar!

[@ThroughThe_Loop]

I miss seeing the words 'without busting the bank' in Andertons videos

[@1paultv22]

I gotta say, you can never go wrong with an Ibanez. So much guitar for the money.

[@TheClaycorey]

Not available here in the US yet, but I have mine pre-ordered. Just pulled the trigger on it today. Very excited! Got the AZES40 fat strat in blue.

[@zeppelinboys]

my buddy has the baby blue kinda coloured one. my lord does it sound AMAZING! the first time he was playing it i didnt notice it was an ibanez until the first break when he set it down and i went over to check it out. holy crow what a great deal for a wonderful guitar!

[@mikeg6666]

zeppelinboys You're right about that , I've owned the vermilion one for almost a year now. My only complaint is the pickups tend to get muddled at high gains. Also I don't know if it's just mine or not , but I have a hard time changing the low E string. It seems to get stuck when feeding it through the ferule. It only happens on that one , so I'm not sure if it's not lined up with the saddle correctly.🤔

[@satxizzy]

is this guitar good for playing heavy metal?

[@kiahharris3683]

They should come up with a telecaster version of this!

[@jlmcgrot]

The SSS version is hard tail and you can probably get tele tones with that additional tone switch (whatever it’s called).

[@Dmcinc]

Would really like to hear an A/B/C compression of: Fender Professional 2(HSS) / PRS - Silver sky 2021 / Ibanez AZ Prestige(HSS) 🙏

[@jasonbright6294]

Throw in a suhr

[@thdarknez7171]

Just an FYI the one piece jack plug idea has been done by schecter for a bit now. Its really nice and while someone doesn't think of that being a thing its nice to not worry about for sure

[@davidyoung8875]

Just got mine today, Left handed, Love the color and all those pickup options are insane. Sounds great, plays like a dream and so light you could wear it onstage for hours. Very Happy. Thanks Guys. P.S. the dynamix 9 is a game changer.

[@phipschi4255]

Nice, im glad you like enjoy yours! How would you describe the neck profile?

[@shiraga0516]

I have preordered one and am waiting for mine to be shipped.

[@lucaisokay]

I've been waiting for this one for so long

[@nalukeko]

That’s some wicked switching! I’d love to use an S1 switch and wire up my Strat like that.

[@squirelova1815]

These precious guys are hilarious. What a simply Lovely channel this is and the humorous presentation is just priceless so... I "waste" my time here relaxing, a lot. No regrets.

[@Thomannfamily.]

Hello from the Philippines , great review . Thank you guys. Getting the peach one for my daughter

[@Tenetchurch]

As much as I like hardtails id still probably take a triple S with a trem system if they made it. The Trem system even if blocked off still adds a tonal quality to guitars that I adore

[@indranilchatterjee4492]

Ibanez AZ ES might blow away the Squier line . Own an Ibanez S series and A fender Player plus Strat . Both Awesome Guitars

[@Metallex]

These look great! It's a shame that the Squier Contemporary aren't doing that well, they're absolutely stellar guitars.

[@FTMuisikTV]

As someone just starting would you recommend these or the squier contemporary

[@archivedmanny]

@@FTMuisikTV These 100%

[@ThBraveBraveSirRobin]

@@FTMuisikTV Definitely these.

[@brennensnyder9236]

​@@archivedmanny what's wrong with the contemporary ones? aren't those the ones with the roasted maple?

[@Metallex]

@@brennensnyder9236 Yeah, they're actually really nice but I heard they weren't selling all that well.

[@benlogan430]

The best parts of these videos is when Pete slays (cracks him up)The Captain. Or the other way around. The fits of laughter are contagious!

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

I heard the mention of the squier contemporary series in here. I totally was going to get one of these but, they have been sold out everywhere for a while.. I opted for a squier contemporary strat with a roasted maple neck and I have not regretted it one bit. I will say later this year if I can buy one, I will likely pickup a trem model of the mint green or the blue.

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

I love that you have the Pound Shop in England. Here we have the Dollar Store and the 99 Cents Only store.

[@gajapi]

Definitely want the SSS model!

[@NathanMorgan7]

I’ve been waiting for this video for so long

[@brucensun]

Outro jam is sick!

[@ZappaBlues]

Opening jam, memories of the ABB,

[@TheBelmontBluesMan]

Reminiscent of Mountain Jam. 🎸

[@lalremsangakhiangte4460]

I am big fan of these two Guys 😊

[@david_champa6265]

Pete could be playing a rubber band plugged into a loaf of bread and the tone would still be legendary

[@richardpalmer8478]

I only buy Fenders, Squiers and Ibanez guitars and here in NZ, the AZES 31 & 40 are the best budget strat-type guitar you can buy under $900, along with the Artist Guitar STMVG Seafoam Green. These guitars are genuine Squier killers.

[@hamrocktv]

Bought one of these from you in the Vintage white a couple of days ago. It's one hell of a guitar for the price.

[@majortwang]

Removed complete harness & pickups for Alnico 5 & USA parts ( one volume, 2x tones, one on bridge) and Gotoh Staggered Locking tuners. Best budget strat.😊

[@markdunbar799]

Wish they could make a tele version of these

[@RiffsAndRibeyes]

Would love to see a scale length comparison video. Play several 25” scale length guitars, and compare them with a prs (se and core), then do the same with Gibson/fender scale length guitars. I think it would be interesting to hear the tonal similarities/differences between guitars with the same scale length from different manufacturers, and at different price points!

[@bikermousefrommarz6739]

Agreed 100%. Also, my Jem Jnr & Chapman ML1 are meant to be same scale length but because the body of the Chapman is bigger, the neck sits further to the left. Ergonomics, even in all same-scale guitars are different. A video comparing differences would be really useful IMO.

[@greatamericanbird]

Can‘t help myself, but every Squier at this pricepoint is sounding better in my ears. My son owns a Classic Vibe Strat and sometimes I borrow it altough I own far more expensive s-style guitars. But as always it’s a matter of taste when the quality is right where it has to be.

[@othman3192]

The pickups in these are not that great

[@MindsDozer]

i love listening to musicians who also listen while they play

[@ThisMoth]

Just what I need just when I need it, cheers.

[@ashwolf1977]

OMG. This is what I wanted to see. Finally 👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥

[@benkmoskomusic3679]

Speaking of “busting the bank” I miss Sound Like. It would be cool to see an episode of SL on The DeLeo Brothers/STP.

[@buzzstankos8532]

thanks guys!!! I have always placed a lot of trust in your guitar test/reviews and you haven't steered me wrong yet. do you know when these will be available?

[@Gorilla_Wrangler]

The Captains playing has improved over the years.

[@archerclems]

Damn taht sounded awesome! and I of course don't jsut mean the guitars, what a pretty intro (and outro)!

[@Airfire21]

I always thought it was a curly c because there's the curl at the beginning and the end of how you wrote the letter, and then kicking k because the 'legs' of the k kick out from the initial line of how you write it. Maybe I'm the weird one though!

[@rooberry-music]

Nope this is how I was taught it at school haha still remember my teacher literally kicking to demonstrate

[@chucknuqui6770]

Please do a comparison video with this, pacifica and a classic vibe. Awesome vids as always From Ph

[@fretboardrunner]

Get the 31 for playing as is, the 40 for modding. Only think I didn't like about the 40 is the 6-point trem and the tuning stability. I played the 31 of a friend, and it's a straight up incredible guitar.

[@sammyrothrock6981]

I own many Ibanez a quality Mfg I love my lefty AF85 and AS93. I also absolutely love my Yamaha Pacific's I wonder how this compares?? Thank you for the review you two ✌️ are fabulous!

[@slaytanic777]

Would love to see this wiring in the s series Ibanez

[@RasmusSahlberg]

Fantasic information! Just getting back to playing after 10 years. Don't want to spend a fortune, but want something a step or two above a beginners guitar. How would you say this compares to the new Squier Sonics?

[@MiguelMakesMusic]

funny, I just put a mint guard on my strat that had stark white plastics and the combo surprisingly doesn't look bad. the AZ looks good with it too!

[@iwilrage]

Always great videos

[@nsiderultimaseth]

Look at Pete with the sweeps!

[@digitalchris6681]

Just bought one (from Andertons of course). What a bargain - the little toggle switch really does give you a massive tonal range. It arrived next day and even came set up as near as dammit too. For £279 (black one with tremolo) you can't expect perfection, so I will need to polish the frets which grab a bit when bending (you also need to do that on Fenders costing 3x the price), but hey.... If there were any justice in this cruel world, Ibanez would take the market from Squiers and low to mid range Fenders.

[@Nortons2010]

The musical intro should have gone on MUUUUCH longer guys!! that sounded great!!

[@Mark-bl6oe]

After watching this I feel like the Ibanez AZES is an affordable version of the PRS Silver Sky. Recessed heel, shorter scale length, modern style strat..... I'm very impressed! 😎

[@019bc3]

Yeah, but PRS Silver Sky has the same scale length as a Fender Strat.

[@AstralBayo]

The Silver Sky is a 25,5 scale. And have a 7,25 radius. But lot of PRS guitars are 25" with a 10" radius. Exactly like the AZES. But it's far from the Silver Sky (which is more similar to old Fender Stratocaster). 😊

[@ShredBrosLTD]

Why couldn’t they do the HSS in red?!?

[@peejay6930]

" Why couldn’t they do the HSS in red?!?" My heart bleeds for you, Not a single lefty in any colour or configuration

[@ShredBrosLTD]

@@peejay6930 I'm left-handed! but learnt right for the colour choices

[@peejay6930]

@@ShredBrosLTD But you will never know how good you could have been!

[@TheMeJustMe75]

I was wondering if they had a Strat pickup configuration. I might just have to buy one. I'm just a huge fan of the RG series especially from the mid 90's but I also have a RGIB21 which I also love.

[@fawkesandhound]

RIP Minty Greene- gone but not forgotten!

[@rickrolled1918]

might be the best substitute for a squire yet

[@anthonycashero7605]

Beautiful guitars. Really. Thanks

[@beardedrancher]

These are pretty cool. The pickups lack a little clarity and dynamics, but those could be upgraded and These would be way up there in value.

[@sboy1955]

Really like’n the simple smooth standard S look of this series… headstock too.

[@gertvanrooy428]

About time someone got up and made an affordable SSS strattype guitar without a tremolo.

[@bassyey]

Always wondering why those cheap guitars always have tremolo, a trash one at that. Surely, it's cheaper to build a hardtail right? And it aligns with their target market. But no, they keep putting shitty tremolos for some reason.

[@sigogglin]

I have a Godin Session hard tail, but it is HSS. They are based in Canada.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

A pro level fit and finish and for that matter sound at an entry level price. Keep in mind the Les Paul Jr. was an entry level guitar and 99% are now in that hands of Pro's. Get one now before the world finds that out and the price goes up. Add to that once on stage the on lookers do not know if the guitar is not one of Ibanez guitars that is not worth 4 or 5 times the price. With a Squier no matter what the model it spells cheapo budget guitar :-)

[@MrDrewseph]

Just like my old Roadstar II, without the cool headstock

[@gertvanrooy428]

I wonder if that alter switch is similar to the S1 switch on some Fenders, wiring the pick-ups in series, giving that fatter, humbucker sound?

[@clydebillingsworth8574]

That drummer stole the show

[@johnjgibson6807]

I also Miss Busting The Bank and for the price Those Guitars Rock 👍👍🎶🎶🎸CHRISTMAS Time is almost Here.

[@fantassimoteschi5840]

Hey! Pretty cool 🎸! Does anybody knows how are they wiried, especially the red one with sss??

[@texasbootlegger3752]

I enjoy playing new guitars just for fun, but don't purchase many. Nice vid!

[@juancarloshaquetbriones4252]

Is it just me, or the guitar with the dedicated humbucker sounded thinner, and 'worse' - relatively speaking - than the single coils wired in the wizard-y kinda way? The 1st guitar just woke up (Not that it sounded bad originally) when that switch was flipped; it was great! Mr. Fujita and Ibanez knocked it out of the park.

[@Philminator]

Ibanez really are under appreciated. Fender & Gibson are like Coke & Pepsi. Ibanez is like C Plus Tahiti treat!

[@alnon6304]

Very good. Ahora dame la lista de los efectos. Unos amp baratos.gracias

[@chuckmiller2741]

Wow. I am definitely a LOT more interested in these now…

[@sawbonesquad4876]

Have mine already Captain is playing. Pretty snazzy for like 299 USD.

[@Sophiaa-666]

3:25 omg... I never realised that.. I thought those words were just to describe the shape of the letter.. haha I did not expect such a revelation in this video

[@christhompson9378]

These look awesome

[@dorugavrila421]

Is this model better than Gio version ? Ibanez Gio GRX40 is half price compared with AZES

[@JohnSmith-in1tt]

AZES is definitely better. Gio guitars are shit and even though it’s double the price, every extra dollar goes a long way in terms of quality when you’re talking about affordable guitars. Go with the AZES for sure

[@ska4dragons]

Gios can be very good, but I would get one from a store where I could check it out. Quality control isn't amazing, but if you find a good one it's worth it. Yes this is a better model. Gio is like Squier's Affinity series. Still great guitars but definitely budget. I have a n Affinity strat and a Gio mikro. Both are great and we're very light on my wallet from the used market.

[@nym053]

And they do also look beautiful

[@mathias6423]

Would you go with the Ibanez AZES40 as a superstrat or a Squier Classic Vibe 70's Strat as a superstrat ? The Squier in my country is 100$/100€/70£ more expensive. Obviously the Squier has more of that Fender sound. I am putting a Dimarzio Super Distortion in the Bridge whichever guitar I am choosing. I am playing a lot of hard rock like Iron maiden, what do you guys reckon ?

[@tomrobinson4781]

Aye! Lovely

[@matrags]

When are we getting the new Headless Ibanez guitars?

[@christhompson9378]

Didn't the fender duo sonic also have the pickups in series switch?

[@andriyderkach2065]

Love it!

[@effess8698]

WAIT c is used in "curly" hence "curly c", k is used in "kicking" hence "kicking k" I feel like I have just been given some hidden knowledge. A bit like when I learned about stalactites and stalagmites

[@michaelmetal71]

hopefully we get at least one left handed version 🎸 that’s a lot of guitar for $300 nice job ibanze

[@Ottophil]

I love seeing left handed people mad.

[@kennyj9348]

I've checked and as usual the answer is no

[@Ottophil]

@@kennyj9348 good

[@peejay6930]

@@Ottophil I'm lucky enough to be able to afford pretty much any guitar I want, But I get no joy from people who can't afford, say, a Nik Huber. I'd have to be some kind of weird jerk if I did

[@Ottophil]

@@peejay6930 it has nothing to do with the money I assure you. Its the left handed part I’m not a fan of.

[@davidyoung8875]

I want one. The blue one that Pete was playing comes in Left handed YAY!