Ibanez AZ Prestige vs Premium. Which One Would You Pick?

[@MaxwellBlue]

I think the real winner here is that Friedman amp

[@dunlop7rush]

Right? I really want one of those now.

[@eugenemcleer8407]

I just bought a Runt 50, but was looking at the JJ Jr too. You'll never go wrong with a Friedman anything!!

[@AMusicalPsychosis]

No kidding

[@slapspinjakk6227]

Yep

[@cliftongardner4367]

Phil, it's a little thing, but it seems like your playing has grown leaps and bounds since you started doing this full time. You're really showing off the instruments in a variety of applications other than just shredding around aimlessly. Excellent demo.

[@michael1]

I'm glad I wasn't here then. I mean kudos to the guy for his knowledge but he'd get a better sound out of the guitars if he used them to play baseball.

[@pablo9364]

I bought a yellow RG550 Ibanez online and was blown away by the quality of the Japanese build . Very pleased FIG fender Ibanez Gibson love em all

[@jrp7837]

One thing I do like a lot about the AZ series is the neck. It feels rounder and fuller like a Fender neck.

[@larryh.3173]

Definitely. And an important difference.

[@zanmato86]

I’ve seen these guitars in shops it’s bizarre. The premiums pop off the wall whilst the prestige look quite dull. Really strange choice to put the best finishes on the premiums.

[@darrellmcdonald7883]

PRS and GIBSON do the same thing.

[@einarabelc5]

@@5urg3x 'Cause it's cheaper.

[@zakktothefuture]

Charvel dk24 pro mod plays better than both in my experience. Without debate the prestige is still specs-wise a much better guitar but I couldn't find one in Atlanta that sounded anywhere near as good or that felt as good as the ssh pro mod.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

@@zakktothefuture I own a few Prestige Ibanezes, and I used to own a Charvel DK24 Pro Mod. The Charvel was great for the price, but the quality of the Prestige definitely is noticeable over it, at least in my opinion. Again, the Charvel played really nicely for the price... but it just felt a bit like a toy next to the Prestige.

[@rowlandstraylight]

It's very easy to paint guitars bright colours. Showing of beautiful wood is more tricky. I love oil finishes on figured wood, but it 's not in your face like a bright solid colour that i 'd pick for a cheap stage guitar.

[@alrecks619]

from Indonesia, i can guess why most guitar companies set up a contract deal with local guitar factories here our living cost is rather low, hence the cheaper labor by the way, interesting comparison, man

[@TheEchelon]

Indonesians are also excellent woodworkers, it's part of the culture

[@alrecks619]

@@TheEchelon yes, that's true

[@skinnyboy400]

Have Indonesian PRS SE and it is great!

[@mountainman8775]

Yeah I‘ve been worried about whether Indonesian luthiers are paid properly... anyone got first hand experience?

[@michael1]

@@mountainman8775 They ship out enough junk that it's moot. If they're getting paid at all they're not earning it. It makes no sense at all to pay a 'premium' for a premium. Get the prestige or, if you don't have the money, get a Cort G300 pro or another cheap guitar. Because you're rolling the dice to get something from Ibanez that isn't made in Japan that doesn't have a ton of QC issues. Worse of all are the youtubers / signature players with premium tier who are getting good examples cherry picked (or in the signature case made in the custom shop) and telling you they're fine. They're not. If you really want a brand guitar made in Indonesia, get a yamaha revstar standard. Worse here is the guy in the video who doesn't really play the guitar saying the premium is better because it looks prettier and because he doesn't care about the quality differences? (Kudos at least he is acknowledging the quality differences - many other youtubers do not) I mean ffs, I get you mostly hang guitars on a wall to look at Phil but if you're going to make videos talking about gear for guitarists then a guitar is a musical instrument not a nicely painted piece of wood that your non guitarist friends (you're a non guitar player too) think is the better one because it's shiny. And of course saying the faults aren't big because they're easy to fix is awful for the money these cost. They're not cheap guitars where you can say "Meh the trem is broken and creaks but it's not difficult to fix" - imagine spending all that money and then having to get it fixed. You can't look at it from the perspective from someone who can fix stuff. It's like a mechanic showing a brand new car has a big fault but him saying he can fix it. Most guitar shops are charging £60 an hour labour to fix stuff - plus any parts - or these same retailers have to take the hit off their bottom line fixing guitars they get sent from manufacturers because otherwise they'd have an unhappy customer complaining. All because you sit on this channel saying Indonesian guitars that have objective and clear faults are better than guitars that don't. That's close to shilling isn't it? Certainly you should take a step back I think and reevaluate what you accept as ok in terms of flaws - because I'd get it if it was a £150 guitar, but you're now at the stage where you seem to think it's ok for a guitar that's 10x that to be broken when it's delivered either to the retailer or the customer? Really? How long before you'll be extending this "it doesn't matter if it's broken or not" to £3k guitars or higher? Ibanez basically have one job right? And you're more or less saying it's fine if 90% of their output is broken in some way - everything made in Indonesia and China can be broken? No way. That's awful. And it's an awful experience for the millions of guitarists who can't buy japanese guitars and they're being pressured by marketing into believing spending more for an Indonesian "premium" model is getting them closer to that prestige or higher tier experience - but what they're actually getting is a nice paint job and a bunch of QC issues for twice the money they could get a guitar of equal merit - like, I say, a Cort. And how are Ibanez deluding millions that this premium tier is worth twice the money? By using people like yourself Phil - wittingly or not.

[@Midnight.escape09]

I bought the az premium sixth months ago, it’s fantastic, w custom case it’s probably one of the best values out there right now for a great guitar

[@ceelee5850]

Hi, do you feel any wrist pain? RG gives me wrist pain due to small neck

[@ugsdit5296]

@@ceelee5850 the AZ necks are a little bit thicker than what ibanez usually does

[@nemtall]

I own a Premium AZ with a Humbucker and two singles. It played and sounded as well as the Prestige model .

[@ceelee5850]

Hi, Do you feel any wrist pain? planning to buy this one but im afraid that it might give me wrist pain like my RG

[@TurbulentJuice]

I played both premium/prestige HH and HSS models. Maybe it's just what they had at the shop but appreciably, there was not enough, I felt, to spend the extra on the prestige. The prestige may hold its value better or garner a better trade in the future but if that doesn't matter get the premium.

[@bluepencil99]

The premium has a better strat sound...basswood was always the choice in the old days of Ibanez...cool 👍🏼

[@rogerblack3519]

Exactly. The AZ was an Inner Strat. I just modified it it a thinner much more comfortable neck. NOW I ENJOY playing it.

[@brandonbock4763]

How did you mod the neck?

[@darrellmcdonald7883]

I like your honesty. ... a lot of people woukd say the more expensive guitar was better.

[@OEMPlus]

im really diggin ibanez's latest offerings.

[@RC32Smiths01]

That sunburst instantly gave me chills the moment the video started. Haven't seen a finish quite as saturated and defined as that! Ibanez has got to be top 3 for me in terms of their quality. Great comparison man!

[@leefoo7318]

Thanx for the demo. To my ears the Premium had a pinging resonance while the Prestige had a more warm and full sound.

[@rogerblack3519]

FYI, the demo was with the tone full on forward. If you want more warmth just roll the tone back just a touch.

[@djg9589]

I’m normally of the mentality that MIJ or USA is always better, but Ibanez have nailed the Korean / Indonesian quality like no other brand has. Great video 👍🏻

[@TMmodify]

Yeah. Even their high end Chinese guitars (like the artcore models) are soooo good. Other brands also sell fantastic instruments from other overseas factories. Indo Squiers are awesome,same for Chinese Epis

[@djg9589]

Ilian Petit mmm, I’ve had a Korean LTD and it was crap, friend had one too and it too was crap. I’ve seen too much shite from epiphone to ever regain faith in them being good. The fender / charvel Mexican stuff is pretty good !

[@LoftySkinner]

Chapman's Korean guitars are great. Harley Benton's Indonesian guitars (Cort Factory, so by extension Cort too) are phenomenal. Bacchus (also a Japanese brand, but mostly known for basses) make some incredible basses in the Philippines. The only country to make guitars from Asia so far that has been crap at every level has been Vietnam.

[@TheJacobshapiro]

The HSS premium with the blue-to-white gradient is gorgeous. I really wish they offered that finish in the prestige model.

[@yeesenchai]

Have u seen the koa and myrtle version, those are gorgeous and way way overpriced.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@yeesenchai myrtle was a Japanese privilege model :(

[@soheil9610]

Nice video! I have tried AZ2204B Prestige and AZ premium AZ224f (both HSS). In my opinion neck is very different and my choice will be Prestige; Premium feels like a satin-urethane finish (similar to what we see on Fender Strat for example) while Prestige feels more like an unfinished neck.

[@travisstone6099]

I’ve been waiting to buy one of these since they came out. Love the playability, versatility, however I have not been digging any of the finishes so far. Just waiting for the right one to pop up. Hope they start doing more flame bursts later on! Maybe 2020 🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@yeesenchai]

Just Google AZ2204 or Az2402 followed by koa or myrtle

[@loosecannon7300]

The prestige does sound better to my ears but the premium does look nicer.

[@darrellmcdonald7883]

It's like the ESP and LTD one is awesome looking and other is super plain looking

[@rogerblack3519]

I have the premium, and I actually appreciate it more the more I play it. It has it's own sound. My strat is not as clear as the AZ. There is a clean crispness that even the strat cannot match, and yet because of the clarity I play Jazz on it, and it works. But a lot is in the fingers isn't it?

[@savannahkristinagreening4560]

Reminds me of the old road star series heads. Glad to see they had in the Bandit that thought of the headstock.

[@TrevorParkJones]

I like the premium as well. Nice vlog Phil, thanks for all the time and effort!!

[@chris_2714]

Weird, I was just looking at these for the first time online. Very timely and informative Phil!

[@YesuAiNimen]

I don't have any negatives on the Premium. It came down to the feel of the neck for me. The Prestige neck just felt better, so that's what I bought.

[@Endstation93]

I really love my prestige. Fantastic playability and a perfect workhorse. Used you can find nice deals on them

[@joeabrenica4467]

I got both guitars and I like my PREMIUM more than my prestige! Something special about that “premium” 🤘🔥🤘🔥🤘

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@josue Kay exact same body

[@thelastcat8406]

hey how is the sound dif between these two its really important for me i dont want save money one more year for prestige?

[@ironjohn03]

So if I'm planning to upgrade my premium to prestige, you suggest don't? I'm seriously planning an upgrade. Selling my premium right now actually

[@ironjohn03]

@@ThePedroDB thanks for the input! Then I better buy another AZ but Prestige, just to add to my collection. Then RG j custom as the end game.

[@ceelee5850]

Did you feel any wrist pain?

[@Gitfiddle]

Thank you very much for shooting these out. I agree with you 100% the more expensive model had a sharper transient and a fatter rounder bottom end with a bit of a scoop on the mid range. The cheaper one had a raunchier fatter mid range. Very interesting.

[@JgHaverty]

You're joking right??? At any rate, I can fix this for you. If youre playing the prestige, turn your "high" knob down from 7 to 6.8, turn your "bass" knob down from 8 to 7.9, and turn your "mids" knob from 4 to 4.1. There. Identical sound.

[@leondantas]

Now it is time to revisit this test with the 2020 models. The price and specs are not that different now.

[@robertclarkguitar]

I would love the seafoam prestige in that model. Not too big on the orange but damnit. AZ is the model SS I want next.

[@rogerblack3519]

Hi, I have the 3 tone one. in the den practicing it is very bright looking BUT on stage it just rocks. It just pops out. What a star it really is.

[@calebfodor6258]

Main difference: One is ugly, one isn’t.

[@Dylan99781]

god, yeah. ugly tobacco burst is for boomers

[@calebfodor6258]

Dylan Lanphear hahaha well I was referring to the one that looks like Guy Fieri’s shirt as ugly, but hey, to each his own!

[@larryh.3173]

Ha. I’m 65, playing for 50+ yrs (and better than ever, IMHO), and I bought the very same Premium back in January. Yup that same gradient finish. Love the guitar, love the looks. LOL. Ummm... maybe there goes yer theory?! :-)

[@YesuAiNimen]

Ya, the Premium finish is awful. I call it BombPop Sunbarfed.

[@Afurthyclays]

Hell, I liked ‘em both! I’m rather easy to please though, when it comes to quality guitars.

[@kevinb.3244]

I've bought the exact same Premium AZ a couple days ago, and should get it in the mail tomorrow. After watching your video, while there's a slight difference between both models when it comes to the sound, I don't think one is better than the other. Both sounded great to me. The Prestige might have a more high-end feel, but I think the Premium has the better overall value. And look better, as you said.

[@victorrene3852]

Yes, ive tried a few models of both and they dont sound different at all. I think You did good in just going with the premium.

[@kevinb.3244]

Got it a couple hours ago, and it's great. A couple minor cosmetic imperfections here and there, but you really have to look for them to find them. I'm more than pleased with my purchase :D

[@WendellSexson]

I have a Premium HSS AZ and it is a lot of guitar for the price. Sounds great and plays really well.

[@mike1967sam]

Hey Phil, this past week I bought an AZ Prestige and then like 5 days later after watching this vid I bought a Premium. I set both guitars up the same way and I love 'em both but no matter how good the Premium is and it's great the Prestige just feels a bit better in my hands but it could be psychological. The Prestige costs 1799 Euros which is about 2200 USD and the Premium cost me 1090 euros which is about 1400 US dollars but I don't feel a 700 euro or 900 dollar difference between the two it's gotta be the labor. One made in Japan the other Indonesia. Cheers. Mike.

[@WillMoon]

You're the only other person I've ever seen who has a Mira in vintage natural EXACTLY like my Mira. What a great guitar.

[@andreguitar495]

Hi Phillip! I really appreciate your channel, congratulations! I agree with you, I would be very pleased with the Ibanez AZ Premium, I see no reason to spend more on a Prestige.

[@ph0kused]

I have both a premium and a prestige. Only premium critique was the fretboard edges were a bit rough- that was fixed easily by playing it a lot. Also had some high frets, i had my premium frets plek’d. But i also did that with the prestige. Anytime you buy a stainless steel fret guitar- you should plek it and be set for life. Also my luminlay dots had a bit of paint smear - very minor and cosmetic. The thing that gave away they are different was the fretboard edges being a little rough. Oh and yes if you buy a premium, it is a good idea to swap out to a true gotoh 510 bridge. I did that about a year later because of my ocd needing gotoh bridges lol. I love both, but i love my premiums finish. I got the bocote finish from their initial release.

[@JgHaverty]

Dude, the premium model bridges ARE gotoh. They are LITERALLY the same exact bridge as the prestige version. The difference is the one on the prestige has titanium saddles instead of stainless, and a bigger block. Like there is absolutely no difference otherwise.

[@michael1]

@@JgHaverty "Same exact except for the differences" - hehe. That means they're not the same.

[@JgHaverty]

@@michael1 *surely* youre not some silly noob child here. I mean, youd be *pretty* stupid to not understand the bridge and saddles are separate. Only some uneducated ignorant child would come here and try to be pedantic about a detail they dont understand. Itd be pretty embarassing to go around "correcting" people to find out the "bridge" is the support structure for the strings, and works as a fulcrum to the body and that saddles are a way to conveniently set the radius and adjust action a small amount. See i get why youre being a pedantic idiot here, but contextually, its akin to a gold vs black bridge and someone going around saying the company that makes the gold bridge is trash but the black onw is high quality. Before you nay say, heres a scenario -> when you adjust string height do you... "lower the bridge" or do you "lower the saddles"? I mean... by what youre saying, thatd be the same thing. Clearly. And as for the "bridge" itself? They have the same exact gotoh/ibanez part number you idiot -"hehe".

[@JgHaverty]

@@michael1 also, he says "swap out to a TRUE gotoh". The bridge IS a "true gotoh", hence my comment. There is no real purpose to changing out the bridges on either (he forgot to mention the body is cut out *SPECIFICALLY* to float a 510 in the first place)... what you could do is ... maybe change out the saddles :)

[@Deneteus]

I find it funny that you posted a video on this when I found that Vai has an Indonesian model.

[@MDCSYD]

I actually prefer the Premium voicing...it got more treble which I like for those ‘80s hair metal sounds....probably due to its Basswood body

[@olddirtytattooedwarhorse7772]

my wife has a lower end Ibanez, and it's not great, but it's a pretty nice guitar for the price, about $400... and i know what you mean when you say there's a difference in the "feel" of the quality between price points... and driving it from San Antonio to Corpus Christi put just enough of a change in the neck to need a truss rod adjustment... not knocking her little rig at all, it's good, and it's a real looker with a flame "top" and a burst finish and a matching headstock... but there really is good, great, super, awesome, you know, so many tiers and a lot of times you notice them... whether they're important and make a difference can depend a lot on what those changes are from one brand/guitar/player to the next, but they're there...

[@dingdong6069]

I can't hear much difference. If any. Go for the cheaper then. Plus I agree with Phil it looks better too.

[@FirestormAudio]

Great vid. This is also the best your tone has sounded.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Before you even said a word, my first thoughts were how pretty the Premium is, and how ugly the Prestige is LOL. I've noticed that about Ibanez... they make the Premiums look very nice to make up for the lesser quality. Not saying they are bad guitars... just that the quality is lesser. But the real winner is.... the J.Custom! That is, if people can afford it :)

[@sonsauvage]

it is reverse in real life. The veneers and gradient finishes of the premiums look pretty cheesy when you have them right in front of you. I'm glad they're doing solid colors now

[@rogerblack3519]

No no no, it is a matter of taste. They do the prestige in more CONSERVATIVE colours to give it more APPARENT value. The Premium however is the working musos tool of choice. I bought mine in Singapore, when they first came out and you could not get one in Australia. (and got it cheaper) brought it back as luggage, so cost me nothing to bring it back.

[@joshwairau183]

awesome mate I find some of the premium guitars from ibanez have better specs and colours than the prestige plus the premium uses different woods rather than basswood .

[@Dzo826]

I have an RG270 from Indonesia from the 80's and wouldn't trade it for the "world"... But it is what it is... And since I rewire ALL my axes when I get them, the extra loot aint impressive to me.. IMO... Great video tho!!!!.. You still da man!!!!...

[@rijosigns]

japan guitars always feel good and older koren guitars too

[@tonyv5202]

Prestige sounded tighter with heavy distortion to my ears. I love the look of the Premium it looks fantastic as a guitar but if I was going to play one of these guitars out live I would have to pick the look of the prestige as It would look like a "real" guitar to the normal non muso. Also the premium would stand out to other guitarists as there is one hanging in every guitar shop. Maybe there was some thought behind the conservative look of the prestige.

[@thisguy2973]

I think they’re after Suhr’s market

[@aphexlane]

Prestige all the way. I don’t trust premium fret work at all for super low action. Plus if you’re going to go roasted maple just go all out and have flamed maple. The tequila sunrise finish looks super gaudy too.

[@jornvallis8051]

If I had money I'd own a couple Prestige models, but given I don't have infinite money, I'll go with the Premium.

[@dandical]

I bought the premium as value proposition was way greater, took it home realised significant nut ringing and fret buzz even with high action set up. Took it back and got a prestige. You buy the prestige for better qc and workmanship.

[@djdyer1]

I have both AZ2402 prestige & AZ242F premium, with the premium originally intended as a back up guitar, and agree the premium is actually a better guitar for playing live and recording. It has a brighter and thinner sound which cuts through the mix better. The prestige is slightly better for solo work as it has a darker & fuller sound, however I have found that the wound strings go dull sounding very quickly indeed on the prestige.

[@evenzeroescanbeheroes6875]

That jam from 10:29 to 11:01 has to be one of the best demos of a guitar I've ever heard. Now I'm biased to say that because drpp D is my favorite tuning to play in. The playthrough alone sold me on the premium lol

[@leftymadrid]

Yes, Indonesia is putting out some incredible guitars for"many" brand names... I just received the FUSION ll HSH (latest version) with the roasted flame maple neck, and other goodies on it... I still can't believe that Thomann can put out a guitar like that, for that money...

[@BigSh00tsie]

it's probably a loss leader.

[@avielkharrat5788]

The prestige looks significantly smaller than the premium. Or is it just an eye effect of the burst

[@PhillipMcKnight]

It is the burst. They are the same size as far as I could tell

[@NiclasKarlssonguitarswe]

Nice video and playing! That Friedman amp sounds really sweet. We wantss it preciousss.... ;)

[@siren604]

I would probably pick up an indonesian AZ if they offered the same finishes as the prestige one. That metallic blue AZ is beautiful, not into the weird fade finishes and everything.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I like the metallic blue a lot, especially since one of Tim Henson's prototypes is in this exact finish, but the Tequila Sunrise fade is my absolute favorite!

[@siren604]

Djentleman Goldbar I get why people like it, but the fact that they don’t offer the same finishes between the two versions baffles me. I always prefer solid finishes but don’t feel like paying close to 3k Canadian for the option. Hopefully next year they update the line as I played an indonesian one the other day and loved almost everything about it!

[@davidsery4036]

I have both, get the Prestige.

[@TobyKBTY]

Probably not going to happen but I foresee a 7-string AZ being AWESOME.

[@sidusize]

for me it would ruin its mojo

[@Mr.Goldbar]

Good news, Martin Miller and Wes Hauch both got prototypes of the AZ7

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@sidusize you can still get the 6 :)

[@TobyKBTY]

@@Mr.Goldbar I saw Wes's IG post and I almost yelled out of excitement. That'll be an axe worth buying.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@TobyKBTY It entered my bucket list right when I saw that it exists. This and a HSS AZ, because I already have the HH

[@sid35gb]

The sound difference between these two guitars is not coming through on the video. Which says to me that the difference is only important if you’re a bedroom play because it would get lost in the mix of a band.

[@sonsauvage]

with identical setups i would describe the playing feel of the premium to prestige AZ's on average as dramatically different honestly. If that's no so much a big deal the premiums really do offer a pretty killer value

[@trim450]

Your videos are awesome , very helpful.

[@TheRealxVincent]

I own several Indonesian guitars, and they're all great! Sure, I had to finish frets, do setups, etc. but I can easily justify that for 1/2 price, especially when I can do all of it in about 30 minutes. I'd rather have a mid range guitar that is personalized to my liking so that I don't have to worry about breaking it as much.

[@DerpDart]

The lick at 9:15 needs a solo over it. That would ne nasty!

[@NinoHelfrich]

I think you should mention why the prestige costs that much more. This particular one is a limited edition AZ Prestige with a stunning neck. That's why it costs 3K. The usual price is around 2 K for an AZ Prestige so not "almost 2 and a half times more than a Premium". Not hating on the video, I like it. But that information could be misleading for some guys who have no idea about the AZ series.

[@Cherry_Sunburst]

Thanks for this video...! Greetings from germany!

[@diarrhea_splatter]

I really enjoy basswood body guitars, but the Prestige model sounded better to my ears on this one.

[@nsiderultimaseth]

I'm so glad you mentioned the finishes! My favorite-looking AZ is the Premium in Deep Espresso Burst. That guitar is just GORGEOUS. I can't believe it isn't a Prestige finish! I also actually noticed a tone different between the two. I... kind of can't believe it. The Premium sounded noticeably brighter to me.

[@ProbyWaN1337]

i own that one! it looks so good in person

[@larryh.3173]

@@ProbyWaN1337 Me, too! Agreed!

[@rowlandstraylight]

I tried some AZ series HSS guitars recently and was impressed with both, but you can feel the difference in the attention to detail in the freeform and the bridge in the premium is quite a bit different. I'd play the premium on stage happily and the vibrant finish works better, the prestige there is a big conservative, but I think one is targeted at a younger and less affluent market than a richer and more conservative buyer. I just got my hands on an S370 made in the Korean Cort factory, it looks so much like my very plain 2001 S520, right down to the same wave inlays, but the Japanese (Fujigen) S520 is in a totally different league, and it's not even a premium. The cheap Floyd on the S370 is not particularly usable and is typical of cheap nasty guitars. The neck is adequate but that all I can say, the 520 has an original edge, much more attention to detail on the frets and is one of the nicest playing guitars I own. They both have Matt metallic finishes, although the Japanese one has a very thin coating of it thats rubbing through at the corners and the cort made one has a very thick finish that is flaking. But the only clue that was twice the (new) price of the other is the model number and country of origin on the back of the neck. I think Ibanez are getting it right having a stack of well defined sub brands denoting a quality expectation, and responsible reviewers need to be honest about how good guitars are or aren't and manage expectations. It does a lot of damage to brand perception when a low end guitar is oversold and represents more of a brand's build quality than it should.

[@JgHaverty]

The only difference between the bridges on the premium vs prestige are the prestige models have titanium saddles and bigger block. VERY easily replaceable items if you so chose. Aside that they are literally the same bridge from gotoh. Not "similar", not "kind of like", they are THE SAME BRIDGE.

[@rogerblack3519]

Well I have a premium. First on stage the premium POPS. And you are supposed to be entertaining. The sound is just great. I do like the finish on the prestige, but I am about sound for my buck. Frankly I know lots of people wank on about lots of shit. But I look for 1playability 2 tone. I will admit that I shaved 3mm off the neck to suit my comfort zone. The Luthier would not do it in case the neck was ruined. It is just fine and now very comfortable. I agree with the review. With the money I saved I bought a white on white player Fender telecaster. All the other bullshit I do not care about. But how come Ibanez can get CLEAR tones from a humbucker, and no one else can ?

[@heavymetal11]

I get it when you said a the neck feels denser n harder. I bought a fender pro 2 and a elite within 2 weeks. I can literally feels the density of the necks. The pro 2 neck is built better than the elite in worksmanship and fret wires used tbh, the obvious rolled fret and neck edges. But i felt the neck of pro 2 was like less dense by knocking at the back of it. I returned the pro 2. There are something about the wood of pro 2 neck that just don't sit with me. I can't says much on the tone though, both does not really gives me the iconic fender tone i am looking for. Perhap its my setting n amp.

[@Hubblereach0]

Id suggest the rick graham signature charvel over either of these.

[@wonderwomanguy]

I seriously can't hear a difference with these two guitars with good headphones on. Outside of the neck feel, I can't see any reason NOT to save cash. Been drooling over these guitars since they came out; I love to see a head to head with them a the Charvel San Dimas.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

the AZ eats Charvels for dinner every day lol

[@orenji13]

ANY OF THE TWO!!!!!

[@jburdsinfuse]

One thing to consider is resale value. Japanese Ibanez guitars really hold up well on the used market; the Indonesian models are about 40% cheaper than resale the minute you walk out of the store with them. I'd go Japanese all day for that reason alone.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

If I bought an AZ, it's gonna be a guitar to keep rather than a guitar to sell, so I don't consider resale value at all

[@zaz4667]

I did the sunburst for a long time I would probably go sunrise for something different. At these prices, Unless I buy the prestige for my main guitar, I will have to go to Cabo Wabo and do the sunrise!! 2,799.99 Ibanez Limited Edition Prestige 1,299.99 Ibanez Premium AZ242F - Tequila Sunrise! Sweet video thanks Phil!

[@brandonbryson3317]

Under gain the prestige sounds tighter, focused, and more defined.

[@rezakhan8290]

Thanks Phil for another great comparison. The Premium sounded better to me. In The clean and high gain both settings the premium sounded better. But I sure heard the cringing sound when you rotated the tremolo arm . Is that fixable?

[@michaeleaster1815]

5:48 is my favourite tone in this video.... sweet!

[@skeetschuler1859]

Sound too close to call. I'd go for the cheaper one.

[@LoftySkinner]

The Harley Benton for me... Glassier pickups, no corner cutting in the wrong places (like the trem block) although the stainless steel is of a lower grade

[@crystllclr3743]

Just brought a ibanez rg5320 prestige 2020 model massive dif between the models now. Sounds so much better.

[@mountainman8775]

@Lofty Skinner I‘ve tried a pickup upgrade on a Harley Benton fusion 2... I threw £180 of pickups at it it sounds now completely on a par with the prestige, and beats the premium and Mexican charvels by some margin imo the stainless steel frets rule

[@philie91]

Prestige hands down. Not even a question for me.

[@zeyroldguitar4306]

I learn a lot from Joshua Heath Scott's youtube channel. Does not matter where the instrument or the effect manufactured. If you love the sound then buy it.

[@tomaszbaran]

There is some difference in tightness or clarity, but it is nothing that is a show stopper. I'd chose the premium to save some bucks and get myself some other gear. To my personal taste, I wouldn't pair it with a Friedman though, but hey, we all differ! Thanks for a great comparison!

[@dezertson2011]

The things that will disappoint people in the Indonesian models are errors like high frets, poor nut work and the neck pocket angles being off. It's the reason they go for $800 in new condition on Reverb. I owned more than one, and would recommend saving for the Prestige.

[@tdunster2011]

True. Moreover, something like a RG652AHMFX Prestige can be found new for a similar, even cheaper price than a Premium.

[@dezertson2011]

@@tdunster2011 I wish they'd make more of these model with 12" or 14" radiuses. I really love them, but not every is playing prog metal or sweep picking all the time.

[@larryh.3173]

Sorry you’ve had some not so great examples. I happen to own a Premium (same one as in the demo actually) and have had none of the issues you mention. Simply a great sounding and playing guitar. IMO/IME.

[@timberwolfenstein]

I purchased the premium version about a year ago and it unfortunately arrived in less than pristine condition. It was a beautiful guitar but the glow in dark fret markers were crooked on the 24th fret. The hybrid case wasn't the greatest either but was definitely a step up from a gig bag. Ibanez did include a really nice multi-tool rather than the usual hex keys which I thought was a nice touch. After playing it for a couple of weeks I finally decided to return it and save up for something else. Months later, I purchased a Majesty Monarchy and had to send it back as well...four times before getting a good one. That's a long story for another time...

[@Mr.Goldbar]

And what did you find at the end? Just curious because you said even a Majesty Monarchy isn't good :)

[@timberwolfenstein]

@@Mr.Goldbar After returning three Arctic Dream Majesty guitars, GC accidentally sent me a Black Night Majesty Monarchy. Two of the guitars looked like they had been abused in the store and one arrived with the headstock completely snapped off! Even the Monarchy arrived with issues as the action was so low, the strings were laying on the fretboard. Fortunately, it only needed a basic set up so I decided to keep it. The Majesty is a truly amazing guitar and I plan on giving it to my son when he graduates from Columbia next year.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@timberwolfenstein nice!

[@BrokenFox9]

I just got a premium rg1121pb-cif it’s the best axe I’ve ever held.

[@maidenthe80sla]

I agree that the aesthetics of the Premium's paint job is far cooler than the more expensive Prestige that were sent to you. 4:15 When you moved the whammy bar and it creaked my thoughts immediately turned to Eddie Van Halen. That is the same technique he used with his cranked up amp at the beginning of "Intruder". The US Festival 83 live video also shows Eddie spinning the bar. As always a very interesting video along with two fine guitars!

[@michael1]

"When you moved the whammy bar and it creaked my thoughts immediately turned to Eddie Van Halen" - his knees?

[@TavaresProject]

$1300 for a veneer.... That's crazy... The is way over priced... I got an Ibanez rg420 with an Ibanez zero bridge. The thing never goes out of tune with a veneer.... For $500 Canadian 4 years ago... Also Made in Indonesia... Similar specs except for the roasted neck.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

what's the problem with a veneer? nobody can see the difference unless they look for it and tonewood is not really real when it comes to tops

[@TavaresProject]

@@Mr.Goldbar nothing wrong with a veneer... At 1300 I expect a real top... It is higher quality of course

[@EOHRyan]

Well they're not similarly spec'd at all. The RG420 has an Edge Zero II, so it's the budget version (Zinc alloy base plate, made in China), it has Ibanez infinity pickups (budget), basic tuners and the standard nickel frets. By comparison the Premium AZ comes with a Gotoh steel bridge (effectively a custom Gotoh 510) with steel saddles, Gotoh locking tuners, stainless steel frets, roasted maple neck and Seymour Duncan pickups with split switch wiring for 10 different positions. It's not even comparable.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@TavaresProject I personally don't care as long as it looks good

[@stevewilson3838]

@@TavaresProject The prices have gone crazy. I remember when you could get a top of line J.Custom for $1500 and the regular MIJ for around 600-700.

[@rijosigns]

i like the tequila sunrise ibanez to me sounded better and looks better.

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

The difference between them is that all fittings are a higher grade on the prestige including the bridge and pickups. The trem block is a full block on the prestige too. The pots and switchs are higher quality on the prestige and the pickups are louder with a bigger fuller tone. The frets are a higher grade of stainless steel too. Basically the premium is a lower grade lower priced copy of the prestige.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

The pickups are exactly the same though

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

@@Mr.Goldbar no they aren't actually. The prestige pickups are a higher grade version that sound fuller and are louder. I own both and have used them side by side onstage...

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@Johnny-oy9fh so maybe there are other aspects that make it sound different. There's no way Ibanez is lying in the specs sheet

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

@@Mr.Goldbar I own a prestige and premium 2402 and the spec of everything including the pickups is a higher grade on the prestige. Also the woods used are different and the frets are better qaulity too. Both are awesome but don't sound the same. Prestige has a lighter and thinner brighter tone with lower output. Premium sounds bigger and fatter and louder...🎸

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@Johnny-oy9fh pickups in general are not consistently made, there's always a set that's a little bit overwound or underwound compared to the other from the same exact kind, so maybe the ones on your Premium happened to be overwound due to inconsistencies. My point is that I don't think Ibanez lied in the specs sheet as they say they're the same pickups

[@fongvang935]

basically if you are looking to buy a Prestige, you know what you are getting. The premium is still a $1300 guitar so it shouldn't be "low" quality. The Prestige you know the craftmanship that goes into it and it's really a decision the buyer has to make if it's something they are willing to pay more. There shouldn't be that much difference in sound since they are similar body construction and same pickup.

[@oldguysguitarvlog183]

I had an AZ HSS Premium and was very impressed with the fit and finish, but the neck was really weird. It wouldn't stay adjusted even though it is a roasted neck and the humbucker sounded awful. Changed the humbucker to a Thornbucker which was infinitely better, but I just couldn't gel with the neck. Sold it quickly.

[@visionop8]

Paint schemes looks like Candy Corn Vs. Boomer Burst. The sound is good on both. I cant believe the corners cut on the Ibanez Premium AZ242F though. Especially at that price. Are they mad? Maybe its up and down. I have an Ibanez Universe Premium (UV70P) that goes for around the same price new, $1500 but the quality is WAY higher than the AZ242F. I would honestly recommend getting used to a 7-string and grabbing the UV7OP if you have the budget for a AZ242F. Also keep in mind that the same amount of money will get you an American made Fender with HSS or a Kiesel DC600 neck through.

[@MrBiggordy]

Listening on a PC, with headphones, there seemed to be NO difference in the sound whatsoever. So, from a player point of view, which do you prefer 'under the fingers', so to speak? And, for most players, this is going to come down to price - which guitar offers the most value, the greatest 'bang for your buck'. As always, the important phrase must be - try them!!

[@WakiMiko]

The truss rod sticks out more on the prestige models for some reason.

[@JgHaverty]

Oh wow good eye! I never noticed that lol

[@spyhawk36]

The white pickups and knobs was a bad choice. Looks out of place in my opinion. How much of a price difference between the two?

[@Mr.Goldbar]

Premium is 1300$ Prestige is usually 2K$ but this (more limited) model is about 2800$ And I honestly agree, white pickups on this look pretty freaky

[@christophergranning9380]

The Indonesian model has a very cool paint scheme & sounds great.Maybe not as meaty sounding.

[@gitarbangsatchanel8036]

Gibson custom shop only $800 if were made in indonesia..as we know schecter nick johnston sig made in ind only $490 and good quality too

[@leonardszubinski4709]

Phillip, If you wanted better looks on the Prestige series guitar, you should of got the AZ2402 (no FF) Tri Fade Burst model! Much more beautiful than the FF model!

[@Madchris8828]

These guitars are both very cool, but man I just don't dig Sunbursts at all. They just don't do anything for me lol

[@iwantmy2dollars11]

Give me a premium in a solid color like in the prestige. I can always change the bridge and polish the frets!! I don’t like any of the finishes on the premiums. I hate when companies put a veneer on less expensive guitar. I would prefer a plain maple top with a solid color!!

[@Mr.Goldbar]

the Premium is the best guitar I've ever tried in my life! it's also my dream guitar :) Edit: After dreaming about it for a long time I finally bought one and it was even better than the one I tried first.

[@winaicp12]

in term of sound they are almost the same very good. Premium is cost effective and good enough for non-professional guitarist, my thought

[@morgangatto1001]

Premium is a looker!