Sound Comparison: Ibanez AZES40 vs Squier Contemporary Stratocaster Special - by Gerry Tentler

[@garyt123]

Thanks for that Gerry. A useful tone comparison. I am however, like you I think, between the looks of the Contemporary Squier and the versatility of the Ibanez. As owner of both these guitars, for an all round Fender Strat, modern alternative, I get the feeling you would recommend the Ibanez, right? Also I've been considering spending more (aaarrrggghhh) and going to a Sire S7 then modding the wiring with an additional switch to get those extra tones (like all 3 PUP's on, etc.) What to do....what to do.... heh hehe.

[@GerryTentler]

For me the Squire just didn't have that bright, sparkling sound that I expected from a Strat. In this regard the Ibanez was much better. But just changing the volume and tone pots might help a lot. 😉

[@stefanchernev4996]

@@GerryTentler Does the Ibanez has enough "quack" like a real strat?

[@GerryTentler]

@@stefanchernev4996 in my opinion it sounds like a "nasty" Strat, because of the ceramic pickups. So for Rock music it's not a bad choice, also because of the bridge humbucker.

[@stefanchernev4996]

@@GerryTentler I was looking at the SSS config and with a little drive (and not searching for a ultra clean sound), should it be straty enough?

[@GerryTentler]

@@stefanchernev4996 yes, but with a bit more "beef" and a little less dynamic in the quiet passages, I would say.

[@metallica3604]

Only if the Ibanez had alnico pups and two point trem,

[@VeitLehmann]

You might want to check the EART DMX-9. Same switching concept as the Ibanez AZ(ES), but AlNiCo pickups, roasted maple neck, and better hardware including the two-point trem, for a really nice price! Oh, and it looks better than the Ibanez as well imho.