Watch out Fender, The Ibanez Strat is here! AZ2204N-PBM Review

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Click here to subscribe, it's FREE (for now) kzbin.info/door/I5i6aBbINMIEkYW3b6olHg

[@russellzauner]

Since you already have an AZ, just swap out for the differently voiced pickups. :-) I would. The only way you're going to go back to being friends with it in the same way is to give it a transplant or buy it a cousin to hang with so you have both. Both is, of course, the optimal result. :-)

[@caiusmadison2996]

Pull out the stops, use a Keeley Filaments! Can make all those sweet Marshall in a box effect, and really, you could make it sound 🍊 as well as Fender. Pretty versatile little stomper.

[@caiusmadison2996]

@@russellzauner yep, get em both while they are affordable, and even made, really. Ibanez has a history of disappearing awesome models out of nowhere, and not bringing them back. They should be reissuing the SZ series, and stick a 2 point on that. Fight back against that Silver Sky vibe by going after the heart of the ripoff.

[@gerasimospefanis1452]

41k views 🤯🤝

[@MikeLute]

AZ stands for the alphabet of guitar needs. All in one package.

[@danjack-son4871]

This guitar is beautiful in every way! It’s on my to buy list.

[@fretboardmaster70]

I still have my Ibanez Roadstar from 1983. That was my first real electric and it was the closest thing to a Strat I could afford at that time. Still love that Guitar

[@lazarusnyc]

Same here- feels heavy like a Les Paul- best of both worlds

[@cemsarioglu5947]

Same here. I love my Roadstar II.

[@ricktherrien8235]

I am still in love with my Ibanez Ex series 350. It is a great guitar and I have had it for years. It has an awesome tone and great action as well as a nice style body. Loved this review and thanks for the upload!!

[@drcockles]

You can’t beat an Ibanez neck for me, I got an RG560 for my 18th in 1991 and it’s still my favourite guitar 🤟🏼

[@KauffeyBean]

RG is love, RG is life!

[@JohannDaart]

90ties was the Ibanez golden era. Those guitars are perfect.

[@JohnSmith-in1tt]

I bought a 1990 RG570 a few years back. The original wizard necks are incredible in terms of playability and the 90’s made in Japan ibanez’s are impeccable quality wise

[@soml0t]

this one is thicker, sadly (i think)

[@mrq6270]

Okay. First time I've ever seen anyone give a positive review for a guitar's smell! Talk about being thorough! Lol

[@mjhastings4534]

Bought one because of this video and im not disappointed at all

[@KenithCopeland]

i saw you sniffing the guitar and i must admit, when i got a charvel dk24 the first thing i noticed was the neck smelt like maple syrup, when you played it for longer then ten min it warmed up and started to give off a stronger scent. it was glorious

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Sounds like a James Tyler ! Strat yes, but much more. Sounds fantastic. Very nice !

[@Veterangarage]

Does everything from A to Z. Great review!! Loved it!

[@mroctober3657]

Does everything from chimpan-A to chimpan-...?

[@stealthbum34]

It’s not often I scroll through YT anymore and a guitar stops me in my tracks but damn this thing is nice. I got a yamaha 611 and this reminds me of an upscale/more feature packed version of it.

[@glenclifton4563]

No clue what AZ means but I love the guitar! Thanks for reviewing it for us.

[@tomdameek]

What a stunning guitar Andy. It sounds wonderful too. I’ve had problems with HSS guitars before in that they seem to fall between two stools tonally but that sounds pretty good. A wonderful Swiss army gigging guitar. Great thorough review Andy - cheers 😀👍👍👍 Ps Andy’s Zombie Navy

[@cemsarioglu5947]

I have a 1983 Ibanez Roadster II. Specs are very close to this particular guitar. I love high end Ibanez models.

[@bbidnick]

You had me at "Canadian Bar-Mitzvah." Well done, sir. Another one of Andy's Zesty Narratives.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I don’t know WHERE that came from. Glad you have you on board

[@PeteCarlton]

@@TheGuitarGeek That *was* weird, tbh.

[@SBL_Berlin]

13:13 "Most important part of the guitar". - I love it! No playing, no listening, just enjoying the guitar on a different level (with a different sense). @TheGuitarGeek Maybe one question: When comparing the AZ with the Fender Professional you used two different pickups. So I guess when both guitars the same pickups, the difference in the tone would be close to nothing, right? Anyway, thanks for this video and your opinion. 🙂 (I could not find a meaning for AZN...)

[@SeriouslySarius]

I absolutely love mine. Took some time to get used to the neck and 10s with a locked trem but now my fingers are meaty enough it's amazing.

[@rikiandov17]

Man that's nice

[@JedNadin]

D or oval neck shape with a 43+mm nut will never be able to replace my strats. These look cool, but I know from the spec sheet alone I wouldn’t pick one over a strat. (Or Carrozza)

[@rickroberts9182]

I bought a Harley Benton Fusion ll with the roasted neck and stainless frets, staggered locking tuners and HSH configuration. I can split the humbuckers and added a switch to engage the bridge pickup in any position of the 5 way blade. 24 frets and very stable bridge with tusq nut and this guitar rivals my '73 strat for sound and play-ability and cost me around $600.00 Canadian. I have many high quality guitars and this one gets the majority of my personal playing time and all my gig time. I would love to see your review on these guitars. Comments?

[@Chris.Wiley.]

Beats the hell out of paying $2K for this. I mean, it's a lovely guitar but $2,000?

[@blueskycrying]

@@Chris.Wiley.agreed 2k I mean wtf I just dont see that much value in that guitar myself, I'll just stick with my Peavey Wolfgang ty very much.

[@seanachiescourt6659]

i tried az in a store, while i like the unique tone that it brings, it sounds really thin in my modest opinion. Maybe i buy one in future and get an inspiration to write some music, i sort of imagine it in more of an ambient music style and not rocking it out with a band

[@gilaubin929]

Great looking guitar with so many tone options. It sells for $2,900 at Long & McQuade here in Canada. Have to save up because I want one!!!

[@UmVtCg]

That's a lot of canadough

[@LukeVidler]

The specs are perfect but it still sounds like an Ibanez, close my eyes and Im hearing an RG, this is not necessarily a bad thing.

[@terrygore115]

OMG! I want one. I'm humbucker player and an Ibanez fan . This is awesome. Would like to see the Ibanez compared to the Schecter Signature Nick Johnston HSS strat.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Great idea! I’ll see what I can do

[@terrygore115]

@@TheGuitarGeek Thank you so much.

[@MadSteex]

GREAT TEAL LOOKING BACKGROUND!

[@esdel1955]

Was just looking at these on Sweetwater and they say the compound radius is 9”-12”.

[@Greg-rd8qr]

Ibanez should let you keep that guitar! Subscribed

[@CallMeChato]

I still have my 1971 Ibanez Les Paul clone, the one they got sued over. It's not a great guitar but it's better than me.

[@matterece3164]

The AZ prestige can be pretty pricey, thankfully they have a premium range with a lower price but isn't really that different from prestige (but as a broke student, I still can't afford the premium) but nontheless, those are dream guitars!

[@stefanonstrings]

Now they have the azes series too :)

[@ranman58635]

I've played the premium. Is it worth 1800? Not sure. It's super nice though.

[@lawrencetse2630]

The alter switch is a mod switch for Any Zany Noise ;) thanks for the video Andy

[@sboy1955]

Nice demo and tones you’ve pulled up. I’m gonna try one, in Mint Green. Edit: AZ = Alpha Zulu (military jargon)

[@rodneystanford8639]

No idea what AZN stands for, but thanks for the review. Nice job. Very helpful. My guitar journey doesn’t yet require, let alone justify, such an instrument. But this might just make my short list for what I am eventually aiming to get.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re welcome! Always worth having something to aspire to

[@Spoilnins]

The N stands for non recessed bridge cavity. Unlike the rest of the AZ series

[@eduardoprieto5267]

Great video, thanks

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

Definitely a strat killer...😎👍🎸

[@scottdunbar4898]

That guitar is either extra small or you are a beastly sasquatch of a man. Nice demo, thanks.

[@timbaker1320]

Love the guitar. Nice video. Fret buzz is very 50's - 60's. Probably needs some fine adjustment on neck and nut.

[@mjallenuk]

I want one! Andy's Zanyism Nidulates - as in your particular brand of crazy creates a calm, nested space one can enjoy.

[@frankiecstrat]

Hey Andy cheers from NY! Ya gotta love a guitar that plays well, looks good and smells good. Very nice guitar indeed! How about Andy's Zealful Noodling? Thanks for the review! :-)

[@BladeDoomer86]

We have the exact same hairstyle, so i subscribed. Us curlieds gots to stick together, don't we.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re 100% right! Let the curls flow!

[@retro_hp5542]

Ibby all day. I was debating but now it’s a buy for me

[@darvinclement3250]

That has some really nice tones!

[@gsbguitarsgsb679]

AZN Android Zombies Nebula…lol Nice job Andy… I haven’t played either series of the AZ but want one anyway… want one cheaper or free, but who doesn’t… 🎸🤓🎸🇺🇸☮️

[@WhiskerBiscuit1]

Only problem for me, is I need a neck that's not as wide as that. Maybe a 10" to 14" radius.

[@darrenwells2277]

I just think that Angry Rhubarb should have been the name of a 70s Prog Band!

[@riot7521]

That AZ sounds amazing. Currently have a jackson rr3 and want a second electric without a floyd and the az2204b or the THBB10 (its also an az) is the 2 im looking at.

[@chancemiller9340]

I love that you are saying "A Z" like an American rather than "Ah Zed" like a Brit/former colony (other than the US). The guitar looks great and has every plus you could want, including locking tuners. Nice review. UPDATE: Just heard your explanation for "Ay Zee" vs "Ah Zed" DOUBLE UPDATE: "AZN" = "Australia, Zealand New"

[@chancemiller9340]

Also, it looks like a kid's guitar in your hands. Whereas I like the 24" scale, the 25.5" looks like a 21.5" for you. [big eyes emoji]

[@chancemiller9340]

According to Thomann: Compound fretboard radius: 228 - 305 mm (8.98"- 12.01") From the link that you provided. So basically 9" to 12"... NOT 12" to 16"

[@chancemiller9340]

Is the Ibanez noticeably lighter? (It looks like it is smaller/thinner.)

[@SingPsalms]

Awesome guitar!

[@tollan23]

Ibanez have the most memorable model names

[@chrisbeecy5283]

Thank you!! I've had this on order from Sweeetwater since March. Watched whole video, feel validated. AZ-N = Another Zelda Nerd. sorry, that's all I got.

[@NGS2410]

Exelent concept of guitar

[@fredoswego]

Great, entertaining channel. Yes, I've subscribed/liked/belled it. :-)

[@liverpoolred2834]

Great reveiw Andy, Thanks. AZN stands for Andy's Zonal Nuances.........!

[@jukesters123]

Of course you love it, you sell it. You would love a ginsu set too if you sell them.

[@glenkepic3208]

Not sure what these are going for but the mini toggle made me happy. Peavey Predator DX, Turbo switch here. Mini toggle up, std SC. Middle, Br hits two slanted SC when the PU switch is down. Down, Right to the dbl sc's. Playing example, LS, Workin' For MCA. One guitar could nail this (on a good day :) Btw, blk, 22 frets on a beautiful birds eye MN, Crafted In America, '95. $235 as a 'kit' (GB, cord, etc). This IBZ is close as i've seen ever since. edit,,,,poplar body. Steve Morse liked this.

[@ubermac85]

So it’s an HSS with a Gilmour mod. It does sound very thin. I imagine it will rely heavily on pedals and modelers to get a true full sound.

[@onionheadguy7094]

The thin sounds couldve come from the pedals here though. The cleans sounded full and when he used the stomp boxes the tone went downhill. I bet you could get a full bodied tone from it.

[@stevelaferney3579]

The A-mu-Zing gNu guitar is gorgeous in toan? tone and the Prussian Blue (sans cat) is a great color. A little higher $$$ than the Pro II but that’s the way the guitar plays. Enjoyed the demo bigtime. Cheers. Keep playing.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Cheers Steve! It’s a top notch guitar

[@theariesexperiment4642]

That thing sounds absolutely incredible. Yeah Fender. Your are officially on notice.

[@larryvey]

People have been making better strays than Fender for decades now, and none of them have threatened Fender’s stranglehold on the Stratocaster market. Certain brands are beyond needing to be the best to sell the best. Iconic, like Coca Cola.

[@theariesexperiment4642]

@@larryvey Yes they have. But not company's as ginormous as Ibanez and not any that have the resources consumer base to legitimately make Fender squirm. Kramer, BC Rich,Robin and many others did well,....but that guitar he is playing is a culmination of many attempts and many failures. All close,....but couldn't quite capture that Stratocaster vibe ,.....and that 2nd & 4th toggle position tone. But this Ibanez,...this guitar has it all in spades and in my opinion,...does more. And does it better. And again. Fender??? You've been put on notice.

[@larryvey]

@@theariesexperiment4642 I still prefer the Sliver Sky to this myself. And none of them come anywhere no near my Tom Anderson for example, but, again, these have been around. Fender hasn’t made the best Strats since the early 60s, but the brand was already untouchable by then. Both Gibson and Fender spent almost 20 years putting out garbage, until others stepped up the QC game, and it didn’t effect their reign as king.

[@theariesexperiment4642]

@@larryvey Well yeah. Tom Anderson's are boutique. I'm talking about your basic consumer's who never spend over $1900. That market is what I'm talking about. And sure,...the Silver Sky is a wonderful instrument. I've owned one myself. But again,....I'm talking about a particular price point and consumer. These new vintage inspired Ibanez Premium and RG Prestige lines,..?...?.are simply unbeatable. Just my opinion. Been playing and trading for 30+ years. Hard to beat that new Ibanez. Without spending $4000-$6000.

[@douglepong]

Andy .. Zepra.. Nuts?.. I enjoyed the video if that means anything.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yes, it does. It means a lot.

[@scotttam7491]

It's funny cause I was working on a pickup system that similar to what they did. Going about it slightly different an its only one 9f those projects guitar plqy with but fund it funny. I was trying to to use two humbuckers one single but then have a switch to tum the humbuckers in to single . Ya I won't have the configuration of the two outside pickups working at same time but. Also won't have a bowl of spaghetti under the hood

[@tomace6906]

Reminds me of myself when you apologize to the Strat for liking the Ibanez, so I am not alone and I guess I do not need any professional help :) Great Video - All Zen.

[@stickman4512]

AZ premium with SD’s got stolen was honestly my favorite guitar

[@pablo9364]

If I want the best Strat I would go fender. If I want the best AZ or RG or jazz guitar I go Ibanez. Ideally get Ibanez AND fender. But how many people need ONLY that one guitar that does it all AND is more Strat/vintage like? It’s unique I guess and very very nice indeed but I think it’s a limited market .

[@LukeVidler]

Fender haven't made the best Strats in a while. Go to your local music shop and test drive a Custom Shop Strat against an Xotic or Silver Sky then compare the prices. Fender spend all their profits on marketing their 'play' app and other nonsense whilst overcharging for the same guitar (mass produced and with cheaper offshore parts) they always have. PRS and Ibanez wouldn't be jumping into Strats if Fender was concerned with making the best guitars possible (they're not they want to make as much profit as possible they don't care which product).

[@matzer8846]

AH ... this ain't no StratoWhatever ... this is just the better guitar fret by fret (;-)) An RG in a more classic design. And ... does it sound top ... YES! Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@caiusmadison2996]

I'd try an American Professional 2 at 600 dollars less before throwing my hat in this ring, especially since you can pretty much select whatever bridge, whatever pickup configuration (including hh) and the colors are sweet as well this year. Maui Blue comes to mind, with maple board.... insert Homer Simpson drooling over donuts noise. Yeah and the extra ton shaping controls step up the performance for literally next to no increase in cost. Shawbuckers too, what a great sound...

[@DrHorrible69]

For that AZ series i prefer Ice Blue metallic color 😍

[@shane5627]

Mine is a jackson sl4x it just feels so good in the hands.

[@ArthurESnyder44]

Very nice, thank you . . . I'd have a Player series.

[@dftpunk]

The prestige AZ goes with two types of pick ups: SD Fortuna and SD Hyperion. Any idea on the difference?

[@JerryTheVeganRockstar]

Good demo. But, the Fender Strat is iconic and everybody wants one … or four.

[@Xaion6]

I have 2, but I still would love one of these

[@antfooman]

Looks like you are Achieving Zenith Nirvana on that guitar. Nice.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

oh i LIKE it

[@utahprepper8925]

Back in the late 70s Ibanez made the Blazer. Great alternative to a Strat for about 500 bucks or so.

[@endezeichengrimm]

You have to turn that gain up on the Tumnus.

[@michaelbevins2405]

I kind of like Ibanez on the headstock , ,I have 5 old fenders but ive been playing for over 40 years and 1000 gigs.

[@rooster0223]

Would you do a rundown of this guitar and the Yamaha Pacifica 612? Not seeing much of a difference to justify the $2000 price tag versus $650.

[@notacommie5415]

I’m thinking the ANDY TIMMONS Ibanez model would be a much better alternative for tone if you are hung up on getting an Ibanez strat

[@edigabrieli7864]

Since I got three Eart guitars I will not buy any guitar unless it sport Stainless steel frets roasted neck and compound radius and super easy access to upper frets. Well done Ibanez just follow the new standard.

[@jerryjohnson575]

so beautiful

[@Dialetheist]

AZ what you mean (got my bad pun of my chest) man, very versatile! Have you ever considered installing one of those 10-way switches in your strat though? You get the usual strat possibilities plus humbucker wirings and others. I might take the plunge and put one in my G&L, I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat though when it comes to technical stuff.

[@TheFairway8]

My first ‘real’ guitar was a Japanese Ibanez Blazer 3 single coils plus a phase switch bought way back in 1982 for £160 one could argue that this is a modern take on that. Funnily enough I had the option of buying a JV Squier from the same shop 10 quid cheaper, I chose the Ibanez cos I wanted the extra switches what did I know. JV Squiers have vastly appreciated in value cant say the same for my Ibanez, still got it though sentimental value I guess

[@bluesguy62]

The Blazer is a fantastic guitar. I've worked on at least two over the years, and was impressed with the build quality and tone. My first "real" guitar was an RS135 that I bought new in 1985. Wish I still had it.

[@billy1858]

just received mine today £1600 on special offer,the black version! was worried as some people didnt like the neck shape,i love it.its set up superbly, the only thing il change is the strings to 9s.just feels like quality.

[@willman100]

Great video. Do you think these pickups are hot enough for 80's metal?

[@nyckoluz]

The only Ibanez that is destined to play Purple Haze.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Destiny!

[@formerlysaul4103]

All my electrics are S types and they have a "F" on the headstock.... I just ordered one of these.

[@putratirana7506]

Hi...may i know what model is the Fender? Love the sound...

[@Guitar_Fella]

Nowadays with modern guitar processing pedal units, and amps you would be hard pressed to distinguish different sounds from guitar a) to guitar b). Or is it me?......

[@GahMehGrrrr]

i sooo want a headless Ibanez now i've seen one :)

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I played one and I can concur. They are Great. Video on the way!

[@GahMehGrrrr]

@@TheGuitarGeek love the woody-ness of the 7 string though I'm an Open C 6 string Devin kinda player 😁

[@IstvanBarta03]

It isn't a strat killer. It's different from the strat. The original strat was, is SSS. I just bought my first American Professional II strat. It's a legend. A strat is a strat.

[@twd3lr]

Great demo and review! AZN = A to Z New. LOL!

[@Barbarapape]

A high end Ibanez "Strat" at a Fender USA price has to be highly desirable. I much prefer Ibanez necks to fenders way the thick ones. It's high time that someone made a Strat killer that realy can sound like one and is easier to play. Time to start saving, they are only available as pre-orders here in the UK.

[@UmVtCg]

Easier to play is relative, an opinion not a fact.

[@Barbarapape]

@@UmVtCg In my "opinion" i find Fenders thick necks difficult to play, i was not trying to state a fact. Everyone has a different requirement regarding how easy or diificult they find a guitar neck size and shape to play.

[@kevliao]

I had the Fender performer, and have the Ibanez AZ. I find the latter to be much easier to play based on setup out of factory. The rounder neck radius just wasn't my thing, but that's a matter of technique and preference.

[@MrClassicmetal]

@@UmVtCg It's easier to reach the higher notes on the Ibanez, due to the design itself. That's not an opinion.

[@grandwazoo1696]

Is the neck thinner than an American strat?

[@NickHaven]

Campfires stink! Fortunately, the guitar looks and sounds amazing ;-)

[@ArcticSteam]

Purposeful and well build tool. But does it have "A Zoul"?

[@KP11520]

Don't know whether it's the amp or mic choices, but to me, this doesn't really sing. It plays notes. But that's just me!

[@pablohernandezsoares4504]

I really have a feeling it's improper mixing and micing

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

Sold my fender custom shop strats and bought three

[@tedsmart5539]

TOAN!!! HELL YAS BROTHER! GOBBLESS

[@sublyme2157]

At this price, in this market, the only people who'd buy it are Ibanez players. American strats are much cheaper (and arguably better "strats"), so I can't see a Fender person being tempted in the least. And while cheaper than Suhrs, I don't see a Suhr person buying one when they can just save up a little more and get a Suhr. Curious guitar indeed. And I want one...

[@M.Holland]

I'm a Fender player since many many years, but playing mainly Bass. If I would play guitar more, I would love to own this Ibanez! Just love the look and the sound!

[@caiusmadison2996]

The neck is not like a Strat. Its a Wizard 3 i believe, so its micro thin.

[@kennygardner5041]

I love American Fenders but they have one problem they fail to address; the Bi-Flex trussrods on the American Pro on up. If they are installed correctly, no excess glue to bind the rod and nut, they work great but if not the suck. An 1/8 inch hex nut is NOT strong enough or reliable. Strip too easy! I have had to replace a few necks. Ibanez is not stuck in tradition and always update. That could be bad or good but paying 2k for a Prestige AZ makes more sense than about the same for an Ultra American Fender.

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you-I even thought to myself At one point, “Bitchin’!” (And I get to hear surf music again;)

[@pala1285]

at 4th position, ibanez sound more straty. but the other poses...

[@nunomellomusic]

The Fortuna singles are true single coils or noiseless pickups??

[@ReeWebster]

Hope there was super low action making all the buzzing worth it lol.