What is a Selecaster? Ibanez AZS Review

[@shawndrisdelle9047]

Love the honesty! Just one thing, I have an AZ and those locking tuners DON'T need to be touched when re-stringing. When you unwind your string to the last wrap simply hold the spring tension as it starts to wrap in the opposite direction. You'll feel a slight pop. The string will be released. They will lock automatically if you hold some string tension as it wraps with the new string. They're completely tool free and more fun than the thumbwheels.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

I am a Fender guy all the way I am getting an 🇺🇸 professional 2 telecaster, love the guitar, it fits like a glove.. I was in the store yesterday and checked out the Ibanez 2200 prestige and to my surprise I like the feel of the guitar . So I will get this guitar also. I'm not used to the small fretboard but I really like the feel of that guitar. I checked out PRS both 🇺🇸 and Asian and I didn't care for the PRS And 2.8 kg is 6.1 lbs , which is light. The one thing I saw was the Ibanez is smaller than the telecaster, even the case.

[@spaghettimeatballswow]

Which PRS was it, the NF53?

[@TrevorTowstego]

I quite like the curved control plate! I like how it allows the switch to be angled which is much more ergonomic for me. Also, Josh Smith's signature actually has it as well :)

[@bigtsshackfestival9563]

I just ordered one ….. pretty stoked My 1st Ibanez and been playing 25 yrs. I’ve wanted an Az bad but when they dropped a tele and it only weighed 6.5 lb’s I couldn’t resist. I like the truss rod opened up lol To each is own I guess. Can’t wait to get it going

[@Eitner100]

My still by far favourite brand, but only when the guitar is made in Japan. Bought my first Ibanez SG in 1975 or 76 for over 800 guilders in Amsterdam, more or less 450 US$. Quite a lot of money at the time. Still perfect after over 45 years. Got great offers for the guitar, but I will never part from it till I die.

[@valebliz]

Tbh I think the curved plate makes sense ergonomically. The pickup switch on a tele is shit and unnecessarily cramped. Btw, I really don't get all the whining about truss rod wheels vs nuts. How the fuck often you guys touch it? You change stringe gauge once a week? On all the guitars I have, that have more than decent necks like this Ibanez has, you don't even need to adjust the rod once a year if you don't modify something major in the setup.

[@michael1]

"How the fuck often you guys touch it?" - that's a personal question

[@papasmamas1]

This is the first T-style Ibanez I like. They didnt make a very cool shape for their new T models, but this one looks good.

[@DerEchteBold]

I liked the look of the FR 365 much better but it was a cheaper instrument ...and sadly it sounded just like that.

[@PungkiAhimsa]

Pls make comparison between michael bolton & michael setnec

[@MarkKirbyMusic]

Great review, as usual!

[@scottwa11ace]

Reminds me of the Godin Session Custom... it also Tele-ish but has the modern switching and contoured body carve.

[@Sailor_Man_Music]

I am commenting again!!!! I think if I was going to buy something like this I would go to G&L either go with Deluxe or Legacy series. To each there own but I am a huge G&L fan. Thank you Henning all that you do.

[@Lordofthereee_]

I have a G&L ASAT and I am in love with it. Much better sound and quality than my old fender tele

[@ransombaggins9301]

These are just gorgeous guitars, imo. I always swap out the tele control plate for a custom one with a slanted switch slot, so this is nice. Ibanez did a great job of paying homage to a classic design (I LOVE Teles) while making it uniquely theirs.

[@shepherd8203]

Finally a guy that gives his real thoughts on a guitar or any product for that matter.

[@nomadenview]

Love that Ibacaster.... That intro reminds me about 80s vibe... Thanks Mr Henning

[@larsheuker]

I think the control plate is the best part, very steampunk esque

[@umbertoyltp]

I think it's a very original designed guitar without being a lookalike. You are right about some features to be improved. Honestly I think the fun factor and build quality will eventually make you accept the odd design choices. By the way: Has Ibanez already invited you to become director of Model Names Department?

[@spacejockey4746]

This has appealing features and specs for a T-style guitar. I still think I’d pay an extra $100 for a Fender American Ultra Tele. If the Ultra Tele had stainless steel frets, it would be a no-brainer.

[@richardrust9532]

From info that I've seen regarding this model the "S" stands for Single Cut. I enjoyed the demo. Rock on!

[@rickjones641]

The metal pickup mount plate not being in contact with the bridge actually helps combat the tele tendency to have a microphonic coupling at the bridge pickup. The strings vibrate the pickup plate and it acts in the magnetic field of the pickup to create a voltage -- much like a dynamic mic. To use them at volume without squeal, many people pack their tele bridge pup cavity with foam. That said, at lower volume and played clean, it can be quite a nice sound when that microphonic effect happens, and may even be part of the 'tele' sound... although one that Leo never intended (the point of his solid-body was to eliminate this kind of feedback). On these Ibanez models, there's a bit less chance of the exact pitch frequencies looping back into the pickup plate via the bridge, so you can get them louder and gainier -- much more 'Ibanez' IMO. I have one of these TFB AZS' on the way as I type this, as they came down quite significantly in price lately as an outgoing model. I can't wait to get it and I hope to put it into live use next week!

[@alexwood8555]

Your videos bring me so much joy, thanks Henning!

[@amylou7991]

You see, all you've done is convinced that this is the guitar. It's stellar baby!!!! Love you Henning!! 😍

[@endezeichengrimm]

The truss rod adjustment is in the correct place. I usually remove the cover anyway.

[@davidtguitar]

Great review! Love your reviews, they are so geeky and wonderful comprehensive :)

[@zezuntxiduntxi]

He is right about the criticism. Plus, we need this LEFT HANDED!

[@ForViewingOnly]

Good review HP, and I agree with your comments about this not being a traditional Tele, so where's the logic in going for traditional appointments. But I do love the look of this guitar. I can't say I'm keen on the Tele-style saddles though because surely you'd never get the intonation accurate for each string. I would have preferred separate saddles like they put on my Ibanez Talman Prestige tele-style: they had an 'ash tray' type plate for looks and comfortable sensible separate saddles. Anyway, great review.

[@nicksburson1]

Sorry but I normally play telecaster and I love the these things. Thinking about using it for a country gig I have. Played one in a store and It was amazing. the only issue with the one in the store near me was it weighed like 11 pounds. The heaviest guitar I’ve ever held in my hands

[@nicksburson1]

Also that selector is great.. normal telecaster witch hat selectors always come off because they hit the control plate when your changing them fast mid gig.

[@jasonyltan7672]

I guess it works more for folks who don't normally play Teles to have something of that ilk. As a former AZ owner I am in complete agreement that the HAP locking tuners are a step backwards, and the misplaced output jack / type don't match up. Good review Henning, might be the last time you'd be doing any Ibanez reviews.

[@Tiger1016.]

Does anyone have experience comparing this to a traditional Tele? What do you think the tonal differences would be vs. a traditional Tele if you were to swap in the same pickups? Or acoustically, how do the two compare? Does one seem to have more snap, bite, attack, fuller bottom end, brighter top end, more mids, or any other noticeable differences compared to each other? I've been wanting traditional Tele tones but with an arm contour, and I have no idea if this guitar could get me there with a pickup swap. So far the only two options on the radar that might be able to accomplish this might be be this and the Kiesel Retro Solo. The stock neck pickup seems to be lacking the traditional Tele mojo, which impacts the in middle position too.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

I think looks-wise it has more character than the S-type AZs. On the other hand abit confusing since there's that Tele-ish Talman too. But I like its looks.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

24:30 below the picture it say the switch also toggles "two hum tap mode", which is hard to find on Ibanez' website.

[@markdunbar799]

Love these wish they made a cheap version

[@passionplayer7]

Great review Henning, love the honesty and I hope Ibanez makes some adjustments. Everything you mentioned bothered me as well wanting a Tele that has traditional tone but modern comfort and accessibility. The control plate is the thing that bothers me the most, the idea is great but looks off.

[@GabiOprea]

It is beautiful! Great review!

[@bluematrix5001]

Your best video!! Honest and spot on

[@jinbyun]

That bent control plate is so wacky, but makes so much sense?! How come they didn't think of it earlier?

[@cesarurbani2294]

I love this guy, he speaks the truth

[@benjaminhawthorne1969]

I owned a gorgeous American Telecaster H/S (humbucker + single coil) in "Chrome Red," that I lost, 😥 long story. I am looking forwad

[@Ludo_G.]

Your videos are always so well produced 👌 Thanks for all man 🤘 this guitar promises to be amazing...

[@TheLoisLanes1]

Great review. I recently picked up an AZ2204 used (the exact same one as yours) and my word is it an amazing guitar, but those HAP tuners are going ASAP. I've only changed strings with them once, but once was enough.

[@MartinCliffe]

I for one much prefer the headstock truss-rod adjustment. But I definitely agree about the badly curved control plate.

[@Oilid]

I learned A LOT! Thank you Henning!

[@benjaminhawthorne1969]

...forward to buying an Ibanez AZS2209 "Prestige," in "Prussian Blue" to replace it. The bridge pickup on the Ibanez sounds much more "refined" on this Ibanez than on the Fender. The bridge pick-up on the Fender often felt like "an ice pick through my forehead!" 😮 The care that went into sculpting the body, the light weight, 6lbs, the roasted maple neck, the locking tuners and the Seymour Duncan pickups, are all together to me worth $ 1,000.00. My Fender American Telecaster H/S cost $1,200.00, three decades ago. So, $1,200.00 + $1,000.00 = $2,200.00. Exactly what Ibanez has priced the new AZS2209 at. I'll take it at that price over a 1950's technology render Telecaster, ANYDAY! 😎

[@endezeichengrimm]

39:48 I recognised Mr Bach's voice right away. Wow.

[@Hazardteam]

01:44 Bettencourt?

[@TedTheTree]

That's some studio you have there buddy;

[@matthewlunsford4351]

This looks nice; was hoping for some picking between bridge pickup and bridge when that pickup was active.

[@guitarprism]

Nothing better than an honest review on a paid promotional video. Fuck yeah, keep up your insouciance. It is sadly lacking in this day and age.

[@ForViewingOnly]

Anyone know why the pickup selector didn't give the sounds shown on the website diagram?

[@EytschPi42]

it was wired wrong

[@ForViewingOnly]

@@EytschPi42 That's not good! Being an Ibanez fan I'm a bit shaken by that news. Anyway, thanks for the reply and the excellent review HP.

[@kainagami]

I guess that we gotta wait for the next release and hope for the all the super cool AZ features. And I was also looking forward to this model, but now not so much after seeing it

[@matthewchunk3689]

Weird: EXACT opposite reaction. Ibanez made a guitar distinct from the tele and az which disappoints some but for me strikes the perfect balance. LOVE THIS GUITAR!

[@OliverAmberg]

I barely couldn't watch this video because of all those nasty fingerprints. But I made it to the end. Thank you for another great review Henning.

[@TheCrappyGuitarist]

I happen to love the look of this.... especially the curved plate 🤷‍♀️💜💙

[@EytschPi42]

of course YOU like that "curved plate"... I could have bet a good amount on that!

[@mnassens]

Very informative (and humorous) review. And very fair points. Listen, Ibanez-folks. :-)

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Fender Electro-Caster ⚜️🏄✨✨✨🎼🎼🎼🎼

[@christianurgese]

I love your way of review. I like this AS, but fender sounds better to me. I will read prices...

[@christianurgese]

Ah, thanks a lot for declaring the sound chain, often I like a sound but there is a fantastic sound chain... P.s.: I like too when the video accelerates... 🤣

[@jerryjohnson2421]

Ill get the WOlf tele do a compare,, I love my cheap Ibanez AZ with dyno switch the yellow weith mint green pick guard cover,,,, Love the video pleae make a video with a tele modern to buy around the $400 to 700 costt

[@miahorg]

A telecaster is about as ergonomic as a headlock

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

How’s the internation? Great video as usual thank you.

[@b-regsproductions]

Would love this guitar in black

[@Servant316]

Some say the metal plate around the bridge pickup makes the sound of the tele bridge pickup, Ibanez did that for that reason in my opinion. I'd like to have one of those, it sounds awesome, but i live in a 3rd world country and corona took away my lunch money...

[@matthewchunk3689]

😍 Love the sound of this guitar! Am I the only one not bothered by the "cock and balls" control plate? (Calling Dr. Freud)

[@stroopwafel6141]

You make very good points in this fine review. I just wonder who Ibanez is targeting with this guitar. It misses the in yer face raw sound of a good tele. And too much topend and too less low mids/bass.The pickup system might draw people to this model, but I would prefer a more bold basic sound with three variations over zillion combinations anyway. Looks aren't stunning either. The control plate, uhmm, looks like a silver banana.

[@Furtheronmusic]

Erm the plate on the Josh Smith signature looks the same to me with the bend.

[@joachimleinfelder1200]

Best thing is the reflecting pickguard...!!! Otherwise I agree with Henning in terms of aesthetics.

[@enzoferrera8178]

Michael Bolt on you are a funny M Fer LOL I want a 7 string one. I really want a AZ but would love to see for on the veneer tops like the Musicmans

[@chun-hsikuo9747]

What's the name of this song from 0:02 to 0:17, it's so beautiful.

[@vaszvasz2714]

Help ! Where do i get the backing track for FRAMESHIFT song...

[@EytschPi42]

backing Track? Nowhere... you make it yourself, otherwise it's not really a cover, right?

[@vaszvasz2714]

@@EytschPi42 i dont have a computer....will it be valid for the revv contest if i play over the song ...have learned the song ..was going to make the video with a phone... record the audio which i learned from you with a phone

[@DerEchteBold]

@@vaszvasz2714 A friend of mine uses some app to record and produce tracks on his phone, I think it can even add drums. Sadly I don't remember what it's called but it shouldn't be too hard to find.

[@vaszvasz2714]

@@DerEchteBold thanks mate...👍🏼

[@lancecluster]

Entertaining review. Next time I think you should tell us what you really think........

[@CheddarKungPao]

I would have thought you would love that control plate. Sausage and kraut are a perfect combo. 😬😬🥶😘

[@stefanhennig]

Holy Bongo of the Kongo! Two grand for a tele? I probably could have one custom built by a luthier around the corner for that. Teles are meant to be primitive. A board with wires. done.

[@bearmadden1776]

Awesome shoes, what brand are those?

[@markgordoncreamer7279]

Why is there a thumpy...clicky leading edge to your tone? Is it that the pickups are too close or what?

[@daniyal4557]

Is this guitar suitable for post rock and ambient rock?

[@EytschPi42]

sure

[@daniyal4557]

@@EytschPi42 In Prestige series, is this guitar more suitable for post rock or az2204?

[@NoCoverCharge]

I like the shape

[@danielx5039]

Is that Felix on drums??

[@EytschPi42]

it is

[@brianferguson9873]

I lost it when he said he didn’t like the cheap feeling of the long shaft. I’m basically a 33 year old middle schooler.

[@boomerbassmeme]

It is cool, but room for improvement! Not as brilliant as their retro Jet King, I freakin love that guitar!

[@justignoreme7725]

Sorry to state what I assume you were alluding to, but you went for the joke rather than a dry explanation. But just in case, the reason that switches are longer in cheaper switches is that its leverage over precision. In a cheap switch the manufacturing quality is likely to be less precise, less engineered, less easily moved, but that lack can simply be overcome by providing more leverage i.e. a longer arm, which it is why it stands away from the body further. But you're at a level where you're paying for hand picked corithian leather free of any blemish, not the synthetic pleather that you get in a cheap skirt from C&A. If you don't understand ask Leslie to explain.

[@darthmorbous]

"Bolt-on...Like Michael...get it?"...German humor holy shit hahahah

[@azharkhan8796]

Im not going to buy a guitar when I don't know what those switches are doing. What's going on there, Ibanez? The guitar looks and sounds great. But I love the fact that you pointed out its flaws. This was a great review!

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

17:55 immediately made me think of 70s Music Man guitars.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

Sting Ray bass, to be exact.

[@raytorvalds3699]

And that was the last paid by Ibanez review that you did, Henning (lol). Awesome review. Gotta love your honesty !

[@guitarandotherthings6090]

For the price I will skip both Fender and Ibanez and get a Crook custom (who makes Brad Paisley's regularly used guitars for the stage and the studio). I do love some Ibanez and Fender models, but if youre after Tele tone then Crook has beaten them all.

[@billribas]

so you would rather pull the neck to adjust the truss rod for better looks than ease of maintenance? imagine that.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

This review is why I come here. Another great bullsh@t free review.

[@jollyca]

Screw the guitar, the opening track is amazing!

[@shrimp3683]

damn I hate those tuners too… good review

[@GabrielSkolderblad]

I still dont understand that pickup configuration.. A mini humbucker in the neck and a tilted single coil in the bridge.. Its like totally reversed to me. The single coil should be in the neck and the bridge should have the mini humbucker.. also the tilt should be the other way so that the lower strings have more definition compared to now when the higher strings gives a harsh sound.

[@abcrx32j]

Thankfully they didn't make the neck "traditional" too. I hope Ibanez realizes (again) that when you mix modern and traditional, the only thing you need to take from the later is the look, that's it, leave the design flaws for the actual traditional guitars. The talman was a more interesting tele to me, even the FR 365.

[@gruffydddavies7464]

Soooo true, I wish they would put a wizard neck on their more traditional designs

[@garfield2742]

hey thats sound good

[@matthewchunk3689]

the humbucker bridge combo gives the azs its own voice distinct from the telecaster and az.

[@7Boots]

Yeah, the best one of the bunch is the Lari Basilio signature (LB-1) which seems a really cool guitar with better specs, controls and plug. As long as you dig the violet and accept rather a Superstrat than a Tele. But it looks and seems to sound killer!

[@RMosack]

I love your channel. But complaining about the lack of the awful Tele barrel jack is kind of meh! Those Tele jacks, while traditional, are awful if you want to use a right angle plug. You can't!

[@saarangnarayan123]

Ooooo I like this release time...

[@GS-uy4xo]

I’m waiting for this exact guitar to arrive from Japan - thanks Henning perfect timing! I enjoy hanging out on your channel - I appreciate your honesty. How’s the setup from the factory?

[@BcBaxley]

FFS... Your reviews are to good 😂🤘

[@leoyu2142]

S for single-coil

[@EytschPi42]

nope.... single cut

[@markkonns2991]

S for Single Cut I´d say

[@EytschPi42]

correct

[@lyell63]

Nah mate. Definitely selecaster. It is rather obvious they were going for selecaster

[@burrrrrrrrrrrrrrp]

I kind of prefer an Ibanez to be an Ibanez. Yes it looks well made and quite attractive but I personally associate Ibanez’s as more of a metal guitar (maybe that’s a bit old fashioned.. I know). I just think they should concentrate on making the best Ibanez’s they possibly can.. rather than wasting their time ripping off fenders.

[@-davidolivares]

I love my 80s Artists, a Gibson Les Paul variation. Ibanez to me, is not just Vai guitars…

[@turboallen]

@@-davidolivares I can't get enough of the Ibanez AZ and AZS. I am very bored of the way Fender refuse to innovate or adapt to the modern musician. I feel Ibanez simply saw that the frustrations of many, including me, and made a (in my opinion) way better instrument whilst still keeping some of the inspiration from the legendary strat and tele. Not only does Ibanez cater to the super down-tuned prog guys, but also the old school blues or funk guitarists. Ibanez is such a gigantic company, why can't they do both shreddy and non-shreddy? :)

[@-davidolivares]

@@turboallen Oh, I totally agree.

[@turboallen]

@@-davidolivares Whoops, I accidentally tagged you instead of OP ;)

[@-davidolivares]

@@turboallen No worries

[@PooNinja]

T is for traditional ! is for !banez S is for Sweet roasted maple C&B is for… contours and bevels??? Modern is as modern does. If it were up to me I’d say, just get a Pia 👍🏽

[@PooNinja]

🎶That was one bad … shut yo mouth Shaft 🎵ahhhh aaaaa He saved everyone of of us…. Wait that’s Flash Gordon.

[@justignoreme7725]

I get the impression that you're not a motohead. But a comparison to say Mercedes might be useful. In Germany Mercedes are often used as taxi's, whilst elsewhere they are the height of luxury. Mercedes used to have a reputation as being like Miele is seen now, as engineering company whose product will just go on for ever. But like Siemens/Bosch they blew it away in the 90's/00's when they maximised profits (& share price) by building down to a price. The point is Ibanez has the rep of being a leading edge Japanese guitar maker, the best of the best. It's name equalls modern premium Pro guitars, but rather than giving you that luxury detail orientated product, where in a Mercedes they are thinking about the stiching on the leather seats and tuning for just the right engine note, instead they have delivered a taxi. In Mercedes terms it's good and it harks back to when they were a real engineering company but instead it's built to be a taxi but it's priced as being a premium product. Hence the frustration!!

[@Zeeawon]

Sound Good

[@OYANOYA]

Look like Tele, but Ibanez give much more for less, 6strings for 5stars