Saying that the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204NW is a versatile solidbody electric guitar is massive understatement. Its Seymour Duncan Fortuna pickups tackle bluesy licks and metal riffage with equal aplomb, while its dyna-MIX9 switching system provides nine different pickup combinations for an endless supply of tones. It looks great as well, boasting a balanced-sounding alder body in a cool mint green finish. Enjoy unprecedented comfort and stability, thanks to an ergonomic rear body contour, S-Tech roasted maple neck, and a slick-playing compound-radius rosewood fingerboard. Bend, twist, and dive-bomb with perfect intonation thanks to the AZ2204NW’s Gotoh T1702B tremolo. Gotoh Magnum Lock tuners, an oil-impregnated bone nut, and luminescent side dots round out the AZ2204NW’s top-shelf feature set.
The AZ2204NW’s roasted maple neck was subjected to Ibanez’s S-Tech nitrogen-heating treatment, which increases its stability, durability, water resistance, and tolerance to temperature changes. The neck is then sealed with oil, resulting in a well-played feel. And it’s supremely comfortable — its fingerboard edge was finished with a smooth curve that extends through the border between the fingerboard and the neck to the fingerboard itself. Beyond that, this guitar’s oil-finished AZ oval "C"-shaped neck fills your hand nicely at the lower frets, while providing a more modern feel when you’re playing up high. You also get an oil-impregnated bone nut for maximum resonance and superior tuning stability.
The Ibanez AZ2204NW’s Seymour Duncan Fortuna pickups are among the most sonically flexible we’ve heard here at Music Experience. Laid out in an HSS configuration, these pickups deliver warm blues licks, shred-heavy metal riffs, and everything in between with the utmost in dynamics and clarity — even in high-gain situations. Beyond that, Ibanez’s dyna-MIX9 switching system provides nine different sound combinations and can shift between humbucker and single-coil modes with a flick of a mini toggle. You can even simulate a humbucking sound by combining the two single-coil pickups. Whatever tone you’re hearing in your head, the AZ2204NW can achieve it.
Developed in collaboration with Gotoh, the AZ2204NW’s T1702B tremolo features brass saddles and a brass sustain block, which ensure a natural, warm tone with quick response and amazing articulation. String skipping and hybrid picking are effortless thanks to narrow string spacing. Loading the guitar’s tremolo arm is a breeze, by virtue of the T1702B’s snap-and-hold socket, and its arm torque adjuster allows for fine adjustments without any tools. The T1702B’s stud lock screws lock the stud bolts in place, enhancing the instrument’s resonance and providing excellent tuning stability. Beyond that, the T1702B’s non-recessed design provides an astoundingly smooth tremolo motion that's ideal for neo-soul-type players.
Even though Ibanez is thought of as a modern guitar brand, we have decades of accumulated knowledge and a history of pushing the boundaries. The AZ series carries with it all of the hallmarks of these tried and tested Ibanez qualities: the smooth oval neck grip, the well balanced asymmetrical body shape, and the neck heel allowing unrivaled playability.
Rosewood fretboard Rosewood provides a well-balanced solid tone with a focused mid range.
Offering the best of both worlds, the digitized compound radius fretboard of the AZ-N is built to enhance both smooth chording and lead work in the upper register.
The Super All Access Neck Joint offers superior playability with its 8mm concave curve from the body top to the spherical surface of the joint area. By maximizing the joint area between the body and the neck, sustain and resonance are increased as well.
The Luminlay side dot position marks make it easy for players to see fretboard position marks when performing on dark stages.
The AZ comes with GOTOH® MAGNUM LOCK® machine heads, which have an established reputation for tuning stability. Its H. A. P® (Height Adjustable Post). system allows for the adjustment of string posts for the appropriate tension of each string.
The Oil-impregnated bone nut provides superior tuning stability and warm rich resonance. Stainless steel frets boast excellent corrosion resistance. The wide and tall fret-type offers a quick response, good articulation when playing chords and clear tone when playing single notes.
A shallow body back contour and a big forearm contour make the guitar body fit the player naturally, thus increasing playing comfort. The AZ body has a deep waist and different radii on each body edge curve, making it easier to play in both standing or sitting positions.
Seymour Duncan® Fortuna™ Pickups feature a moderate output and natural clean voicing which accurately reflect subtle playing nuances. From treble to bass, the overall tonal balance is evenly adjusted and works well with various effect pedals.
dyna-MIX 9 offers nine sound variations, and can easily switch between humbucker and single coil modes with just the mini switch. One mode is even able to simulate a humbucker sound from the combination of the 2 single coil pickups.
The T1702B tremolo bridge provides quick response and improved articulation. The 10.5mm string spacing allows for easy picking across strings and its snap-in construction makes it easy to load a tremolo arm. The tremolo block and saddles are made of brass, facilitating better overall resonance.
Body Type | Solidbody |
---|---|
Body Shape | AZ Prestige |
Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
Number of Strings | 6 |
Body Material | Alder |
Body Finish | Gloss Polyester |
Color | Black |
Neck Material | S-Tech Roasted Maple |
Neck Shape | Oval C |
Radius | 9"-12" compound |
Fingerboard Material | S-Tech Roasted Maple |
Fingerboard Inlay | Mother-of-Pearl Dots |
Number of Frets | 22, Jumbo, Fret Edge Treatment |
Scale Length | 25.5" |
Nut Width | 1.653" |
Nut Material | Bone |
Bridge/Tailpiece | Gotoh T1702 Tremolo |
Tuners | Gotoh Magnum Locking, Height Adjustable Posts |
Neck Pickup | Seymour Duncan® Fortuna™ Single-coil |
Middle Pickup | Seymour Duncan® Fortuna™ Single-coil |
Bridge Pickup | Seymour Duncan® Fortuna™ Humbucker |
Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x tone, 5-way blade pickup switch, 1 x Alter mini-switch (dyna-MIX9 switching system) |
Strings | D'Addario EXL110 .010-.046 |
Case Included | Hardshell Case |
Manufacturer Part Number | AZ2204NBK |