Ibanez has expanded its popular AZ series by introducing the AZ Standard, a new collection of electric guitars designed to bridge the gap between the affordable AZ Essentials and the high-end AZ Premiums. Priced at a highly competitive $549, the AZ Standard delivers a compelling blend of premium features and exceptional value.
A Mid-Range Marvel
Positioned strategically in the mid-range market, the AZ Standard range aims to provide guitarists with unprecedented performance and affordability.
These guitars offer exceptional playability, stunning looks, and a wide range of tones at an incredible price.
AZ24S1F & AZ22S1F
Drawing inspiration from both ends of the AZ spectrum, these instruments boast a host of impressive features typically found in much more expensive guitars.
Available at the AZ24S1F (HH configuration) and the AZ22S1F (HSS configuration). Both are at that low $549 price point!
Bang for your Buck!
Ibanez continues to deliver high-quality, innovative instruments at affordable prices. These new AZ Standard models offer a lot of excellent value for money and look far more expensive than the price point they are selling for.
Finish Options
Available in Violin Sunburst, Transparent Turquoise Burst, and Transparent Black Sunburst finishes.
Key Features
- Premium Construction: The AZ Standard models feature high-quality materials, including alder bodies with flame maple tops, roasted maple necks, and jatoba fretboards. These tonewoods offer a resonant and balanced sound, while the roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and durability.
- Superior Playability: Both models boast 24 stainless steel frets, ensuring smooth and effortless playing action. The Super All-Access neck joint provides easy access to the higher frets, while the locking tuners and T106 tremolo bridge offer enhanced tuning stability and expressive performance.
- Versatile Electronics: The AZ22S1F features an HSS pickup configuration with a trio of Ibanez Classic Custom pickups, delivering a wide range of tones suitable for various playing styles. The AZ24S1F, on the other hand, opts for an HH configuration with a pair of Ibanez Modern Custom humbuckers, providing powerful and dynamic sound. Both models incorporate advanced switching systems – the dyna-MIX9 with Alter Switch on the AZ22S1F and the dyna-MIX10 with Alter Switch on the AZ24S1F – offering a vast array of tonal possibilities, including coil splitting and power tap options.
A Value Proposition
At $549.99, the AZ Standard represents an exceptional value proposition in the mid-range electric guitar market.
While some cost-cutting measures have been implemented, such as utilizing Ibanez in-house pickups instead of Seymour Duncan Hyperions found in the AZ Premiums, the core features and overall playing experience remain remarkably close to the higher-end models.
A Shake-Up for the Mid-Range Market
Including stainless steel frets and roasted tonewoods at this price point is a significant achievement. These features are often found in much more expensive guitars, setting the AZ Standard apart from the competition.
Ibanez has effectively challenged the status quo by offering a compelling alternative for guitarists seeking high-quality instruments without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways
- The AZ Standard represents a significant addition to the Ibanez AZ series, offering a compelling blend of performance and affordability.
- The combination of premium features, including stainless steel frets, roasted tonewoods, and advanced electronics, sets the AZ Standard apart from the competition.
- At $549.99, these guitars represent an exceptional value proposition for discerning guitarists.
- The AZ Standard is poised to become a significant player in the mid-range electric guitar market, challenging other brands to raise the bar in terms of value and innovation.
Guitar Bomb Verdict
Ibanez has once again demonstrated its commitment to providing innovative and high-quality instruments at affordable prices. The AZ Standard offers a compelling option for guitarists seeking a balance of performance, versatility, and value.
With its impressive features and competitive price, the AZ Standard will surely capture the attention of guitarists worldwide. These could also be the perfect ‘modding’ platform to upgrade pickups or hardware.
One to watch out for in 2025, and we think they will sell like proverbial ‘hot cakes’ at this price point.
MSRP – $549
Andertons
- Ibanez AZ24S1F in Violin Sunburst
- Ibanez AZ24S1F in Transparent Turquoise Burst
- Ibanez AZ24S1F in Transparent Black Sunburst
- Ibanez AZ22S1F in Transparent Turquoise Burst
- Ibanez AZ22S1F in Transparent Black Sunburst
Gear4Music
- Ibanez AZ24S1F in Transparent Turquoise Burst
- Ibanez AZ24S1F in Transparent Black Sunburst
- Ibanez AZ22S1F in Transparent Turquoise Burst
- Ibanez AZ22S1F in Transparent Black Sunburst
Thomann
- Ibanez AZ24S1F in Violin Sunburst
- Ibanez AZ24S1F in Transparent Turquoise Burst
- Ibanez AZ24S1F in Transparent Black Sunburst
- Ibanez AZ22S1F in Transparent Turquoise Burst
- Ibanez AZ22S1F in Transparent Black Sunburst
More Information
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