Mint Ibanez AZ2203N AZ Prestige Guitar, Rosewood Fretboard, Antique Turquoise

PLAYER’S PERSPECTIVE

The Ibanez AZ, specifically the Prestige line, has become one of Ibanez’s most popular new additions in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Debuting in 2018, the S-style 2204 in particular was the launch model for the line and was an amazing take on the more vintage “S”-style guitar with a modern twist compared to their more iconic RG and other shreddy offerings.

2023’s new AZ2203N model, which this beautiful Antique Turquoise one is an example of, is unapolegetically vintage in flavor, returning to the familiar three-single-coil configuration. It harkens back to the vintage “S” type guitars of the 1960s with its vintage-style buttons on the Gotoh locking tuners, rosewood fretboard, and three-knob layout to go along with its trio of single-coil pickups.

The old-school callbacks don’t stop there, though. Compared to the AZ2204, it also comes with a rounder compound fretboard radius of 9″-12″, which makes the familiar C profile neck shape feel even more like a vintage-style guitar and on par with other “Classic” boutique offerings with its roasted maple neck back and stainless steel frets.

The lower-output Fortuna pickups are exclusive to this line, and sound cleaner and more vintage than the higher-output Hyperions you may be more familiar with on the AZ series. One thing you may notice on this model is that the typical AZ mini-toggle has been replaced with a third knob – but instead of being a second tone knob like you may have expected, it’s an amazing “blend” control that allows you to blend in the neck or bridge pickup to unlock pickup combinations (like neck bridge, or anything in between!) unheard of on a vintage instrument.

Lastly, the non-recessed tremolo is set up with 5 springs and is made with a steel block, which possesses the snap, brightness, and acoustic resonance of an old-school vintage bridge.

For a classy-looking, vintage-style axe equipped with several boutique-level features and Ibanez Prestige’s top-quality craftsmanship at a surprisingly affordable price point, check out the AZ2203N!

Details

Taking adaptability to new extremes, the AZ series has established itself and carved out a place that spans everything from the warmest blues licks, to the most intense, shred-heavy metal riffs. Carrying this ethos forward, the AZ line embodies time-tested Ibanez innovation and player-focused features like a smooth, oval neck grip, a well-balanced asymmetrical body shape, and the neck heel allowing for unrivaled playability.

There are three principles behind the Ibanez Prestige line: Precision, Performance, and Playability. Prestige combines high-tech manufacturing techniques with old-world Japanese craftsmanship, in order to achieve true innovation in design and construction. The series incorporates ideas and suggestions from musicians from around the world as the cornerstones of the Prestige production process.

Features

• Oval C S-TECH WOOD Roasted Maple neck: The S-TECH special roasted treatment increases the wood’s stability, durability, water resistance and tolerance of temperature changes. The neck is sealed with an oil finish which helps make it feel similar to a well-played guitar neck.
• Rosewood fretboard: Rosewood fretboard provides a well-balanced solid tone with a focused mid range.
• Jumbo Stainless Steel frets with Prestige fret edge treatment: 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.
• The Prestige Fret Edge Treatment guarantees effortlessly fast playing.
• Alder body: The Alder body delivers a well-balanced bright tone, enriched resonance and sustain.
• Seymour Duncan® Fortuna™ S-S-S pickups: 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.
• Gotoh® Magnum Lock w/H.A.P. machine heads: GOTOH® MAGNUM LOCK® machine heads 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.
• Gotoh® T1502S tremolo: The T1502S tremolo bridge features steel saddles and a steel tremolo block for a 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.
• Luminlay side dots: The Luminlay side dot position marks make it easy for players to see fretboard position marks when performing on dark stages.
• Hardshell case included: Ibanez Hardshell case gives extreme protection for your beloved instrument.

Special Features

• Non-recessed bridge cavity: While the AZ series features a recessed bridge cavity for fluid and dynamic tremolo action, this model has non-recessed bridge cavity. The direct contact between bridge plate and the guitar body provides better resonance and helps facilitate subtle nuances in playing dynamics.
• 5 tremolo springs: Five tremolo springs allow string vibration to be more efficiently transferred to the guitar body.
• Compound Radius Fretboard (228mm to 305mm): Offering the best of both worlds, the digitized compound radius fretboard is built to enhance both smooth chording and lead work in the upper register.
• Super All Access Neck Joint: The Super All Access Neck Joint increases playability and allows for easy access to the higher frets.
• Blender: Just by turning blender knob, you can add just right amount of the designated pickup at each position to get your desirable tone.

Specifications Body

• Body Wood: Alder
• Finish: Antique Turquoise

Neck

• Neck Wood: S-TECH Roasted Maple
• Neck Shape: AZ Oval C
• Construction: Bolt-On
• Radius: 9″-12″ Compound
• Fretboard Wood: Rosewood
• Fretboard Inlays: Mother-of-Pearl Dots
• Frets: 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel
• Scale Length: 25.5″
• Nut Width: 1.653″
• Nut: Bone

Hardware

• Bridge: Gotoh T1502S
• Tuners: Gotoh Locking Tuners
• Hardware Color: Chrome

Electronics

• Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan Fortuna Single-Coil
• Middle Pickup: Seymour Duncan Fortuna Single-Coil
• Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan Fortuna Single-Coil
• Controls: Volume, Tone, Blend, 5-Way Pickup Switch

Miscellaneous

• Strings: D’Addario EXL110 .010-.046
• Case: Prestige Hardshell Case
• Instrument Weight: 7.4 lbs