Mint Ibanez AZ2204NW AZ Prestige Guitar, Rosewood Fretboard, Gray Metallic

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. The 2204 in particular was a 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.

This AZ2204NW model in a beautiful Gray Metallic finish takes things a step further in the vintage direction. It harkens back to the vintage “S” type guitars of the 1960s with its vintage-style custom color-esque finish, vintage-style buttons on the Gotoh locking tuners, rosewood fretboard, and parchment/cream white pickguard.

The old-school callbacks don’t stop there, though. Compared to the original non-N 2204, 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. We dug the versatility of the two single coils and humbucker along with the dyna-MIX switch that allows you to approximate various S-style, T-style, and humbucker guitars all in one guitar.

Lastly, the non-recessed tremolo is set up with 5 springs and a brass block for the warmth and acoustic resonance of an old-school vintage bridge. We found it to compare very favorably to the more modern-leaning non-N AZ2204, and the two complement each other very well while managing to stay unique.

For a classy-looking, do-it-all workhorse axe equipped with several boutique-level features that can cover pretty much every genre under the sun at a surprisingly affordable price point, check out the AZ2204NW!

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.

Overview

• The rosewood fretboard of the AZ2204NW provides a well-balanced solid tone with a focused mid range. In addition, the 9″-12″ compound radius fretboard of the AZ-N is built to enhance both smooth chording and lead work in the upper register.
• Five tremolo springs allow string vibration to be more efficiently transferred to the guitar body. While the non-N AZ2204 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Luminlay side dot position marks make it easy for players to see fretboard position marks when performing on dark stages.

Specifications Body

• Body Wood: Alder
• Color: Gray Metallic

Neck

• Neck Wood: Roasted Maple
• Neck Shape: AZ Oval C
• Neck Joint: AANJ
• 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 Material: Bone

Hardware

• Bridge: Gotoh T1702B Tremolo
• Tuners: Gotoh Magnum Locking HAP Tuners
• Hardware Color: Chrome

Electronics

• Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan Fortuna Single-Coil
• Middle Pickup: Seymour Duncan Fortuna Single-Coil
• Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan Fortuna Humbucker
• Controls: Volume, Tone, Dyna-MIX9 Mini-Toggle, 5-Way Blade Pickup Switch

Misc.

• Factory tuning: 1E,2B,3G,4D,5A,6E
• Strings: D’Addario® EXL110
• String gauge: .010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046
• Case: Hardshell
• Instrument Weight: 7.9 lbs