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Description

The Ibanez AZ226 Premium is a masterclass in versatility and craftsmanship, seamlessly blending traditional style with modern innovation. Ideal for musicians who demand flexibility without compromising on tone, this guitar is crafted from a resonant basswood body, complemented by a S-TECH WOOD roasted maple neck. This neck undergoes a nitrogen-heating treatment, enhancing its stability, water resistance, and durability, ensuring it remains your trusty companion through every gig and studio session.

The AZ226 is equipped with Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups in an HSS configuration, delivering a rich palette of tones that maintain clarity even under high gain. Whether you're laying down thick power chords or intricate solos, this guitar delivers with precision. The dyna-MIX9 switching system offers nine different pickup combinations, allowing you to effortlessly shift between humbucker and single-coil sounds with just a flick of the mini toggle.

The playability of the AZ226 is second to none, thanks to its smooth oval C-shaped neck and the Super All Access neck joint, which provides unhindered reach to the highest frets. The Gotoh T1502 tremolo bridge ensures rock-solid tuning stability, while its narrow string spacing enhances your picking technique, making complex maneuvers like string skipping and hybrid picking feel natural.

Key Features:

  • S-TECH WOOD roasted maple neck for enhanced stability and durability
  • Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups in HSS configuration with dyna-MIX9 switching system for versatile tone options
  • Gotoh T1502 tremolo bridge for excellent tuning stability and smooth operation
  • Super All Access neck joint for effortless reach to upper frets
  • American basswood body with ergonomic contours for comfort and ease of play

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model AZ226-BKF Premium
Year 2020 - 2021
Made In Indonesia
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Ibanez AZ
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Premium
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez AZ226 Premium suitable for?

The Ibanez AZ226 Premium, with its HSS pickup configuration, is versatile and well-suited for a range of genres including rock, blues, and jazz. The combination of humbucker and single-coil pickups allows for a wide tonal palette, from warm, thick sounds to bright, cutting tones.

How does the neck profile of the Ibanez AZ226 Premium affect playability?

The Ibanez AZ226 Premium features a comfortable and fast-playing neck profile, ideal for both lead and rhythm playing. Its smooth maple neck and satin finish provide excellent playability, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced players seeking speed and comfort.

Does the Ibanez AZ226 Premium come with a tremolo bridge, and how does it perform?

Yes, the Ibanez AZ226 Premium is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch bending and vibrato effects. The bridge is designed for stability and tuning accuracy, making it a reliable choice for players who frequently use tremolo techniques.

What are the standout features of the Ibanez AZ226 Premium's construction?

The Ibanez AZ226 Premium features a basswood body for balanced tone, a bolt-on maple neck for snappy response, and a maple fretboard for smooth playability. These elements combine to create a guitar that is both durable and sonically versatile.

Is the Ibanez AZ226 Premium a good choice for live performances?

Yes, the Ibanez AZ226 Premium is a great choice for live performances due to its versatile sound, reliable tuning stability, and comfortable playability. Its HSS pickup configuration and tremolo bridge offer a wide range of tones and effects suitable for various live settings.

Jordan Brewer

Jordan Brewer

Ibanez AZ 226 Premium review and demo

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AZ 226 Premium review and demo by Jordan Brewer

Ibanez AZ 226 Premium review and demo

Jordan Brewer

Jordan Brewer

Video thumbnail for The All New 2020 Ibanez AZ226 Premium | Review by Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

The All New 2020 Ibanez AZ226 Premium | Review

Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez AZ226 Premium.

User experience

  • Stainless steel frets and neck receive praise for playability, offering a smooth experience for both chords and melodic passages.

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  • Initial owner satisfaction is reported after a few days of use, highlighting the AZ226 Premium's quality and features.

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  • Owners describe the AZ226 neck as rounder than modern Fenders but thinner than vintage Fender necks, requiring some adjustment for those accustomed to slimmer profiles.

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Features and functionality

  • The bridge is noted for enabling fluttery effects while maintaining tuning stability, enhancing expressive playing with the tremolo arm.

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  • The Dyna-Mix switch provides a variety of tones, with positions 4 and 5 being favored for their sound quality.

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  • The AZ's neck design, including its round shape, is highlighted for comfort, likened to a "hand massage" by users, enhancing playability despite initial unfamiliarity.

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Comparisons

  • The neck, shaped like a modern C Fender, is appreciated for its comfort and considered an upgrade from a Jimi Hendrix Strat.

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  • The AZ226 neck feels more akin to a Jazzmaster with a modern C shape, offering a narrow yet full hand feel, unlike traditional thin Ibanez necks.

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  • The AZ series is compared to Suhr guitars, influenced by models like the Suhr Modern and Classic-S, with features like the Gotoh 5xx bridge and roasted maple neck.

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  • The Charvel Pro Mod DK24 is suggested for those who like the AZ226 specs but prefer a neck closer to a Fender's shape.

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Use cases and applications

  • Preferred tones in positions 4 and 5 are suited for players who enjoy versatile sound options without using parallel series pickups.

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  • Users find the AZ Premium line to be well-balanced when seated, making it suitable for extended playing sessions without discomfort.

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Build quality

  • The Indonesian AZ226 models are lighter and feature more vibrant colors compared to their Japanese counterparts, with a user reporting a preference for the lighter, prettier finishes.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Action can be set very low, as low as 1.3 cm at the low E string, although 1.5 cm is more common among owners.

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Value and pricing

  • Although Indonesian models depreciate faster, their build quality is often compared favorably to more expensive models, like the Mexican Charvel Dinkies.

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Mods and upgrades

  • For players seeking metal tones, the Seymour Duncan Invader is recommended for the bridge position.

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