Ibanez AZ2204-ICM Electric Guitar: Full Review

The Ibanez AZ series represents the company's foray into more modern and versatile electric guitar designs. First introduced in 2018, the AZ aims to blend the best aspects of Gibson-style guitars with Ibanez's signature shred-friendly wizard necks.

The AZ2204-ICM is one of the more affordable models in the Prestige line, Ibanez's top guitar tier. It features a flame maple top over an okoume body with a slim, fast maple neck. The pickups are Seymour Duncan Hyperion humbuckers, a versatile set well-suited for rock and metal. Visually, the AZ2204-ICM has an elegant, classy aesthetic in a beautiful blue metallic finish.

This guitar strives to offer incredible playability and tonal flexibility at a price that undercuts similar intermediate offerings from PRS, Schecter, and other brands. For gigging musicians or intermediate players looking to upgrade, the AZ2204-ICM packs professional features into an instrument with broad appeal and versatility.

Body & Neck

The Ibanez AZ2204-ICM features an elegant double cutaway body made of alder, giving it a balanced and resonant tone. The top is finished in a stunning Blue Metallic that creates an eye-catching look on stage.

The neck is constructed from 5-piece maple/wenge and has a slim, fast Prestige profile that provides smooth playing feel. It uses a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard with offset dot inlays, offering excellent access to upper frets. Overall the neck has a very comfortable and playable shape that works well for various techniques and styles.

The headstock matches the body finish and contains locking Gotoh MG-T locking machine heads to keep it in tune. The hardware provides a classy accent to the guitar's modern appearance. The neck joint is seamlessly integrated for smooth transitions along the neck.

The AZ2204-ICM's body and neck provide a great foundation for versatile electric guitar tone and playability. Many players appreciate the comfortable feel and access to higher frets offered by the slim neck profile. The alder body contributes resonant and balanced tone that works for various musical genres.

In addition to its smooth playability, the Ibanez AZ2204-ICM delivers flexible sound shaping options. It comes equipped with Seymour Duncan Hyperion humbucking pickups that provide focused and articulate tone. Between the pickups, volume and tone controls, 5-way switching, and coil-tapping, guitarists can easily dial in tones from glassy cleans to high-gain distortion.

Overall the AZ2204-ICM is built to satisfy players looking for a modern and easy-playing electric guitar. It combines fast playability with versatile tone-shaping controls. The guitar's stylish looks also make it an eye-catching choice for the stage. While optimized for rock and metal, it can handle blues, jazz, country and various other styles.

For players interested in a comparable acoustic guitar, the Martin D-18 is an iconic option to consider. Like the Ibanez AZ2204-ICM, the D-18 combines playability, versatile tone, and classic styling. Its solid mahogany back and sides deliver warm, balanced tone. The solid spruce top provides clarity and articulation. Together they give it the lively and well-rounded voice Martin guitars are known for.

The Martin D-18's neck has a comfortable and accessible feel with a slim taper profile. This makes it enjoyable to play and allows easy fretting across the fingerboard. It uses a sleek ebony fingerboard for smooth playability. Overall it achieves a great balance of vintage style and modern playability.

In terms of hardware, the D-18 is equipped with open-geared tuners, a Corian nut, and Micarta saddle for rock-solid tuning stability. Visually, it has timeless appointments like multi-ply binding, vintage-style inlays, and Martin's signature headstock shape. The D-18 continues Martin's legacy building high-quality and great sounding acoustic guitars played by generations of musicians.

While the Ibanez AZ2204-ICM and Martin D-18 are quite different instruments, they both deliver on quality craftsmanship, tone, and playability. The AZ2204-ICM brings modern and versatile features to satisfy electric players. The D-18 carries on Martin's tradition building iconic acoustic guitars. Either one represents a quality choice for guitarists passionate about their instrument.

Electronics & Hardware

The Ibanez AZ2204 comes equipped with Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups, which provide a crisp, articulate tone across the tonal spectrum. The neck pickup has an Alnico 2 magnet, while the bridge pickup uses an Alnico 5 for increased output and bite.

The control layout offers versatility without being overly complex. It has a master volume and tone knob, along with a 5-way pickup selector switch. This allows you to dial in everything from glassy cleans to high-gain tones.

The AZ2204 uses a Gotoh® T1502 tremolo bridge and tuning machines, both of which are high quality parts that can stand up to heavy use. The tremolo bridge stays in tune well even with heavy whammy bar use, and the tuners keep the guitar in tune during long gigs or practice sessions.

Overall, the electronics and hardware on the AZ2204 are pro-level components that offer excellent tonal options, tuning stability, and the ability to adapt to many musical scenarios. The pickups provide dynamic and articulate tones, while the controls give you flexibility without unnecessary complexity.

If you're looking for a versatile electric guitar that can handle anything from blues to metal, the Epiphone PRO EAPC3ANCH is an excellent choice. This guitar features Epiphone's ProBucker pickups which provide a bold, deep tone across the frequency range. The mahogany body and maple top work together to produce sustain for days. It also has a comfortable slim taper "D" profile neck that allows for fast playing. The Epiphone PRO EAPC3ANCH is a professional-grade instrument that looks great on stage and delivers killer tone in a variety of musical styles. It's an incredibly well-rounded guitar that can serve as a go-to instrument for gigging musicians.

When it comes to hardware, the Epiphone PRO EAPC3ANCH has a Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for excellent tuning stability and sustain. The Grover tuners keep the guitar in tune, even during heavy use. This hardware complements the tonewood combination nicely. The electronics include two Epiphone ProBucker pickups with individual volume and tone controls, plus a 3-way pickup selector switch. This layout gives you a wide range of tones, from searing leads to thick rhythm tones.

In terms of playability, the Epiphone PRO EAPC3ANCH is designed for fast, comfortable playing across the entire fretboard. The 12" radius and jumbo frets make it easy to bend strings and play intricate solos. Whether you need to play complex chords or shred lightning-fast licks, this guitar can keep up. The slim neck profile provides comfort, even during marathon practice or gigging sessions.

When it comes to looks, the Epiphone PRO EAPC3ANCH has an elegant but edgy style. The black finish with cream binding and block inlays gives it a classic vibe, while the body shape is sleek and modern. The headstock shape is also a nice blend of vintage and contemporary aesthetics. Overall, it's a sharp looking guitar that makes a bold visual statement.

For guitarists who need a versatile, high quality instrument that looks, plays, and sounds phenomenal, the Epiphone PRO EAPC3ANCH is an outstanding choice. It's ideal for rock, blues, metal, jazz, country, and more. Whether practicing at home, recording in the studio, or performing live, this guitar has the features and tone to excel. Check out the Epiphone PRO EAPC3ANCH if you want a professional-grade guitar with killer style.

Sound & Playability

The Ibanez AZ2204 stands out for its impressive tone, sustain, playability, and fretwork quality. The guitar utilizes Ibanez's specially-designed AZ Prestige pickups that have a rich, full sound with excellent articulation and dynamics.

The guitar sustains very well, allowing complex chords and solo lines to ring out cleanly. Even with high levels of gain, the AZ2204 remains clear and focused. The maple top contributes to the bright, vibrant tonality.

Playability is outstanding thanks to the smooth AZ Oval C profile neck that provides a comfortable, slim feel. The fretwork is immaculate with perfect intonation up and down the neck. The action is set low and buzz-free. Combined with the innovative String Changing System, changing strings is quick and hassle-free.

The AZ2204 excels at versatile tones but maintains the resonant, singing voice expected from high-end Ibanez guitars. Overall, it's a responsive and enjoyable guitar to play that covers a wide range of musical styles.

Versatility

The Ibanez AZ2204's versatility is one of its standout features. This guitar can handle a wide range of musical genres and techniques beautifully.

The AZ2204's HSH pickup configuration featuring a Seymour Duncan Hyperion neck pickup and Quantum middle and bridge pickups, allows for a broad tonal palette. From warm, round neck pickup tones to glassy, articulated bridge pickup tones, this guitar can produce sounds suitable for blues, rock, metal, jazz, and more.

The contoured heel joint and upper fret access make it easy to play complex chords and reach higher notes on the neck. This playability lends itself well to utilizing advanced techniques like shred, sweep picking, and two-hand tapping. The AZ's thin, fast neck and stainless steel frets also facilitate these techniques.

Whether you want to play bluesy classic rock riffs or lightning-fast metal solos, the AZ2204 aims to satisfy. Its quality components and smart design result in an incredibly versatile instrument.

Quality & Attention to Detail

The Ibanez AZ2204 showcases the quality and attention to detail expected from Ibanez's high-end Prestige line. Starting with the fit and finish, the guitar has a flawless paint job and expertly finished frets. The fretwork on the AZ2204 is outstanding, with smoothly finished fret edges that make the neck extremely comfortable and fast.

Once tuned and setup, the AZ2204 holds tuning exceptionally well during playing and between sessions, thanks to the Gotoh locking tuners and tight neck joint. The overall stability and precision of the hardware contributes to the guitar's resonant sustain and tuning stability.

In terms of build, the light basswood body and 5-piece maple/wenge neck feel solid and road-worthy. The combination of quality materials and robust construction gives the AZ2204 the ability to withstand years of playing while still looking great.

Pros

• The AZ2204 offers premium build quality with a lightweight alder body and 5-piece maple/walnut "Prestige" neck for stability and sustain.

• It has a versatile HSH pickup configuration with Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups, allowing for diverse tones from sparkling cleans to high-gain distortion. The coil-split feature expands the tonal options even further.

• The Edge tremolo bridge has a very smooth, fluid feel and stays in tune exceptionally well, even with heavy use. It makes dive bombs, warbles, and other effects a breeze to perform.

Cons

• The Ibanez AZ2204 has a relatively thin neck profile that some players may find too slim for their preferences, especially those with larger hands who rely on the thickness for grip and control. The thin neck can take some getting used to.

• The tremolo bridge may require more maintenance and setup attention than hardtail bridges. The tremolo adds expressiveness but also complexity - some guitarists may prefer the simplicity and tuning stability of a fixed bridge model. The floating tremolo takes more effort to change tunings and keep stable.

Alternatives to Consider

The Ibanez AZ2204 is a premium electric guitar with a lot of great features, but it may not be the right fit for every player. Here are a couple comparable alternatives to consider from other top guitar brands:

Fender American Professional II Stratocaster

The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster is a classic and versatile electric guitar known for its comfortable contoured body, modern "Deep C" neck profile, and crisp, articulate tone. It has a solid alder body, maple neck, and narrow tall frets for smooth and fast playing.

The Stratocaster is an exceptionally well-built and reliable guitar. It produces classic bell-like Strat tones, especially when using the bridge pickup. While the Ibanez may have more modern appointments, the American Professional II Strat is a top choice for those seeking traditional Strat style and sound.

Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s

For players looking for thicker, warmer humbucker tones, the Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s is a great alternative. It has a solid mahogany body and slim taper mahogany neck for enhanced playability and comfort.

The Les Paul delivers that thick, singing Gibson tone, especially when playing with some gain. The 60s model also provides a bit more brightness and clarity compared to other Les Pauls. Overall, it's a versatile classic that covers everything from jazz to heavy rock. Though it has a very different feel and sound than the Ibanez, the Les Paul Standard 60s is an excellent alternative.

Conclusion

The Ibanez AZ2204 Prestige is an exceptional electric guitar that deserves strong consideration by any experienced player looking for top-notch build quality and great tone. This guitar sports a comfortable ergonomic body shape made of lightweight basswood paired with a fast Wizard neck for easy playing. The dual Humbucker and single coil pickup configuration provides incredible tonal versatility from shredding leads to warm jazz tones.

While not cheap, the AZ2204 delivers a lot of value given its high-end prestige appointment details, Plek'd fretwork, and Gotoh locking tuners and bridge. The guitar feels solid yet lively, projecting well unplugged while the electronics deliver clear articulate tones when amped. Those needing a flexible guitar that excels at many styles should put the Ibanez AZ2204 Prestige on their short list. It's a quality instrument that will reward players with inspiring tone and smooth playability for many years to come.