when strat players discover Ibanez

Summary

In this video, the host explores the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N guitar, which initially seemed unappealing due to its association with shredders. However, the unique features, including the Alder body, roasted Maple neck, and Seymour Duncan Fortuna pickups, piqued his interest. The guitar's 'Altered Switch' offers nine pickup configurations, providing versatility in sound. After testing the guitar in a state-of-the-art studio with various amps, the host reflects on its modern take on the Strat-style guitar, comparing it to Fender and Music Man, and discusses the challenge and excitement of mastering its unique tonal options.

Takeaways

• 🎸 The speaker initially had a bias against Ibanez guitars, believing they were only for 'shredders' and not relatable to their style.
• 🔍 The speaker's perspective changed upon discovering the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204, which piqued their interest due to its unique features.
• 🗓 The Prestige model has been around since 1996, but the specific AZ2204 model has a modern design with an alder body and roasted maple neck.
• 🧲 The guitar is equipped with Seymour Duncan Fortuna pickups, which the speaker is a fan of, adding to their excitement to try the guitar.
• 🔑 A notable feature of the AZ2204 is the 'altered switch', offering nine different pickup configurations, expanding beyond the typical five.
• 🎵 The speaker experimented with the guitar's tonal capabilities, comparing it to Fender and considering how it modernizes the Stratocaster style.
• 🏠 The speaker took the guitar to a friend's studio, which is equipped with a variety of amps, to test its sound through different setups.
• 🔍 After spending time with the guitar, the speaker is no longer intimidated by its knobs and switches but is still learning the best settings for their preferred sound.
• 🛠 The speaker acknowledges the need to relearn and adapt to the guitar's unique features, such as the altered switch, to fully utilize its capabilities.
• 🎶 The experience with the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 has reinforced the speaker's appreciation for Strat alternatives and the exploration of modern guitar design.
• 📺 The video concludes with the speaker encouraging viewers to share their thoughts on modern S-style guitars and Ibanez in general, emphasizing personal preference over their own opinion.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial perception of Ibanez guitars?

The speaker initially thought that Ibanez guitars were for shredders and seven-string players, and they didn't relate to them personally.

What changed the speaker's mind about Ibanez guitars?

The speaker's perception changed after discovering the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N guitar, which had features that intrigued him, such as the Seymour Duncan Fortuna pickups and the altered switch.

What is the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N guitar known for?

The Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N is known for its alder body, roasted maple neck, Seymour Duncan Fortuna pickups, and an altered switch that provides nine different pickup configurations.

What is the purpose of the altered switch on the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N?

The altered switch on the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N provides nine different pickup configurations, offering more tonal options than the usual five configurations found on most S-style guitars.

How does the speaker describe the tonal capabilities of the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N?

The speaker describes the tonal capabilities as being able to provide both Strat-like and humbucker-like sounds, with the pickups being in series for a unique tonal blend.

What did the speaker do to test the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N guitar?

The speaker took the guitar to his friend Andrew's studio, which is equipped with various amps, to test its sound and capabilities in a professional setting.

How does the speaker compare the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N to Fender guitars?

The speaker compares the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N to Fender guitars by noting that while Fender is embracing a vintage aesthetic, the Ibanez is pushing towards a more modern S-style guitar design.

What is the speaker's opinion on the modernization of the Strat-style guitar by Ibanez?

The speaker appreciates Ibanez's approach to modernizing the Strat-style guitar, noting that it offers a different experience and challenges traditional biases behind Strat alternatives.

How does the speaker describe the learning curve for using the altered switch on the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N?

The speaker describes the learning curve as initially challenging but fun, requiring practice to understand which pickup configurations they prefer and how to achieve specific tones.

What is the speaker's final verdict on the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N after spending time with it?

The speaker concludes that the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N is a modern take on the S-style guitar that offers a unique and enjoyable playing experience, with the altered switch being a standout feature.

Where can viewers find more information or purchase the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N?

Viewers can find more information or purchase the Ibanez Prestige AZ2204 N through the links provided in the video description, which directs them to Sweetwater, a music retailer.