Ibanez AEL10LE Left-Handed AEL Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Feature:
I immediately plugged this in and worked the Fishman electronics. Not to disappoint the guitar displayed uncharacteristically good tone for a low-end model. It was warm, bright and all points in between. I laid down a few tracks with it on my Tascam system and played it back. I clearly had the quality of sound found on guitars 2 to 3 times it's price. I will continue to record additional songs with this guitar, as well as my more expensive Takamine and let you know how it goes. So far, well worth the value.

Quality:
The quality is also surprisingly good and the construction seems to lend itself to durablity, comfort and design. I ordered the gloss black finish and it's really sharp looking....again, as nice looking and playing as models 2-3 times it's price range. I don't see a problem with bringing this onto stage and plan to do so. So far I've found nothing to moan about.

Value:
In short, the value of this model is high and well worth the price I paid for it. I may order a second one just to have around.

Desirability:
Anyone who has played guitar awhile will appreciate the appeal of a nice sounding, better playing acoustic. You would be compelled to buy this model were you to pick it up in a store and play it. It makes for a practical and enjoyable addition to my current lineup of guitars.

Sound:
After playing this model in a pawn shop and enjoying it's action and sound, I ordered & just received this guitar last week. True to my first experience, this model did not let me down. The sound was crips and clean right out of the box. When I plugged it in and adjusted it's electronics, I continued to be impressed by it's range of sound.

Ease of Use:
I played this at a pawn shop and immiately was drawn to the low action...something we all want in a nice acoustic. I was surprised at how well it played and was hoping the new model I ordered and received would have that consistency. No disappointment there--it plays very nicely.

Support:
Prior to buying this guitar I inquired with the phone operator about the consistency of the action on this model. He assured me the action was good and even went out of his way to get a second opinion. With two endorsements I ordered and played this guitar right out of the box. Yep, action was and is good.

Overall:
Overall I will give this guitar high marks...not at the top but close enough. It's proven itself immeasurably in just under a weeks time. I am satisfied with the $$ I invested and wouldn't hesitate to buy another of this same model if I wanted. I really enjoy the high gloss black finish on this puppy, the sound and the feel of the neck. It suits me fine.

Feature:
The built in tuner is a bit over sensitive (this may be a good thing for more experienced players), but I am slowly getting accustomed to it. I haven't tested the pickup yet, obviously, so I will reserve comment on it at this time. My previous guitar did not have a cutaway and this one makes it worth having every time I attempt my RHCP "Breaking the girl" imitation.

Quality:
The guitar is of a solid construction, cosmetically beautiful, with only two very minor defects; there is a line of excess black paint on the side of the lower neck of the guitar and a spot with no paint near the rim of the sound hole. Both of these defects are covered by the finish so it is not something that happened at the retailer. Again, these are minor defects and are only noticable if you are looking for them.

Value:
For the money spent, this guitar is of great value. The sound is equivalent to some guitars I have played "in-store" that I was not ready to shell out on. This is the best guitar you can get within this price range.

Desirability:
I don't know if I would deem any inanimate object "sexy", except for maybe Jessica Simpson, but the guitar is nice to look at and even nicer to hear.

Sound:
Let me start by saying that I have only been playing a year and this was an upgrade from an old Ibanez Performance Acoustic that I picked up at a flea market. The sound is sharp and clean, with no residual vibrations. I haven't plugged it in yet as I am waiting to get my first amp, but the purity of sound when playing open is a definite upgrade over my previous guitar which I had thought was pretty good as well.

Ease of Use:
Right out of the box, I checked the action on this guitar and it is perfect. The strings are set perfectly to play easily and give no vibration noise, a true "ready to play" instrument.

Support:
I have not as yet needed any support for this instrument so I will give Ibanez the benefit of the doubt with an eight. The guitar comes with a "limited lifetime warranty" and zzounds offers their 30 day play to your satisfaction guarantee.

Overall:
I hope not to be looking for a new guitar for 3-5 years; my wife would probably not allow it anyway. I am thoroughly satisfied with this purchase and just want to work on getting better with an eye toward someday teaching my young son how to play too. The greatest thing you can do for a child is make them well rounded (and not with McDonald's hamburgers).