Ibanez AEL207E Acoustic-Electric Guitar, 7-String

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The Ibanez SST Shape Shifter preamp with built-in tuner lets you craft nuanced 7-string acoustic tones plugged-in through either XLR or 1/4" jacks.

What's special about this item?

Feature: What it does:
Flamed maple top Premium wood grain with bright, projecting tone
Fishman Sonicore pickup Delivers a warm, rich tone with great response
Maple back and sides Bright, focused tone with enhanced sustain
Mahogany neck Great sustain, strength, and warm tone

Who better to bring the musical muscle of the 7-string to the acoustic guitar world? Ibanez's signature AEL207E body is specially designed to be sonically full without being cumbersome. Flamed Maple top with Mahogany back and sides make for a well-balanced pure acoustic response. But plug in AEL20 with its Fishman Sonicore Pickup, and you'll find out how bad this bad boy can be. Add all that to an Abalone Rosette, choice of XLR and 1/4" outputs, moody transparent Black finish, and you'll find the AEL20 is ready, willing and able to make a public declaration.

Ibanez wasn't the first add an extra string to a six-string guitar, but they were the first to make the concept really work. From their early collaborations with the legendary Steve Vai, on through the proliferation of the 7-string electric in 90s alternative, Ibanez cut the path that others followed. The technological refinements continue as another generation of players pick up the 7, unearthing an era of musical possibility.

Features

- 7-String
- AEL Body
- Flamed Maple Top
- Mahogany Back and Sides
- Chrome Die-Cast Tuners
- Abalone Rosette
- Fishman Sonicore Pickup
- Ibanez SST Shape Shifter Preamp W/ Tuner
- XLR & 1/4" Outputs
- Transparent Black Sunburst Finish

- Body Shape: AEL body
- Bracing: X Bracing
- Top: Flamed Maple
- Back & Sides: Maple
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Body Binding: Ivory
- Soundhole Rosette: Abalone
- Tuning Machine: Gold Die-cast Tuner
- Nut Material: Bone
- Number of Frets: 20
- Saddle Material: Compensated Bone Saddle
- Bridge Pins: Ibanez Advantage Bridge pin
- Strings: D'Addario EXP16 Coated Phosphor Bronze, Light (.012-.053, with .070 Gauge)
- Pickup: Fishman Sonicore pickup
- Preamp: Ibanez SST Shape Shifter preamp w/Onboard tuner
- Output Jack: Balanced XLR & 1/4" outputs
- Battery: AA Battery *2
- Finish Top: Gloss
- Finish Back and Sides: Gloss
- Finish Neck Back: Gloss

Neck Dimensions:
- Scale: 648mm
- Width at Nut: 48mm
- Width at 14th Fret: 60mm
- Thickness at 1st: 21mm
- Thickness at 7th: 22mm
- Radius: 250mmR

Body Dimensions:
- Length: 20"
- Width: 16"
- Max Depth: 5"

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-669-8262
Web: https://www.ibanez.com/usa/support/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (1 ratings)
Submitted June 13, 2014 by Gabriel M in Los Angeles, CA

"A true 7-string acoustic"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
While I had expected an average quality acoustic guitar that so happened to have a seventh string, I ended up with a high-quality, through-and-through 7-string acoustic.

Sound
I was unsure about the idea of a completely maple body, especially on a seven string, but the result definitely works for this guitar. Its tone gained the approval of my Martin/Taylor snob friend, and is second to none when plugged in (especially with a little bass-boost from the amp). Where this guitar's maple construction really shines is in soft fingerpicking; even the quietest notes have that 'acoustic guitar sparkle'. Admittedly the seventh string isn't as boomy as I would hope, but its tone is still full, and matches well with the rest of the strings (and has more than enough presence when electronically amplified).

Features
Built-in tuner that cuts off signal out when active is a godsend for live gigging. Comes with a 3-band EQ and shape filter, but I have yet to need them; its tone is incredible even with the settings flat. XLR output in addition to the standard 1/4" is greatly appreciated and adds versatility when it comes to setting up. Full maple body has loads of brightness, and probably calls for phosphor bronze or warmer strings. Most importantly, uses two AA batteries instead of a 9V, which saves a lot of hassle.

Ease of Use
I was worried the guitar would feel like "acoustic guitar + extra string", read more but it really does feel like a true seven-string guitar. The low B feels like a continuation of the rest of the instrument, and plays like so. Going over from an Ibanez 7-string electric posed no additional challenge in terms of finger space. However, the body is rather large, and pushes the limits of my soft case; you may want to buy the specific case for this.

Quality
Quality, as to be expected of Ibanez, far exceeds its price range. The flamed maple top is one of the most wonderful I have ever seen. Construction is totally solid, and the bridge saddle is perfectly compensated. This guitar is gig-ready straight out of the box.

Value
As one of the first production 7-string acoustics in a very long time, this guitar is a steal. This guitar is easily worth twice its selling price.

Manufacturer Support
I have not yet had to deal with manufacturer support for any of my Ibanez guitars.

The Wow Factor
Gorgeous looks, gorgeous tone, this guitar is a keeper!

Musical Background:
Professional musician, longtime 7-string player.

Musical Style:
Classical, jazz, rock, church.
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