The Ibanez Prestige AZ2204B carries with it all of the hallmarks of tried and tested Ibanez qualities: the smooth oval neck grip, the well balanced asymmetrical body shape, and a neck heel that allows unrivaled playability. It also features details such as a tremolo bridge, as well as pickups developed in collaboration with Seymour Duncan. All of these elements help the AZ push the existing boundaries of playability and sound even further.

Ibanez always strives to make guitars with the finest materials and parts, yet collecting new parts and materials alone do not make a great guitar. Rather, exquisite guitars are made through the processes of examining, testing, understanding, then finally synchronizing these materials together. The harmonic balance between the bridge and pickups, nut and machine heads, neck and fret material, all work together in order to help guitarists create their desired sound.

AZ Modern Oval C S-TECH WOOD roasted maple 1pc neck

S-TECH treated Maple was used for the AZ's neck construction, a first. Its nitrogen-heating treatment increases the wood's stability, durability, water resistance and tolerance of temperature changes. After extensive prototyping and trials, Ibanez concluded that 20.5mm thickness at the 1st fret and 22.5mm at the 12th fret was the optimal neck thickness for this process. The neck was then sealed with an oil finish, making it feel similar to a well-played guitar neck.

Neck Grip

In order to achieve supreme neck grip comfort,… read more the fretboard edge was finished with a smooth curve that extends from the border between the fretboard and the neck to the surface of the fretboard. The detailed neck shape was precisely carved using a ball mill for ultimate consistency. The width measurements of the fretboard are 42mm at the nut and 57mm at the last fret. These dimensions allow for an easy grip in the lower register, and a more modern feel in the higher register.

Body Design

The AZ's shallow back body contour and big forearm contour lets the guitar's body fit the player naturally, thus increasing playing comfort. The AZ body has a deep waist and different radii on each body edge curve (3 mmR on body top/8 mmR on body back), making it easier to play in both standing or sitting positions. read less