Ibanez AZES31 AZ Essentials Electric Guitar
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Ibanez sets a new standard for affordable guitars with the AZES31. A pre-loaded dyna-MIX8 system adds even more tone choices to the trio of single-coils.
Overview
Welcoming yet another expansion to the highly successful AZ series, Ibanez is proud to introduce the AZES or AZ Essentials line. The philosophy behind this series is to bring the tone, versatility and, playability of this celebrated lineup to a wider array of beginner and intermediate players. However, AZ Essentials are also equipped with series-specific features such as a Mono-unit output jack, a 250mm fingerboard radius, and Comfort round bridge saddles, all designed to make the beginner's learning process a streamlined, enjoyable and fun experience.
The Maple neck provides stability and bright tonal character.
Jatoba fretboard
Jatoba has a reddish brown color and produces a rich mid range with a crisp high end.
Medium frets
Medium sized frets enhance the accuracy of your notes.
Poplar body
Poplar used as body wood delivers a well-balanced tone with incredible thickness.
Essentials S-S-S pickups
Essentials pickups provide well-balanced tone and as well as versatility, so that guitar players can enjoy various styles of music with just one instrument.
Ibanez machineheads w/ Split-shaft
They feature die-cast housings and split-shaft. The die-cast housing offers protection from dusts and ease of tuning and the split-shaft makes it easy to change the strings.
F106 bridge w/ Comfort round Steel saddles
This F106 bridge is equipped with comfort round Steel saddles. Its construction provides wider range of height adjustment and ease of setting up.… read more Additionally, the screws are less likely to stick out, leading to less stress on your strumming hand and better playing comfort.
dyna-MIX8 switching system with Alter Switch
The dyna-MIX 8 offers eight sound variations and can switch between humbucker and single coil modes with just a flick of the mini switch. It even simulates a humbucking sound from the combination of two single coil pickups.
Special Features:
25 inch scale (AZES)
AZES guitars feature a 25" scale length, which makes for an easier playing instrument for children and players of smaller stature. Additionally, as the 25", medium scale is also large enough that the player can continue to grow with the instrument as they mature as a guitarist.
250mm fretboard radius (AZES)
The 250mm fretboard radius is not too flat, not too round, and makes for an excellent choice for the first-time player. This radius is a great middle ground that allows for learning to play each note correctly, while still maintaining a high degree of comfort.
Mono-unit output jack
The mono-unit output jack is made of solid, durable material and is a single piece to avoid unwanted movement and loosening of the jack, which leads to contact failure or disconnection. This innovation allows for long term playing enjoyment and minimal maintenance.
All Access Neck Joint
All Access Neck Joint offers superior playability at the high frets.
read less
Features:
-Maple neckThe Maple neck provides stability and bright tonal character.
Jatoba fretboard
Jatoba has a reddish brown color and produces a rich mid range with a crisp high end.
Medium frets
Medium sized frets enhance the accuracy of your notes.
Poplar body
Poplar used as body wood delivers a well-balanced tone with incredible thickness.
Essentials S-S-S pickups
Essentials pickups provide well-balanced tone and as well as versatility, so that guitar players can enjoy various styles of music with just one instrument.
Ibanez machineheads w/ Split-shaft
They feature die-cast housings and split-shaft. The die-cast housing offers protection from dusts and ease of tuning and the split-shaft makes it easy to change the strings.
F106 bridge w/ Comfort round Steel saddles
This F106 bridge is equipped with comfort round Steel saddles. Its construction provides wider range of height adjustment and ease of setting up.… read more Additionally, the screws are less likely to stick out, leading to less stress on your strumming hand and better playing comfort.
dyna-MIX8 switching system with Alter Switch
The dyna-MIX 8 offers eight sound variations and can switch between humbucker and single coil modes with just a flick of the mini switch. It even simulates a humbucking sound from the combination of two single coil pickups.
Special Features:
25 inch scale (AZES)
AZES guitars feature a 25" scale length, which makes for an easier playing instrument for children and players of smaller stature. Additionally, as the 25", medium scale is also large enough that the player can continue to grow with the instrument as they mature as a guitarist.
250mm fretboard radius (AZES)
The 250mm fretboard radius is not too flat, not too round, and makes for an excellent choice for the first-time player. This radius is a great middle ground that allows for learning to play each note correctly, while still maintaining a high degree of comfort.
Mono-unit output jack
The mono-unit output jack is made of solid, durable material and is a single piece to avoid unwanted movement and loosening of the jack, which leads to contact failure or disconnection. This innovation allows for long term playing enjoyment and minimal maintenance.
All Access Neck Joint
All Access Neck Joint offers superior playability at the high frets.
Specs
Neck: Maple neck
Fretboard: Jatoba fretboard
Frets: Medium frets
Body: Poplar body
Pickups: Essentials S-S-S pickups
Tuners: Ibanez machineheads w/ Split-shaft
Bridge: F106 bridge w/ Comfort round Steel saddles
Switching: dyna-MIX8 switching system with Alter Switch
Scale Length: 25 inch scale (AZES)
Fretboard Radius: 250mm fretboard radius (AZES)
Output Jack: Mono-unit output jack
Neck Joint: All Access Neck Joint
Fretboard: Jatoba fretboard
Frets: Medium frets
Body: Poplar body
Pickups: Essentials S-S-S pickups
Tuners: Ibanez machineheads w/ Split-shaft
Bridge: F106 bridge w/ Comfort round Steel saddles
Switching: dyna-MIX8 switching system with Alter Switch
Scale Length: 25 inch scale (AZES)
Fretboard Radius: 250mm fretboard radius (AZES)
Output Jack: Mono-unit output jack
Neck Joint: All Access Neck Joint
- Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
- Arctic Ocean Metallic
- Shipping Weight: 9.75 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 42 x 17 x 4 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AZES31AOC
- Ivory
- Shipping Weight: 9.75 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 42 x 18 x 4 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AZES31IV
- Blemished, Ivory
- Shipping Weight: 9.75 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 42 x 18 x 4 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AZES31IV
- Purist Blue
- Shipping Weight: 11.5 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 42 x 19 x 4 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AZES31PRB
- Vermillion
- Shipping Weight: 9.25 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 42 x 18 x 4 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AZES31VM
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-669-8262
Web: https://www.ibanez.com/usa/support/
Phone: 800-669-8262
Web: https://www.ibanez.com/usa/support/
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(6 ratings)
Submitted October 2, 2021 by Scott P in Springfield, OR
"Ibanez knocks it out of the park"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I have 7 Ibanez guitars. 6 of them made in Indonesia, and 1 made in Japan. And I have to say that Ibanez is kicking booty with this model. At under 300 dollars, the AZ Essentials is the best bang for the buck out of the 7 models I have.Now I didn’t expect it as good as it is, but this guitar in Ivory finish arrived ready to play out of the box. The action was good out of the box, and the intonation was good as well. The frets had no sprout and the frets were relatively smooth. A beginner would be able to buy one of these guitars and take it to a lesson, and not have to pay for a setup prior to using it. Seriously, a pro set up would be 1/4 to 1/3 the price of the guitar. I went through my new guitar with a fine tooth comb. What I discovered is that some of the fasteners weren’t adequately tightened, and some of the frets were slightly uneven, which I have found to be true on every new guitar I’ve ever bought, from 300 dollars all the way to my Gibson Les Paul at 2200 dollars. The difference being that this AZ required very little effort to take the guitar from good to spectacular.
Sound
Believe it or not, the stock pickups sound great, even when using high gain, and especially good clean. I got the SSS model. There are a lot of different tones to be had out of the five way selector, and the mini toggle switch. My favorite sound with high gain is with the toggle set pointing to the neck, using the first position on the 5 way switch. It gives… read more you the middle and bridge pickups together in series, in effect giving you the sound of a humbucker. Also, positions 2 and 4 on the switch give you a very Fender like quack, especially with playing through a clean amp.
Features
The mini toggle is the most useful feature of this guitar, but also quite useful is the split shaft tuning machines, which are common to a lot of Fender guitars. Makes changing strings easy, and the tuners are solid and smooth to turn. Also, the jack assembly is one piece, so you will never have to worry about the jack come loose.The fretboard is a little bit rounder than a typical Gibson, but not as rounded as a vintage Fender. You can make big bends on it without fretting out, but due to the smaller radius (approximately 10 inch radius) it is more comfortable to play chords on, especially barre chords.
Ease of Use
There isn’t too much of a learning curve on the AZES31, especially for those that are familiar with Strat style guitars.
Quality
The fit and finish are really top notch on this one. The saddles appear to be bent steel, like many S style guitars, but the saddle height adjustment screws don stick out of the tops of the saddles and dig into your hand when resting it on the bridge. The bridge is a Hardtail on this one.
Value
Definitely a bargain, this guitar has features that aren’t available on most other guitars until you spend 2nor 3 times the price.
Manufacturer Support
You will probably not have to deal with Ibanez customer service. Everything you need to know is in the owners manual. Be sure to read it.
The Wow Factor
The Hardtail model comes in two nice colors, but I found the HSS tremolo equipped models colors to be rather bland.
Musical Background:
Playing guitar s and basses since 1983.
Musical Style:
Classical, rock, hard rock, metal and blues read less
Sound
Believe it or not, the stock pickups sound great, even when using high gain, and especially good clean. I got the SSS model. There are a lot of different tones to be had out of the five way selector, and the mini toggle switch. My favorite sound with high gain is with the toggle set pointing to the neck, using the first position on the 5 way switch. It gives… read more you the middle and bridge pickups together in series, in effect giving you the sound of a humbucker. Also, positions 2 and 4 on the switch give you a very Fender like quack, especially with playing through a clean amp.
Features
The mini toggle is the most useful feature of this guitar, but also quite useful is the split shaft tuning machines, which are common to a lot of Fender guitars. Makes changing strings easy, and the tuners are solid and smooth to turn. Also, the jack assembly is one piece, so you will never have to worry about the jack come loose.The fretboard is a little bit rounder than a typical Gibson, but not as rounded as a vintage Fender. You can make big bends on it without fretting out, but due to the smaller radius (approximately 10 inch radius) it is more comfortable to play chords on, especially barre chords.
Ease of Use
There isn’t too much of a learning curve on the AZES31, especially for those that are familiar with Strat style guitars.
Quality
The fit and finish are really top notch on this one. The saddles appear to be bent steel, like many S style guitars, but the saddle height adjustment screws don stick out of the tops of the saddles and dig into your hand when resting it on the bridge. The bridge is a Hardtail on this one.
Value
Definitely a bargain, this guitar has features that aren’t available on most other guitars until you spend 2nor 3 times the price.
Manufacturer Support
You will probably not have to deal with Ibanez customer service. Everything you need to know is in the owners manual. Be sure to read it.
The Wow Factor
The Hardtail model comes in two nice colors, but I found the HSS tremolo equipped models colors to be rather bland.
Musical Background:
Playing guitar s and basses since 1983.
Musical Style:
Classical, rock, hard rock, metal and blues read less
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Ivory, Blemished
What is Blemished?
$254.95
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