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So a while back, I bought one of these and sold it when I needed some cash. Now, things are better, so, I got another. I’ve owned multiple other Ibanez prestige 7 strings. A 1527, both 1527M’s(j craft and pre.), I’ve owned $1,000+ Jackson 7’s, and a few others. Obviously this isn’t a cheap guitar. And it shouldn’t be. Because both that I’ve received and owned are absolutely STELLAR. The neck is like if Fender made Lamborghini’s. It’s thin, but round, and friendly. The finish on the neck allows for flawless slides with no sticking, the fret ends are the best I’ve ever felt, again, having owned multiple Ibanez prestige Etc that are ‘on par’ with this guitar. The pickups are as versatile as you can ask for. I can find comfort in playing anything from Periphery, to Coldplay, to Journey, to Born of Osiris, to Blink 182, truly some of the most versatile pickups I’ve ever played, and I normally go through pickup sets like strings. These aren’t going anywhere. Again, I’ve played djent to Coldplay on this and it does it all without a hiccup, and I’ve been a gear/pickup/amp nerd for 15 years. You can’t state this kind of versatility lightly. All of the hardware is name brand, even down to the side dots. And it’s quite obvious when you play it. Being an Ibanez prestige, you get a hard shell case, and alllllll of the case candy. Ibanez has historically been good about this and that new Prestige smell has been the same for the 20 years I’ve bought them. Finish- amazing. Hasn’t glossed yet despite being matte/satin but I’m very good about washing my hands before playing it, and the one I had before this one didn’t show any wear either. Honestly I have not a bad thing to say about this guitar. If you ask me Ibanez should charge $2800 because this is better than most USA Jackson 7’s or anything else high end 7string and metal capable. If I had to say one bad thing, it’s a TICK on the heavy side, but that will not keep me from playing it. I’d love this if it was 50lbs. Also kind of miss the prestige logo on the headstock but I have no one to impress in my home office. TLDR; I’ve owned two of these. I bought a second when I got my money right because I wanted a brand new one before production stops. If you can manage the payment plan or buy this outright, and you play metal, prog, blues, 80’s, if you play lead or rhythm, none of it matters just buy this. It will do what you want. Please buy one so Ibanez puts more money into AZ7’s and makes more models. I’d love a second one, despite having to answer my wife’s questions about another guitar.