Best Affordable
Ibanez AW Guitar
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Overall: 10/10
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Best Feature: dreadnought body shape with a Venetian cutaway
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TedScoreâ„¢: 10/10
Best Student
Ibanez AW Guitar
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: dreadnought body with solid spruce top with shell
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TedScoreâ„¢: 9/10
Best Overall
Ibanez AW Guitar
-
Overall: 10/10
-
Best Feature: dreadnought body shape with a Venetian cutaway
-
TedScoreâ„¢: 10/10
The Ibanez AW Series blends the finest traditional craftsmanship with modern technological advancements, offering guitars that are as visually stunning as they are acoustically captivating. It’s like holding a piece of history that’s been reimagined for the future.
I’ll uncover the exceptional features that set these guitars apart. From the quality of wood to the detailing that enriches their sound, there’s so much that captures my attention with these instruments.
Whether you’re a professional player looking to expand your collection or an aspiring musician eager to find your perfect musical companion, this article will take you on a journey through the history and allure of the AW Series.
Ready to explore the rich legacy and innovative spirit of Ibanez guitars? Let’s get started!
Features and Specifications
Exploring features and specifications of the Ibanez AW Series reveals fascinating insights. This series merges traditional craftsmanship with innovative design, focusing on superior sound, quality materials, and modern hardware.
Ibanez AW Series Overview
Exploring features and specifications of the Ibanez AW Series reveals fascinating insights. This series merges traditional craftsmanship with innovative design, focusing on superior sound, quality materials, and modern hardware.
Notable Models
Exploring features and specifications of the Ibanez AW Series reveals fascinating insights. This series merges traditional craftsmanship with innovative design, focusing on superior sound, quality materials, and modern hardware.
Ibanez AW200
FEATURES: dreadnought body shape with a Venetian cutaway
OTHER INFO: mahogany neck with a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with small white dot position markers
- Its well-designed body shape and smooth neck make it comfortable for both beginners and more experienced players
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScoreâ„¢.
Another gem is the AW20, introduced in 1979, which features a solid Sitka spruce top and hand-shaped scalloped bracing, delivering exceptional resonance and projection. Both these models are cherished for their craftsmanship and sound quality.
Ibanez AW20
FEATURES: dreadnought body with solid sikta spruce top on mahogany back and sides
OTHER INFO: The round soundhole is trimmed with fancy rosette and a tortoise pickguard
- Affordable Price
- Comfortable Playability
- Durability Concerns
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScoreâ„¢.
For those seeking something versatile, the AW10 model offers a sturdy build with a solid spruce top and a mahogany back and sides. It’s perfect for different playing styles and settings.
Ibanez AW10
FEATURES: dreadnought body with solid spruce top with shell and white binding on mahogany back and sides
OTHER INFO: 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot position markers and a rosewood headstock
- user-friendly design with a smooth neck and body shape, making it easy to play for extended periods
- great price point
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScoreâ„¢.
Design and Construction Details
I admire how the Ibanez AW Series maintains a marriage of elegance and functionality. The design is rooted in the classic dreadnought shape, known for its robust sound and wide versatility.
Many models feature beautiful finishes that enhance the natural wood grain. Attention to detail is evident in the binding and inlays, showcasing craftsmanship.
These guitars are well-suited for a range of musical styles, making them appealing to diverse players.
Tonewoods and Sound Characteristics
The heart of the AW Series lies in its superior tonewoods.
Sitka spruce is common for the tops, prized for its strength and dynamic tonal range.
A guitar with a spruce top produces a bright, clear sound, capable of intricate nuances.
Back and sides often use mahogany or other high-quality woods, adding warmth and richness to the tone. This combination results in a balanced sound. Players appreciate the depth and resonance these guitars can offer, providing an immersive musical experience.
Hardware and Electronics
Ibanez places great emphasis on the quality of hardware in the AW Series. Solidly built tuners ensure stable tuning, providing reliability during long playing sessions. The bridges and nuts are typically crafted for durability and tonal enhancement, reflecting the attention to quality.
For models that include electronics, there are features tailored for performance. Pickup systems, often featuring preamps with equalization controls, allow for excellent amplified sound.
This makes the AW Series guitars ready for stage and studio settings, adaptable to various performance situations.
Playing Experience
Playability and Comfort
Playing an Ibanez AW guitar feels incredibly comfortable.
The neck is nicely crafted, featuring a satin finish that makes it easy for my hand to glide smoothly.
With large frets and a well-contoured body, these guitars make long playing sessions enjoyable.
The AW54JR, for instance, is particularly suited for those who appreciate an easy fretting experience without sacrificing comfort.
Adjustments to the action and neck relief are easy, allowing me to customize the setup to my preference. This user-friendly design enhances my playing experience by minimising hand fatigue.
It’s suitable for both beginner and advanced players who demand responsiveness without compromising comfort.
Suitability Across Music Genres
I find the AW Series to be wonderfully adaptable across numerous music genres.
The sound they produce is versatile enough to suit folk, rock, blues, and even country genres.
The tonal balance and clarity work well for singers and instrumentalists alike. Whether I’m strumming chords or playing intricate fingerstyle patterns, the sound remains clear and distinct.
Ibanez AW Series
Main Points
The Ibanez AW series showcases the perfect blend of modern guitar construction techniques and the best traditional elements of acoustic guitar design.
As technology moves forward at a frenetic pace, these guitars incorporate innovative features while maintaining the classic aesthetics and sound quality that players love. The guitar building process in the AW series emphasizes craftsmanship, ensuring that each instrument delivers exceptional playability and tone.
One of my top recommendations is the Ibanez AW200. With its solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides, it offers rich tones and sustains beautifully. This model stands out for its elegance and attention to detail.
Another favorite of mine is the Ibanez AW10. It’s well suited for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option. Despite its lower price, the AW54OPN provides an exceptional playing experience with its solid top and open pore finish.
For those who appreciate a mix of tradition and innovation, the Ibanez AW20 is a solid pick. Its Sitka spruce top and innovative bracing provide a balanced tone that captures the essence of both classic and contemporary design.
Each guitar in the Artwood Series brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s an Ibanez AW model that can inspire your next musical piece.
In my experience, the Artwood Series offers not just instruments, but lasting companions on any musical journey. The combination of quality, beauty, and sound makes them a top choice for acoustic guitar enthusiasts.
But! There’s more…
If you’re looking to find the perfect instrument, the article “What Is The Best Ibanez Guitar” provides valuable insights and recommendations to help you choose from Ibanez’s diverse range of high-quality guitars.
FAQ's
The Ibanez Artwood series is a line of acoustic guitars designed to provide a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern features, offering musicians high-quality instruments that are versatile for various playing styles.
No, Ibanez is not owned by Fender; it is a brand owned by Hoshino Gakki, a Japanese musical instrument company.
The guitar used in the song “Playing God” by Paramore is a Fender Telecaster, known for its bright tone and versatility.
In Ibanez guitars, “RG” stands for “Roadstar Guitar,” which reflects the series’ focus on high-performance instruments designed for rock and metal players.