Introducing the Ibanez AZ Standard: A New Era in Affordable Electric Guitars
NAMM 2025: Ibanez has launched the AZ Standard series, a fresh addition to its AZ lineup that aims to bridge the gap between budget-amiable options and high-end specifications. This new collection is designed to offer musicians exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Striking the Perfect Balance
Situated between the entry-level AZ Essentials and the luxurious AZ Premium models, the AZ Standards focus on providing “unmatched performance and value.” By taking cues from both ends of the AZ spectrum, these guitars promise to deliver a remarkable playing experiance.
Key Features of the AZ Standard
The AZ Standard models come equipped with a variety of notable features, including locking tuners, stainless steel frets, versatile switching options, and Super All-Access neck joints. All of this is packaged into two models priced at an attractive $550.
(Image credit: ibanez)
Model Breakdown: AZ22S1F and AZ24S1F
The AZ22S1F model, reminiscent of a Fender Stratocaster, features an HSS pickup configuration with three Ibanez Classic Custom pickups. to keep costs down, ibanez has opted for in-house single-coils and humbuckers instead of the pricier Seymour Duncan Hyperions found in the AZ Premiums.
(Image credit: Ibanez)
Available in Transparent Black Sunburst or Transparent Turquoise Burst, the AZ22S1F also includes essential features like a T106 tremolo bridge, 22 stainless steel frets, locking machine heads, and chrome hardware. The guitar’s body is crafted from alder with a flame maple top, complemented by a roasted maple neck and a jatoba fretboard.
Advanced Electronics for Enhanced Versatility
Equipped with a dyna-MIX9 switching system featuring an Alter Switch, the AZ Standard offers a wide range of tonal possibilities, considerably enhancing its capabilities compared to the basic Essentials models.
(Image credit: Ibanez)
The AZ24S1F model features an HH configuration with two Ibanez Modern Custom humbuckers. It shares many specifications with the AZ22S1F, including an alder body, flame maple top, roasted maple neck, and jatoba fingerboard, but boasts an expanded 24 stainless steel frets. Additionally, it comes in a Violin Sunburst finish and utilizes the dyna-MIX10 system, providing ten pickup combinations with various coil split and power tap options.
Competitive Pricing and Market Impact
These two models are particularly appealing given their price point. For comparison, the AZES models start at $299, while the AZ Premiums can exceed $1,000, with some models priced as high as $1,399. At $550, the AZ standards offer a compelling alternative, closely mirroring the features of their higher-end counterparts.
(Image credit: Ibanez)
At a price of $549.99,the AZ Standard models are an enticing option for guitarists seeking high-quality features without breaking the bank. This new series is poised to make a critically important impact in the mid-range guitar market, potentially challenging other brands to elevate their offerings.
“Despite these premium features,both AZ Standard models are priced around $549.99,” states ibanez.
“Ibanez has achieved this cost-effective design by streamlining certain specifications while retaining many characteristics from the Premium line, ensuring excellent sound and playability.”
The AZ Standard series is now available for purchase.
For more details, visit the Ibanez website.
