Ibanez AZ2204B-BK Black

S-TECH treated Maple was used for the AZ's neck construction, a first. Its nitrogen-heating treatment increases the woods stability, durability, water resistance and tolerance of temperature changes. After extensive prototyping and trials, we 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

In order to achieve supreme neck grip comfort, 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.

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.

The AZ's custom Hyperion pickups were developed in collaboration with Seymour Duncan. Hyperion pickups feature a moderate output through Alnico-5 magnets to keep the clarity of the fundamental tone when using a distortion sound and deliver a clear pick attack. From treble to bass, and from high-E string to low-E string, the overall tonal balance is evenly adjusted, and works well with various effect pedals.

The Dyna-MIX 9 offers nine sound variations, and can easily switch between humbucker and single coil modes with just a flick of the mini switch. One Dyna-MIX 9 mode even simulates a humbucker sound using the combination of the two single coil pickups.

The new T1802 Bridge, a collaboration between GOTOH and Ibanez, features machined titanium saddles and a machined steel tremolo block for a quick response, thick lows and rich highs. The 10.5mm string spacing allows for easy picking across strings, including techniques such as string skipping and hybrid picking. The snap and hold tremolo arm socket makes it easy to load a tremolo arm, and the arm torque adjuster enables fine torque adjustment without any tools. The 2-point floating tremolo system allows for a super smooth tremolo motion when either raising or lowering the pitch.