Ibanez AZ2402 Prestige

[MochaFiend]

I'm looking for a solid body guitar, and am leaning toward the Ibanez AZ2402.

Mostly, I am going this way because this is a really versatile guitar with a huge range of sounds due to the coil splitting and five-way selector. While I will primarily use it for jazz noodling between lessons, it will also allow me to rock out when I want to.

Has anyone else gone with an AZ2402 for playing jazz, or have any other thoughts about this instrument?

[burchyk]

I'd go with a semi, g scale and a fixed bridge just to be able to put heavy strings on and not worry about the trem. Or a headless. But you can make almost anything work, a matter of personal preference.

[palindrome]

I've never owned a guitar with 24 frets, but if you do a forum search on the subject, you will no doubt find that this configuration generally isn't considered ideal for a good jazz tone, as the neck pickup needs to be positioned farther toward the bridge to create space for the extra two frets, giving the pickup a slightly "colder" or "thinner" sound than in its normal position.

[Lobomov]

So two people that have not tried the guitar advicing against it on principles ... Gotta love the internet

Still .. Strats make fine jazz guitars despite the floating bridge, so I'm not all that worried.



I have tried it, but it was a a large guitar show and didn't have the option of plugging it it. Well built, liked the neck .. Not one of those wizards necks that I dislike


Rumor has it that many find the pups a bit to sterile/neutral for their taste, but either way .. The AZ2404 was been on my short list for quite a while .. Looks like a versatile guitar that can cover quite a few bases

Hope some that has tried it chimes in

[citizenk74]

I'm looking for a solid body guitar, and am leaning toward the Ibanez AZ2402.

Mostly, I am going this way because this is a really versatile guitar with a huge range of sounds due to the coil splitting and five-way selector. While I will primarily use it for jazz noodling between lessons, it will also allow me to rock out when I want to.

Has anyone else gone with an AZ2402 for playing jazz, or have any other thoughts about this instrument?

[JazzWhiteBelt]

I have an AZ2402 and it is a fantastic instrument. It is basically Ibanez' take on a Suhr. I use it for fusion and it is very versatile, but as others have said, it wouldn't be my first choice for a traditional jazz sound. It is very nice, but not round and woody. Having said that, everyone has a different idea about what that "jazz" sound is.

Given that you seem to be looking for a guitar that fills multiple roles, it might be the way to go.

[garybaldy]

I've never owned a guitar with 24 frets, but if you do a forum search on the subject, you will no doubt find that this configuration generally isn't considered ideal for a good jazz tone, as the neck pickup needs to be positioned farther toward the bridge to create space for the extra two frets, giving the pickup a slightly "colder" or "thinner" sound than in its normal position.

I have an SGJ 2013 model with 24 frets on which I can get a fine jazz tone (many fine tones in fact). The 490r and t are wonderful pickups. Doesn't look the part for jazz though!!

[MochaFiend]

Here is a video from Bernth, who has a formal education in jazz from Music Institute of Vienna (Austria), playing a few jazz bits on AZ2402. I think it works.

Now all I have to do is find one.

[palindrome]

Personally, I find the Ibanez line-up (and notably the Prestige one) so interesting that I will look a specific product up whenever the opportunity arises, as in this thread.


The guitar here in question looks great actually, I was basically responding to the OP asking for "thoughts", and I "think" that pickup position is one of the less controversial modifiers of "tone".


I wouldn't be yelling NO in a thread entitled "Can you play jazz on a Schecter Hellraiser" or something.


And I would joyfully accept a Fender Esquire for a gift any day.

Good luck with your quest, OP! If your mind is set on this guitar, you should (certainly, probably, or perhaps) go for it.

[Archie]

Here is a video from Bernth, who has a formal education in jazz from Music Institute of Vienna (Austria), playing a few jazz bits on AZ2402. I think it works.

Now all I have to do is find one.

I started out playing grunge, then thrash and death metal in the early 90's. (RIP Chuck).
There is some pics of me around somewhere with long hair, a Deicide T shirt and a Randy Rhodes Dinky, Fernandes, with Charles Mansons eyes stuck top the top of it.
Cynic's album 'Focus' was the most advanced and technically brilliant album from that entire genre (imo). It's a shame no one bought it.

Anyway, I couldn't imagine a Strat or that Ibanez being any good for jazz. For jazz fusion sure; why not; you can play anything.
I also thought the video was whack. He deliberately dumbs down the fact that metal guitarists don't really play chords accept power ones, which are easy and only a year 1 or 2 jazz student would play arpeggios like that for jazz.
He should have put himself up agaisnt George Benson or Bireli Lagrene. Although they seem to be morphing into the same person.

[MochaFiend]

Anyway, I couldn't imagine a Strat or that Ibanez being any good for jazz. For jazz fusion sure; why not; you can play anything.

Funny you should mention that. The literal reason I'm looking for a new noodler is to replace my strat, which I'm honestly just tired of having around. I never feel inspired playing it and am ready to part ways with it.

My current "jazz-ish" guitar is a John Scofield semi, which is "okay", but I don't always want to lug that beast out when I just want to noodle.

I know the AZ2402 is never going to sound like Joe Pass archtop, obviously. I think specifically because the pickups are so neutral, but still with clear mids, it's worth owning for my purposes.

[bluejaybill]

Funny you should mention that. The literal reason I'm looking for a new noodler is to replace my strat, which I'm honestly just tired of having around. I never feel inspired playing it and am ready to part ways with it.

My current "jazz-ish" guitar is a John Scofield semi, which is "okay", but I don't always want to lug that beast out when I just want to noodle.

I know the AZ2402 is never going to sound like Joe Pass archtop, obviously. I think specifically because the pickups are so neutral, but still with clear mids, it's worth owning for my purposes.

Uh, OK, so you already have a guitar that's really good for jazz.

Not quite sure what to recommend for noodling, it is not a genre I am that familiar with.

To paraphrase the "World's Most Interesting Man", I don't usually noodle, but when I do, I tend to noodle with an acoustic archtop.

So whatever works for you I guess!