Ibanez AZ2204N-VGF — AZ Prestige Series Electric Guitar with Case

The Ibanez AZ2204N-VGF stands at the forefront of the AZ Prestige Series, delivering a perfect fusion of classic tone, modern functionality, and Japanese artisanship. Boasting an S-TECH WOOD roasted maple neck and fretboard, chambered alder body, Seymour Duncan Hyperion S/S/H pickup configuration with coil-splitting, Gotoh MG-T hardware, and a refined Vintage Gold Flat finish, it arrives in a custom-fitted deluxe molded hardshell case. The following sections delve into every element—from wood selection and construction methods to electronics, ergonomics, finish process, sustainability, care, and Prestige lineage—culminating in a concise white-and-gray specification table.

1 | Prestige Lineage & Craftsmanship

Originating from Ibanez’s famed Fujigen factory in Japan, the AZ Prestige designation represents a rigorous multi-stage production protocol. CNC-machined body and neck blanks are refined by experienced luthiers who perform hand-leveling of frets, fret-end filing, finish inspections, and hardware torque calibrations. Each guitar is measured for neck relief, fret height uniformity, and finish thickness to ensure consistent playability and reliability. This synergy of advanced machinery and artisan expertise guarantees instruments that meet the highest standards of tonal integrity, structural stability, and aesthetic quality.

2 | Body Architecture — Chambered Alder Resonance

The AZ2204N-VGF’s body is carved from premium North American alder, celebrated for its balanced tonal characteristics—warm lows, pronounced mids, and clear highs. Strategic Core Chamber routs remove non-structural wood, reducing weight by around 10 % and enhancing acoustic resonance. These internal cavities allow the body to vibrate more freely, enriching unplugged warmth and sustain when plugged in. The result is a guitar that feels remarkably light on the shoulder while delivering a dynamic, full-bodied tone across all frequencies.

3 | Neck Construction — S-TECH WOOD Roasted Maple

Ibanez’s proprietary S-TECH WOOD roasting process treats the maple neck and fretboard under controlled heat and humidity, driving out moisture and relieving internal stresses. The outcome is a neck that resists warping, exhibits increased sustain, and offers a silky feel akin to a well-played vintage instrument. The comfortable oval “C” profile measures 0.83″ at the first fret and 0.93″ at the twelfth, balancing chordal comfort with nimble lead capabilities.

4 | Fretboard & Frets — Compound Radius & Stainless Steel

The roasted maple fretboard features a compound radius from 10″ near the nut to 14″ at the body end. This design facilitates effortless open-chord formations low on the neck and flattened curvature for drama-free bends high on the fretboard. Ibanez installs 22 jumbo stainless-steel frets for superior durability, bright attack, and minimal fret-wear. Each fret end is meticulously filed and polished to eliminate sharp edges, ensuring smooth hand movement and reduced fatigue during extended sessions.

5 | Super All Access Heel Joint

A hallmark of the AZ series is the Super All Access heel: a sculpted, contoured joint that removes excess wood beneath the seventeenth fret for unhindered reach to all 24 frets. Reinforced by a five-bolt pattern with brass inserts, this joint marries structural rigidity with ergonomic fluidity, enabling sophisticated lead work and tapping techniques without hand obstruction.

Specifications