Ibanez AZ2204NW-DTB — AZ Prestige Series Electric Guitar with Case

The Ibanez AZ2204NW-DTB epitomizes the balance of modern innovation and classic tone in the AZ Prestige Series. Boasting an S-TECH WOOD roasted maple neck and fretboard, chambered alder body with Core Chambers, Seymour Duncan Hyperion S/S/H pickups with coil-splitting, Gotoh MG-T hardware, and a rich Deep Teal Burst Satin finish, it arrives in a deluxe molded hardshell case. This 2 000-word exploration delves into materials, construction, electronics, ergonomics, finish, sustainability, care, and the Prestige legacy—culminating in a concise white-and-gray specifications table.

1 | Prestige Heritage & Craftsmanship

Constructed at Ibanez’s Fujigen factory in Japan, the AZ2204NW-DTB carries the “Prestige” moniker, signifying a multi-stage production process that combines CNC precision with artisan hand-finishing. Tonewood selection favors SL-Grade North American alder for bodies and premium maple for necks. Each neck blank undergoes rough shaping, then is roasted via S-TECH WOOD treatment. Bodies are CNC-routed for Core Chamber cavities, then handed off to luthiers who level frets, file fret ends, inspect finish thickness, and set hardware torque. Final setups ensure perfect neck relief, action, and intonation, reflecting decades of Japanese guitar-making excellence.

2 | Body Architecture — Chambered Alder Resonance

The AZ2204NW-DTB’s body is crafted from selected North American alder, renowned for its balanced tonal spectrum—clear highs, warm mids, and solid lows. Ibanez’s Core Chambers remove approximately 10 % of body wood in non-critical areas, reducing weight and boosting acoustic resonance. These internal cavities allow the top wood to vibrate freely, producing a warm, organic tone unplugged and adding harmonic complexity when amplified, all while maintaining feedback resistance. The lighter body also improves shoulder comfort during long performances.

3 | Neck Construction — S-TECH WOOD Roasted Maple

Ibanez’s proprietary S-TECH WOOD process roasts the maple neck and fretboard under controlled heat and humidity. This treatment expels moisture, relieves internal stresses, and increases hardness, resulting in a neck that’s stable in varying climates and offers enhanced sustain. The roasted maple acquires a satin-smooth feel and subtle golden hue, mimicking a well-played vintage neck from the start. The “Oval C” neck profile measures 0.83″ at the 1st fret and 0.93″ at the 12th, balancing chordal comfort and lead agility.

4 | Fretboard & Frets — Compound Radius & Stainless Steel

The roasted maple fretboard on the AZ2204NW-DTB features a 10″–14″ compound radius: 10″ near the nut for smooth open-chord playing, flattening to 14″ near the body for effortless bends and fast runs. Ibanez fits 22 jumbo stainless-steel frets, selected for durability and bright tonal response. Each fret end is hand-filed and polished to remove sharp edges, ensuring seamless hand movement and reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. Luminlay side-dot markers glow under low light, guiding your hand on dim stages.

5 | Super All Access Heel Joint

The AZ series’ signature Super All Access heel joint contours away the traditional heel block beneath the 17th fret, granting full access to all 24 frets. This ergonomic design, reinforced by a five-bolt pattern with brass inserts, achieves exceptional stability while allowing unobstructed upper-register navigation. Whether tapping, shredding, or playing complex arpeggios, your hand moves freely without impediment.

Specifications