Ibanez AZ2402-BKF — AZ Prestige Series Electric Guitar with Case

The Ibanez AZ2402-BKF elevates the Prestige tradition with a blend of intuitive innovation and meticulous craftsmanship. Featuring the recessed QuickSwitch for seamless pickup selection, an S-TECH WOOD–treated roasted maple neck and fretboard, a chambered North American alder body, Seymour Duncan Hyperion S/S/H pickups with coil-splitting, Gotoh MG-T locking tuners and T1802 tremolo, and an elegant Black Frost Satin finish, this guitar ships in a deluxe molded hardshell case. Over the next 2,000 words, we delve into the materials, construction, electronics, ergonomics, finish application, sustainability measures, care guidelines, and the storied heritage of the Prestige line, concluding with a concise white-and-gray specifications table.

1 | QuickSwitch Innovation

The AZ2402-BKF introduces the recessed QuickSwitch, a low-profile toggle switch sculpted flush with the pickguard to eliminate snag hazards. Designed within thumb’s reach, QuickSwitch allows instant access to all pickup combinations without disrupting performance. Its refined mechanism delivers a firm tactile response, ensuring accurate changes even under intense playing conditions. By integrating QuickSwitch, Ibanez demonstrates its commitment to functional ergonomics, prioritizing both reliability and lightning-fast tonal shifts on stage or in the studio.

2 | Prestige Craftsmanship & Japanese Heritage

Proudly built in Ibanez’s famed Fujigen factory in Japan, the AZ2402-BKF embodies the Precision and Prestige moniker. Each instrument undergoes a rigorous multi-stage production process marrying CNC precision with master luthier hand-finishing. SL-Grade North American alder bodies and premium maple neck blanks are initially shaped by CAD/CAM routers, then passed to skilled artisans who level and crown 22 stainless steel frets, hand-file fret ends, and inspect neck relief to micron tolerances. Hardware components are torque-calibrated, cavities shielded, and finishes applied under UV-cured technology for optimal resonance retention. Final playthrough setups ensure consistent action, intonation, and harmonic balance, reflecting decades of Japanese guitar-making excellence.

3 | Body Architecture — Chambered North American Alder

The body of the AZ2402-BKF is crafted from select North American alder, prized for its clear mids, warm lows, and articulate highs. Ibanez’s Core Chamber design carefully removes approximately 10% of non-structural wood, reducing overall weight and enhancing acoustic resonance. These internal cavities enable the top wood to resonate more freely, imparting a natural, organic warmth when played unplugged and richer harmonic complexity when amplified. The chambered architecture, coupled with sculpted chest and forearm bevels, ensures unmatched comfort and balance, making extended playing sessions on stage or in the studio effortless.

4 | Neck Construction — S-TECH WOOD Roasted Maple

The AZ2402-BKF features an S-TECH WOOD–treated roasted maple neck and fretboard. Through a controlled thermal treatment process, maple is subjected to precise heat and humidity cycles, expelling moisture and relieving internal stresses. The result is a neck of exceptional stability, virtually impervious to seasonal warp. Roasting also enhances sustain and imparts a silky, worn-in feel from the first note. The comfortable Oval "C" neck profile measures 0.83" at the 1st fret and 0.93" at the 12th, providing an ideal balance of chordal comfort and lead agility. Roasted maple’s subtle amber hue complements the Black Frost Satin finish, creating a refined aesthetic statement.

5 | Fretboard & Frets — Compound Radius & Stainless Steel

The roasted maple fretboard employs a 10"–14" compound radius. The tighter 10" radius near the nut ensures comfortable open-chord fingerings, while the flatter 14" radius toward the body facilitates wide bends and seamless lead techniques. Ibanez fits 22 jumbo stainless steel frets, chosen for their hardness, durability, and bright tonal response. Each fret end is meticulously hand-filed and polished to remove sharp edges, guaranteeing smooth transitions across the neck and minimizing finger fatigue during extended playing sessions. Glow-in-the-dark Luminlay side-dot markers further enhance fretboard navigation under low-light performance conditions.

Specifications