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

The Ibanez AZ2402-PWF stands as a pinnacle of the AZ Prestige Series, merging innovative design, premium materials, and precise Japanese craftsmanship. Boasting the new QuickSwitch recessed toggle for hassle-free 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 paired with a T1802 tremolo, and a pristine Pure White Flat finish, it arrives in a deluxe molded hardshell case. This detailed 2,000-word guide dissects every aspect—from ergonomic innovations and tonewood selections to electronics, hardware, finish process, sustainability, maintenance tips, and the storied Prestige lineage—culminating in a clear white-and-gray specification table.

1 | QuickSwitch Recessed Toggle

The AZ2402-PWF introduces the QuickSwitch, a low-profile, recessed toggle that sits flush with the body, eliminating snag hazards on straps or clothing. Ergonomically positioned near the bridge, it allows seamless transition through pickup combinations with a firm, tactile click. This innovation underscores Ibanez’s commitment to stage-ready reliability and player-focused ergonomics, ensuring lightning-fast selection without compromising the guitar’s sleek silhouette.

2 | Japanese Prestige Craftsmanship

Crafted at Ibanez’s renowned Fujigen factory in Japan, the AZ2402-PWF carries the Prestige badge, denoting a multi-stage blend of CNC precision and hand-finishing. SL-Grade North American alder bodies and roasted maple neck blanks are CNC-routed to exact tolerances, then refined by master luthiers who level frets, file fret ends, and inspect neck relief meticulously. Hardware components are torque-calibrated, cavities shielded, and finish thickness measured under UV curing systems. Each instrument undergoes a final play-through to set action, intonation, and pickup height, guaranteeing consistent performance and tonal integrity across the production run.

3 | Body Design — Chambered North American Alder

The body is crafted from select North American alder, prized for its balanced tonal response—warm lows, singing mids, and crisp highs. Ibanez’s Core Chamber routing removes approximately 10% of non-structural wood, reducing weight and enhancing acoustic resonance. These internal chambers allow the top wood to vibrate freely, offering a more organic tonal character unplugged and richer harmonic complexity when amplified, without sacrificing the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid-body design.

Contoured for comfort, the body features sculpted chest bevels, forearm contours, and a belly cut, ensuring ergonomic fit whether sitting or standing for extended periods, making the AZ2402-PWF a versatile choice for studio work and live performance.

4 | Neck Construction — S-TECH WOOD Roasted Maple

The AZ2402-PWF’s neck and fretboard are treated with Ibanez’s S-TECH WOOD roasting process, which thermally stabilizes maple by expelling moisture and relieving internal stresses. The result is a neck resistant to seasonal warp with enhanced sustain and a buttery smooth feel. The roasted maple displays a subtle amber hue that evolves over time, adding character to the Pure White Flat finish. The comfortable Oval “C” profile measures 0.83" at the first fret and 0.93" at the twelfth, providing an ideal balance of chordal comfort and precise lead performance.

5 | Fretboard & Frets — Compound Radius & Stainless Steel

Featuring a 10"–14" compound radius, the roasted maple fretboard offers a tight curve near the nut for effortless chords and gradually flattens toward the body for bend-free solos. Ibanez fits 22 jumbo stainless-steel frets known for their hardness and corrosion resistance, ensuring a bright attack and longevity. Hand-filed and polished fret ends remove sharp edges, promoting seamless hand transitions across the full range. Glow-in-the-dark Luminlay side-dot markers ensure reliable fretboard navigation under stage lighting conditions.