Ibanez AZES40-BK — AZES Standard Series Electro-Acoustic Guitar

The Ibanez AZES40-BK seamlessly integrates professional acoustic tonewoods, player-focused ergonomics, and stage-ready electronics in a sleek Black Satin finish. Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top, chambered mahogany back and sides, AEQ-SP2 preamp system, Sonicore under-saddle pickup, and a roasted maple S-TECH WOOD neck with rosewood fretboard, this instrument delivers rich acoustic resonance and versatile amplified performance.

1 | Tonewood Construction

The AZES40-BK’s body begins with a solid Sitka spruce top, prized for its dynamic clarity and balanced tonal response. Beneath the top lies chambered mahogany back and sides, which remove approximately 15% of internal wood mass to reduce weight and enhance acoustic resonance. CNC-routed Venetian cutaway and hand-sanded ergonomic bevels—armrest, chest, belly—ensure the guitar sits comfortably against the body, minimizing fatigue during extended play.

2 | AEQ-SP2 Preamp & Sonicore Pickup

Onboard amplification is provided by the AEQ-SP2 preamp, offering a 3-band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble), master volume, and a built-in tuner for quick stage setup. The Sonicore under-saddle piezo pickup delivers accurate string vibration capture with minimal feedback. The slim-line control module mounts discreetly on the upper bout, allowing on-the-fly tonal adjustments and reliable tuning under any lighting.

3 | S-TECH WOOD Neck

The one-piece maple neck undergoes proprietary S-TECH WOOD thermal treatment, expelling moisture and relieving internal stresses. This yields a neck resistant to warp, with enhanced sustain and resonance. The satin-finished roasted maple neck presents a vintage-inspired amber hue and a smooth feel from day one. The "Oval C" profile, measuring 0.83" at the nut and 0.93" at the 12th fret, balances chord comfort with lead-line agility.

4 | Fretboard & Frets

Ebony rosewood fretboard—selected for its tonal warmth—features a 10"–14" compound radius, transitioning from chord-friendly curvature at the nut to a flatter plane near the body for wide bends. Ibanez installs 22 jumbo stainless-steel frets, each hand-leveled, crowned, and polished to eliminate buzz and ensure longevity. Fret ends are chamfered for smooth thumb sweeps, and Luminlay side-dot markers glow for low-light fretboard navigation.

5 | Nut & Saddle

A compensated Graph Tech TUSQ XL saddle and matching nut deliver balanced harmonic response and accurate intonation. The TUSQ material enhances sustain and clarity, while precisely cut slots reduce binding. PTFE lubrication in nut slots ensures smooth string movement during bends and tremolo use.

Specifications