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

The Ibanez AZES40-MGR combines expert acoustic craftsmanship, modern playability, and versatile onboard electronics in a striking Metallic Gun Resin (MGR) finish. Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top atop a chambered mahogany body, premium AEQ-SP2 preamp with Sonicore piezo pickup, a roasted maple S-TECH WOOD neck, and a rosewood fretboard, this instrument delivers exceptional acoustic tone and amplified clarity in a comfortable, stage-ready package.

1 | Tonewood & Body Construction

At the core of the AZES40-MGR is a solid Sitka spruce top, selected for its wide dynamic range and responsive tonal character. Underneath, chambered mahogany back and sides lighten the instrument by removing approximately 15% of interior wood, enhancing acoustic resonance and player comfort. The Venetian cutaway and contour bevels—armrest, chest, and belly—are CNC-routed and hand-finished, providing seamless contact between guitar and player during extended performances. This combination yields a warm, balanced voice, with rich low-end warmth, clear mids, and sparkling highs that translate evenly from unplugged to amplified settings.

2 | Onboard Electronics — AEQ-SP2 Preamp & Sonicore Pickup

The onboard AEQ-SP2 preamp system places a 3-band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble), master volume control, and integrated chromatic tuner within easy reach on the upper bout. Paired with the Sonicore under-saddle piezo pickup, the preamp faithfully captures the guitar’s acoustic tone, delivering clear, feedback-resistant amplified sound. Tone shaping is intuitive and precise, allowing performers to dial in warm lows, defined mids, or smooth highs to suit any stage or studio environment. The built-in tuner ensures a quick, accurate setup between songs or takes.

3 | Neck Craftsmanship — S-TECH WOOD Roasted Maple

Ibanez’s proprietary S-TECH WOOD roasting process stabilizes the maple neck and fretboard by expelling moisture and relieving internal stresses. This thermal treatment enhances durability, sustain, and resistance to environmental fluctuations, reducing the need for frequent truss-rod adjustments. The roasted maple neck sports a smooth satin finish and subtle amber hue, immediately feeling “played-in.” Its "Oval C" profile measures 0.83" at the nut and 0.93" at the twelfth fret, striking an ideal balance between chordal comfort and effortless lead work.

4 | Fretboard & Frets — Compound Radius & Stainless Steel

The rosewood fretboard features a compound radius transitioning from 10" at the nut to 14" near the body, accommodating both smooth open chords and wide, fret-buzz-free bends. Twenty-two jumbo stainless-steel frets are meticulously leveled, crowned, and polished by skilled luthiers, ensuring consistent action and long-term durability. Fret ends are chamfered for comfort during lateral movement, and Luminlay glow-in-the-dark side-dot markers provide reliable fret position guidance under low-light conditions, making the AZES40-MGR equally suited for dimly lit stages.

5 | Nut & Saddle — Graph Tech TUSQ XL

The compensated Graph Tech TUSQ XL saddle and nut deliver precise intonation, balanced harmonic transfer, and enhanced sustain. The TUSQ XL material offers improved tone clarity compared to traditional bone, while precisely cut nut slots and PTFE lubrication reduce friction and binding, maintaining stable tuning during bends and dynamic playing.

Specifications