The same family of chickens now judging my Ibanez. Following yesterday's Strat episode, there was a strong urge to hear single coils in action but not in a Strat. So out came the AZ2203N.
Does the AZ2203N sound like a Strat? Reality check - any single coil equipped guitar would sound like a Strat because those are the pickups in a Strat. Things would get a little fiery when someone in the conversation would attest to the fact that Fender's version of the single coil sounds the best. Best is always subjective but we all could agree that Fender sets the standard. Everything else is measured against this yardstick.
Does the AZ2203N feel like a Strat? Reality check once more - it says Ibanez on the headstock so it doesn't give a hoot if it feels / should feel like a Strat. Strat is Fender's proprietary reference to a triple single coil equipped guitar & it became a utilitarian reference along the way just like how the Pampers brand is understood to mean baby diapers. The neck profile here differentiates itself from a Strat; it is a little thicker & rounder. Those who are accustomed to a Strat would agree that it hold its own. It's a darling for deep bends as well as some shred-esque applications.
Why did you buy the AZ2203N when you already have Strats? I embrace variation & re-interpretation. These factors manifest appeal & will continue to be the inherent account for why people buy a non-Fender 'Strat'. It works because we humans, do not have the same hand profiles so some variations on a popular theme would appeal to some of us. When I pick up my AZ2203N, I tend to play differently; I don't stray into the clean zone & I tend not to slow down my playing. It's a different case if I pick up a Strat; to me this is the best tone to be adding chorus to & I enjoy playing slower on a Strat. Some playing psychology & maybe a placebo effect there but that's how it is.
