OK folks, my final coverage of the new Ibanez AZES series is this AZES31. Yes, it's the Ibanez version of an S-type guitar but this one has a fixed bridge & that definitely hyped me up. A 25" scaled guitar + triple single coils, that would put us in the PRS Silver Sky territory without paying for one ($429 vs $2,999) but we know it's not gonna be a like-for-like comparison, just a thought.
How would that dyna-MIX switching system serve this guitar since there's no humbucker in there? The above reference shows that, in use, there are series options in position 1 & 5. In position 3, you get a Tele-style pickup combo giving a total of 8 different tonal responses. Keeps you busy on days when counting grass might be an interesting proposition.
Finally, this is something I had left out in my previous coverage - a one piece input jack. Meaning - the entire baseplate is your input jack. Good - a single unit means you won't be dealing with the shaft coming loose over time, reducing connectivity issues. Not good - if the entire plate gives way (eg. crack / break), you think there's a ready replacement out there? Of course, if you don't mind a non-one piece unit like an LP type feature, it's good. I can't confirm this compatibility till I measure one in person. When will that happen? Hmm...
Pics: Ibanez
