Charvel sounded a bit brighter and more clear/articulate to my ear. Ibanez seemed a bit darker and chunkier but still not muddy either. I like both a lot but I think the Charvel is overall a better value for the money as most models are still cheaper than an AZ Premium but the Charvels can hold their own against both the Premium and Prestige AZ models. Factor in more color options, some models with ebony fretboards as well, plus better availability and the Charvel just seems objectively better overall. It would really come down to the neck profile if you're very particular about which neck you prefer.
Hi Joseph, for sure mate, the Seymour Duncan Full Shred on the Charvel's bridge position is much tighter and brighter than the Hyperion - also, totally agree with you regarding the value proposition of the Charvel, it's an amazing guitar for the money. I do love the Ibanez a bit more though, as you mention it's a matter of personal preference, the fatter neck with stainless steel on the AZ and versatility of the pups with the the additional splitting options makes it a very cool guitar imo, it may just be the one I have but I also find it to be more resonant than the Charvel. Saying that, all the points you mention regarding the Charvel line make it undoubtedly a better value for the money you pay, it also seems to hold its value better on the second hand market, now you're starting to AZ Prestiges for under £1000 second hand here in the UK, which in some cases is almost half the price of the original RRP. Cheers for checking the video out mate 👍
My takeaway is that the Charvel sounds more "organic" and "fabric-like", and that in it you can hear more separation of each string / note during chords and chugs. The Ibanez seemed to result in a sound that's more a sum of its parts, like at 0:51 that nasty chord sounds more like a "snarling sound effect" than compared to the Charvel equivalent at 1:06 which still sounds nasty but it sounds more like multiple strings making the noise, instead of one unified noise. It's like if the Charvel was more a pirate ship covered in ropes and sails, the Ibanez would be more like a modern battleship that runs with an engine. Another way to put it is that I came here wondering what I'd rather use for a progressive metal / rock project (as opposed to metalcore, deathcore, djent, etc.) and found I'd much rather have the sound of the Charvel in this video for that project, but in a metalcore project, I'd definitely go for the Ibanez. Hope this helps someone!
The ibanez is double the price of the charvel and the only subtle difference is the stainless steel frets of the ibanez. I do not think I'd pay double the price just for the SS frets. Charvel is much better option for the money.
For sure mate, it’s a great guitar for the money, I recently got the HSS version of this Charvel and like it even more, positions 2 and 4 are perfection. Cheers for checking the video out 🍻
@@haruccigr Yes, quite a big difference, if you like thin and fast necks the charvel is the way to go. The AZ has a a beefier/rounder more traditional neck profile, upper fret access is somewhat similar on both.
There are spots in the solo type riffs where the Ibanez just wins it for me. Clearer, more defined notes, and with a meatier tone. That Charvel though- still pretty darn close. Seems like either will do. So what are you running these guitars through? And I really like your pickup comparison videos too! I have an S-Series Ibanez, and really want the Dimarzio Fusion Edges, but can't seem to get them without buying a whole new guitar. Grr...
Hi mate, cheers for checking the video out and very glad you enjoy the pickup comparison videos! I love the Ibanez so much man, they're pretty close but there's something really special about these ash Ibanez AZ guitars, their tone is so well balanced. The Charvel is great too, specially considering the price point. I often times see the Dimarzio Fusion Edge or Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups being sold on Marketplace second hand here in the UK, don't know where you're based but it's always worth keeping an eye out for 2nd hand deals on these, they often go for cheap.
Thanks for the good comparison video. To my ear, DK has a little bit more high, and I think it would fit better to Metal music, though I prefer Az's sound.
Thank you for checking the video out mate, appreciate the kind words. Absolutely, the Charvel seems slightly more suited for metal and it’s a great guitar specially considering the price, but I have to say that to me the Ibanez is a step above in terms of versatility, playability and overal build quality, it’s just an amazing instrument. 🍻
Charvel has this mid scooped tone but tighter probably because of the pickups. Ibanez has screaming mids, and beefier. For the price point, ill take the Charvel.
I've been trying to figure out which one I want, having a medium sized hand the necks the AZ is a bit thicker. not sure if that is something ill adjust to.
Hi mate, my hands aren’t that big either and I gotta say the neck profile on the AZ is up there with the most comfortable necks I’ve played to date, as a result I actually find it awkward playing thinner necks now.
I prefer the Ibanez, the neck profile is more to my liking and it just feels like a better guitar. The Charvel is great too, but it’s more of a shredder’s guitar, neck is wider and thinner.
My pleasure mate, the guitar sounds more resonant and alive in a sense and I prefer the overall sound of the pickups and there’s more attention to the details, keeping in mind it’s a Japanese guitar, it makes sense :). Going back to the neck I really dig how Ibanez go about roasting the maple neck, it feels great to play.
@@MayaPeterson-p9d I got that, I was basically agreeing with you by saying that even though it’s double the price it’s not twice as good in terms of quality, but if money isn’t an issue I’d definitely go for the Ibanez :).
Superb playing and these A - B comparisons are just perfect. Thanks!
Thank you so much my friend! Really appreciate it 🍻
here's a guy who knows how to make a comparison video
Thank you so much Stephen, really appreciate that!
Charvel sounded a bit brighter and more clear/articulate to my ear. Ibanez seemed a bit darker and chunkier but still not muddy either. I like both a lot but I think the Charvel is overall a better value for the money as most models are still cheaper than an AZ Premium but the Charvels can hold their own against both the Premium and Prestige AZ models. Factor in more color options, some models with ebony fretboards as well, plus better availability and the Charvel just seems objectively better overall. It would really come down to the neck profile if you're very particular about which neck you prefer.
Hi Joseph, for sure mate, the Seymour Duncan Full Shred on the Charvel's bridge position is much tighter and brighter than the Hyperion - also, totally agree with you regarding the value proposition of the Charvel, it's an amazing guitar for the money. I do love the Ibanez a bit more though, as you mention it's a matter of personal preference, the fatter neck with stainless steel on the AZ and versatility of the pups with the the additional splitting options makes it a very cool guitar imo, it may just be the one I have but I also find it to be more resonant than the Charvel. Saying that, all the points you mention regarding the Charvel line make it undoubtedly a better value for the money you pay, it also seems to hold its value better on the second hand market, now you're starting to AZ Prestiges for under £1000 second hand here in the UK, which in some cases is almost half the price of the original RRP. Cheers for checking the video out mate 👍
My takeaway is that the Charvel sounds more "organic" and "fabric-like", and that in it you can hear more separation of each string / note during chords and chugs. The Ibanez seemed to result in a sound that's more a sum of its parts, like at 0:51 that nasty chord sounds more like a "snarling sound effect" than compared to the Charvel equivalent at 1:06 which still sounds nasty but it sounds more like multiple strings making the noise, instead of one unified noise. It's like if the Charvel was more a pirate ship covered in ropes and sails, the Ibanez would be more like a modern battleship that runs with an engine. Another way to put it is that I came here wondering what I'd rather use for a progressive metal / rock project (as opposed to metalcore, deathcore, djent, etc.) and found I'd much rather have the sound of the Charvel in this video for that project, but in a metalcore project, I'd definitely go for the Ibanez. Hope this helps someone!
Dude, I absolutely love your interpretation of the tones in this video. It pretty much falls in line with my take on it. Thank you!
Those difference can be negated a few tweaks on the gain and eq.
Played similar models of each and might as well get both :P hahaha!
Great video!
Haha, they’re both awesome for sure. Thanks mate, appreciate you checking the video out 🍻
The ibanez is double the price of the charvel and the only subtle difference is the stainless steel frets of the ibanez. I do not think I'd pay double the price just for the SS frets. Charvel is much better option for the money.
For sure mate, it’s a great guitar for the money, I recently got the HSS version of this Charvel and like it even more, positions 2 and 4 are perfection. Cheers for checking the video out 🍻
@@gabriel_guitar May I ask if there is any difference regarding playability?
@@haruccigr The HSS and HSH versions of this Charvel are the same in terms of playability.
@@gabriel_guitar I meant between the Charvels and the Ibanez.
@@haruccigr Yes, quite a big difference, if you like thin and fast necks the charvel is the way to go. The AZ has a a beefier/rounder more traditional neck profile, upper fret access is somewhat similar on both.
There are spots in the solo type riffs where the Ibanez just wins it for me. Clearer, more defined notes, and with a meatier tone. That Charvel though- still pretty darn close. Seems like either will do. So what are you running these guitars through? And I really like your pickup comparison videos too! I have an S-Series Ibanez, and really want the Dimarzio Fusion Edges, but can't seem to get them without buying a whole new guitar. Grr...
Hi mate, cheers for checking the video out and very glad you enjoy the pickup comparison videos! I love the Ibanez so much man, they're pretty close but there's something really special about these ash Ibanez AZ guitars, their tone is so well balanced. The Charvel is great too, specially considering the price point. I often times see the Dimarzio Fusion Edge or Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups being sold on Marketplace second hand here in the UK, don't know where you're based but it's always worth keeping an eye out for 2nd hand deals on these, they often go for cheap.
Thanks for the good comparison video. To my ear, DK has a little bit more high, and I think it would fit better to Metal music, though I prefer Az's sound.
Thank you for checking the video out mate, appreciate the kind words. Absolutely, the Charvel seems slightly more suited for metal and it’s a great guitar specially considering the price, but I have to say that to me the Ibanez is a step above in terms of versatility, playability and overal build quality, it’s just an amazing instrument. 🍻
Charvel has this mid scooped tone but tighter probably because of the pickups. Ibanez has screaming mids, and beefier. For the price point, ill take the Charvel.
Sounds killer!!
Thanks mate, appreciate it 🍻
I've been trying to figure out which one I want, having a medium sized hand the necks the AZ is a bit thicker. not sure if that is something ill adjust to.
Hi mate, my hands aren’t that big either and I gotta say the neck profile on the AZ is up there with the most comfortable necks I’ve played to date, as a result I actually find it awkward playing thinner necks now.
@@gabriel_guitar good to know, appreciate the reply
My pleasure mate! 🍻
Go with Ibanez RG 550 Genesis
Sound similar, which guitar you prefer ?
I prefer the Ibanez, the neck profile is more to my liking and it just feels like a better guitar. The Charvel is great too, but it’s more of a shredder’s guitar, neck is wider and thinner.
Thanks for the info, why do you think feels better without the neck difference?
@@gabriel_guitar Charvel has a thinner neck than Ibanez?
My pleasure mate, the guitar sounds more resonant and alive in a sense and I prefer the overall sound of the pickups and there’s more attention to the details, keeping in mind it’s a Japanese guitar, it makes sense :). Going back to the neck I really dig how Ibanez go about roasting the maple neck, it feels great to play.
Hi Siri, it does, but it’s wider as well, a lot more 80s fast feeing neck in a sense :).
Ibanez az all the way
Absolutely mate, one of my fav guitars no doubt 🍻
The AZ is tonally better, but not for twice the price......unless twice the price is no big deal...in that case, AZ.🎉
Nice one Maya, definitely not twice as good as the Charvel but it’s certainly an upgrade 👍🏻
@@gabriel_guitar I didn't say twice as good, I said twice the price 😂
@@MayaPeterson-p9d I got that, I was basically agreeing with you by saying that even though it’s double the price it’s not twice as good in terms of quality, but if money isn’t an issue I’d definitely go for the Ibanez :).
Put them side by side with One distortion pedal going into A Non modeling amp then get back to us.
Ibanez sounds better, but not for nearly twice the price. I think the charvels are the best value out there.