1 Year Review of the Ibanez AZES40 - is it really a BEGINNER guitar?

For musicians who frequently have G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome), the search for the perfect guitar doesn't really stop. But this guitar may pause your search for a while...
In fact, for me it did just that for an entire year. I didn't pick up any new guitar because I had so much fun with this bargain Ibanez. After playing it daily for a year, I have realized how much value there is in the AZES40. The build quality is solid, the tuning heads are reliable, and the neck is fast!
Although the price is geared towards beginners, make no mistake, you can definitely gig with this.
Audio samples start around 8:30.
Gear used: Fujifilm XT4 with DJI Mic to record Yamaha THR10

[@Pinkpalmpuff332]

Matt is spot on about THE most important aspect of deciding on the guitar: Playability!
Pretty much everything else can be modified over time. I have returned dozens of guitars where THE NECK felt awkward to play or just a real struggle to form nice clean chords up and down the neck.
Matt's overall perspective is VERY helpful. Thank you, friend!

[@mattlau]

Thanks for the comment! Glad it was helpful for you :)

[@paperno3865]

I also have a cheap ibanez strat-like (dont know what model, all black reverse headstock 2 humbucker 5 way switch) and I love it, its a good guitar! Cheap ibanez guitars are wonderful, also consider a firefly guitar

[@mattlau]

Nice! I agree, Ibanez makes some solid stuff at these price points :)

[@makemoneyonlineinsouthafrica]

I agree. Playability is the one thing that is not worthwhile upgrading (work on the neck doesn't come cheap, so in this price range I am guessing it won't make sense). Anything else can be upgraded over time if you choose to.

[@SkunkOnYou-rd8vo]

The guitar is 340 bucks. Why did you spend 500?

[@mattlau]

I spent $400 CAD