This is probably one of the best reviews I've seen for this guitar. Even better, it's made my decision to order one today! Thanks for taking the time to do this. We all appreciate it.
Congratulations on the new guitar. Ibanez makes excellent guitars in the $300 price range. To be clear to viewers, the top is solid; the back and sides are laminate, which is the norm in that price range. Laminate back and sides have some advantages, such as being less expensive, more sturdy, and being less affected by weather and humidity changes. You generally get a bit less volume, resonance, bass response, and complexity of sound. There are some excellent sounding laminate back and sides guitars though.
Thanks David, there’s been some good Information about these guitars in the comments so that people know what to expect, cheers for adding the comment, it all helps, cheers!
Derek, thanks very much for this comparison - it was really helpful and the fact that you switched back and forth between guitars while playing the same song made the comparison meaningful. Well done.
Thanks for the comment James, i've seen too many videos where i couldn't tell the tones apart, so i thought this would be the best way, thanks for the feedback i really appreciate it.
hi robert, how are you still liking this purchase? I'm looking to buy an OM sized guitar. The price of this is almost as much as a baby taylor, so im debating btwn the two for my first acoustic. Thanks
My first acoustic was an ibanez artwood...the preamp fell out of it... but it's pretty good, I still have it because its got my blood all over the bracing I'm the sound hold from strumming with my fingers till they bled when I was learning...so I keep it as a reminder of just how much hard work I put into the guitar. Also, it doesn't suprise me it plays better than the martin...martins have high actions out the shop...only the sc13 and the new modern deluxe stuff feels like it doesn't need a setup lol
My AC340-OPN arrived today. I’m blown away by this guitar - I decided to grab one based on your review. I live half the year out of state and needed another solid top guitar. I got it for 300 dollars on amazon with a gator gig bag and a stand - I have no idea how they are making any money on that package. I also own a Martin D-10e road series and I can tell you that it compares to my Martin at less than half the price. I really like the strings that came on the Ibanez also. Highly recommend!!!! I can’t put it down!!
Superb! I’ve said it before, there is so much love for this guitar and it’s just fantastic, so glad it worked out for you and thanks for the amazing feedback, and you got a great deal on it too! Cheers man and I’m sure this will help other people out too.
I have an Ibanez AVC9-OPN....a very inexpensive, AMAZING guitar. (NOTE: I also have a 1963 Martin D-28 and a Martin 000-16GT...both purchased by me or my Dad). The Ibanez has absolutely the best setup and easiest guitar I've ever seen.....the tone is beautiful. Ibanez gets an A+ for quality for the price! I like this inexpensive guitar so much, it would break my heart if anything happened to it!
I have a aw54 non electric and its amazing. I played a martin that was similar built and the Ibanez had better sustain than the martin. Spent about 870 less too. For the price you really can't go wrong
Awesome review and is perfect. I just ordered the Ibanez AC340CEOPN Acoustic Guitar ($445 with no tax) and a soft case Levy GB200 Acoustic Guitar Deluxe Gig Bag Tan
Derek you did such a great job on this video! I wish all reviews were this thoughtful. Thank you for a quality video. I’m heading to try that guitar out tomorrow.
dontinterruptrude1 that was exceptionally kind of you to say, thank you so much! It’s definately worth a try, I still love the guitar and love playing it.
Dear Derek, Thank you for the amazing review. Made me order one from Thomann. It arrived a week ago and I can't stop playing it. Such a joy. Keep up the premium content. So happy I found your channel. All the best from Rome.
My first guitar was an Ibanez (30 years ago!!!)... still have it but it has not aged so well, so I went out and purchased a Martin D16 solid sitka/rosewood (I have others as well!!). I love Ibanez, excellent value for money, but to me this review wasn't even close - Martin wins hands down!! But... if you are just playing at home.... this Ibanez will do the trick. If you are playing semi prfessionally or professionally - go Martin - you won't regret it. Thank for another great review :)
Ok, I bought one of each. I ordered and bought the 240 and sounds good but has an odd finish issue so I am likely going to return it. I bought the 340 as they had it in stock at my local GC so I compared them side by side. Blind audio test with me playing and my son listening each and then with him playing and me listening with my eyes closed. Verdict? They both sound almost exactly the same. The AC240OPN almost sounds a tiny, tiny bit warmer then the 340 while the 340 sounds like it may have a small amount more treble. I may make a video later using my son’s recording equipment. Both appear to have laminate sides and back. The 240 has a center inlay on the back which also adds an internal center brace inside opposite to the inlay.
Thats an excellent assessment! sounds like whichever one you buy you are getting a good guitar, be great to see the video and hear them both. Cheers for the comment and evaluation man!
Derek Paul actually thank you for your review. It was not until I saw your review and heard you play that I even considered this guitar. I have much more expensive vintage guitars but have given them all to my son. I wanted something for around the campfire and maybe to take with us on vacations but needs to hold a tune. The ac340 or 240 both fit and will work for this. Thanks again.
im buying this ibanez for myself as a christmas present. its so beautiful! its hard to find a good guitar at the 300 dollar price range with a real solid wood top.
Me too! Im thinking between fender cd60s all mahagony and this ibanez? Will try to play both and see which one feels right, but this one looks very prettyyyyyy
@@DerekPaulGuitar thanks, i just tried fender and its my first touch with acoustic guitar and damn it feels soo weird as ive been playin only on electric, so the employee suggested to buy dreadnought instead of concert just to get comfortable with them, so would you say that ibanez which is grand concert size feels similair to dreadnoughts? I tried some cheap guitar in concert size and it felt like very light electric so it wasnt weird holding it, so thats why i ask if the ibanez is a bit bigger?
I just put an AC340 OPN in the layaway at the local Guitar Center. I went in there to look at the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat. Both guitars play well, but the Ibanez was set up better with more attention to detail.
JUST bought one today!!!!!❤ Private sale....Hardly played...as new .Drove 1 1/2 hours in peak hour traffic To embrace this GEM !! Before I travelled I Watched RUclips rs Playing it......and explaining it's qualities... Did some research....then..... As I had already fallen in love with it Had to get it into my arms..... And by playing ...immediately felt The unsurpassed comfort The tone and resonance that Subtly reverberated ...quivered... The sound lingered floated hovered Felt like a best friend you just met Knowing eternity is yours.... Me so overjoyed..... Truly an inspiring instrument that Waters Creativity .... And causes the heart to smile..... It is a very great day 🎶🎵
I've owned this Ibanez for years (see my youtube vid on it) and I love it. I'll be keeping it for many, many years. The neck is just a tiny bit wider than usual and it makes a huge difference in ease of playing it.
@@BanjoPicker I'm pretty sure they are Ernie Ball Earthwood .12 gauge. I really don't care for D'Addario strings....they go flat on me quickly. I also like Dunlap acoustic strings.
Thanks Derek for a great video. I bought the guitar before I saw this video, and I agree, it is a really good guitar. This one was the best (for me), because it resonated very beautifully. It is not the loudest one, but if you like changing the dynamic of playing, it is a very rewarding guitar. Also, the wood is very thin, and light. And the guitar is very responsive to the way you hold her. It you grab the guitar a little bit tighter, it changes the way it resonates. You can observe this with every guitar, but this one seemed to be especially "fragile" for this (which is great for me - if you know it, you can control it and play in different ways). For those interested in the material this (beautiful guitar) is made from, here is the link for the page explaining how the materials used for this model changed from 2017 to 2020. There were several discussions (also here, I think) on "is it mahogany or okoume wood?", "Is it thermo-aged?". The answers are: Material (Top): 2017-2018: Solid mahogany 2019-2020: Solid okoume (Back and sides) 2017-2018: Mahogany 2019-2020: Okoume (Neck) 2017-2018: 1-piece mahogany 2019-2020: 1-piece nyatoh (Bridge) 2014-2017: Thermo Aged rosewood 2018-2020: Thermo Aged ovangkol (11mm string spacing) Additionaly, the guitar bracing inside the box is made from thermo aged maple. You have a serial number on a sticker inside, if I understand it well, the format is CDYYMMDDxxx. Here is the link for Ibanez Fandom page with the info from above: ibanez.fandom.com/wiki/AC340
Michał Sz Micheal that’s absolutely fantastic info thank you, it certainly does clear things up with real grads to the woods used, and thank you for the compliment, I don’t know what it is about this $300 guitar that I love so much but I have more expensive guitars and have played $3000 Taylor guitars (they do resonate and sound incredible) but playability wise the Ibanez is in a league of its own, it’s still my go to acoustic just to jam on and learn new songs, I remember going into GC and trying a few and just grabbing this, loving it and buying it there and then, no case, just carried it out to the car as is, I’ll never sell it, once again amazing info and thank you so much for the comment and info, I’m going to check my serial number to clarify things, stay safe my friend
@@DerekPaulGuitar I have the same model. And I understand your story. Every guitar I checked while buying this Ibanez was costing more, but this one just bought me :) I love it and never going to sell it. Best!
I have one but mine is electric has both types of plugs on it. I use it for the kids choir in my church. I get so many compliments on how it looks and sounds.
Hi Derek, Great review and wonderful sounding Ibanez AC340. I have an Ibanez AC240-OPN which is also a marvelous instrument and I'm very happy with it. I once compared it to a Martin 000-15M in a guitar store and the difference was minimal, to my old ears and the salesman's!
Thanks Peter, I keep meaning to try the other Ibanez acoustics, I still love it and play it every day, still amazing even after nearly 2 years, cheers!
Ten years ago, a friend of mine sold me his Ibanez V205SECE NT which when he bought brand new costs P10,500.00 (roughly US$220). It had basic active electronics and for a dreadnought with laminated back and sides (but solid spruce top), I thought it sounded good. He ask me to buy the guitar from him because he wants to buy a Martin. He fancied a Martin Road Series dreadnought. Made in Mexico with all solid wood, and pretty decent electronics. And it comes with a very elegant hard shell case! AND ALL FOR A VERY CHEAP PRICE OF P35,000.00 (US$700.00)! The store was having a grand sale to celebrate their anniversary. So we were both excited about our purchases. Him that Martin and me, his Ibanez. As we went to his house, we jammed with the guitar to our hearts delight with Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel tunes. To my surprise, that cheapo Ibanez could really hold its own with that Martin! Yes as expected, Martin has that booming bass but the Ibanez has a mild midrange punch and a bit more treble making it sound a bit clearer. It was my first acoustic. And I am not ashamed to bring that guitar to my band's gigs occasionally. Ibanez is the master of making value for money guitars!
Incredible! i am exactly the same with mine, it's the most playable acoustic guitar i've ever had or tried (and i've tried a few) i recently (today in fact) added the LR Baggs element preamp (i'll put a video up soon on the upgrade and how to do it) and i take it to all my jam sessions even when my brother in law is playing his $3000 taylor acoustic (which sounds incredible) but my ibanez just plays like an electric, i can't praise it highly enough, it'll stay with me forever, thanks for the comment, i enjoyed your story, cheers!
Thanks for the great review.! As a bassist, I've always been a huge Ibanez fan but you've helped sway me to the AVC11 over the Yamaha 830 for a first acoustic guitar.
Bought AW54JR-OPN last week. Best purchase decision ever. Would have been my dream guitar if I had known about it earlier. If you’re a beginner, don’t overlook that model.
Thanks man! I absolutely agree with you, it’s a perfect beginner acoustic guitar but don’t be fooled as it’s a perfect all round acoustic guitar too, cheers!
@@DerekPaulGuitar I'm a beginner and have been looking at the Ibanez AC340, along with the Takamine GD30 and the Yamaha FG800. I wish I knew which to go for!
I agreed have a AC240-OPN and some other acoustics, but I love to play this guitar and in time it´s going to number one. Absolute great guitar for the price!
Having just traveled this ground in the last month, that is a great buy if only for the fact that solid top and sides is impossible to find below $600.00 This guitar might be the sole exception. I was looking at parlor sized guitars for fly fishing trips but I played several concert sized ones I am considering. One of my criteria is electronics just for the versatility, but when not on a trip the guitar will sit around in alternate tunings. At that price, I can almost have both. I bought an Ibanez AG75G a few months back and can attest to the build quality they are putting out. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Brad, i was really surprised at the sound and build quality, i played a lot of different ones but this just rang out and the playability is excellent, for an acoustic guitar (which can have fat necks and feel much different to electric guitars) this just felt right to me, yes shame about the electronics but i was happy not to have them as i don't gig acoustic guitars all that much so it's perfect for me to learn finger picking styles, cheers
@@DerekPaulGuitar There is some discrepancy in the marketing materials on different vendor sites as to whether the back and sides are solid or laminate. You must have found a definitive source for that issue.
Found a lot of info online but Ibanez website says solid mahogany top, back and sides www.ibanez.com/eu/products/detail/ac340_02.html although i read that its a sustainable Mahogany type wood, but yes there are some contradictions out there thats for sure
@@DerekPaulGuitar Solid is solid. I always think that is better as laminate won't age and mellow the sound, but for A/E laminate can cut down on feedback. I am definitely going to check that one out. I had narrowed it down to the Yamahas; the FSM and the same size (parlor) in the Trans acoustic series, but the cheapest of those is still $300.00 dearer.
It's definitely worth playing and listening to alongside the others (the Yamahas have a great reputation) plus of course the price makes it attractive. Be great to know how you got on :)
Best acoustic ever, i have one Attwood and i ve paid less than 300 euros, icredible sound ( i have played Fender Yamaha etc before) but nothing like my artwood
Derek, thanks for that great video. I had already ordered an AW54CE open wood series. It's great to be able to hear that line against the Martin. For guitars in this price range, the Artwood series are gaining a solid reputation.
I hear ya! The playability and sound of the Ibanez is outstanding, I’m not sure if the lower price puts people off but it shouldn’t, it’s an incredible acoustic guitar, cheers Steve
@@DerekPaulGuitar Hi Derek. After thinking about it, I upgraded the 54 to the 340... For the price difference, it seems like a good deal. Keep up the great videos.
The Ibanez artwood is a tough guitar to beat in it's price range maybe impossible to beat. I've been playing on one for over a decade. It's a wonderful feeling to have a great sounding guitar that you're not afraid to take to parties or go camping without the fear of killing your expensive Martin. I've had many a conversation about this guitar with other players after a jam session.
This video informed me about how cheap them martin road series are. Pretty cool Ibanez tho. Recommend ebony bridge pins and some martin strings on them though. Gives you more of the mellow mahogany tone
I love the warmth of Mahogany/Okoume. I have the AC240, which is the Grand Concert version of this guitar. You are correct, it sounds brighter overall, but somehow isn't twangy like spruce top guitars tend to be. I actually prefer it over my MUCH nicer Breedlove Discovery
@@DerekPaulGuitar I agree. There's just something addicting about the tone. If I had more money, I'd probably try more uncommon tone woods. I also ended up with a Guild D120CE (all solid mahogany), and more often I find myself going for the Ibanez.
@@sumdood2035 I agree, theres just something about it, my friend has a guild and they are also great guitars, but the Ibanez is just what i need, cheers!
Hi, Derek: I love Ibanez guitars, I own an Ibanez grand auditorium concert cutaway, Acoustic/Electric solid Mahogany with rosewood frets. My Ibanez, also had a lighter warm mellow sound, until I put DR legend flat wounds on it and now it sounds very close to the Martin being played in the video. Great video and I agree Ibanez makes quality guitars which are budget friendly.
Thanks Linda, that’s a good tip! I’ll certainly be checking those strings out! I haven’t considered those, but if you get that sound then they are worth trying, I also love my Ibanez, can’t stop playing it, thanks!
Hi Derek, thanks a lot for this informative video. I also looked for a second western guitar in addition to my breedlove dreadnought. Based on your video I ended up with the Ibanez AVC9 OPN, which is pretty close to the AVC 340, except that it has a thermally aged top. It has exactly the properties which you claimed in your video: super playability, super light, great sustain - I am very happy with it.
Hi Volkmar I’m so pleased the video helped you out, they are exceptional guitars for the price, for any price really, and it’s my go to acoustic because of the playability. Thanks for letting me know, I really appreciate it.
Like you I have been through a lot of guitars in my life and lost some really nice vintage 63 Fender Musicman and a 1948 Martin D-18 etc. I have a neighbor who has been trying to sell me a nice Ibanez with a 'jampack' for $350 for a while. I'm getting older and I'm trying to record as many new songs as I can while I can. I completely understand the money situation but I went for the Martin and I'm glad I did. I hope you enjoy this guitar and get a Martin for yourself soon. ♥️☮️🎶
Thanks Shannon, I still play the Ibanez and it still sounds great! I did since squire that Martin and the sound from it is exceptional, really enjoying it!
@@DerekPaulGuitar good to hear that! I was very tempted to buy that Ibanez and save some money but I remember learning to play on my Dad's old Martin that's gone. That's what made me pull the trigger and purchase my guitar. And I am thankful you have one and thanks also for responding. Happy playing! (don't you just love the smell of the guitar?)
Mine also has sentimental value so an amazing guitar!! Happy playing too and enjoy your guitar journey, it’s going to be a good one :) (unfortunately I don’t have a sense of smell but I’m imagining it smells wonderful) also if you’re interested I made a video on the Martin as well ruclips.net/video/px9rhotc0Lc/видео.html
@@DerekPaulGuitar thank you and yes I would love to see your review on the Martin. I barely can smell anymore either. Don't know if it's from the illicit things I did in my 'rock star' years (too much all the time) or the fact I've been smoking cigarettes for decades. That's another reason I bought the Martin. Been trying everything to quit smoking and couldn't get anything to work but this guitar is doing it. I look at it or pick it up and play it when the cravings hit and even with my limited sense of smell I can smell that sweet Sitka Spruce and Sapien wood. The money I save from not smoking will pay for the guitar in no time. I too am so happy for you and wish you all the best with your guitar journey. And I really enjoy the reviews! I won't go on forever but I have found many times in my life when my guitar (whatever I owned at the time) was my best friend. I believe I have quite a few years on you and you may never have heard of this song but John Denver recorded a song called 'This Old Guitar.' Even if you're not a fan of his that song came out when I was just really picking up a good understanding of how to play. You might check it out. Good story about the love between a man and his guitar.
@@shannonfrench6893 I have heard that song, but i'll relisten! i've no idea how i lost my sense of smell, havent had it for 15 years now though, i'm also an ex smoker, just too expensive these days and as you say that money could go to more guitars!! win win! i have my go to guitars one acoustic and one electric, the rest i don't play as often, i always think about whittling them down but some i built myself and aren't worth anything, just to me.
Great video Derek, thank you so much for showing this lovely Ibanez. I have to decide between this Ibanez and Cort L450C. Both guitars have similiar features and almost same price.
Your a Rockstar derek, this is priceless info fir a begginer like me. It sounds Great, I think the ibanez is the one for me. Your a Legend man, thank you 👑
Thank you Derek for drawing my attention to the perfect guitar for my needs! I thought I was never going to find a guitar that would meet all my wishes: cheap enough to take anywhere without the fuss and bother I go through protecting my more expensive acoustics, yet, sweet enough to enjoy playing. Also, it had to have the same string dimensions as my Martin 000-18 and my Taylor 322 so there would be no adjusting to a wider spacing or longer neck. I got my AC340 'new' for $260(!!!), but it obviously had hung on a show wall, or had been sold and returned. The 5 strings it had were corroded, and there were no accessories or documents. I polished it, strung it up with A set of DR11-50s, straightened the neck, and took the shim out of the bridge. After a few days I liked it well enough to order a miraculous, silent, single coil sound-hole pick up called Mojotone that is voiced for acoustic. IMO, the Mojotone is profoundly superior to the piezo that comes with the AC340e. I took the AC340 to my Luthier and had a simple set up done. I'm still under $500, but WOW!!! The AC340 does have near identical string dimensions as my other guitars. The open pour and 'aged' wood give this guitar an amazing look, feel, tone and responsiveness! It is a unique addition to my instrument stable that holds its own compared to either of my other two guitars...at less than 10% the cost! I would never have even tried such a low priced guitar without your enthusiastic presentation. I surely do appreciate you, Derek!
Man thank you for the incredible feedback! I’m glad you discovered a guitar that really works for you and I feel the same about it, for the money it’s an incredible guitar and I still play it everyday, thanks for the kind words!! Cheers!
I have the ac340 and it’s fantastic. I absolutely love it. Most of the time I just want to play it because it’s so good looking. But then I hear the sound and it just resonates. I played a Yamaha and Martin prior to deciding on the Ibanez. The Yamaha was $100 and sounded fantastic. The neck was way too big and I didn’t like the feel of the lacquer on it. The Martin was nice but cost 3x the money. So ultimately I couldn’t be happier with my choice. It gave me a new passion to play as much as I can wether it’s this or one of my electrics.
Thanks for a simple to the point review Derek very helpful I have to confess I`m not a beginner , I played professionally for 20 years and I do own a couple of excellent solid body acoustics A Yamaha Red Label Fsx3 ( Yamahas re-issued modernised versions of their famous Red Label Folk guitar series of the 1960s ) which I bought for knock about and stuff like open mikes and small gigs as at around the £1000 price point its the sweet spot between a great sounding excellently made all solid wood guitar with fantastic internal mic and and pre amp, better IMOP than the equivalent Taylor one Its not a cheap guitar but not so high end that you`re constantly worrying if someone knocks a drink over it or you get constant demands to have a go from random strangers who you have no idea if they know how to handle it and will drop it or effectively " rape it" with their playing Or it getting stolen I just wanted to give this guitar and the whole series a leg up actually as I know it won`t be as well known as the regulation Taylor and Martins coming in around the same price range but if your looking for a "step up" guitar I honestly will stick my neck out and say check out this line, you won`t be disappointed ! For me this guitar at the price range is beyond doubt the best quality all round solid wood ( Sitka top and solid Mahogany back and sides treated with their ageing process) guitar you can get , beautiful balanced tones all across the spectrum and great playability and competes easily with guitars in the £2000 plus price range My other though is a bit of a fantasy guitar , a Taylor 814 CE, which I admit stays in the house and my home studio most of the time unless I take It out for a recording session or bigger gig Anyway , I`ve been looking for a good guitar for my daughters 13th Birthday , she`s very musical and creative, she writes songs and has done since she was about 8 and she blows me away with her ear for a good melody and hook and her lyrics, way beyond what I`d expect at her age So I think now`s a great time for her first real guitar It also gives me a chance to connect with her and do an activity together , something that a Dad with a daughter going into adolescence knows can be challenging as they spend most of their free time heads lost in their phones or becoming more and more distant as they inhabit a world with their friends that speaks a different language it seems to you and where in their eyes the main function of their father is to embarrass them and give them money when they ask for it ! I was considering splurging on a Taylor Academy 12 E but I know her mom will give me a very hard time if she finds out I`ve spent £700 on a guitar for her! ( and secretly for me of course to enjoy😉😅) So I`ve been looking for something which fits the bill For a beginner, especially a child , nuances of sound created by different tone woods and bone or Urea nuts and saddles are not really a priority Playability, Durability and Aesthetics are the priority Because it`s not their guitar having a scooped mid range or slight tonal imperfections that make a beginner give up It`s boredom and frustration from it being too hard to fret a chord or it hurting them and feeling uncomfortable to hold down a note ,and them struggling to have to constantly tune that one string that is always going out after every couple of chords or the guitar keeping slipping from their lap That means a good finger board size and easy neck, low action and well built and decent quality tuners as nothing apart from having to press down so hard to form a C chord you have mini canyons in your fingers is worse beginning than constantly going out of tune And durability as It will, especially in the hands of a beginner adolescent end up getting a few knocks And size comes into this as well and the ease which a 13 year can feel comfortable with it in their hands and manipulate it (I have considered the Taylor Mini range for this reason but as i said it would cause a scene if her mom found out I`d dropped 600 on a guitar for her first time out) For that reason, despite a dreadnought probably giving a slightly bigger fuller sound , I think I`d rather swap a little bit of low end for a shape slightly more easier to handle for a 13 year old And I think generally if you have the playability I mentioned by definition you`ll have a guitar with a decent sound , definitely nothing the ear of beginning child is going to notice for several years So thanks, this looks like it fits the bill perfectly I had looked at the Dreadnought Version but I`m just drawn to this because in the hands of a 13 year old I think it will just be that little bit easier to manipulate , a price worth paying for dropping a little low end for a beginner Great playability , a nice shape and size and quality enough build to be durable and not have the neck warp after a year etc ! And it looks very nice for the price With a solid top then the sound quality combined with the other things is bound to be perfectly decent for any eventuality for a beginner and intermediate player One thing though , do you know if this range have scalloped bracing ? Sorry fo r the long post
Wow thanks for the comment, really appreciated, in my humble opinion its the perfect guitar for her, you can even put 11 gauge strings on it (as i do) it's nice and light and plays exceptionally well, it'll encourage her to play, thanks so much for the comment and hope she enjoys it!! cheers
I was looking for a guitar and most of the recommendations is to try the guitars that you are interested in. after trying a bunch i ended with ibanez ac340 opn. I liked it so much and was curious what others think about this guitar. So i searched through web and I was not disappointed. hard to understand why theres not many reviews about this guitar. everything you said was spot on! however action on mine is a bit high. Regarding the wood. After doing a bit of research the guitar was indeed solid mahogany top from 2017-2018 and changed to okoume in 2019 according to ibanez fandom. I would love to know what year my guitar is made but i don’t know how to identify through the serial number. Anyway thanks for the accurate description.
Hi Mike, thanks for the amazing comment! and thanks for the info, mine is i believe 2019 and i love it (bought it new, but of course it could have sat in the store for a while) would this site help you decode your serial number? www.guitarinsite.nl/serienummers-ibanez_eng.php
I don’t get why people always talk trash about Ibanez when it comes to acoustic guitars! They’re not bad instruments by a long stretch! (Of course, the smaller body on this model is more suited for finger style playing than strumming, and the Martin is more the best of both worlds.) I’ve played a cheap 90s Ibanez PF5NT spruce dreadnought, and it sounded great!
Great video Derek. The Ibanez sound great to me. Why spend 3 times the money? If your recording and need a bit more bottom end you can adjust the eq. I don't have a lot of money so I'm all about researching to find the best "bang for the buck" gear I can find. I'm very proud of my small home studio equipment. Squire guitars, Behringer mixing counsel, clone pedals, etc..... It gets me excited to find something cheap that sounds similar to the big expensive companies prices! Let the gear snobs buy all the top brand names to keep them in business. Hahahaaa. Cheers mate.
Cheers Micheal, as I review more and more gear I come to the same conclusion, there is a lot of affordable gear out there that sounds fantastic and you do t always have to spend a lot of money to get a great sound and the Ibanez acoustic is a great testament to that, cheers mate!
Hello Derek! You just set me back 300 hard earned dollars mister =). First of all thank you for this awsome video. I am a beginner starting to get a hang of how to play. And was looking for a guitar that have more tone and quality but stil easy to play in about 200-250 range. Was about to make a deal on a AW54. Then i saw this video. Very well made and you seems so honest as a person. And i could feel your excitement and happiness for this guitar was genuine. This is important in this day and age where alot of local music store has close down here in Sweden. Now there's no place for me to go try it out myself. I normally don't trust anyone so that i would spend 300 dollars on just their words. But damit!! I hope i could be just 50% as satisfied as you and it would be worth it hahaha. Oh one thing i was wondering about. Did the Martin had the same D'Addario strings on?? Excuse my poor english and keep up the good work. Cheers from Sweden....
Thanks my friend, I appreciate your kind words, I still love the guitar and it still plays and sounds like a dream, you’ll have to let me know when you get it and what you think of it! I think the Martin has d’addarios on it, it’s my brother in laws guitar :)
Martin sounds solid, balanced, controlled, ibanez sounds not certain, flubby, not defined, sounds all over the place. If I was on super small budget I would get Ibanez though. I have cheap Ibanez and road series martin, still dont want to sell ibanez I use it for alternative tuning, does the job well enough. It's very playable but sound is not very good. Alvarez also sounds not bad for super budget guitar.
Really wondering the difference between this one and the ac240. Which is better? I see on the 340 that the neck has white trim and some claims of having themo aged wood. However, specs look almost identical. They also both say mohognay back and sides but both are likely okume.
RedSox Fan I haven’t played the 240 but the specs do look the same indeed, and I also believe they are Okume, great playing instruments and definitely worth trying them both for the sound differences if there are any, cheers
I have the AW54CE with electronics. It's one of my main "go-to" guitars and i have some very expensive guitars in my collection. It records beautifully. This us a superb guitar at any price IMHO. Kydos to Ibanez!!
Hi Derek Paul, I have to say that the Ibanez sounds really good. I listen the video with headphones and for me I like the Ibanez over the Martin in this case. The bass of the Ibanez is more in balance to be honest. The Martin has to much bass and gives a more dull sound. I also think that the Ibanez is great for recording too because of its perfect balance.
The 340 definitely sounds good, but you’re comparing a dreadnought to a concert. Maybe size was a consideration too, because the Ibanez Aw54 would have been much closer to the sound of the Martin since it’s the same dreadnought shape. Size is a consideration for me and these Ibanez concerts (ac240, ac340, and avc9) all have a fantastic sound to me so it’s good to hear that playability ranks high too. Thanks
Thanks for the comment, it would have been nice to compare dreadnought with dreadnought, i'm sure you are right and i'm sure the sound would have been different and perhaps deeper on the Ibanez AW54, the playability on the 340 is great, i've really taken to it and am now looking to add a pickup system in the next weeks, thanks
I bought that guitar based on your recommendation. It was nice but wasn't quite the tone I was hoping for. Picked up the Ibanez PF12MH and found it superior across the range. Would love to hear your opinion.
The Okoume is not as sought after expensive whatever as actual African mahogany but it is sustainable and sounds different but really good. Nice bright tones. Did you have to get a good setup done or was the action good out of the box?
Good review and sound samples. Is the guitar loud / punchy and direct enough? I actually have the AW54 and I am quite pleased with it. In turn .. I am looking at some others in this area by Ibanez. The AC340 seems to be a step up from the AW54 and as well in a different body (orchestra). Would the AW340 be considered a step up in quality over the AW54 in your opinion?
Thanks for the comment, I wouldn’t necessarily say a step up but just a different body shape, if you like the idea of the OM body shape then try the AC340, it is a nice and loud punchy guitar cheers
I’ve been looking for a second guitar for quite a while now, the two that are the most appealing to me are the Yamaha FS830 and the Ibanez AC340. I can’t seem to pull the trigger on either one of these, there aren’t any local shops who have them in stock either so I can’t try them out before I buy them. Playability is the most important factor to me and you mentioned the Ibanez is really good in that aspect, do you have an exact measurement of the string height at the 12th fret?
Thanks for the comment, it's a shame you can't try them but i guess it is what it is at the moment, the string action on the 12th (on mine anyway) is 2mm it's a nice low action for an acoustic, maybe someone else can chime in with theirs, cheers!
@@DerekPaulGuitar Thanks a lot for answering my question so fast! Wow that’s really low actually, it came like that out of the box? No fret buzz or other issues?
@@snerremans5206 no problem! Yeah no issue at all, it just always plays perfectly and no tuning issues either, the tuners have a tiny bit of ‘sloppiness’ but it stays in tune perfectly, cheers
@@DerekPaulGuitar ofc! I didn't recognize that beacause you played that smoothier than tommy emmanuel but that sounds so beautiful. But yeah tommy emmanuel is my favourite guitarist👌
It took 2 years.. every day thinking about Ibanez, it was really hard to get it here in Finland. but finally I can say that I will get it, I ordered it yesterday.. this video is the reason why I have been dreaming for 2 years but I just haven't been able to order it before
Fantastic review sir....you really know your stuff. Do they make an electronics version of the Ibanez Artwood AC340 guitar and if so what is the model number?
This is true.... I'm at a guitar store right now and picked up several guitars not knowing about this guitar. Infact i hate Ibanez. It was the 5th guitar as I reached for it. I almost put it down at the sight of Ibanez lol but hit a chord and was like wait a second lol. I couldn't deny it. That for the price ....the tone was beautiful. I'm walking out with it.
Oh wow! i had exactly the same story, tried others when i was in the guitar store and played the ibanez for about 2 minutes and walked out with it there and then! cheers Alejandro
Hi! I like how they sound and I want to buy one, too. There is another acoustic guitar with solid top mohogony _ Alvarez AF66SHB which I like very much. In your opinion, which one is better: Alvarez AF66SHB or Ibanez AC340 OPN? Thanks!
Sorry but the AC340 back and sides are not in solid wood and the top is not thermo aged. If so, it would be much more expansive. But it's a very good guitar, tough.
Hap Dane thanks for the comment Hap Dane, I did research it and it’s very much still unclear on ibanez’s website and on the guitar stores websites, solid top though, but as you say, a nice guitar :))
I’ve read that the only thing thermo-aged is the bridge! Nonetheless, this is a wonderful guitar - I have it, and really love it - head and shoulders above all the rest in its price range!
Thank you for the best review for this guitar. I have been decided to buy this one until I see the Ibanez AC150CE. It comes with solid spruce top, pickup system and cutaway but I could not try it. Did you maybe play it? Thanks again
Thanks for the kind words, unfortunately I haven’t played it, it’s been difficult to try guitars these days, but every Ibanez acoustic I’ve tried has been good, this one especially, cheers!
Hey Derek, you described the neck profile as a low V shape. Do you know of another guitar that feels the same in the neck? The Ibanez does not give an official description of the profile and I'm trying to compare to other guitars I've played.
Hi Marc, the neck profile I think feels like soft V (similar to my 50’s road worn strat) the spec says AW neck profile, not sure what that means but in my hands it feels more soft V shaped, the Martin i played for example felt like a modern C, and I played a Taylor that was more like a modern C as well, it’s a tough one really but I hoped this at least helped a little :) thanks for the comment
It’s going to depend on what you need from an acoustic as the one you mentioned is a dreadnought which is a lot larger that the AC340 although it does have a preamp already built in, best to try and play them both for comfort, cheers
@@DerekPaulGuitar thanks for replying, appreciate it. And yes it would be idle to play first hand and get the one you connect with more but due to covid sadly It won't be possible and also I'm a beginner, been less than 2 months practicing that sums me wanting to know which one to go for.
@@1magin3 Hmmm i'd hate ti influence your decision but i'd say that if i was a beginner and had to chose, i would go for a smaller body shape and therefore the AC340, but if it doesnt bother you and you want the preamp then perhaps the Aw70ce :)
Hey mate, lovely review, thank you. I’m curious to know the name of the 1st song that you played. Also, I’m weighing up between the Ibanez & the Sigma 000-15m. Any thoughts about the two? Thanks again.
Thanks! appreciate that very much, the tune is called Classical Gas, many artists have covered it :) With regards to the Sigma, i haven't played one so i can't give you the best information, however it does have a better spec than the Ibanez, of course the best thing to do if you can is to try them both, cheers!
Ordered an AC340 on the back of this video. So... I just need to release the inner John Williams in me, now. 😉 Great review, sir. Thank you for sharing your insight. ✌️😎👌
![[Eng Sub] Ibanez AC340-OPN acoustic guitar](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wnHeRy6fW5c/mqdefault.jpg)
This is probably one of the best reviews I've seen for this guitar. Even better, it's made my decision to order one today! Thanks for taking the time to do this. We all appreciate it.
Thanks Brian! i really appreciate that! you wont regret it and even better if you let me know what you think, cheers!
Congratulations on the new guitar. Ibanez makes excellent guitars in the $300 price range. To be clear to viewers, the top is solid; the back and sides are laminate, which is the norm in that price range. Laminate back and sides have some advantages, such as being less expensive, more sturdy, and being less affected by weather and humidity changes. You generally get a bit less volume, resonance, bass response, and complexity of sound. There are some excellent sounding laminate back and sides guitars though.
Thanks David, there’s been some good Information about these guitars in the comments so that people know what to expect, cheers for adding the comment, it all helps, cheers!
Agree 100%
Derek, thanks very much for this comparison - it was really helpful and the fact that you switched back and forth between guitars while playing the same song made the comparison meaningful. Well done.
Thanks for the comment James, i've seen too many videos where i couldn't tell the tones apart, so i thought this would be the best way, thanks for the feedback i really appreciate it.
I purchased one today...then saw your video. I kept going back to this one. It fits and plays beautifully totally agree.
robert greene you won’t regret it Robert, it’s a fantastic guitar that plays so so well!! Congratulations and I’m glad the video helped, cheers!
hi robert, how are you still liking this purchase? I'm looking to buy an OM sized guitar. The price of this is almost as much as a baby taylor, so im debating btwn the two for my first acoustic. Thanks
hug to hug
I have an Ibanez Artwood acoustic electric guitar and they're really great. I love that they do solid wood tops instead of laminate tops.
Cheers Tim, yes they are amazing instruments! Thanks for the comment
@Tim, may I ask what is the exact model of your acoustic electric Ibanez? Thanks in advance.
Had my Ibanez AW54 for a while now....have owned many guitars but it's the best I've had.
They are incredible guitars! So playable and the sound is so good! Cheers
huh to hug
hug to hug
Is from mahogany or okoume your aw54 ??!!
@@JasminMusic1602 ...it's Mahogany....have had to play about with the intonation,like a lot of Guitars they are ok until you capo up the neck.
Just ordered one. Thanks! Can’t wait for it to arrive
Thanks for the comment, I was just playing mine 👍
That’s really helpful to hear the Ibanez right next to the Martin to understand what the differences in sound are!
You Sir is straight to the point! No long talks just demos right away I love it
Thank you sir! appreciate that
I have this Ibanez for about 5 month now and I love it. Great to play, very good sound for such price and very beautiful design.
Cheers Kai! It’s a beautiful guitar and still my go to even though I have guitars costing 4 times the price!
Oh my god that dark wood is pretty! Love this guitar Derek!
Thanks Lainey, it's a beauty!
My first acoustic was an ibanez artwood...the preamp fell out of it... but it's pretty good, I still have it because its got my blood all over the bracing I'm the sound hold from strumming with my fingers till they bled when I was learning...so I keep it as a reminder of just how much hard work I put into the guitar.
Also, it doesn't suprise me it plays better than the martin...martins have high actions out the shop...only the sc13 and the new modern deluxe stuff feels like it doesn't need a setup lol
My AC340-OPN arrived today. I’m blown away by this guitar - I decided to grab one based on your review. I live half the year out of state and needed another solid top guitar. I got it for 300 dollars on amazon with a gator gig bag and a stand - I have no idea how they are making any money on that package. I also own a Martin D-10e road series and I can tell you that it compares to my Martin at less than half the price. I really like the strings that came on the Ibanez also. Highly recommend!!!! I can’t put it down!!
Superb! I’ve said it before, there is so much love for this guitar and it’s just fantastic, so glad it worked out for you and thanks for the amazing feedback, and you got a great deal on it too! Cheers man and I’m sure this will help other people out too.
I have an Ibanez AVC9-OPN....a very inexpensive, AMAZING guitar. (NOTE: I also have a 1963 Martin D-28 and a Martin 000-16GT...both purchased by me or my Dad).
The Ibanez has absolutely the best setup and easiest guitar I've ever seen.....the tone is beautiful. Ibanez gets an A+ for quality for the price! I like this inexpensive guitar
so much, it would break my heart if anything happened to it!
I have 5 artwood acoustic made in Japan from the late 1970s early 80s. Great guitars, very underrated
I have a aw54 non electric and its amazing. I played a martin that was similar built and the Ibanez had better sustain than the martin. Spent about 870 less too. For the price you really can't go wrong
Thanks for watching! Appreciate that
I believe you should’ve do a comparison between the Ibanez and a Martin oo. Because the dreadnought it’s a different sounding tone shape......
True but it’s the only other acoustic guitar I could borrow to highlight how good the Ibanez was....
Awesome review and is perfect. I just ordered the Ibanez AC340CEOPN Acoustic Guitar ($445 with no tax) and a soft case Levy GB200 Acoustic Guitar Deluxe Gig Bag Tan
Nice man! and thanks for the comment and kind words, enjoy that beautiful guitar!
Thanks. And, I subscribed to your channel!
Derek you did such a great job on this video! I wish all reviews were this thoughtful. Thank you for a quality video. I’m heading to try that guitar out tomorrow.
dontinterruptrude1 that was exceptionally kind of you to say, thank you so much! It’s definately worth a try, I still love the guitar and love playing it.
Wow you're video reviews are absolutely amazing
Thank you so much!
Dear Derek,
Thank you for the amazing review. Made me order one from Thomann. It arrived a week ago and I can't stop playing it. Such a joy.
Keep up the premium content. So happy I found your channel.
All the best from Rome.
Thanks for the kind words George! enjoy the guitar and stay well over there in gorgeous Italy! all the best from Chicago
@@DerekPaulGuitar I was wondering if you have a case for this guitar, or could recommend one. Best
@@georgeraz1781 hi George, I don’t have one but keep meaning to buy this one after researching it, it’ll fit the AC340, cheers! amzn.to/3q8AWrw
My first guitar was an Ibanez (30 years ago!!!)... still have it but it has not aged so well, so I went out and purchased a Martin D16 solid sitka/rosewood (I have others as well!!). I love Ibanez, excellent value for money, but to me this review wasn't even close - Martin wins hands down!! But... if you are just playing at home.... this Ibanez will do the trick. If you are playing semi prfessionally or professionally - go Martin - you won't regret it. Thank for another great review :)
Thanks for the reply Andrew! they truly are different guitars agreed! cheers!
I have that Ibanez. I play mostly blues and really love it. I bought in mint condition, used for 100 dollars. Best 100 bucks I have ever spent.
Oh man!! That was an absolute bargain! Deal of the century! Cheers and enjoy
hug to hug
Dang I just bought it brand new, I feel like it was worth it
Ok, I bought one of each. I ordered and bought the 240 and sounds good but has an odd finish issue so I am likely going to return it. I bought the 340 as they had it in stock at my local GC so I compared them side by side. Blind audio test with me playing and my son listening each and then with him playing and me listening with my eyes closed. Verdict? They both sound almost exactly the same. The AC240OPN almost sounds a tiny, tiny bit warmer then the 340 while the 340 sounds like it may have a small amount more treble. I may make a video later using my son’s recording equipment. Both appear to have laminate sides and back. The 240 has a center inlay on the back which also adds an internal center brace inside opposite to the inlay.
Thats an excellent assessment! sounds like whichever one you buy you are getting a good guitar, be great to see the video and hear them both. Cheers for the comment and evaluation man!
Derek Paul actually thank you for your review. It was not until I saw your review and heard you play that I even considered this guitar. I have much more expensive vintage guitars but have given them all to my son. I wanted something for around the campfire and maybe to take with us on vacations but needs to hold a tune. The ac340 or 240 both fit and will work for this. Thanks again.
@@redsoxwinagain2007 You are more than welcome and it makes me happy that it helped someone as they are very underrated guitars, thank you!
im buying this ibanez for myself as a christmas present. its so beautiful! its hard to find a good guitar at the 300 dollar price range with a real solid wood top.
Go for it! it's a great guitar and a great sound!
Me too! Im thinking between fender cd60s all mahagony and this ibanez? Will try to play both and see which one feels right, but this one looks very prettyyyyyy
@@suzuki12334 Great guitars man! enjoy playing them
@@suzuki12334 its even more beautiful in person. i dont think you'll regret getting the ibanez.
@@DerekPaulGuitar thanks, i just tried fender and its my first touch with acoustic guitar and damn it feels soo weird as ive been playin only on electric, so the employee suggested to buy dreadnought instead of concert just to get comfortable with them, so would you say that ibanez which is grand concert size feels similair to dreadnoughts? I tried some cheap guitar in concert size and it felt like very light electric so it wasnt weird holding it, so thats why i ask if the ibanez is a bit bigger?
I just put an AC340 OPN in the layaway at the local Guitar Center. I went in there to look at the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat. Both guitars play well, but the Ibanez was set up better with more attention to detail.
William Killeffer you won’t be disappointed with it :)) it gets better every time you play it, nice one and thanks for the comment William.
JUST bought one today!!!!!❤
Private sale....Hardly played...as new
.Drove 1 1/2 hours in peak hour traffic
To embrace this GEM !!
Before I travelled I
Watched RUclips rs
Playing it......and explaining it's qualities...
Did some research....then.....
As I had already fallen in love with it
Had to get it into my arms.....
And by playing ...immediately felt
The unsurpassed comfort
The tone and resonance that
Subtly reverberated ...quivered...
The sound lingered floated hovered
Felt like a best friend you just met
Knowing eternity is yours....
Me so overjoyed.....
Truly an inspiring instrument that
Waters Creativity ....
And causes the heart to smile.....
It is a very great day 🎶🎵
An absolutely incredible comment! Thanks you! And enjoy your new beauty!
artwood very nice, my uncle sent me Ibanez acoustic guitar week ago it's not artwood but for sure very lovly guitar still in shock of what he give me.
I love my Ibanez AC 340, it's my first guitar, it's great ! Thank you for your recommendations 👍
Thanks for the comment! Enjoy!
Hi ! Have you tried the Ibanez Avn9 ? I'm between these two super guitars ! Thanks for your help .... great job
I haven’t tried it, but I’d say you can’t go wrong with either, and thanks for the kind words, cheers
I've owned this Ibanez for years (see my youtube vid on it) and I love it. I'll be keeping it for many, many years. The neck is just a tiny bit wider than usual and it makes a huge difference in ease of playing it.
Nice man! they are amazing guitars! i'll check it out cheers!
What strings are you using Mate?? Mine sounds sooo muddy with 11 Daddarios 80/20 on it.
@@BanjoPicker I'm pretty sure they are Ernie Ball Earthwood .12 gauge. I really don't care for D'Addario strings....they go flat on me quickly. I also like Dunlap acoustic strings.
Thanks Derek for a great video. I bought the guitar before I saw this video, and I agree, it is a really good guitar.
This one was the best (for me), because it resonated very beautifully. It is not the loudest one, but if you like changing the dynamic of playing, it is a very rewarding guitar. Also, the wood is very thin, and light. And the guitar is very responsive to the way you hold her. It you grab the guitar a little bit tighter, it changes the way it resonates. You can observe this with every guitar, but this one seemed to be especially "fragile" for this (which is great for me - if you know it, you can control it and play in different ways).
For those interested in the material this (beautiful guitar) is made from, here is the link for the page explaining how the materials used for this model changed from 2017 to 2020. There were several discussions (also here, I think) on "is it mahogany or okoume wood?", "Is it thermo-aged?". The answers are:
Material
(Top):
2017-2018: Solid mahogany
2019-2020: Solid okoume
(Back and sides)
2017-2018: Mahogany
2019-2020: Okoume
(Neck)
2017-2018: 1-piece mahogany
2019-2020: 1-piece nyatoh
(Bridge)
2014-2017: Thermo Aged rosewood
2018-2020: Thermo Aged ovangkol (11mm string spacing)
Additionaly, the guitar bracing inside the box is made from thermo aged maple.
You have a serial number on a sticker inside, if I understand it well, the format is CDYYMMDDxxx.
Here is the link for Ibanez Fandom page with the info from above:
ibanez.fandom.com/wiki/AC340
Michał Sz Micheal that’s absolutely fantastic info thank you, it certainly does clear things up with real grads to the woods used, and thank you for the compliment, I don’t know what it is about this $300 guitar that I love so much but I have more expensive guitars and have played $3000 Taylor guitars (they do resonate and sound incredible) but playability wise the Ibanez is in a league of its own, it’s still my go to acoustic just to jam on and learn new songs, I remember going into GC and trying a few and just grabbing this, loving it and buying it there and then, no case, just carried it out to the car as is, I’ll never sell it, once again amazing info and thank you so much for the comment and info, I’m going to check my serial number to clarify things, stay safe my friend
Michał Sz just an update, mine is 2019 so looks like solid Okoume top, so useful, thanks again!
@@DerekPaulGuitar I have the same model. And I understand your story. Every guitar I checked while buying this Ibanez was costing more, but this one just bought me :) I love it and never going to sell it. Best!
I have one but mine is electric has both types of plugs on it. I use it for the kids choir in my church. I get so many compliments on how it looks and sounds.
I bet! They are good looking and sounding guitars, I’d love to try the electro acoustic, cheers for the comment
yes bought one today
tried 4 others too
but this model in terms of sound
was the best
thanks
Thanks Marlon! enjoy the guitar, cheers
Hi Derek, Great review and wonderful sounding Ibanez AC340. I have an Ibanez AC240-OPN which is also a marvelous instrument and I'm very happy with it. I once compared it to a Martin 000-15M in a guitar store and the difference was minimal, to my old ears and the salesman's!
Thanks Peter, I keep meaning to try the other Ibanez acoustics, I still love it and play it every day, still amazing even after nearly 2 years, cheers!
Ten years ago, a friend of mine sold me his Ibanez V205SECE NT which when he bought brand new costs P10,500.00 (roughly US$220). It had basic active electronics and for a dreadnought with laminated back and sides (but solid spruce top), I thought it sounded good. He ask me to buy the guitar from him because he wants to buy a Martin. He fancied a Martin Road Series dreadnought. Made in Mexico with all solid wood, and pretty decent electronics. And it comes with a very elegant hard shell case! AND ALL FOR A VERY CHEAP PRICE OF P35,000.00 (US$700.00)! The store was having a grand sale to celebrate their anniversary. So we were both excited about our purchases. Him that Martin and me, his Ibanez. As we went to his house, we jammed with the guitar to our hearts delight with Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel tunes. To my surprise, that cheapo Ibanez could really hold its own with that Martin! Yes as expected, Martin has that booming bass but the Ibanez has a mild midrange punch and a bit more treble making it sound a bit clearer.
It was my first acoustic. And I am not ashamed to bring that guitar to my band's gigs occasionally.
Ibanez is the master of making value for money guitars!
Incredible! i am exactly the same with mine, it's the most playable acoustic guitar i've ever had or tried (and i've tried a few) i recently (today in fact) added the LR Baggs element preamp (i'll put a video up soon on the upgrade and how to do it) and i take it to all my jam sessions even when my brother in law is playing his $3000 taylor acoustic (which sounds incredible) but my ibanez just plays like an electric, i can't praise it highly enough, it'll stay with me forever, thanks for the comment, i enjoyed your story, cheers!
I'm buying one this week. THANKS
Nice! And thanks for the comment, cheers!
Thanks for the great review.! As a bassist, I've always been a huge Ibanez fan but you've helped sway me to the AVC11 over the Yamaha 830 for a first acoustic guitar.
Thanks for the compliment! And enjoy the AVC11 amazing guitars, cheers!
I own the A340 (and the 240 as well) and they sound incredible, and stay in tune forever.
Nice man! I put Ernie Ball aluminium bronze strings on it recently and wow do those strings bring it alive! Cheers
Bought AW54JR-OPN last week. Best purchase decision ever. Would have been my dream guitar if I had known about it earlier. If you’re a beginner, don’t overlook that model.
Thanks man! I absolutely agree with you, it’s a perfect beginner acoustic guitar but don’t be fooled as it’s a perfect all round acoustic guitar too, cheers!
@@DerekPaulGuitar I'm a beginner and have been looking at the Ibanez AC340, along with the Takamine GD30 and the Yamaha FG800. I wish I knew which to go for!
I agreed have a AC240-OPN and some other acoustics, but I love to play this guitar and in time it´s going to number one. Absolute great guitar for the price!
There’s a lot of love for this guitar and rightly so, cheers!
I’ve got a Ibanez aw40nt artwood and it is bottom mahogany and sides and it sides great
Fantastic man! enjoy and cheers!
Having just traveled this ground in the last month, that is a great buy if only for the fact that solid top and sides is impossible to find below $600.00 This guitar might be the sole exception. I was looking at parlor sized guitars for fly fishing trips but I played several concert sized ones I am considering. One of my criteria is electronics just for the versatility, but when not on a trip the guitar will sit around in alternate tunings. At that price, I can almost have both. I bought an Ibanez AG75G a few months back and can attest to the build quality they are putting out. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Brad, i was really surprised at the sound and build quality, i played a lot of different ones but this just rang out and the playability is excellent, for an acoustic guitar (which can have fat necks and feel much different to electric guitars) this just felt right to me, yes shame about the electronics but i was happy not to have them as i don't gig acoustic guitars all that much so it's perfect for me to learn finger picking styles, cheers
@@DerekPaulGuitar There is some discrepancy in the marketing materials on different vendor sites as to whether the back and sides are solid or laminate. You must have found a definitive source for that issue.
Found a lot of info online but Ibanez website says solid mahogany top, back and sides www.ibanez.com/eu/products/detail/ac340_02.html although i read that its a sustainable Mahogany type wood, but yes there are some contradictions out there thats for sure
@@DerekPaulGuitar Solid is solid. I always think that is better as laminate won't age and mellow the sound, but for A/E laminate can cut down on feedback. I am definitely going to check that one out. I had narrowed it down to the Yamahas; the FSM and the same size (parlor) in the Trans acoustic series, but the cheapest of those is still $300.00 dearer.
It's definitely worth playing and listening to alongside the others (the Yamahas have a great reputation) plus of course the price makes it attractive. Be great to know how you got on :)
Best acoustic ever, i have one Attwood and i ve paid less than 300 euros, icredible sound ( i have played Fender Yamaha etc before) but nothing like my artwood
deikoandres I agree! It’s an amazing sounding guitar, I love mine, thanks for the comment
hug to hug
Derek, thanks for that great video. I had already ordered an AW54CE open wood series. It's great to be able to hear that line against the Martin. For guitars in this price range, the Artwood series are gaining a solid reputation.
I hear ya! The playability and sound of the Ibanez is outstanding, I’m not sure if the lower price puts people off but it shouldn’t, it’s an incredible acoustic guitar, cheers Steve
@@DerekPaulGuitar Hi Derek. After thinking about it, I upgraded the 54 to the 340... For the price difference, it seems like a good deal. Keep up the great videos.
Thanks for the update man! And will do, enjoy :)
Nice demo...I've never seen a dreadnought to concert size comparison before.
The Ibanez artwood is a tough guitar to beat in it's price range maybe impossible to beat. I've been playing on one for over a decade. It's a wonderful feeling to have a great sounding guitar that you're not afraid to take to parties or go camping without the fear of killing your expensive Martin. I've had many a conversation about this guitar with other players after a jam session.
There is just so much love for this guitar!, it’s so difficult to beat, even over more expensive guitars, thanks for the comment! Cheers
This video informed me about how cheap them martin road series are. Pretty cool Ibanez tho. Recommend ebony bridge pins and some martin strings on them though. Gives you more of the mellow mahogany tone
Thanks for the comment and info, i'll look into that!
The Martin sounds brighter to me and the Ibanez sounds warmer coming from my speakers on my end, and I like the warmer sound myself.
Thanks for the comment Darrell! I prefer the warmer sound also
I love the warmth of Mahogany/Okoume. I have the AC240, which is the Grand Concert version of this guitar. You are correct, it sounds brighter overall, but somehow isn't twangy like spruce top guitars tend to be. I actually prefer it over my MUCH nicer Breedlove Discovery
Such nice sounding guitars, I do prefer the slight brightness although it’s not too bright, still play it all the time, cheers
@@DerekPaulGuitar I agree. There's just something addicting about the tone. If I had more money, I'd probably try more uncommon tone woods. I also ended up with a Guild D120CE (all solid mahogany), and more often I find myself going for the Ibanez.
@@sumdood2035 I agree, theres just something about it, my friend has a guild and they are also great guitars, but the Ibanez is just what i need, cheers!
And I have AC240, real blues lady, love her untoldlly...
Thanks, I have been looking at this gutair but electric acoustic. I'm sold
Jeremiah Jones I don’t think you’ll regret it :))) cheers
Hi, Derek: I love Ibanez guitars, I own an Ibanez grand auditorium concert cutaway, Acoustic/Electric solid Mahogany with rosewood frets. My Ibanez, also had a lighter warm mellow sound, until I put DR legend flat wounds on it and now it sounds very close to the Martin being played in the video. Great video and I agree Ibanez makes quality guitars which are budget friendly.
Thanks Linda, that’s a good tip! I’ll certainly be checking those strings out! I haven’t considered those, but if you get that sound then they are worth trying, I also love my Ibanez, can’t stop playing it, thanks!
@@DerekPaulGuitar I think that you will love the sound that the DR Legend flat wounds, produce-have a great day.😀👍
@@lindagoulder8934 Thanks Linda, have a great day too!
Linda Goulder 0
Linda Goulder Don’t care what anyone says, Derek is NOT a grifter!!!
Hi Derek, thanks a lot for this informative video. I also looked for a second western guitar in addition to my breedlove dreadnought. Based on your video I ended up with the Ibanez AVC9 OPN, which is pretty close to the AVC 340, except that it has a thermally aged top. It has exactly the properties which you claimed in your video: super playability, super light, great sustain - I am very happy with it.
Hi Volkmar I’m so pleased the video helped you out, they are exceptional guitars for the price, for any price really, and it’s my go to acoustic because of the playability. Thanks for letting me know, I really appreciate it.
Like you I have been through a lot of guitars in my life and lost some really nice vintage 63 Fender Musicman and a 1948 Martin D-18 etc. I have a neighbor who has been trying to sell me a nice Ibanez with a 'jampack' for $350 for a while. I'm getting older and I'm trying to record as many new songs as I can while I can. I completely understand the money situation but I went for the Martin and I'm glad I did. I hope you enjoy this guitar and get a Martin for yourself soon. ♥️☮️🎶
Thanks Shannon, I still play the Ibanez and it still sounds great! I did since squire that Martin and the sound from it is exceptional, really enjoying it!
@@DerekPaulGuitar good to hear that! I was very tempted to buy that Ibanez and save some money but I remember learning to play on my Dad's old Martin that's gone. That's what made me pull the trigger and purchase my guitar. And I am thankful you have one and thanks also for responding. Happy playing! (don't you just love the smell of the guitar?)
Mine also has sentimental value so an amazing guitar!! Happy playing too and enjoy your guitar journey, it’s going to be a good one :) (unfortunately I don’t have a sense of smell but I’m imagining it smells wonderful) also if you’re interested I made a video on the Martin as well ruclips.net/video/px9rhotc0Lc/видео.html
@@DerekPaulGuitar thank you and yes I would love to see your review on the Martin. I barely can smell anymore either. Don't know if it's from the illicit things I did in my 'rock star' years (too much all the time) or the fact I've been smoking cigarettes for decades. That's another reason I bought the Martin. Been trying everything to quit smoking and couldn't get anything to work but this guitar is doing it. I look at it or pick it up and play it when the cravings hit and even with my limited sense of smell I can smell that sweet Sitka Spruce and Sapien wood. The money I save from not smoking will pay for the guitar in no time. I too am so happy for you and wish you all the best with your guitar journey. And I really enjoy the reviews! I won't go on forever but I have found many times in my life when my guitar (whatever I owned at the time) was my best friend. I believe I have quite a few years on you and you may never have heard of this song but John Denver recorded a song called 'This Old Guitar.' Even if you're not a fan of his that song came out when I was just really picking up a good understanding of how to play. You might check it out. Good story about the love between a man and his guitar.
@@shannonfrench6893 I have heard that song, but i'll relisten! i've no idea how i lost my sense of smell, havent had it for 15 years now though, i'm also an ex smoker, just too expensive these days and as you say that money could go to more guitars!! win win! i have my go to guitars one acoustic and one electric, the rest i don't play as often, i always think about whittling them down but some i built myself and aren't worth anything, just to me.
Great video Derek, thank you so much for showing this lovely Ibanez. I have to decide between this Ibanez and Cort L450C. Both guitars have similiar features and almost same price.
Thanks for the kind words! it's always appreciated, good luck with the decision :)
Very Nice and realistic review
Really help to start consider to buy the Ibanez.
Thanks man! I did a follow up too, still love the guitar
Your a Rockstar derek, this is priceless info fir a begginer like me. It sounds Great, I think the ibanez is the one for me. Your a Legend man, thank you 👑
Thanks for the kind words, it makes it’s all worth while!
Thank you Derek for drawing my attention to the perfect guitar for my needs! I thought I was never going to find a guitar that would meet all my wishes: cheap enough to take anywhere without the fuss and bother I go through protecting my more expensive acoustics, yet, sweet enough to enjoy playing. Also, it had to have the same string dimensions as my Martin 000-18 and my Taylor 322 so there would be no adjusting to a wider spacing or longer neck.
I got my AC340 'new' for $260(!!!), but it obviously had hung on a show wall, or had been sold and returned. The 5 strings it had were corroded, and there were no accessories or documents. I polished it, strung it up with A set of DR11-50s, straightened the neck, and took the shim out of the bridge. After a few days I liked it well enough to order a miraculous, silent, single coil sound-hole pick up called Mojotone that is voiced for acoustic. IMO, the Mojotone is profoundly superior to the piezo that comes with the AC340e. I took the AC340 to my Luthier and had a simple set up done. I'm still under $500, but WOW!!! The AC340 does have near identical string dimensions as my other guitars. The open pour and 'aged' wood give this guitar an amazing look, feel, tone and responsiveness! It is a unique addition to my instrument stable that holds its own compared to either of my other two guitars...at less than 10% the cost!
I would never have even tried such a low priced guitar without your enthusiastic presentation. I surely do appreciate you, Derek!
Man thank you for the incredible feedback! I’m glad you discovered a guitar that really works for you and I feel the same about it, for the money it’s an incredible guitar and I still play it everyday, thanks for the kind words!! Cheers!
I have the ac340 and it’s fantastic. I absolutely love it. Most of the time I just want to play it because it’s so good looking. But then I hear the sound and it just resonates. I played a Yamaha and Martin prior to deciding on the Ibanez. The Yamaha was $100 and sounded fantastic. The neck was way too big and I didn’t like the feel of the lacquer on it. The Martin was nice but cost 3x the money. So ultimately I couldn’t be happier with my choice. It gave me a new passion to play as much as I can wether it’s this or one of my electrics.
They are amazing, I play mine a lot and am so pleased with it, you are right they resonate so well, thanks so much for the comment :))
I have been drooling over the Taylor Academy 12. Wished I could hear them each in person.
Man! Taylors are nice guitars, i have a video coming up where i use a Taylor 814
Thanks for a simple to the point review Derek very helpful
I have to confess I`m not a beginner , I played professionally for 20 years and I do own a couple of excellent solid body acoustics
A Yamaha Red Label Fsx3 ( Yamahas re-issued modernised versions of their famous Red Label Folk guitar series of the 1960s ) which I bought for knock about and stuff like open mikes and small gigs as at around the £1000 price point its the sweet spot between a great sounding excellently made all solid wood guitar with fantastic internal mic and and pre amp, better IMOP than the equivalent Taylor one Its not a cheap guitar but not so high end that you`re constantly worrying if someone knocks a drink over it or you get constant demands to have a go from random strangers who you have no idea if they know how to handle it and will drop it or effectively " rape it" with their playing Or it getting stolen
I just wanted to give this guitar and the whole series a leg up actually as I know it won`t be as well known as the regulation Taylor and Martins coming in around the same price range but if your looking for a "step up" guitar I honestly will stick my neck out and say check out this line, you won`t be disappointed ! For me this guitar at the price range is beyond doubt the best quality all round solid wood ( Sitka top and solid Mahogany back and sides treated with their ageing process) guitar you can get , beautiful balanced tones all across the spectrum and great playability and competes easily with guitars in the £2000 plus price range
My other though is a bit of a fantasy guitar , a Taylor 814 CE, which I admit stays in the house and my home studio most of the time unless I take It out for a recording session or bigger gig
Anyway , I`ve been looking for a good guitar for my daughters 13th Birthday , she`s very musical and creative, she writes songs and has done since she was about 8 and she blows me away with her ear for a good melody and hook and her lyrics, way beyond what I`d expect at her age
So I think now`s a great time for her first real guitar
It also gives me a chance to connect with her and do an activity together , something that a Dad with a daughter going into adolescence knows can be challenging as they spend most of their free time heads lost in their phones or becoming more and more distant as they inhabit a world with their friends that speaks a different language it seems to you and where in their eyes the main function of their father is to embarrass them and give them money when they ask for it !
I was considering splurging on a Taylor Academy 12 E but I know her mom will give me a very hard time if she finds out I`ve spent £700 on a guitar for her! ( and secretly for me of course to enjoy😉😅)
So I`ve been looking for something which fits the bill
For a beginner, especially a child , nuances of sound created by different tone woods and bone or Urea nuts and saddles are not really a priority
Playability, Durability and Aesthetics are the priority Because it`s not their guitar having a scooped mid range or slight tonal imperfections that make a beginner give up
It`s boredom and frustration from it being too hard to fret a chord or it hurting them and feeling uncomfortable to hold down a note ,and them struggling to have to constantly tune that one string that is always going out after every couple of chords or the guitar keeping slipping from their lap
That means a good finger board size and easy neck, low action and well built and decent quality tuners as nothing apart from having to press down so hard to form a C chord you have mini canyons in your fingers is worse beginning than constantly going out of tune
And durability as It will, especially in the hands of a beginner adolescent end up getting a few knocks
And size comes into this as well and the ease which a 13 year can feel comfortable with it in their hands and manipulate it (I have considered the Taylor Mini range for this reason but as i said it would cause a scene if her mom found out I`d dropped 600 on a guitar for her first time out) For that reason, despite a dreadnought probably giving a slightly bigger fuller sound , I think I`d rather swap a little bit of low end for a shape slightly more easier to handle for a 13 year old
And I think generally if you have the playability I mentioned by definition you`ll have a guitar with a decent sound , definitely nothing the ear of beginning child is going to notice for several years
So thanks, this looks like it fits the bill perfectly I had looked at the Dreadnought Version but I`m just drawn to this because in the hands of a 13 year old I think it will just be that little bit easier to manipulate , a price worth paying for dropping a little low end for a beginner
Great playability , a nice shape and size and quality enough build to be durable and not have the neck warp after a year etc ! And it looks very nice for the price With a solid top then the sound quality combined with the other things is bound to be perfectly decent for any eventuality for a beginner and intermediate player
One thing though , do you know if this range have scalloped bracing ?
Sorry fo
r the long post
Actually it`s non scalloped bracing
Wow thanks for the comment, really appreciated, in my humble opinion its the perfect guitar for her, you can even put 11 gauge strings on it (as i do) it's nice and light and plays exceptionally well, it'll encourage her to play, thanks so much for the comment and hope she enjoys it!! cheers
I was looking for a guitar and most of the recommendations is to try the guitars that you are interested in. after trying a bunch i ended with ibanez ac340 opn. I liked it so much and was curious what others think about this guitar. So i searched through web and I was not disappointed. hard to understand why theres not many reviews about this guitar. everything you said was spot on! however action on mine is a bit high. Regarding the wood. After doing a bit of research the guitar was indeed solid mahogany top from 2017-2018 and changed to okoume in 2019 according to ibanez fandom. I would love to know what year my guitar is made but i don’t know how to identify through the serial number. Anyway thanks for the accurate description.
Hi Mike, thanks for the amazing comment! and thanks for the info, mine is i believe 2019 and i love it (bought it new, but of course it could have sat in the store for a while) would this site help you decode your serial number? www.guitarinsite.nl/serienummers-ibanez_eng.php
It’s the first two numbers for the year
I don’t get why people always talk trash about Ibanez when it comes to acoustic guitars! They’re not bad instruments by a long stretch! (Of course, the smaller body on this model is more suited for finger style playing than strumming, and the Martin is more the best of both worlds.) I’ve played a cheap 90s Ibanez PF5NT spruce dreadnought, and it sounded great!
Me either, I still have the Ibanez and it’s a fantastic acoustic, great guitar!
I really want a guitar. I haven’t played in 50 years and going to buy one.
Fantastic review! Thanks for posting. 👍
Thanks for the comment man! I appreciate that
Great video Derek. The Ibanez sound great to me. Why spend 3 times the money? If your recording and need a bit more bottom end you can adjust the eq.
I don't have a lot of money so I'm all about researching to find the best "bang for the buck" gear I can find. I'm very proud of my small home studio equipment. Squire guitars, Behringer mixing counsel, clone pedals, etc..... It gets me excited to find something cheap that sounds similar to the big expensive companies prices! Let the gear snobs buy all the top brand names to keep them in business. Hahahaaa. Cheers mate.
Cheers Micheal, as I review more and more gear I come to the same conclusion, there is a lot of affordable gear out there that sounds fantastic and you do t always have to spend a lot of money to get a great sound and the Ibanez acoustic is a great testament to that, cheers mate!
Great video! Thanks Derek
Thanks James! I appreciate that
Wow.. may just be what Im looking for, when the Dreadnought is to chunky for the occational. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Brian, i still use mine as my go to acoustic, very playable! cheers
The AC240 is the Grand Concert version. It's got a "slimmer waist", which would make it less bulky than a Dreadnought.
Hello Derek! You just set me back 300 hard earned dollars mister =). First of all thank you for this awsome video. I am a beginner starting to get a hang of how to play. And was looking for a guitar that have more tone and quality but stil easy to play in about 200-250 range. Was about to make a deal on a AW54. Then i saw this video. Very well made and you seems so honest as a person. And i could feel your excitement and happiness for this guitar was genuine. This is important in this day and age where alot of local music store has close down here in Sweden. Now there's no place for me to go try it out myself. I normally don't trust anyone so that i would spend 300 dollars on just their words. But damit!! I hope i could be just 50% as satisfied as you and it would be worth it hahaha. Oh one thing i was wondering about. Did the Martin had the same D'Addario strings on?? Excuse my poor english and keep up the good work. Cheers from Sweden....
Thanks my friend, I appreciate your kind words, I still love the guitar and it still plays and sounds like a dream, you’ll have to let me know when you get it and what you think of it! I think the Martin has d’addarios on it, it’s my brother in laws guitar :)
Martin sounds solid, balanced, controlled, ibanez sounds not certain, flubby, not defined, sounds all over the place. If I was on super small budget I would get Ibanez though. I have cheap Ibanez and road series martin, still dont want to sell ibanez I use it for alternative tuning, does the job well enough. It's very playable but sound is not very good. Alvarez also sounds not bad for super budget guitar.
Thanks for the input, really appreciated, cheers!
Excellent review 👍 thanks
Really wondering the difference between this one and the ac240. Which is better? I see on the 340 that the neck has white trim and some claims of having themo aged wood. However, specs look almost identical. They also both say mohognay back and sides but both are likely okume.
RedSox Fan I haven’t played the 240 but the specs do look the same indeed, and I also believe they are Okume, great playing instruments and definitely worth trying them both for the sound differences if there are any, cheers
I have the AW54CE with electronics. It's one of my main "go-to" guitars and i have some very expensive guitars in my collection. It records beautifully. This us a superb guitar at any price IMHO. Kydos to Ibanez!!
The Ibanez is a little crisper and brighter... Greetings from Mexico Derek
Thanks Javier, greetings to you from Chicago :)
Hi Derek Paul, I have to say that the Ibanez sounds really good. I listen the video with headphones and for me I like the Ibanez over the Martin in this case. The bass of the Ibanez is more in balance to be honest. The Martin has to much bass and gives a more dull sound. I also think that the Ibanez is great for recording too because of its perfect balance.
Jerry Kooyman I have to say I agree with you Jerry, they were exactly my findings and why I love the Ibanez so much, it’s so playable too!
The 340 definitely sounds good, but you’re comparing a dreadnought to a concert. Maybe size was a consideration too, because the Ibanez Aw54 would have been much closer to the sound of the Martin since it’s the same dreadnought shape.
Size is a consideration for me and these Ibanez concerts (ac240, ac340, and avc9) all have a fantastic sound to me so it’s good to hear that playability ranks high too.
Thanks
Thanks for the comment, it would have been nice to compare dreadnought with dreadnought, i'm sure you are right and i'm sure the sound would have been different and perhaps deeper on the Ibanez AW54, the playability on the 340 is great, i've really taken to it and am now looking to add a pickup system in the next weeks, thanks
I bought that guitar based on your recommendation. It was nice but wasn't quite the tone I was hoping for. Picked up the Ibanez PF12MH and found it superior across the range. Would love to hear your opinion.
Sorry to hear that! I will have to check out the PF12MH when I’m next at the guitar store, sounds interesting! Cheers!
Great video! Thanks for the review! Would you recommend this model to an absolute beginner?
Thanks! i absolutely would yes, very highly recommended, cheers!
The Okoume is not as sought after expensive whatever as actual African mahogany but it is sustainable and sounds different but really good. Nice bright tones. Did you have to get a good setup done or was the action good out of the box?
The action was great out if the box, did lower the saddle at a later date when I fitted the LR Baggs preamp, but out if the box all was good
Good review and sound samples. Is the guitar loud / punchy and direct enough? I actually have the AW54 and I am quite pleased with it. In turn .. I am looking at some others in this area by Ibanez. The AC340 seems to be a step up from the AW54 and as well in a different body (orchestra). Would the AW340 be considered a step up in quality over the AW54 in your opinion?
Thanks for the comment, I wouldn’t necessarily say a step up but just a different body shape, if you like the idea of the OM body shape then try the AC340, it is a nice and loud punchy guitar cheers
@@DerekPaulGuitar I think I will and I subscribed. This vid is a perfect way to review guitars. Thanks - !!
Thanks! I appreciate that
How would this guitar compare to the orangewood olive guitar. Thanks
The Olive is a great guitar and would stand up very well, I compared it to the Orangewood Morgan Mahogany in a later video if that helps
I read in the blurb the guitar has easy string changes due to the pins, how does that work?
It uses regular acoustic pins, nothing special, so not sure about easy string changes, just normal string changes on this guitar, cheers
I was looking at Orangewood but you have me sold on theArteood
Thanks for watching! And thanks for the comment
I’ve been looking for a second guitar for quite a while now, the two that are the most appealing to me are the Yamaha FS830 and the Ibanez AC340. I can’t seem to pull the trigger on either one of these, there aren’t any local shops who have them in stock either so I can’t try them out before I buy them. Playability is the most important factor to me and you mentioned the Ibanez is really good in that aspect, do you have an exact measurement of the string height at the 12th fret?
Thanks for the comment, it's a shame you can't try them but i guess it is what it is at the moment, the string action on the 12th (on mine anyway) is 2mm it's a nice low action for an acoustic, maybe someone else can chime in with theirs, cheers!
@@DerekPaulGuitar Thanks a lot for answering my question so fast! Wow that’s really low actually, it came like that out of the box? No fret buzz or other issues?
@@snerremans5206 no problem! Yeah no issue at all, it just always plays perfectly and no tuning issues either, the tuners have a tiny bit of ‘sloppiness’ but it stays in tune perfectly, cheers
@@DerekPaulGuitar Alright, I think I might go for the Ibanez then, thank you so much for your input!
Happy to help, I don’t think you’ll regret it my friend, let me know what you think! Cheers
What song you play in 3:36? Awesome that ibanez.. i might buy it too🤔
Thanks man!! the tune is 'Classical Gas' by Mason Williams although its been been covered by many including Glen Campbell and Tommy Emmanuel, cheers!
@@DerekPaulGuitar ofc! I didn't recognize that beacause you played that smoothier than tommy emmanuel but that sounds so beautiful. But yeah tommy emmanuel is my favourite guitarist👌
@@PPKSuhonen haha it’s ok, yeah Tommy E is a legend!
It took 2 years.. every day thinking about Ibanez, it was really hard to get it here in Finland. but finally I can say that I will get it, I ordered it yesterday.. this video is the reason why I have been dreaming for 2 years but I just haven't been able to order it before
update: almost 5 month with ibanez ac340.. thanks derek, without your video I would never have even bought that guitar
Fantastic review sir....you really know your stuff. Do they make an electronics version of the Ibanez Artwood AC340 guitar and if so what is the model number?
Thanks Tony!! appreciate that, i don't think they do, but i upgraded mine with the LR Baggs element (video on my channel if your'e interested) cheers!
@@DerekPaulGuitar Thanks Derek, I've just subscribed and will check out that video.
@@tonypowell250 Thanks tony, appreciate the support, the video is here ruclips.net/video/nQxQqm9zVyY/видео.html cheers!
does this get manufacture in China or indonesia
This one is manufactured in China, cheers!
Can't go wrong with the Artwood series. I've got the AW300 CE. It's amazing for the price. Got it at around 100USD
Amiel Maharaj you got the best deal on an amazing guitar! :)) Nice one dude
This is true.... I'm at a guitar store right now and picked up several guitars not knowing about this guitar. Infact i hate Ibanez. It was the 5th guitar as I reached for it. I almost put it down at the sight of Ibanez lol but hit a chord and was like wait a second lol. I couldn't deny it. That for the price ....the tone was beautiful. I'm walking out with it.
Oh wow! i had exactly the same story, tried others when i was in the guitar store and played the ibanez for about 2 minutes and walked out with it there and then! cheers Alejandro
Hi! I like how they sound and I want to buy one, too. There is another acoustic guitar with solid top mohogony _ Alvarez AF66SHB which I like very much. In your opinion, which one is better: Alvarez AF66SHB or Ibanez AC340 OPN? Thanks!
I haven’t tried the Alvarez, always best to pit them both I. Your hands f you can
@@DerekPaulGuitar Ok. Thanks!
Sorry but the AC340 back and sides are not in solid wood and the top is not thermo aged. If so, it would be much more expansive. But it's a very good guitar, tough.
Hap Dane thanks for the comment Hap Dane, I did research it and it’s very much still unclear on ibanez’s website and on the guitar stores websites, solid top though, but as you say, a nice guitar :))
I’ve read that the only thing thermo-aged is the bridge! Nonetheless, this is a wonderful guitar - I have it, and really love it - head and shoulders above all the rest in its price range!
Elizabeth Stiefel I agree with you Elizabeth, and after putting D’Addario EXP 12 gauge strings on it really sings!
The saddle bridge is thermally aged
/prefer the sound of the ibenez,,they do this in electric/electric?
I think they do a similar one in electro-acoustic now :) cheers
Thank you for the best review for this guitar.
I have been decided to buy this one until I see the Ibanez AC150CE. It comes with solid spruce top, pickup system and cutaway but I could not try it.
Did you maybe play it?
Thanks again
Thanks for the kind words, unfortunately I haven’t played it, it’s been difficult to try guitars these days, but every Ibanez acoustic I’ve tried has been good, this one especially, cheers!
Hey Derek, you described the neck profile as a low V shape. Do you know of another guitar that feels the same in the neck? The Ibanez does not give an official description of the profile and I'm trying to compare to other guitars I've played.
Just a little more info, I'm actually looking at the AC150CE model VS. the ACFS300CE. I know the ACFS300CE has a low profile C shape.
Hi Marc, the neck profile I think feels like soft V (similar to my 50’s road worn strat) the spec says AW neck profile, not sure what that means but in my hands it feels more soft V shaped, the Martin i played for example felt like a modern C, and I played a Taylor that was more like a modern C as well, it’s a tough one really but I hoped this at least helped a little :) thanks for the comment
Great review!
Thanks my friend! Very kind, cheers
Help me pick between this and Aw70ece
It’s going to depend on what you need from an acoustic as the one you mentioned is a dreadnought which is a lot larger that the AC340 although it does have a preamp already built in, best to try and play them both for comfort, cheers
@@DerekPaulGuitar thanks for replying, appreciate it. And yes it would be idle to play first hand and get the one you connect with more but due to covid sadly It won't be possible and also I'm a beginner, been less than 2 months practicing that sums me wanting to know which one to go for.
@@1magin3 Hmmm i'd hate ti influence your decision but i'd say that if i was a beginner and had to chose, i would go for a smaller body shape and therefore the AC340, but if it doesnt bother you and you want the preamp then perhaps the Aw70ce :)
Hey mate, lovely review, thank you. I’m curious to know the name of the 1st song that you played. Also, I’m weighing up between the Ibanez & the Sigma 000-15m. Any thoughts about the two? Thanks again.
Thanks! appreciate that very much, the tune is called Classical Gas, many artists have covered it :) With regards to the Sigma, i haven't played one so i can't give you the best information, however it does have a better spec than the Ibanez, of course the best thing to do if you can is to try them both, cheers!
Two more questions - does Ibanez ac340opn have truss rod? Is LR Bagss pickup better than K&K pure mini? Thanks!
It does have a truss rod yes, and I’ve never tried the K&K mini, cheers
Ordered an AC340 on the back of this video. So... I just need to release the inner John Williams in me, now. 😉 Great review, sir. Thank you for sharing your insight. ✌️😎👌
Thank you my man! Appreciate the kind words, enjoy! 😎🤘
Hey mate where about are these manufactured?
napalmu hi mate, as far as I understand they are made in China now, used to be Japan back in the 80’s, cheers
@@DerekPaulGuitar Yep, mine says China but no complaints 😉!