10 Best Ibanez Acoustic Guitars
Known more for their sleek electric models, Ibanez also boasts an impressive line-up of acoustic guitars that cater to a wide range of players, from the budding beginner to the seasoned pro. If you’re looking to buy an Ibanez guitar, be sure to check its authenticity and production date.
Here’s a dive into some of the best Ibanez acoustic guitars that deserve your attention.
1. Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood
Classic Look, Modern Feel.
The AW54OPN is a part of Ibanez’s Artwood series which aims to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern enhancements.
- Body: Made entirely of mahogany, this dreadnought guitar offers rich mids and a warm tone.
- Neck: A comfortable satin-finished neck that’s easy on the hands, ensuring smooth playability.
- Additional Features: It comes with an open pore finish which not only looks rustic but also contributes to the resonance and overall tonal quality.
Great for folk enthusiasts and strummers who love a rounded, full-bodied sound.
2. Ibanez AE245JR-OPN
Perfect for the Petite Player.
This is Ibanez’s answer to players looking for a quality junior-sized guitar that doesn’t compromise on sound.
- Body: Made with a mahogany top, back, and sides, the AE245JR provides a warm and balanced tone.
- Neck: Mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard ensures longevity and a smooth playing experience.
- Additional Features: Despite its size, it has an on-board pickup and preamp system, making it stage-ready.
A perfect companion for younger players or those with a smaller frame.
3. Ibanez AEG1812II
Twelve Strings, Tons of Possibilities.
For those looking to explore the shimmering sounds of a 12-string guitar, this model stands out.
- Body: Spruce top with mahogany back and sides ensures a bright, chimey tone typical of 12-strings but with added warmth.
- Neck: A slender neck profile makes it surprisingly comfortable to play for a 12-string.
- Additional Features: Onboard electronics with a built-in tuner make it gig-ready.
Ideal for the adventurous guitarist looking to broaden their sonic palette.
4. Ibanez AC340OPN
Concert Size, Big Impact.
Another gem from the Artwood series, the AC340OPN is designed for those who prefer a slightly smaller, concert-sized guitar.
- Body: Solid mahogany top with mahogany back and sides give it a warm and focused sound.
- Neck: Satin-finished neck with a comfortable profile, suitable for both chordal work and fingerstyle playing.
- Additional Features: The open-pore finish gives it a natural, woody aesthetic, and enhances the guitar’s resonance.
Perfect for fingerstyle players and those who prefer a more intimate-sounding instrument.
5. Ibanez PN12E
Parlor-sized Punch.
Small in size but not in sound, the PN12E is perfect for blues enthusiasts and those looking for a portable option.
- Body: It features a mahogany top, back, and sides, providing a focused, mid-range heavy sound.
- Neck: A comfortable neck that works great for intricate fretwork.
- Additional Features: Despite its size, it’s equipped with Ibanez’s AEQ-2T preamp, making it ready for both bedroom jams and stage performances.
Ideal for traveling musicians and those looking to recreate vintage blues tones.
6. Ibanez AEWC400
A Touch of Exotic.
This guitar stands out visually with its exotic flamed maple top and a uniquely contoured back for added playing comfort.
- Body: The flamed maple top, combined with the maple back and sides, provides a bright, clear tone with good projection.
- Neck: A comfortable neck profile ensures easy playability, especially for those long jam sessions.
- Additional Features: It’s equipped with the Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp and a Fishman Sonicore pickup, ensuring top-notch amplified sound quality.
This model is a blend of form and function, appealing to both the eyes and the ears.
7. Ibanez Talman TCY10E
Electro-Acoustic All-Rounder.
A Talman series favorite, this guitar is as versatile as it is comfortable.
- Body: With a spruce top and sapele back and sides, it offers a balanced tonal spectrum.
- Neck: The mahogany neck comes with a rosewood fretboard, offering both durability and a comfortable playing experience.
- Additional Features: The AEQ-2T preamp system with an onboard tuner means you’re always ready for live performances.
The TCY10E is a versatile workhorse suitable for varied musical styles.
8. Ibanez AC240-OPN Artwood Grand Concert
Tradition Meets Modern.
Another impressive offering from the Artwood series, the AC240 combines traditional design with contemporary construction.
- Body: A solid mahogany top paired with mahogany back and sides results in a warm, full-bodied sound.
- Neck: The mahogany neck, combined with a rosewood fingerboard, ensures ease of play and long-lasting durability.
- Additional Features: Its open pore finish isn’t just for looks; it also enhances resonance and tonal depth.
For those who appreciate vintage aesthetics but desire modern sound and playability.
9. Ibanez AW65ECE-LG
A Dreadnought’s Delight.
This dreadnought is all about power and projection, making it perfect for strummers and singer-songwriters.
- Body: Solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides give it a robust sound with a pronounced mid-range.
- Neck: A mahogany neck paired with a rosewood fretboard ensures a smooth playability experience.
- Additional Features: The Fishman Sonicore pickup and Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp guarantee greatly amplified tones for live situations.
A trusted companion for those looking to fill rooms with their music.
10. Ibanez AVD9NT
Vintage Vibrance and Modern Mastery.
The AVD9NT, also from the acclaimed Artwood Vintage series, beautifully mirrors the nuances of traditional acoustic guitars while infusing them with modern-day reliability and production finesse.
- Body: This guitar features a thermo-aged solid Sitka spruce top. This unique treatment offers a rich and evolved sound, reminiscent of well-aged vintage guitars. The mahogany back and sides support the top with a warm, rounded tonal backbone.
- Neck: Crafted from mahogany, the neck of the AVD9NT is designed for playability across genres and playing styles. A rosewood fingerboard adds to its smoothness and responsiveness, ensuring that every note and chord is articulated with clarity.
- Additional Features: High-quality chrome die-cast tuners guarantee tuning stability, ensuring that you spend less time tuning and more time playing. The guitar also benefits from a bone nut and saddle, adding to its overall resonance and sustain. The natural high-gloss finish gives it a sleek and timeless appearance, making it as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the ears.
The AVD9NT is a testament to Ibanez’s capability to bridge the gap between vintage allure and contemporary reliability. It’s an ideal choice for players who appreciate the charm of old-world guitars but seek the peace of mind that comes with modern construction techniques.
While these models give a solid overview of the quality and diversity Ibanez brings to the table, it’s always a great idea to try guitars personally. Every player is unique, and what might suit one may not necessarily suit another. Regardless of your choice, Ibanez’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality ensures that you’ll get an instrument worthy of your musical journey.