Ibanez AE275BT Review

I must have gotten a dud....

This guitar sounded great for about the first 6 to 8 months. Then it started giving a little buzz on the B string but I thought it was still cold outside and maybe the dry air was effecting it a little. I tried using a humidifier but it did nothing. The buzz finally got so bad it was completely unplayable. Took it to a very good guitar tech who did some work on the frets and had… read more it sounding like new but told me he thought the tension from the baritone strings was too much for the neck and suggested using very light strings which I did. After about 2 months the buzz was back and now it is just as bad as before. Extremely disappointing to pay almost $ for a guitar that can't be played. Hopefully nobody else gets hit with this issue but I just wanted to share my experience. I have had a few Ibanez acoustics over the years and I had no issues at all. They were great! Just wish this one was as good as those.

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An Addendum to My Prior Review

I've had a better chance to become accustomed to the guitar now and time has only improved my impression. I like behavioral indicators. In this case, it's which of several guitars I play each day. This Ibanez is more than holding its own in the competition. As I'd said before, it's a niche guitar but a valuable one. I'm pleased with the purchase and grateful to Keith Klikas for… read more his knowledgeable helpfulness in selecting it. There are two other characteristics that deserve attention. First, it has a nearly transparent pick guard. It's subtle enough that I didn't notice it for the first week or two. If you're a hard strummer and concerned about the face of the guitar, you can take comfort here. Second, I've found the tuning machines to be both sensitive and stable. The gear ratio, 18:1 is higher than the ratio of most other guitar. This allows accurate tuning.

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Buy This Guitar-But Only After Considering These Caveats

I bought this guitar three weeks ago from Sweetwater. I think it represents good value in the sense of quality/cost ratio. That said, these are caveats I'd suggest you consider before buying it: -It's difficult to play-there are the physics involved here. Both longer stretches and greater string diameter make playing it harder. This guitar would probably deter a new player. Include… read more the cost of a good set-up in your calculation of the cost. -Don't buy this as your only guitar. I enjoy the guitar's voice. That said, if you will only buy a single guitar, select one with standard size and tuning -If you can afford it, play one of the more expensive baritones to compare to the Ibanez. A Taylor will set you back about three times the price of the Ibanez. The difference may or may not be worth it to you. I opted against it based on my uncertainty about continuing to play and enjoy a baritone. In truth, there are very few acoustic-electric baritones in the sub-$2,000 range. This may be the best value; I hadn't had the opportunity to try others. -Include the cost of an acoustic amplifier in your calculations. Although the Ibanez is a large guitar, it has a soft voice. A little amplification eases that problem. If you decide to try a baritone after reading these cautions, try some of the transcriptions of Celtic folk songs. They sound great on the baritone.

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High quality that offers incredible value

I have been a player since starting at 8 years old. I am mow approaching 67. You name it, I have probably played it. There are many outstanding manufacturers out there but I've found the Ibanez line of mid range priced and up guitars to be hands down an incredible value over the last few years. Personally, their AE line fits me really well. I have a six and 12 string from that… read more line and they handily compete and, in my opinion, have better tone than similarly priced offerings from the likes of Taylor, Guild, Martin (Mexican/foreign factory, not USA made), Yamaha and others. Years ago I bought a Baritone because, being a fingerstyle player, the added depth from them excited my creative juices. I bought the well known Alvarez model, which is priced almost the same as this Ibanez, and was very disappointed. It was enormous, heavy and the neck was just not comfortable. Tone was okay, but it sounded "STIFF". I was eying the Ibanez baritone but was very gun shy. When they introduced the AE line, as I mentioned above, I got hooked. Now they come out with this baritone AE and my world is complete. This thing literally breathes, has life and responds to my touch, a pluck, a strum like a living thing. The tone is expressive, full and warm, and that neck makes it very hard to put down. This is a keeper. It even smells fantastic. All solid tone woods, bone nut and saddle, terrific craftsmanship and comfort from a baritone ... at a steal of a price. I normally don't gush in public like this, guitars are very personal things to me, but I felt I had to share this to the souls who live to find "that instrument" that fits you both body and musical soul. Watch the Ibanez video of a brief performance on this model, it really does sound that good. Buy it if you want a baritone or if you are curious. You will not be disappointed. Finally, hats off to Sweetwater and their rep Ian McGee. It had to be ordered (they go fast) and Ian kept me updated as to progress on shipping date, sent me photos of it even before it was given their 55 point inspection and after getting the instrument finding it to be perfect (as always) continues to convince me to never use a different online seller.

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