AEG10E-BK
Reviewed by:
Hakael, on may 01, 2009 4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 299.99
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Features: Nowhere can I find any information in regards to whether or not this is a solid spruce or laminate spruce top. I've heard many tout that it's a laminate top, but I have not been able to confirm from anything specific (at least from Ibanez themselves). Also, according to what information I got with the swing tags, this came strung with D'Addario EXP strings.
The AEG body style is a slimmer, dreadnaught shape. For the cost, admittedly I would have hoped for a little more, such as name brand tuners, or even a gig bag, but that's just a small complaint from my penny pinching side. // 7
Sound: Because of the AEG body style, the sound isn't as pronounced and you lose a lot of bottom end acoustically that you would normally get with a full-sized dreadnaught. It seems brighter, but still sounds pleasant to the ears without being too shrill. The lighter sound is expected, considering the smaller body so it wasn't a surprise. Plugging the guitar into an amp is where this guitar shines. The onboard EQ is very responsive, with the Phase button noticeably able to help cancel feedback. You get back that full, dreadnaught sound and with the help of the onboard EQ or amp controls (depending on the amp), you can easily make up for the lack of bottom end that the guitar has acoustically. It's almost an entirely different guitar when plugged in.
So acoustically, it sounds OK. Perfectly fine when practicing on your own, or for just having fun with friends. If you're planning on seriously performing though and tone is important, plug it in, even if it's just to a small amp on the clean setting. The change can be surprising. // 8
Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar was surprisingly setup nicely right out of the box (I had opted for one out of the box, after a good inspection). Neck was perfectly straight, surprisingly low action for an Acoustic, and with very little buzz. An adjustment to the neck would probably be needed to fully get rid of the very light buzzing, but it would be a very minor adjustment. There were no "sawtooth" fret edges. The finish was nice and even with nice little adornments (abalone rosette, pearl markers, and cream white binding). I didn't notice any particular flaws on the guitar, at least none worth any noting. // 9
Reliability & Durability: This is definitely a performer's guitar. Fishman is well known for their Acoustic pickups, and this guitar definitely shines when plugged in. The strap buttons seem quite solid. The finish does seem quite thin, so lots and lots of hard playing could very well wear the finish down quite quickly, but without having had it long enough to see, that would just be simple speculation. The guitar definitely seems solidly built and I would expect it to perform, and withstand Live playing like any other Acoustic. Like any guitar, I wouldn't care how "quality" it would be, I would always consider gigging with a backup. // 8
Impression: I was actually quite impressed with this guitar. I didn't have much experience with acoustics and having played mainly electric, I very much enjoyed the fact that this felt very close to the electrics I normally would play. The slim AEG body makes it much more comfortable to play than a full size dreadnaught and the strap peg placement further gives it the "electric" feel. The neck is nice and slim in comparison to other acoustics and doesn't have the "big" feel. I was also surprised by how low the action was. Many of the acoustics I tried had an action that was much, much higher, and pretty much what I had expected an Acoustic to be. I'm sure with a proper setup, many of the other guitars could have had their action lowered, but this one was nice and low, right out of the box. Of course, due to the smaller shape, there's a compromise in Acoustic tone as stated above, but if it's just being used to practice on, that's hardly an issue. When tone DOES become an issue, and you feel you're ready to start performing with it, plugging it into an amp unleashes the guitar's true potential. Again, the smaller shape makes it a lot easier to handle on stage, making for much more comfort and, personally, ease of play. I definitely would get this guitar again if it were lost or stolen. It's fun to play, not too ungainly, and sounds surprisingly nice when plugged in. // 8
AEG10E-BK
Reviewed by:
eljono123, on december 02, 2010 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 320.00
Purchased from: Guitar Center - Charlotte
Features: Brand new out of the box. It has a solid black finish with a cream edge around the body and along the neck. Has the regular bass, treb. And mid.. along with shape on the electronics adjustments. I normally just leave it all 50% and adjust it with the main board. Has a built in tuner which I frikking LOVE. Small body. Fishman electronics. // 9
Sound: It has a metallic sound. It sounds really good when played softly but can get a bit clangy when strummed harder ( which I have a tendency to do lol )but for the price, it sounds really clean and strong. I don't feel like I am missing anything from this type of body style. // 7
Action, Fit & Finish: I have not changed the action. The only time I have any issue is when I buzz the 5th string but I tend to play a lot more barre chords than normal Acoustic players. Right out of the box, this guitar was ready to kick ass.. I had no issues or adjustments that I had to make before plugging it up and jamming. None of the frets were jacked up out of the box though. Straight from the factory was excellent. // 8
Reliability & Durability: Hell yes this guitar will do it. Trust me, if it can with stand my bottom 3 string strumming without popping a string or going out of tune, it's all good :D The only negative review I could find on it was that a few people had their hardware go out after about a year or so .. but they had it replaced free of charge with no problems. I have had mine right at a year and have had no problems what so ever. Strap buttons are solid as it can be. I have played a lot on this thing during morning services and long practices and have had no tuning problems at all. The only place I will knock it for durability will be where the paint around the opening has peeled a little where I strum a lot. not onto the body but just around the opening. No biggie though. I don't give a shit about looks as long as it sounds good, but some people might not like that. // 7
Impression: I did a lot of research before I bought this guitar. I wanted to stay cheap, and still get a %500 sounding guitar.. and I found it. I talked the guy down at Guitar World so I got this and the case and some straps for like $420 total. I would definitely suggest this to someone else and I'm glad I started off with it instead of going and blowing a shit load of money on a Martin or Taylor instead of starting of small and working my way up. I truly believe everyone should start off with a piece of shit and work their way up. This is obviously not a piece of shit but it is a step on the ladder. Far from where I have come and closer to where I want to be. Bottom line is.. For the money... Ibanez has it on lock. // 9
AEG10E-BK
Reviewed by:
lotechrules, on august 17, 2010 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 255.00
Purchased from: GC
Features: According to the serial number, made after 2008. Since I just bought it, I'm gonna figure this year. Made in China (what isn't?). Ibanez says the wood is laminated and close inspection bears this out. Makes it almost impervious to humidity changes. Great Fishman electronics with TMB EQ, phase switch, adjustable notch filter, and a built-in tuner that's almost as accurate as my pedal. Tuning machines are total crap; changed them out immediately. One big plus is having upgraded nut and saddle materials to a Tusq-like hard phenolic. Probably the best feature of this guitar is its body design-roughly a Classical body style and size, except only a little over 3 inches deep. This all by itself makes it infinitely easier to play than a dread. // 8
Sound: Used to own a Taylor dread-sold it after about a year. Don't get me wrong, Taylor's sound great, play great, and are made great. Just not my style: too loud acoustically, too boomy and in-your-face, inadequate preamp controls. Seems like everyone who doesn't like the Ibanez unplugged thinks the dread sound is the way an Acoustic should sound. Personally, I like something a little more personal. And through my tube amp, it's the best sounding, most versatile A/E I've ever played. Every control on the preamp brings something new to the table. Unplugged it's still pretty good. // 9
Action, Fit & Finish: Great neck: straight, thin, narrow; think electric. Set up well even off the GC wall with low action, very little relief and almost no string buzz. Strung with D'Addario EXP 12's and played well, but I've since changed to 11's. A few finish overruns onto the neck binding, but overall a beautifully executed instrument. Really like the little trim features: abalone rosette and headstock inlay, cream-colored binding, and pearl fretboard dots. Had to rub some of the fingerboard stain off with conditioner-it was kind of cheap looking. // 8
Reliability & Durability: While the laminated woods used might reduce the resonance and volume, they make it MUCH stronger than solid wood. I make furniture-laminate is way more stable in a sheet than solid. Like I said, the tuners are probably the cheapest I have ever seen. Fortunately, I had a spare set hanging around that fit without any drilling and made the tuning much more consistant. Changed the strap buttons to StrapLocks 'cause that's what I use, but the originals seemed good enough. Might put a clear pickguard on to protect the kinda thin finish. Feels light, but strong. // 7
Impression: Play rock, punk, alt, emo. Does it all from Stones to Shinedown, Green Day to Puddle of Mudd. Probably would suck for bluegrass and folk, but that's what dreadnoughts are for. Only Acoustic I own or need, but have several electrics, couple of tube amps, buncha pedals. Would replace it in a heartbeat if lost or stolen. Very comfortable to play either standing or sitting. Hated the tuners, loved the preamp, including the built-in tuner. Not a beginner or an expert, but I've played a lot of guitars. This one's a keeper. // 9
I bought one of these for my wife. It is the red instead of black. I can say that it is a great guitar. Built well and plays even better. I have to agree with the reviewer here that this guitar really gets it on when it is plugged in. It gets a great full body sound. Just strumming around on it, not amped, though it still sounds really good, and is loud and crisp enough for those winery or picnic adventures. Good review.
I dont know where you bought your guitar from but as far as I know all Ibanez guitars are sold with gig bags and a strap here in Germany, except for the higher priced and they come with cases. You would think that Ibanez has that same policy everywhere. I would check and see if you may have gotten short changed. As far as the guitar goes it´s fairly decent for the price, and I do believe it is a laminate.
I bought this guitar to be used mainly as a practice guitar to write music on. I wanted a narrow body acoustic that I could play for hours without my hands becoming fatigued, or my right arm being uncomfortable from sitting up across the body of a full-sized acoustic. As other users have commented, the sound isn't as full as other full sized acoustics; but when you plug it in, it sounds great. I put on a set of ultra light Elixirs on it and the action is almost the same as an electric. It makes for a great practice guitar the you can play for hours. For what I wanted it for its perfect.
I have one and love it. I play alot of open mics and have let other people play it and they are always complimenting it, as well as me when I play it. It has a great sound and playability, especially for lead playing. It is a great acoustic lead guitar and has me coming closer everyday to realizing my Al DiMeola wanna be dreams! When I bought it, I went in thinking Ovation, but after realizing I wasn't fond of the rounded back I walked around the room looking for something else. I saw the Ibanez and knew what kind of guitars they make so I picked it up and bought it after fifteen minutes of playing. I would have bought it quicker if I wasn't having so much fun playing it. I string it with D'addario Phosphor Bronze lights .012-.053. I at first used ultra lights, but the lights give a little more low end and don't bend off the board as easy, but are still easy on the fingertips. To Vampire Heart, you chose well, everything in the Ibanez line is good and moving up is only better, with the upgraded finishes and such. If you are looking for a beginner guitar for a kid, try the Ibanez acoustic or electric prepacks, the best quality guitars available in those prepacks. They destroy the fender crap.
I really fell for this particular model! It's just so great to look at and the sound is good. It's not expensive either. When I am to buy a new acoustic guitar; I think this will be the one.
I bought a black AEG10E-BK in a shop today. It won me over straight away with its excellent tone, soft feel, easy action, slim body and superb looks! I eally like the unamplified tone. I am used to playing a nylon electro acoustic and this compliments it perfectly. I find fingering further up the fingerboard much easier with this low action set-up.Now I wish I had waited because I could have got it quite a lot cheaper on the internet. Never mind...I am very happy with it and look forward to the chance to amplify at one of the open mic sessions I go to.
Thank you so much! I was hearinf all over the site how Ibanez isn't really a great brand, (they don't use real wood or something) and I was a little upset that my guitar wasn't good. I've had it for a few months now, it's my first guitar, and while I couldn't find anything wrong with it myself, I'm really not the expert. thanks!
i plan on buying this acoustic tomorrow, ive read several reviews on it and considering im looking for an acoustic thats fairly decent this one sounds like it'll do the job, when i listened to how it sounded, it reminded my of spring, a fair, smooth yet crisp sound
I have this guitar and I've noticed from my last guitar the action is much higher. Is this just my strings or does anyone else have this problem? If it's my strings can you suggest others? I have martin strings...
I love my Ibanez. Being small in stature, the AEG10 is much easier to play than the dread. Bought mine from Guitar Center for 229.00 on sale, it did not come with a bag for the commenter in Germany. If you are a petite female and have been blessed in the "upper" department of assets...this guitar is perfect for you due to the cut out. The onboard Fishman tuner is reliable and haven't had any issues with it. I purchased the 3yr Protection plan from Guitar Center so I will have piece of mind when I am away. Just in case my cat or 4yr old decides they want to learn how to play it! Hope this helps....Ciao for Now...
Having used a Squier acoustic for almost year, I was very happy when I upgraded to this guitar. I wasn't looking to spend a ton of money and this guitar fit the bill. I love the low action and it sounds really good when plugged in. The cutaway body is also very useful for playing on those higher frets. I would recommend this guitar for anyone who wants a nice sounding acoustic for a reasonable price. Ibanez definitely makes the best guitars for someone on a tight budget.
I've had my AEG10E-BK for a few months and got a lil better deal than any of you guys. $264 with a TKL Artcore Guitar Case for Ibanez AF75. This guitar fits like a glove!!!plainly, I'm not gonna spend good money on a good guitar w/out a case and the salesman @ GuitarCenter didn't even try to hand me a gig-bag. All one has to do is talk to these guys. For the price, the unbelievably great sounding-great quality guitar, and excellent hard case that I got for well under 3hundred bucks was a real blessing!
I cannot set this guitar down. It sounds wonderful, full, & as loud as I could want acoustically. I did get an awesome amp for this "Black-Beauty" for those moments when I don't want to be silent. I gotta say that this guitar works out! The little tuner helps me tune down from E to D for certain songs very quickly! I couldn't be happier with my selection of acoustic guitar.
Also, it is a spruce top!!! for sure, bet! Too nice & especially for the cost, bro! High quality-low cost, better with age, & gorgeous. Love @ 1st site. I went expecting to pay more b/c I wasn't going to settle.
My friends play too & they can't stop playing it, especially with a lil electricity running through it. I promise that you cannot go wrong w/ this guitar!!!
I am sort of hesitating between this and the AEL shape. I have been playing for two years now, and I thought to replace my noname chinese ovation copy for something "next level". I liked the body shape a lot, it is indeed very comfortable, but I like my guitar to sound just a bit darker.
Guys, you said too much good from this guitar! Now I must buy this instead the AEG8E (wich get more negatives on this site) although the AEG10 25% more expensive in Hungary! And here - like in the other countries, except Germany - it is without bag or case...
