Ibanez AW54CE Guitar Review: Acoustic Brilliance with Electrifying Potential

When it comes to crafting guitars that combine exceptional acoustic performance with versatile electronics, Ibanez is a brand that stands out. My first experiences with Ibanez were on my second electric guitar. In those days, I never thought of Ibanez as an acoustic guitar maker. However, times have changed. The Ibanez AW54CE guitar is a prime example of Ibanez’s commitment to producing instruments that deliver outstanding sound, quality construction, and value for money. In this review, we will explore the features and qualities that make the Ibanez AW54CE a remarkable choice for guitarists seeking an acoustic-electric instrument that excels in both unplugged and amplified settings.

About Ibanez Guitars

Ibanez is a Japanese guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki. Based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Hoshino Gakki was one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in import guitar sales in the United States and Europe, as well as the first brand of guitars to mass-produce the seven-string guitar and eight-string guitar. Ibanez manufactures effects, accessories, amps, and instruments in Japan, China, Indonesia, and the United States (at a Los Angeles-based custom shop). As of 2017, they marketed nearly 165 models of bass guitars, 130 acoustic guitars, and more than 300 electric guitars. Many players prefer Ibanez instruments, including Adrian Belew, Eric Clapton, Dean Brown, Jeff Baxter, Yannis Spathas, Christoforos Krokidis, Steve Howe, Mike Rutherford, Andy Summers, Neal Schon, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Yngwie Malmsteen, Marty Friedman, and Steve Hackett.

The Ibanez name started out as a guitar importer to Japan, operating as the musical instrument division of the Hoshino Shoten, a bookstore. In 1935, the company began manufacturing guitars under the Ibanez name, and in 1962, they introduced their first electric guitar, the Ibanez ET-200.

Here are some of the key features of Ibanez guitars:

• Innovative designs: Ibanez is known for its innovative designs, which have helped to push the boundaries of guitar design.
• High-quality instruments: Ibanez guitars are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and they are known for their excellent sound and playability.
• Wide range of models: Ibanez offers a wide range of models to suit all budgets and playing styles.
• Popular with professional musicians: Ibanez guitars are popular with professional musicians, and they are used by some of the biggest names in music.

Design and Construction

The Ibanez AW54CE guitar features a dreadnought body shape, which is known for its robust projection and rich, full-bodied sound. Its body is crafted with a combination of a solid mahogany top and mahogany back and sides, producing a warm and resonant tone with emphasis on the midrange. The guitar’s natural satin finish showcases the beautiful wood grain, giving it a visually appealing and organic appearance.

The AW54CE’s construction is top-notch, with Ibanez’s meticulous attention to detail evident in every aspect of the guitar. The craftsmanship is exceptional, resulting in a guitar that not only looks stunning but also feels solid and reliable. The cutaway design allows for easy access to the higher frets, expanding the guitar’s versatility for lead playing or exploring complex chord voicings.

The AW54CE features a Fishman Sonitone pickup, which provides a clear and balanced sound. It also has a built-in tuner, which is a convenient feature for live performance.

Here are some of the bullet point features of the Ibanez AW54CE’s design and construction:

• Solid spruce top: The solid spruce top provides the AW54CE with a bright, clear sound.
• Mahogany back and sides: The mahogany back and sides give the AW54CE a warm, rich sound.
• Mahogany neck: The mahogany neck provides the AW54CE with a comfortable feel.
• Rosewood fingerboard: The rosewood fingerboard provides the AW54CE with a smooth playing surface.
• 21 frets: The 21 frets give the AW54CE a wide range of playability.
• Bone nut and saddle: The bone nut and saddle provide the AW54CE with a clear, precise sound.
• Fishman Sonitone pickup: The Fishman Sonitone pickup provides a clear and balanced sound.
• Built-in tuner: The built-in tuner is a convenient feature for live performance.

Sound and Performance

When it comes to sound, the Ibanez AW54CE does not disappoint. The combination of the solid mahogany top and mahogany back and sides produces a warm, rich tone with excellent depth and resonance. The guitar’s dreadnought body shape ensures a balanced tonal response, with a pronounced midrange and well-defined lows and highs. Whether strumming chords or playing intricate fingerstyle arrangements, the AW54CE offers a vibrant and dynamic sound. It can adapt to various playing styles and genres.

Here are some of the key features of the Ibanez AW54CE’s sound and performance:

• Bright, clear sound: The solid spruce top provides the AW54CE with a bright, clear sound.
• Good balance of bass and treble: The mahogany back and sides give the AW54CE a warm, rich sound that balances well with the brightness of the spruce top.
• Responsive to different playing styles: The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a comfortable feel, and the 21 frets give the AW54CE a wide range of playability.
• Projects well: The AW54CE projects well, making it a good choice for live performance.

Electronics and Playability

Equipped with a built-in Fishman Sonicore pickup and Ibanez’s AEQ-SP2 preamp system, the AW54CE seamlessly transitions from an acoustic instrument to an amplified powerhouse. The preamp features onboard controls for volume, bass, and treble, allowing players to fine-tune their amplified sound. This enables the guitar to suit their preferences or performance requirements. The pickup accurately captures the guitar’s natural acoustic tone, ensuring a faithful reproduction of its character when plugged in.

The AW54CE’s electronics are housed in a cutaway body, which makes it easy to access the controls. The pickup selector switch is located on the lower bout of the guitar, and the volume and tone controls are located on the upper bout. The built-in tuner is located on the headstock of the guitar.

The AW54CE’s playability is excellent. The mahogany neck is slim and easy to grip, and the rosewood fingerboard is smooth and fast. The 21 frets provide a wide range of playability, and the bone nut and saddle provide a clear, precise sound.

Here are some of the key features of the Ibanez AW54CE’s electronics and playability:

• Fishman Sonitone pickup: The Fishman Sonitone pickup provides a clear and balanced sound.
• Built-in tuner: The built-in tuner is a convenient feature for live performance.
• Slim mahogany neck: The slim mahogany neck provides a comfortable feel for both strumming and fingerpicking.
• Rosewood fingerboard: The rosewood fingerboard is smooth and fast, making it easy to move up and down the neck.
• 21 frets: The 21 frets provide a wide range of playability, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced players.
• Bone nut and saddle: The bone nut and saddle provide a clear, precise sound.

Value for Money

The Ibanez AW54CE offers exceptional value for money. With its solid tonewoods, superior construction, versatile electronics, and impressive sound, this guitar delivers features and performance that rival more expensive models. Ibanez’s commitment to affordability without compromising on quality makes the AW54CE an excellent choice. Especially for guitarists seeking a reliable and versatile acoustic-electric instrument that won’t break the bank.

Here is a bullet point summary of the reasons given above as to why the Ibanez AW54CE is a good value for the money:

• Solid spruce top: The solid spruce top provides the AW54CE with a bright, clear sound.
• Mahogany back and sides: The mahogany back and sides give the AW54CE a warm, rich sound that balances well with the brightness of the spruce top.
• Mahogany neck: The mahogany neck provides the AW54CE with a comfortable feel.
• Rosewood fingerboard: The rosewood fingerboard provides the AW54CE with a smooth playing surface.
• 21 frets: The 21 frets give the AW54CE a wide range of playability.
• Bone nut and saddle: The bone nut and saddle provide the AW54CE with a clear, precise sound.
• Fishman Sonitone pickup: The Fishman Sonitone pickup provides a clear and balanced sound.
• Built-in tuner: The built-in tuner is a convenient feature for live performance.

The Ibanez AW54CE is currently priced at around $500. This is a great price for a guitar with this level of quality and features.

Here’s Ibanez’s video featuring the AW54:

Ibanez AW54CE Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Solid mahogany top delivers warm and rich tones with excellent sustain.
2. Built-in electronics provide convenient amplified sound and include a tuner, making it suitable for live performances and recording.
3. Comfortable and playable neck profile, ideal for players of various skill levels.

Cons:

1. The laminate back and sides may not offer the same tonal complexity as all-solid wood guitars.
2. Some players may find the action (string height) to be slightly high out of the box and may require adjustment.
3. The overall finishing and aesthetic appeal may not be on par with higher-end guitars in the same price range.

Conclusion On The Ibanez AW54CE

In conclusion, the Ibanez AW54CE guitar is a testament to Ibanez’s dedication to producing high-quality instruments that offer exceptional sound and versatility. Its solid tonewoods, balanced tone, impressive electronics, and excellent playability make it a standout choice for guitarists at any skill level. I still think fondly of my first Ibanez Electric, but the new acoustics deserve the same appreciation. Whether you’re a beginner seeking your first acoustic-electric guitar or an experienced player in need of a reliable and versatile instrument, the Ibanez AW54CE delivers exceptional value.

Further Reading on charlestonclassicalguitar.org: If you have further questions, then I can help point you in the right direction. And after you decide, check out our guide to keep it clean and how to tune it.

Looking for other options for a beginner acoustic guitar? Check out our post on 10 Of The Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars.

Editorial Process:

My reviews are made by a team of one, myself, before being written and come from real-world experience. Read our editorial process here.

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.