Introduction
The Ibanez AEG series has been a staple of the acoustic-electric market for over two decades, offering affordable and versatile guitars. The AEG70 continues this tradition with several standout features that make it a great choice for gigging musicians and home recording.
What sets the AEG70 apart is its combination of resonant tonewoods, onboard electronics, and elegant aesthetics. It utilizes a Grand Concert body shape that provides balanced and comfortable playing, along with a slim neck profile for smooth fretting. The top is made of figured Maple, while the back and sides use laminated Sapele to produce a rich low end with sparkling highs.
The built-in Ibanez AEQ-TTS preamp gives you total control over your amplified tone, with intuitive equalization and a chromatic tuner. It’s perfect for anyone who needs amplified acoustic tones, whether strumming chords or fingerpicking melodies.
With its quality components, versatile sound, and affordable price, the Ibanez AEG70 is ideal for intermediate players wanting to upgrade their acoustic-electric guitar. It’s a great choice for performing live, recording in the studio, or just practice and playability at home. The AEG70 combines the resonant voice of a full-bodied acoustic with the convenience of cutting-edge electronics.
Body & Construction
The Ibanez AEG70 features a comfortable Grand Concert body shape that provides a balanced and nuanced acoustic tone. This mid-size shape is wider than a dreadnought but more compact than a jumbo, making it a versatile and playable choice.
The AEG70 showcases a high quality solid Sapele top, back and sides. Sapele is a tonewood similar to mahogany, providing a well-rounded sound with excellent note definition. The guitar has a Nyatoh neck and Walnut fretboard, both selected for their hardness and stability.
The most striking visual feature of the AEG70 is the beautifully figured Flamed Maple top in an eye-catching stained finish. This not only looks stunning, but adds snap and presence to the overall voice.
The cutaway design allows easy access to the upper frets, enabling lead playing and solos. Overall, the AEG70 is thoughtfully constructed using quality tonewoods and appointments for maximum musicality.
Electronics & Hardware
The Ibanez AEG70 is equipped with Ibanez’s AEQ-TTS preamp system, designed to give players excellent amplified tone and versatility. The preamp features easy-to-use volume and tone controls, as well as a built-in tuner for quick tuning on the fly.
The preamp’s volume knob allows the player to adjust the output level when plugged into an amplifier or PA system. This gives you great control over your stage volume for live performances. The 3-band EQ provides boost/cut of bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, letting you shape your amplified tone to suit different musical genres and playing styles.
The onboard tuner is a handy feature, allowing quick and accurate tuning at the touch of a button. The tuner displays a precise readout on the LED display, taking the guesswork out of tuning up before performances or practice sessions. Overall, the Ibanez AEQ-TTS preamp gives this acoustic-electric excellent amplified versatility in a compact, easy-to-use control layout.
Sound & Tonal Characteristics
The Ibanez AEG70 produces a rich, resonant unplugged acoustic tone that projects nicely thanks to its Grand Concert body shape and all-solid wood construction. Strumming reveals deep lows, sparkling highs, and excellent note separation even when strumming complex chords.
When plugged in, the Ibanez AEQ-TTS preamp provides a very natural amplified tone. The 3-band EQ allows shaping of bass, midrange, and treble frequencies to dial in your ideal amplified sound. There is plenty of volume on tap for both small and large venues, with the preamp helping minimize feedback at higher volumes.
The specific tonewoods used in the Ibanez AEG70 have a noticeable impact on its unique voice. The Sapele body and top contribute to a focused low end with rich overtones in the mids and highs. The Nyatoh neck adds brightness and clarity to the midrange. Finally, the Walnut fretboard produces a warm, rounded tone across the frequency spectrum. Together these all-solid tonewoods create a versatile acoustic-electric guitar that excels in a variety of musical scenarios.
Playability & Feel
The Ibanez AEG70 features a slim taper C-shaped neck profile that provides a comfortable feel for both rhythm and lead playing. The neck width measures 1 11/16" at the nut, which allows for easy fretting and chord changes.
The fretboard is made of walnut and has a radius of 400mm, giving it a very playable feel. The medium jumbo frets are finished smoothly and installed neatly along the 20-fret rosewood fretboard. This combination makes it easy to execute solos, bends and intricate chord voicings up and down the neck.
The factory setup on the AEG70 is impressive, with low and even string action right out of the box. The intonation is accurately set, minimizing the need for adjustments before playing. Both the nut and saddle are cut from quality bone, providing crisp and resonant tone transfer.
In terms of ergonomics, the Grand Concert body style results in a comfortable playing experience either seated or standing. The waist is contoured nicely, allowing easy access to the upper frets. At just over 4 lbs, the AEG70 is lightweight enough to play for extended periods without fatigue. The strap buttons are installed in a balanced position, making the guitar hang properly when using a strap.
Overall, the AEG70 excels in playability and feels great right out of the case. The comfortable neck shape, quality fretwork and accessible body style make this guitar a joy to play.
Available Finishes
The Ibanez AEG70 comes in three eye-catching finish options that really showcase the beauty of the underlying tonewoods.
Vintage Violin High Gloss
This finish has a dark reddish-brown sunburst pattern that gives a vintage vibe. The high gloss polyurethane finish makes the sapele body and flamed maple top pop with an elegant look. The abalone rosette and chrome hardware provide nice accents.
Transparent Charcoal Burst
Featuring a transparent grayish-black burst finish, this allows the wood grain of the sapele and flamed maple to shine through. It has a very modern and sleek aesthetic perfect for the stage. The headstock has a matching dark tint.
Tiger Burst
As the name suggests, this finish has an exotic tiger-stripe pattern in shades of orange, brown, and black. It creates a lot of visual interest and depth. The burst pattern is present on both the body and headstock.
All three finishes showcase excellent attention to detail and allow the AEG70’s high-quality tonewood construction to take center stage. Players looking for a striking visual appeal to match great acoustic tone will appreciate the choices offered by the AEG70.
Price & Value
The Ibanez AEG70 has an MSRP of $599, which positions it as a mid-range acoustic-electric guitar. This price point compares favorably to similar Grand Concert sized acoustic-electrics from other major brands like Yamaha, Takamine, and Epiphone, which can range from $500 to $700 for models with solid wood tops.
When you consider the all-solid tonewood construction of the AEG70, including a solid Sapele top, along with the built-in Ibanez AEQ-TTS preamp system, this guitar represents an excellent value at its retail price point. Many comparable models from other manufacturers in this price range may use laminate wood tops and lack an onboard preamp system.
The combination of tonewoods, electronics, playability, and attractive looks make the Ibanez AEG70 a very good value for players looking for a quality, gig-ready acoustic-electric guitar without breaking the bank. The AEG70 manages to pack a lot of features into its modest price point compared to other similar acoustic-electrics. This makes it an appealing option for intermediate players, gigging musicians, and even more advanced guitarists looking for an affordable workhorse instrument.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful and resonant all-solid tonewood construction provides rich acoustic tone
- Ibanez AEQ-TTS preamp adds versatility for live gigs or recording
- Smooth slim neck profile is comfortable for extended playing sessions
- Multiple high-gloss finish options look stunning on stage
- Grand Concert body strikes a balance between volume, comfort, and portability
Cons
- Electronics can add noticeable feedback at higher volumes
- May lack low-end warmth for those who prefer mahogany or rosewood guitars
- No onboard EQ or tone shaping controls besides master volume
- Preamp powered by watch battery that needs periodic replacement
Ideal Buyer
The Ibanez AEG70 is best suited for intermediate and advanced players looking for a versatile acoustic-electric guitar at a reasonable price point. Its combination of quality tonewoods, smooth playability, and built-in electronics make it a great choice for:
- Gigging musicians who need to plug into an amp or PA system. The AEG70’s preamp and undersaddle pickup provide excellent amplified tone for live performances.
- Guitarists wanting to record acoustic tracks at home. The onboard preamp lets you shape your tone while recording directly into an audio interface.
- Players who need to switch between acoustic and electric tones. The AEG70 transitions seamlessly between unplugged jam sessions and amplified gigs.
- Anyone wanting a comfortable, great-sounding acoustic guitar for practice and leisure playing. The Grand Concert body and slim neck make the AEG70 enjoyable to play for extended periods.
With a street price around $400-500 USD, the Ibanez AEG70 offers fantastic value compared to other acoustic-electrics with similar specs and materials. It’s a perfect match for intermediate players ready to upgrade from a beginner acoustic, or pros seeking an inspiring yet affordable acoustic-electric. The AEG70 is built to satisfy.
Conclusion
The Ibanez AEG70 is a stunning acoustic-electric guitar that punches above its weight class in looks, tone, and playability. If you’re searching for a quality, affordable Grand Concert guitar suitable for both stage and studio, the AEG70 delivers on all fronts.
Ibanez’s meticulous attention to detail and premium tonewood selection makes the AEG70 feel and sound like a more expensive instrument. The AEQ-TTS preamp gives you studio-quality tones through an amp or PA system. The slim neck profile and comfortable body size also enhance the AEG70’s appeal for electric players looking to add an acoustic to their arsenal.
Overall, the Ibanez AEG70 represents an outstanding value at its modest price point. It’s an ideal choice for gigging musicians, home recording enthusiasts, and intermediate players who want a beautiful, versatile acoustic-electric. I highly recommend trying one out at your local guitar shop to experience its exquisite looks and feel first-hand. Once you do, you’ll quickly understand why this Ibanez stands out from the crowd.