Introduction
The Ibanez AEG8TNE is part of Ibanez’s popular AEG acoustic-electric guitar series, which combines comfortable, thinline body designs with quality tonewoods and built-in electronics. The AEG8TNE model stands out for its warm, nylon-string tone and versatile acoustic-electric functionality.
This guitar is designed for players looking for the comfort and feel of a thinline classical guitar with the flexibility of being able to plug in. The compact body size and smooth nylon strings make the AEG8TNE an excellent choice for fingerstyle players, classical guitarists, and anyone looking for an accessible nylon-string acoustic. The built-in preamp and tuner provide amplified tone options for performing live, recording in the studio, or practice sessions.
Body & Construction
The Ibanez AEG8TNE features a thinline body design that enhances playing comfort while still providing rich acoustic tone. At just under 3 inches deep, the compact body is slimmer than a traditional acoustic guitar. This allows for easier mobility and reduced bulk when playing seated.
Weighing only 4 lbs 10 oz, the AEG8TNE is lighter than many all-solid wood acoustics. The thin depth helps reduce weight, making this an ideal guitar for prolonged practice or stage use. Despite its petite dimensions, the guitar still produces impressive volume and sustain.
The top is crafted from solid cedar, which provides a nice balance of warmth and articulation. The mahogany back and sides offer a pleasing midrange focus and sweet overtones. Together, these tonewoods supply excellent resonance while keeping the weight down.
The fretboard is rosewood, known for its tight grain pattern and durability. Rosewood also contributes to the warm, mellow tone. The nut and saddle are both bone, providing crisp note definition and enhanced string vibration. Overall, the AEG8TNE is thoughtfully constructed for optimal playability and acoustic sound.
Electronics & Hardware
The Ibanez AEG8TNE features Ibanez’s AEQ-SP1 preamp system, which is designed to accurately amplify the warm, mellow tone of the nylon strings. The preamp has several key controls and features:
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Volume Knob – Allows you to control the overall output level of the preamp. Turn it up for more volume when plugged in.
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3-Band EQ – Gives you boost/cut control over low, mid, and high frequencies. Shape your amplified tone to taste.
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Built-In Tuner – The AEQ-SP1 has a chromatic tuner display, making it easy to keep the guitar in tune without needing a separate tuner.
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Phase Switch – Flips the phase of the signal to help eliminate feedback at higher volumes.
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Notch Filter – Further reduces feedback frequencies for improved amplified performance.
The AEG8TNE uses an undersaddle piezo pickup system to capture the guitar’s sound. Each individual string has a sensor that picks up its vibrations. The piezo pickups convert these mechanical vibrations into an electrical signal that gets sent to the preamp. This allows you to plug into an amplifier or PA system for playing live shows or recording direct to a mixer.
Playability & Feel
The Ibanez AEG8TNE features a thin and contoured mahogany neck that provides excellent playability. The neck has a comfortable C-shaped profile that fits nicely in the hand. It has a 25.6" scale length and a 12" fretboard radius, giving it a very playable and accessible feel.
The nylon strings have lower tension than steel strings, making them easier on the fingers without sacrificing tone. The action is set low and comfortable right out of the box. Bending notes and playing complex chords up and down the neck is smooth and effortless.
The thinline body really enhances the playing comfort. Its reduced bulk makes it easy to hold close or sling on a strap. The smooth body contours and compact dimensions let your fretting arm drape naturally over the top. You can play for hours on end without any shoulder or back fatigue.
Overall the Ibanez AEG8TNE simply feels fantastic to play. The thin and contoured body paired with the slim neck profile and low tension nylon strings creates one of the most comfortable and enjoyable playing experiences on any nylon string acoustic guitar. Both beginners and advanced players will appreciate how effortless and natural this guitar feels in the hands.
Sound & Tone
The Ibanez AEG8TNE produces a rich, warm, and resonant unplugged acoustic tone thanks to its all-solid wood construction. The cedar top is a popular choice for classical guitars as it emphasizes the midrange frequencies, allowing the unique character of nylon strings to shine through.
When strummed, the AEG8TNE resonates with complexity and nuance. Notes bloom with crystalline clarity rather than just fading away. The mahogany back and sides add depth and fullness to each chord. There is a harmonic liveliness to the unplugged sound that makes playing this guitar a joy.
Plugging in the AEG8TNE with its built-in AEQ-SP1 preamp preserves the inviting nylon string tone. The preamp provides EQ control over bass, midrange, and treble frequencies so you can shape your amplified sound. Noise-cancelling features reduce feedback at higher volumes so you can rely on consistent amplified performance whether practicing at home or performing live.
The AEG8TNE’s nylon strings pair nicely with its preamp system to deliver a rich, warm amplified sound. The excellent dynamic range allows you to hear every nuance and subtlety. From quiet fingerpicking to aggressive strumming, the guitar’s plugged-in voice remains balanced and clear.
Versatility
The Ibanez AEG8TNE is incredibly versatile for a nylon string acoustic-electric guitar. Its thin, comfortable body and smooth playability allow it to excel at classical and Latin styles like bossa nova, rumba, and flamenco. The warm, mellow nylon string tone is perfectly suited for these genres.
At the same time, the AEG8TNE works surprisingly well for other popular music styles too. While it may not be ideal for hard rock or metal, the guitar performs admirably when playing pop, indie rock, folk, country, blues, and jazz.
The built-in electronics give you the flexibility to plug into an amp or PA system for more volume and stage presence during live performances or recordings. This expands the possibilities for the AEG8TNE beyond just being an unplugged classical guitar.
Overall, the versatility of the Ibanez AEG8TNE is one of its strongest assets. While optimized for nylon string traditions, it also ably crosses over into the domain of steel string acoustics when needed.
Price & Value
The Ibanez AEG8TNE has a current street price around $399. This positions it as a mid-range model among nylon string acoustic-electrics, making it an accessible option for players looking for great quality without breaking the bank.
Out of the box, the AEG8TNE comes with a few useful accessories like a padded gig bag for protection during transport and storage, a clip-on tuner, and an accessory pouch. Having these extras included helps increase the overall value you’re getting.
Compared to similar nylon string thinline acoustic-electrics from other major brands like Cordoba and Yamaha, the Ibanez AEG8TNE competes very well on price and value. Models with comparable features and build quality tend to retail for $100-200 more, putting the Ibanez at the more affordable end of the spectrum.
The combination of quality tonewoods, electronics, and appointments makes this an intermediate-level instrument that punches above its price point. While not dirt cheap, the Ibanez AEG8TNE gives you excellent bang for your buck if you’re looking for a great all-around nylon string electro-acoustic.
Alternatives
The Ibanez AEG8TNE stands out as a versatile and affordable thin-body nylon string acoustic-electric, but there are some other models worth considering as alternatives depending on your needs and budget.
Other Ibanez AEG Models
Within Ibanez’s AEG line, the AEG10NII and AEG12II both offer nylon string options with similar body shapes to the AEG8TNE. The AEG10NII features higher-end appointments like a solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides, while the AEG12II has a mid-range price with a cedar top. These can serve as upgrades over the AEG8TNE in terms of looks and acoustic tone, but they come at a higher cost.
Thin Nylon Strings from Other Brands
Cordoba, Yamaha, and Kremona all produce thin-body nylon string acoustic-electrics comparable to the Ibanez AEG8TNE:
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The Cordoba C5 offers an all-laminate construction at a lower budget price point. It lacks the cutaway of the Ibanez but provides a similar comfortable body size.
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Yamaha’s NCX5 has a slightly wider nut width and deeper body than the Ibanez, with solid wood construction resulting in excellent acoustic projection.
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Kremona’s Thin Body Rosa series provides handmade European craftsmanship and a cedar top, though at a premium price.
These provide some alternatives across various budgets and specs, but none quite match the Ibanez AEG8TNE in its combination of playability, amplified features, and value. The Ibanez remains a top choice for a versatile nylon string acoustic-electric guitar.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Thin and lightweight body provides hours of playing comfort
- Warm, mellow nylon string tone perfect for classical and Latin styles
- Quality solid cedar top offers excellent resonance and projection
- Built-in tuner and preamp for amplified performances
- Cutaway design grants easy upper fret access
- Highly affordable price for a thinline nylon string acoustic-electric
Cons
- Not as loud unplugged as a traditional dreadnought acoustic
- Electronics may add buzzing or feedback at higher volumes
- Narrow nut width less ideal for fingerstyle playing
- Lack of premium tonewoods found on pricier classical guitars
- No included gig bag or case
Conclusion
The Ibanez AEG8TNE is an outstanding choice for guitarists seeking a versatile nylon-string acoustic-electric with a thin, comfortable body. Its compact design makes it easy to handle and transport, while still retaining impressive projection and resonance. The cedar top produces a rich, mellow tone, which is further enhanced by the warm mahogany back and sides.
Plugged in, the AEG8TNE really shines thanks to the built-in AEQ-SP1 preamp system. It allows you to amplify your sound with excellent clarity and feedback control. The guitar is highly playable too, with a fast neck and easy upper fret access from the cutaway.
Overall, the Ibanez AEG8TNE punches well above its weight class, offering pro-level features and tone at an intermediate price point. It’s an ideal fit for developing classical/fingerstyle players, working musicians, or anyone needing a high-quality nylon-string acoustic that’s easy to carry. The AEG8TNE is an outstanding all-around choice, and is easy to recommend for players at any level looking to add a great-sounding nylon-string guitar to their collection.