Introduction
Ibanez has been crafting quality acoustic guitars since the late 1960s, gaining a strong reputation for their attention to detail, playability and value. The Ibanez AEG series embodies their commitment to well-built, affordable acoustic-electric guitars.
The AEG12IINT model introduced in this review offers a perfect blend of natural acoustic resonance and stage-ready amplified tones. Part of the Ibanez AEG dreadnought series, the AEG12IINT features a slim, comfortable body joined with the electronics needed for plugged-in performance.
This Sapele-bodied acoustic-electric flaunts handsome looks with its transparent high-gloss finish. An Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp with onboard tuner gives you plug-and-play functionality at your fingertips. Read on as we explore what makes the Ibanez AEG12IINT a versatile, gig-ready acoustic-electric worthy of consideration.
Body & Construction
The Ibanez AEG12IINT features a classic dreadnought body shape with traditional tonewoods that provide a balanced and resonant acoustic sound. The back and sides are made from Sapele, which has a warm, round tone similar to mahogany. Sapele produces a balanced midrange and good low-end, offering punchy bass and rich overtones.
The top is made from solid Spruce, which is prized for its crisp articulation and impressive projection. As the top contributes greatly to the overall tone, the Spruce provides excellent volume and dynamics. Spruce is lightweight yet strong, allowing the top to freely vibrate and produce full lows with sparkling highs.
The neck is constructed from Nyatoh, also known as Eastern Mahogany. Tonally, it sits between mahogany and maple, providing a nice blend of warmth and clarity. The slim C-shaped neck and smooth satin finish make for comfortable and fast playability.
The rosewood bridge and fretboard add to the overall warm, mellow tone. Rosewood’s dense properties and pronounced mids and lows complement the Sapele back and sides well. The 20 medium frets are smoothly finished for bend and slide playability.
Overall, the all-solid wood body construction and smart use of tonewoods give the AEG12IINT a balanced and resonant acoustic voice that projects pleasingly. The materials and build quality are impressive for the price.
Hardware & Electronics
The Ibanez AEG12IINT comes equipped with quality hardware and electronics that provide versatility for both unplugged and amplified playing. It features chrome die-cast tuners that hold the strings in tune nicely and allow for smooth and accurate tuning adjustments.
For amplification and effects, the guitar has Ibanez’s own AEQ-2T preamp system. This preamp houses an undersaddle piezo pickup that accurately captures the natural acoustic tone. The AEQ-2T preamp provides a built-in tuner for quick on-the-fly tuning on stage or in the studio. It also has a simple 3-band EQ and volume control to shape your amplified tone.
The undersaddle piezo pickup captures the guitar’s natural resonance and dynamics. It produces a balanced amplified tone across the tonal spectrum, avoiding the harshness that can occur from some undersaddle pickups. From lively fingerpicking to full-on strumming, the Ibanez preamp and undersaddle pickup combination handles amplification duties with ease.
Overall, the hardware and electronics elevate the versatility of the AEG12IINT and make it stage-ready right out of the box. The tuner, EQ controls, and quality pickup give you the tools needed for amplified gigs or recording scenarios.
Sound & Playability
The Ibanez AEG12IINT delivers warm, balanced acoustic tones thanks to its combination of Sapele back and sides with an Okoume top. The all-mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard also contribute to the guitar’s resonant, well-rounded unplugged sound.
When plugging in, the Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp system accurately captures the AEG12IINT’s natural acoustic voice. There’s no excessive EQ coloring, just an authentic amplified version of the guitar’s inherent tone.
In terms of playability, the Ibanez AEG12IINT feels great to play both seated and standing. It has a slim, comfortable C-shaped neck profile that allows smooth, fast playing across the rosewood fingerboard. The action is set low and buzz-free from the factory, making barre chords and intricate fretting accessible even for beginners.
Whether you’re fingerpicking melodic lines or strumming chords, the AEG12IINT is a pleasure to play. The slim neck and low action lend themselves well to versatile playing styles, allowing you to explore different techniques with ease. Overall, it’s a very playable instrument right out of the box.
Aesthetics & Finish
The Ibanez AEG12IINT has an attractive, classic look thanks to its natural high gloss finish. This finish really allows the beauty of the solid sapele back and sides to shine through.
The guitar features a standard dreadnought body shape with a nicely rounded lower bout. This gives it the instantly recognizable silhouette associated with acoustic guitars.
Despite its budget-friendly price point, the overall fit and finish on the AEG12IINT is quite good. The joints and seams where the neck meets the body are smooth and tight. The gloss finish is evenly applied without any pooling or orange peel effect.
The rosette around the soundhole has an elegant look, with three rings of black and white purfling. Small details like the chrome Ibanez logo on the headstock and fretboard inlays add a touch of class.
Overall, the AEG12IINT looks like a more expensive instrument thanks to its flawless natural gloss finish and the attention paid to fine details. This adds to the feeling of value you get with this affordable acoustic-electric.
Accessories & Variations
The Ibanez AEG12IINT typically ships with just the guitar itself, a truss rod adjustment tool, and a user manual. It does not come with a case, strap, picks, or other common accessories.
This model is currently only available with a natural high gloss finish. Ibanez offers some other finishes like black high gloss and transparent blue burst on related models such as the AEG10II and AEG10NII.
The AEG12IINT is part of Ibanez’s popular AEG acoustic-electric guitar series. Other models in the AEG lineup include:
- AEG10II – Smaller parlor body size
- AEG7MH – Mini dreadnought body
- AEG1812II – 12-string version
Some recommended accessories for the AEG12IINT include:
- Gig bag or hardshell case – To protect the guitar during transport and storage. The dreadnought body shape requires a larger sized case.
- Guitar strap – For playing comfort during practice and live performances. Look for wide, padded straps that distribute weight across both shoulders.
- Extra strings – Such as D’Addario EXP Coated Phosphor Bronze or Elixir Acoustic Nanowebs which resist corrosion.
- Guitar picks – Celluloid, nylon or other standard picks to suit your playing style.
- Electronic tuner – A clip-on tuner can be useful as a backup to the AEG’s onboard tuner.
Purchasing a case, strap, and other accessories can help maximize the guitar’s longevity and playability. Investing in a few key add-ons helps ensure you get the most out of your AEG12IINT.
Value & Comparison
The Ibanez AEG12IINT typically retails for around $199-$249 USD, making it very affordable in the entry-level acoustic-electric market. At this price point, it offers excellent value for money and compares well to other acoustic-electrics in the sub-$300 category.
Some comparable acoustic-electric models around the $200 mark include:
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Fender CD-60SCE – Similar dreadnought body shape with mahogany back/sides. The Fender has a solid spruce top compared to the AEG’s okoume top.
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Yamaha FG800 – Longstanding budget model from Yamaha. The FG800 has a solid spruce top but laminated nato back/sides. Slightly less expensive than the Ibanez.
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Epiphone DR-100 – A more basic acoustic-electric without any preamp/electronics. The Epiphone focuses on providing a low-cost option.
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Mitchell MD100SCE – Dreadnought acoustic-electric with a laminated mahogany top. Comes with a basic preamp and pickup. Comparable build quality to the Ibanez.
While these other models have their merits, the Ibanez AEG12IINT punches above its class with its solid sapele back/sides, flexible preamp, and overall playability. The AEG12IINT’s excellent craftsmanship and versatile sound make it a superior value compared to other guitars in the sub-$250 price range. For beginners or budget-conscious players looking for their first acoustic-electric, the AEG12IINT represents outstanding quality for the money.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Great value for money given the solid construction and electronics at this price point
- The Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp provides a natural acoustic tone when plugged in
- Easy playability with the slim neck profile and low action
- Onboard tuner is very convenient for quick tuning
- Versatile for different playing styles like fingerpicking, strumming, and flatpicking
Cons:
- Only available in a natural high gloss finish, lacks color options
- The preamp offers basic EQ controls, less flexibility than higher-end models
- The fretboard may require more frequent cleaning and conditioning
- Limited upgrade potential compared to solid wood models
Conclusion
The Ibanez AEG12IINT is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for an affordable acoustic-electric guitar that sounds great both unplugged and amplified. It delivers warm, balanced acoustic tones from its Sapele back and sides paired with an Okoume top. The slim neck and low action facilitate easy playability, making this a very accessible guitar for newer players.
When plugged in, the Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp reproduces the AEG12IINT’s natural acoustic sound very well. The onboard tuner is also extremely convenient. Overall, this guitar punches above its weight class in terms of build quality and tone.
Some key strengths that make the AEG12IINT stand out are its quality construction using durable tonewoods, the versatile unplugged and amplified tones, and the very wallet-friendly price point.
The AEG12IINT is best suited for beginner and intermediate level players, especially those seeking an affordable workhorse acoustic-electric for practice, gigs, or recording situations. The smooth neck and comfortable body size also make this a great option for younger players.
Overall, the Ibanez AEG12IINT offers tremendous value in the sub-$300 acoustic-electric market. It’s an easy recommendation for those seeking a quality, stage-ready acoustic guitar that won’t break the bank.
Video Demo
Check out this video review from Acoustic Letter to hear the AEG12IINT in action:
In the video, you can hear the AEG12IINT played both unplugged and plugged in. The guitar has a balanced, warm tone acoustically with good projection and sustain. The Sapele back and sides paired with the Okoume top produce a nice low-end and articulate mids and highs.
When plugged in through the Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp, the AEG12IINT retains its natural acoustic sound. The onboard undersaddle pickup and 3-band EQ allow you to shape the amplified tone while avoiding quackiness or feedback.
The video also demonstrates the playability and smooth feel of the AEG12IINT. It’s comfortable to play seated or standing, and the slim neck and low action facilitate intricate fingerpicking and energetic strumming. The demonstrator is able to traverse the neck smoothly during lead lines and riffs.
Overall the video highlights the versatile acoustic tone, quality amplified sound, and easy playability that make the AEG12IINT an excellent value as a gig-ready acoustic-electric guitar.