The Artwood Series is the embodiment of what might be called the Ibanez “modern approach to tradition.” Cutting edge woodworking technology enables the guitar maker’s luthiers to reproduce the sophisticated bracing techniques of the one-of-a-kind instruments of yesteryear. While tradition is obviously the hallmark of the Artwood series, the company’s decades-long search for the ultimate in acoustic tone has contributed to design alterations that give Artwood a voice all its own.
The 3/4-size dreadnought shape body of the AW54MINI, and the solid mahogany top offer a balance of player comfort and well-rounded sonic response. The playability and sound of Artwood mahogany-top acoustics has surprised numerous reviewers for performance in its price category, recommending it as a superior “bang-for-your-buck” acoustic. All of the wood—top, back and sides, breath openly with the Ibanez open pore finish.
A handsome ABS rosette appoints the guitar’s top. Ibanez chrome die-cast tuners ensure smooth accurate and stable tuning. Smaller scale instruments have increased in popularity over the past few years, because not only do students seem to be starting younger than ever, but also the easy-to-transport guitar has become recognized as an excellent companion for the weary traveler. From the on-the-go businessperson who needs a guitar that can fit in a plane’s overhead compartment, to the happy wanderer just looking to animate his sojourn with a song, the compact travel guitar can be an uplifting addition to any expedition.
Order this special Artwood Series model today!
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I was in the market for a travel guitar, and I didn't want to splurge on the Big Baby Taylor, so I was choosing between this guitar (Ibanez Ibanez AW54-Mini) and the Taylor Baby Taylor. Here's my comparison and why I chose the Ibanez in the end.-Sound: neither of these guitars sounds incredible, which makes sense for a 3/4 size travel guitar. The Baby Taylor is quieter than the Ibanez, and the Ibanez sounds much fuller. The Taylor was more treble, the Ibanez more heavy in the mids. The Ibanez does sound a bit "boxier" than the Taylor, but I like it.
-Quality: they seem to be about equal quality. I like that the Ibanez has a little pickguard, which the baby Taylor doesn't. No real advantage for either in terms of construction or anything.
-Price: the Ibanez is a tad cheaper than the Baby Taylor, but not enough to swing my choice in either direction.
The biggest advantage for the Taylor was the case that it comes with. This guitar does not come with a case of any kind, which is kind of a must-have for a guitar you're gonna travel with. I ended up buying a Baby Taylor case that fits this guitar. That almost swung me towards the Taylor, but I preferred the tone of the Ibanez. Both guitars are solid, but I slightly prefer the sound of this one.
You really won;t regret buying it. It has made trips so much more enjoyable, and I never worry about damaging it. I would buy it again in a heartbeat. It's a joy to play, the 3/4 neck and body makes bends and licks seem like a breeze, and it's an easy way to impress people or just have fun. It does fall out of tune easier than my other guitars do, but it's never a real issue, and I've actually been surprised at how well it's stayed in tune while I've traveled. It's definitely a fun little guitar.
Ibanez AW54 3/4 Sized Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural
.Before purchasing the Ibanez AW54, I visited my local music stores and played the Little Martin, the Taylor Baby, and the Cort Earth Mini. I bought the Ibanez AW54 and I am well pleased. Great sound, open pore finish and a near perfect set up. Also, much cheaper in price compared to the others previously mentioned. Buy it from Custom Guitar's Friend for the best price, great customer service, and best return policy.
Ibanez AW54 3/4 Sized Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural
.Finally a bargain on a quality 3/4 size acoustic. On par with Martin and Taylor offerings. Time to make it in solid spruce top Ibanez. Great value about one hundred less than the big boys. Plays great, the 80/20 bronze need to be phosphor bronze, slap some EJ16 lights on there. I purchased both the full size and the 3/4 size and both in solid top mahogany with tickle your ears and make you happy. All I can do is tell you my experience, next move is yours. Cheers from Arkansas, get 'em while you can.
Ibanez AW54 3/4 Sized Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural
.I've been playing (mostly finger-style), restoring, and hot-rodding guitars and amps with my short, beefy fingers for 40+ years. Five years ago, I decided to go with 3/4-sized guitars exclusively. Why? Trying to span the fingerboard of a full-sized guitar was becoming too painful (a word to the wise: don't get old (laugh)).
The electrics were easy: the splendid Squire Mini-strat is a hot-rodders dream (and the good folks at Pickguard Heaven will custom-craft pickguards allowing virtually any combination of pickups and switches imaginable...and I've experimented with several). The nylon stringed guitars were also easy: the Cordoba Cadette is simply fabulous (and I'm told the Kremona 3/4 guitars are also stellar). But the steel string acoustics (e.g. Fender, Takamine, Martin, Taylor) weren't tonally balanced or mellow enough for my liking (I thought they tended toward overly-bright stridency even with phosphor-bronze strings). Please note: other people swear by some of these guitars and I'm not putting them down.
Recently, I saw an Ibanez AW54 MINI as a Custom Guitarsfriend 'open box' item and because I'm not indigent (no boast) I gave it a shot. Man, am I glad I did! This little guy produces the mellow, balanced (top-to-bottom) tone I've been looking for with more than enough volume for recording. The AW54 is incredibly well-finished for an instrument at ANY reasonable price point...and it's 'above-and-beyond' for its modest asking price. The neck feels much like the Squire and Cordoba guitars I own, which is to say comfortably-familiar. The bridge features a compensated saddle, so the intonation is very good (excellent for a 3/4-scale guitar). And the die-cast tuning mechanisms are smooth and accurate.
Bottom line: This is an extraordinary 3/4 offering for a price most folks can swallow. In fact, I liked it so much that I ordered a second one at Custom Guitarsfriend's normal price (I keep guitars at two locations I move between). Folks, the AW54 is the real deal!
Ibanez AW54 3/4 Sized Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural
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