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Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige
Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige
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Playability
75
Sound
80
Build
82
Value
74
Score
79
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Playability
73
Sound
80
Build
85
Value
69
Score
79
FIND IT ON:
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Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige vs AZS2200Q Prestige

Reasons to Get
Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige over AZS2200Q Prestige

Bridge
Fixed vs Tremolo
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Value Score
74 vs 69
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige over AZS2209H Prestige

Decorative Top
Quilted Maple vs None
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Bridge
Tremolo vs Fixed
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance

Other Key Differences
Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige vs AZS2200Q Prestige

Body Wood
Ash vs Alder
Different Body Wood

Shared Features
Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige vs AZS2200Q Prestige

Bridge Pickup
Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Custom
Same Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Seymour Duncan Magic Touch-mini
Same Neck Pickup
Neck Wood
Roasted Maple
Same Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Roasted Maple
Same Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6
Same Headstock
Nut Material
Bone
Same Nut Material
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
1
Same tone control
Pickups
SH
Very bright bridge tone and a very warm neck pickup
Number of Frets
22
Same maximum octave
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.81'' (20.6mm)
Same neck comfortability
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.89'' (22.6mm)
Same neck comfortability
Nut Width
1.654'' (42mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Tuner Ratio
16
Same tuning precision
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm)
Same fretboard comfortability
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Type of Frets
Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Locking Tuners
  • High-Quality Nut
  • High-Quality Frets
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Top Pickup Brand

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

SET PRICE ALERT

Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige Prices

SET PRICE ALERT

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that both instruments scored 79 out of 100, which makes them similar in terms of quality.

The Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige wins when it comes to build quality. On the other hand, the Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige has the upper hand when it comes to playability, value for the money.

If you got small hands, none of these instruments will make a big difference when it comes to comfortability.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

Both meet 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players. If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, you can't go wrong with either of them.

New Player Friendliness

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Short scale

New Player Friendliness

Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Short scale

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige Overview

  • From Ibanez's 2021 AZS series
  • Made in Japan
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Ash body
  • Roasted Maple neck
  • Roasted Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Custom (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Seymour Duncan Magic Touch-mini (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Gotoh F1803 bridge
  • AZ Oval C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads w/H.A.P. tuners
  • Weight between 8.55lbs (3.9kgs) and 9.35lbs (4.2kgs)
  • Compare Specs >

Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige Overview

  • From Ibanez's 2021 AZS series
  • Made in Japan
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Quilted Maple top
  • Alder body
  • Roasted Maple neck
  • Roasted Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Custom (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Seymour Duncan Magic Touch-mini (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Gotoh T1802 Tremolo bridge
  • AZ Oval C Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads w/H.A.P. tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in Both

Roasted Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Roasted Maple

Roasted Maple is just maple without a finish. It's technically cheaper than regular maple, but it doesn't have any extra disadvantages because of this. The color is darker, and it's lighter weight and very stable even when there's a lot of humidity.

Woods Used in the Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige

Ash wood pattern used for guitar building
Ash

Ash is a type of wood that Fender used almost exclusively in the 50s, and it's still used by many brands. It's a dense wood with a light color that works well for a transparent, natural finish because of its beautiful patterns. In terms of sound, it's known for emphasizing the mid and high frequencies, but with strong low end. Find out more about Ash.

Woods Used in the Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige

Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
Alder

Alder is the most popular wood that Fender uses in most of their guitars nowadays. Even though they say it's because of its balanced tone with an emphasis in the upper midrange, it probably is because it isn't too expensive, and it's also pretty lightweight—more than Mahogany. Find out more about Alder.

Winner: Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige.

Pickup Configuration

Both pickup configurations are SH. SH is a more versatile version of the classic telecaster (SS) configuration. The bridge pickup usually produces a bright and twangy tone, while the neck Humbucker gives you the warmer tone you'll need for more Jazzy/Bluish solos and chords.

Pickups Quality

Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.

You can purchase similar pickups to the Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige's and use them on any guitar:

We found the same or similar pickups to the Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige's online:

Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

Winner: Tie.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

Both offer you the same type of pickup mod: Parallel Split.

The Parallel Split feature allows it to split and connect some of the pickups in parallel. When wired in parallel, the result is a very bright tone. This is the wire technique used in most Stratocaster guitars, and it's what gives them their signature transparent and clear sound. This is because the pickups' inputs and outputs are wired together, which reduces the signal's travel distance to the output jack.

They both share the following switching options:

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige and Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige and Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige's switch options

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige
Pickups 90
Sustain 85
Versatility 64
Tuning Stability 80
Sound 80
Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige
Pickups 90
Sustain 80
Versatility 74
Tuning Stability 75
Sound 80

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige compares to the Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in Japan.

Japan has a long history of high-quality guitar building. Little has changed in terms of their manufacturing and quality control over the years. Many guitars made in this country can be compared—and even beat—others made in the US.

Winner: Tie

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

In this case, both have Bone nuts. It's a type of nut found in high-quality instruments. They sound similar to Ivory since they give a lot of sustain and a bright sound (at least when striking open strings). The only problem they can run into is that you may get a bone piece that simply doesn't sound as well as others because that's just how natural materials are.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

Both in this comparison come with stainless steel frets. These frets will basically last for the entire life of the guitar. They will never need polishing nor replacement. And not only that, but some people also notice that bending and vibratos are much easier to perform when they upgrade to stainless steel.

Winner: Tie.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

The Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige's brige is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

On the other hand, the Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige's is a Tremolo. Tremolo bridges give you more versatility than fixed bridges. They let you perform the intense vibrato effects that would be impossible with a fixed bridge. However, since the bridge floats and there's less contact with the body, the strings lose sustain slightly faster. They can also be a bit harder to restring and set up correctly than fixed bridges.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: Tie.

Tuners

They both have locking tuners. They'll help to keep your guitar in tune because they allow you to tune it without wrapping the strings around the posts. This avoids variations in the tuning due to the strings changing position at the post after a bend. They come at the disadvantage of being slightly heavier than regular tuners. Also, it makes it a lot easier to restring.

Both of them have a 16:1 tuner ratio. This means that it will take 16 turns of the keys to give the tuning posts an entire turn. Higher ratio means more precise tuning (and more time spent tuning your gutiar). Most guitars have a 18:1 ratio, while the most precise tuning can be achieved with a 21:1 ratio.

Winner: Tie.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Locking Tuners
  • Made in Japan
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Parallel Split Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Locking Tuners
  • Made in Japan
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Parallel Split Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Tremolo
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige
Quality of materials 86
Features 70
Quality Control 90
Build Quality 82
Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige
Quality of materials 85
Features 75
Quality Control 95
Build Quality 85

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige Nut Width
Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 42mm (1.654'').

This is considered a narrow width for a 6-string guitar. This means that this guitar will have a narrower string separation at the nut, which will affect your fretting hand.

If you are a player with big hands, you might find it difficult to play chords without muting strings. However, this is good for players who have smaller hands, as it will allow them to reach each string more easily at the nut.

Scale Length

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige and Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige's Scale Length
Both have the same scale length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".

This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige Neck Profile
Both guitars have the same neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

Both the Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige and the Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

Fretboard Radius

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige Fingerboard Radius
Both Guitars Have The Same Fretboard Radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

Both the Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige and the Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige have the same fretboard radius of 12". This is the radius used in most Gibson guitars. It gives you a good balance for playing chords without muting, but also good comfortability for playing single notes and bending.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

After taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that both in this comparison favor small hands .

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige and Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige Frets Size
Both have a similar Jumbo fret size

Both have a Jumbo fret size. This is one of the tallest frets you can get. You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings. It will give you the best sustain and all types of chords will be easier to play. However, you can end up changing the pitch of your notes if you press too hard, which is something people used to feeling the fretboard do when trying Jumbo frets for the first time.

Final Playability Scores

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige
Bending & Vibrato Ease 85
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 80
Playability 75
Ibanez AZS2200Q Prestige
Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 80
Playability 73

Specs Side-by-Side

Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige vs AZS2200Q Prestige
General Ibanez AZS2209H Prestige AZS2200Q Prestige
Brand: Ibanez Ibanez
Year: 2021 2021
Configuration: SH SH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Japan Japan
Series: AZS AZS
Colors: Sunburst, Blue Blue
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Ash Alder
Bridge: Gotoh F1803 Gotoh T1802 Tremolo
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads w/H.A.P. Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads w/H.A.P.
Fretboard: Roasted Maple Roasted Maple
Neck Material: Roasted Maple Roasted Maple
Decoration: Black Dot Abalone dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: AZ Oval C AZ Oval C
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.81'' (20.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.89'' (22.6mm) 1st Fret: 0.81'' (20.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.89'' (22.6mm)
Frets: 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel
Fretboard Radius: 12" 12"
Nut: Bone Bone
Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'') 42mm (1.654'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Custom (Single Coil / Passive) Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Custom (Single Coil / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan Magic Touch-mini (Humbucker / Passive) Seymour Duncan Magic Touch-mini (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Dome Dome
Pickup Mods: Parallel Split Parallel Split
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 1