Brand new Ibanez AZ2204NW-PPK Prestige 2024 - Pastel Pink.

Visually, there isn't a major difference between the previous AZ models and the N version. The most noticeable changes are the rosewood fretboard instead of maple and a different-colored pickguard. However, the playing experience differs significantly.

Many features remain the same: an alder body, one-piece S-Tech roasted maple necks, stainless steel frets, locking tuners, Luminlay side dots, an oil-impregnated bone nut, and the dyna-MIX9 switching system. At this point, you might be wondering, “So what’s new?”

The key difference is the new Seymour Duncan pickups, named Fortuna. These pickups have a more vintage-inspired character compared to the previous Hyperion pickups. They offer lower output, focusing more on clean and lightly overdriven tones. The dynamic range is broader, with an extended frequency response. They aren't necessarily better than the Hyperion pickups—just different. The Fortuna pickups are passive with Alnico magnets.

Another significant change is the compound-radius fretboard, ranging from 228mmR to 305mmR. Unlike previous AZ models, which had a consistent 305mm radius, the N version starts more curved at the lower frets and gradually flattens out towards the higher frets. In simpler terms:

• A rounder fretboard near the nut makes chord playing easier.
• A flatter fretboard higher up enhances soloing and bending.

The bridge is also new, now named T1702B. In terms of function and design, it's nearly identical to the previous T1802, using the same base plate. However, the key difference lies in the materials:

• The T1702B features a solid brass block instead of steel.
• The saddles are brass instead of titanium.

These changes result in a warmer tone with a slightly softer attack. Additionally, the bridge is not recessed into the body like previous AZ models—it sits flat against the body, improving string vibration transfer for increased resonance and sustain.

Specifications:

• Neck: AZ Oval C S-Tech roasted maple
• Body: Alder
• Fretboard: Rosewood with Mother of Pearl dot inlays
• Radius: Compound (228mmR to 305mmR)
• Frets: 22 jumbo stainless steel with Prestige fret edge treatment
• Scale Length: 648mm (25.5″)
• Nut: Bone
• Nut Width: 42mm
• Width at 24th Fret: 56.4mm
• Thickness at 1st Fret: 20.5mm
• Thickness at 12th Fret: 22.5mm
• Bridge: Gotoh T1702B tremolo
• Tuners: Gotoh Magnum Lock w/ H.A.P.
• Pickups:
• • Neck: Seymour Duncan Fortuna (S)
  • Middle: Seymour Duncan Fortuna (S)
  • Bridge: Seymour Duncan Fortuna (H)
• Switching System: dyna-MIX9
• Side Dots: Luminlay
• Hardware: Chrome
• Case: Hardshell included