Ibanez AZ22S1F-TKS

Ibanez AZ22S1F-TKS review

The Ibanez AZ22S1F-TKS brings a broad range of guitar features to a listed price of 525. Its specification combines an alder body and flamed maple top with a roasted maple neck, jatoba fingerboard, HSS pickup layout, and two-point tremolo. The model has been available since January 2025. On paper, it is built to cover several familiar electric-guitar sounds while adding practical hardware, including locking machine heads.

Owner feedback is generally positive about the build, playability, and value, though opinions on the bridge humbucker and tremolo details vary. That distinction matters: the AZ22S1F-TKS offers considerable tonal flexibility, but its pickups may not suit every player equally well.

Construction and feel

The alder body has a flamed maple top and a Trans Black Sunburst finish. One owner found the finish more attractive in person than in photographs and described the guitar's weight as neither especially light nor heavy. The body shape was also praised for its ergonomics. These are subjective impressions, but they suggest a guitar designed for comfortable everyday playing rather than an unusual body style.

The bolt-on roasted maple neck has a 42 mm nut width and a 648 mm scale length, equivalent to 25.51 inches. It is fitted with a jatoba fingerboard and 22 jumbo frets. A player accustomed to very slim necks described the profile as a comfortable middle ground between a traditional-style feel and a more modern neck. They needed only a short time to adjust. Another owner liked the neck's finish and reported that the instrument arrived in a usable setup.

Feedback on fret finishing was not entirely uniform. One review found the overall workmanship very good, while noting that the frets could use more polishing and the fret ends could be finished more carefully. The supplied specifications do not identify the fret material, so buyers should not assume they are stainless steel.

Pickups and switching

The pickup set consists of an Ibanez Classic Custom humbucker at the bridge and two Ibanez Classic Custom single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions. A five-way switch selects the available pickup combinations. An owner also reported an additional switching feature that expands the range of sounds, although the supplied specifications do not detail its operation.

Reports on the single coils were favorable. One player rated them above the bridge pickup and particularly liked positions two and four, describing the guitar as useful across a range of styles. Another owner found the overall sound warmer and softer than a Fender-style instrument. That tonal description is subjective, and amplifier settings, playing style, and pickup height can all affect the result.

The bridge humbucker drew a more critical response from one reviewer, who felt it required extensive amplifier adjustment and would consider replacing it. This differs from the more positive general comments about the guitar's sound. If the bridge pickup is central to your playing, try it in person where possible. Players who rely more on clean and edge-of-breakup sounds from the single coils may find the reported results more reassuring.

Tremolo and hardware

The guitar uses an Ibanez T106 two-point tremolo and locking machine heads. One owner chose the model partly to return to using a tremolo and found the bridge comfortable, including for palm-muted playing. They were less satisfied with how the tremolo arm stayed in place, describing it as either loose or fixed in an awkward position. That adjustment may depend on preference, but it is worth checking if you frequently use the arm.

Chrome hardware completes the specification. No gig bag or case is included, so account for that separately if you need protection for transport or storage.

Verdict

At a listed price of 525, the Ibanez AZ22S1F-TKS offers a roasted maple neck, locking machine heads, a flamed maple top, and a versatile HSS layout. Owners commonly praised its comfort, finish, and overall value. The main reservations concern fret polishing, the tremolo arm's feel, and a bridge humbucker that one player found disappointing. Those are useful points to assess before buying, especially if your sound depends on the bridge pickup.

For players seeking one guitar for several styles, the AZ22S1F-TKS makes a strong case through its practical neck profile, five-way pickup selection, and tremolo-equipped design. It is not guaranteed to please every player straight out of the box, but the reported strengths and feature set make it a compelling option in its price range.