Ibanez AZ24S1F-TKS

Ibanez AZ24S1F-TKS review

The Ibanez AZ24S1F-TKS is a double-humbucker electric guitar with a roasted maple neck, a two-point tremolo, and Ibanez's dyna-MIX10 switching system. Listed at $439, it aims to cover a broad range of sounds while keeping its layout familiar. Player feedback is largely positive on comfort, tuning stability, and general finish quality, but reports on fret-edge finishing and pickup behavior are less consistent.

The guitar has an alder body with a flamed maple top, a bolt-on roasted maple neck, and a jatoba fingerboard. Its finish is Trans Black Burst, with white dot inlays and chrome hardware. There are 24 jumbo frets and a 25.51-inch scale. The fingerboard radius is 12 inches, while the nut measures 1.65 inches across. Neck thickness is listed as 21 mm at the first fret and 23 mm at the twelfth.

Neck feel and setup

Several owners describe the neck as comfortable and easy to play. One player who experiences hand cramps on thinner necks particularly liked its feel. The 12-inch radius and the listed neck thickness offer a useful reference for buyers who prefer a substantial, rounded playing surface, though personal comfort will depend on hand size and technique.

Factory setup reports vary. Some owners received an instrument with action they considered ready to play. Another found the string height close to 2 mm at the twelfth fret across the strings, then adjusted the neck and lowered the treble-side action to about 1.6 mm, leaving the low E near 1.9 mm. These are individual measurements, not a guaranteed factory specification. A basic setup may still be worthwhile after delivery, especially if you have a preferred action.

Fretwork drew both praise and criticism. Some players found the frets well finished and polished; others wanted to polish them after purchase or noticed sharp fret ends along the underside of the neck. One buyer returned the guitar because those edges were uncomfortable. That variation makes a hands-on inspection sensible when possible. The nut and tuning machines received favorable comments, including reports of strong tuning stability from the stock locking tuners.

Pickup options and sound

The two Ibanez Modern Custom humbuckers are controlled by a five-way switch and the dyna-MIX10 system with an Alter-Switch. The switching provides ten pickup configurations, giving the guitar more range than a simple two-humbucker layout suggests. Players report usable clean sounds and say the guitar can suit multiple styles. One owner specifically valued the options for heavier music and long, sustained notes.

Descriptions of the core tone differ. One player found it somewhat restrained in the high frequencies, with clear string separation and a little more twang than a shorter-scale guitar. The switching could make the sound more nasal and compressed in certain positions, which that player found useful for some lead parts. Other buyers liked the stock pickups, while one felt some settings became much quieter and found distorted tones too sharp. Another compared them unfavorably with Seymour Duncan pickups. These accounts suggest that the onboard range is a strength, but the preferred high-gain sound will depend on the player, amplifier, and settings.

Tremolo and build details

The T106 two-point tremolo is included, but owner experience offers limited evidence about its performance. Some players do not use it, and one described replacing it as a possible personal upgrade rather than a necessary fix. Another buyer considered the tremolo poor. There is not enough consistent feedback to make a firm assessment of its feel or tuning behavior under frequent use. If tremolo performance is central to your decision, test the unit in person.

Reports on the overall build are mostly favorable. Owners commonly describe clean assembly, attractive appearance, and good value for the price. One noted a loose tuner button, so small hardware checks are worthwhile. The guitar does not include a bag or case, which should be factored into the total cost if you need protection for transport or storage.

Verdict

At $439, the Ibanez AZ24S1F-TKS offers a comfortable-feeling roasted maple neck, locking tuners, a flamed maple top, and a switching system with plenty of tonal options. The stock pickups satisfy many owners, but opinions on their output and high-gain character vary. Fret-edge comfort is the most notable quality-control concern in the feedback, and the tremolo is difficult to judge from the available reports.

It makes the most sense for players who want a versatile double-humbucker guitar and are willing to check the setup and fret ends after purchase. Try the neck and switching positions if you can, and budget for a case separately. The overall owner response is encouraging, but an individual inspection matters more than assuming every example will feel identical.