Build Quality:4.8 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.8 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.8 out of 5 stars
Value:4.9 out of 5 stars
Average:4.8 out of 5 stars

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Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood

Pros:

  • Good Feel
  • Consistent
  • Rich Sound

Cons:

  • Might be a little on a heavy side (Dreadnought)
  • Not the best fretboard

If there was a way to create a guitar that sounds as amazing as any high-priced guitar but cost very little Ibanez has sure found it. Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Open Pore Natural has got it all: astounding sounds, beautiful look, amazing hardware, and solid build. One of the best cheap acoustic guitars in my opinion. What it lacks is a couple of hundred dollars in price because this model is criminally under-priced and you should definitely get a hold of it before Ibanez realizes what they have created and what a huge mistake they made for not pricing it higher.

Build Quality  

This 6-string acoustic guitar provides a harmonious combination of the old and the new, traditional and modern in sound, looks, and construction. All Mahogany Dreadnought and an open pore natural build with rosewood fretboard is not only great looking but also provides a warm and rich tone. Now let’s try to go a little bit more into details. Ibanez AW54OPN is a dreadnought body shape and has a beautiful solid mahogany top accompanied with a mahogany neck, back, and sides. The fingerboard is made of rosewood fingerboard and the open pore creates a beautiful look on the guitar. Despite its specifications and size, this model is really lightweight and comfortable. Let’s talk a little bit about the neck of this guitar, I think it makes this guitar the most comfortable in its range because of how thin and flat it is. The satin finish on this model makes you play it easier. If you are practicing for long periods of time or are in a hot space your fingers will sweat and satin makes it a lot more comfortable and less abrasive on your fingers.

Hardware

This model features chrome die-cast tuners and Advantage bridge pins. These pins are quite different from the old-style ones. Their form makes it easier for you to take them out and restring your guitar (or whatever you are doing). But the fact that they come off easier does not mean you have to worry about them slipping out while you are playing because the shape makes them very sturdy so that they can stay put. The original guitar comes with D’Addario EXP strings which are quite a good sounding and durable. With most guitars, you would want to change the strings right away because they are rarely up to par but Ibanez delivers on this too and provides strings that you can comfortably use for a while.

Ibanez AW54OPN Sound

The construction of this model gives it a rich, warm sound that resonated well without giving off any buzz. It stays in tune and projects really well. The neck is very thin so it’s really easy to play. With good action and harmonious sound, you would expect that this guitar was somewhere in the $500 range. You will not find anything that sounds as good and costs as little as this.

Conclusion

A guitar that is a result of great workmanship has a warm and loud sound and is a delight to play. This is not something you should miss out if you are looking for a good quality guitar that does not compromise the sound for cost. It is equally loved and appreciated by professional players who have years of experience with different guitars as well as beginners who have been lucky enough to pick up the Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood as their first acoustic guitar.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. I own several guitars including a 2009 Gibson J45 standard which cost me £1599 I was looking for a cheap acoustic to just pay that didnt need to much worrying about due to the cost and I fancied mahogany top. So I decided on the Ibanez Aw54 opn £169. I can honestly say I was shocked at how amazing this guitar is firstly I love satin finish no laquer and it’s so light weight itnearly floated. I stunned it and WOW!! It sounds awesome and to be honest as good as my Gibson although a slightly different tone as you would expect with a mahogany top. In conclusion if you are in the market and can’t decide what acoustic either for beginner or just to add to you arsenal you would not be disappointed this is so cool and looks cool to.

  2. this is a great guitar for the price I love playing it. I owned a Martin DXK2AE and got rid of it because i just did not like the sound and tone of it but I love this one and will never get rid of it and play it often the tone is very bright and full and it sounds great.

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