What body shape does the Ibanez AAD51CE use?

The guitar utilizes a Grand Dreadnought body shape with a cutaway, designed for increased volume and better access to the higher frets.

What wood is used for the top of the AAD51CE?

The instrument features a solid Sitka spruce top, which provides a wide dynamic range and crisp articulation.

What materials are used for the back and sides?

The back and sides are made of sapele, a wood known for adding warmth and clarity to the guitar's voice.

What type of neck profile does this model have?

It features a low oval grip okoume neck, designed to feel smooth and natural for both chords and extended playing.

Does the Ibanez AAD51CE have built-in electronics?

Yes, it is equipped with a T-bar undersaddle pickup and an Ibanez AEQ-TP2 preamp system.

Is there a tuner built into the guitar?

The onboard AEQ-TP2 preamp includes a clear digital tuner for easy tuning on stage or during practice.

What finish is applied to this guitar?

The guitar is finished in a Dark Violin Sunburst high gloss, giving it a classic and polished aesthetic.

How does the Grand Dreadnought body affect the sound?

The design is intended to deliver impressive volume and a powerful, solid low end compared to standard acoustic sizes.

What controls are available on the preamp?

The AEQ-TP2 preamp offers simple EQ controls to help shape the amplified sound to the player's preference.

Is the AAD51CE comfortable for long playing sessions?

Yes, it features carefully refined contours and an ergonomic neck profile specifically to ensure player comfort during long sessions.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 299, offering a solid-top instrument in an accessible price bracket.

For what scenarios is the AAD51CE best suited?

It is designed for a variety of uses, including songwriting, rehearsal, and live performance thanks to its balanced acoustic voice and electronics.

Gear article

Ibanez AAD51CE Advanced Acoustic

The Ibanez AAD51CE Advanced Acoustic is a Grand Dreadnought cutaway guitar designed to deliver a powerful, well-balanced voice with significant volume. It features a solid Sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides, finished in a distinctive Dark Violin Sunburst high gloss.

See live prices

Background and Design

The Ibanez AAD51CE is part of the Advanced Acoustic series, which seeks to modernise the traditional dreadnought template. By utilising a 'Grand Dreadnought' body style, the instrument is engineered to provide greater projection and a broader dynamic range than standard acoustic models. The inclusion of a cutaway ensures that players have easier access to the upper frets, facilitating more technical playing styles.

The aesthetic is defined by its Dark Violin Sunburst high-gloss finish, which gives the instrument a classic, refined appearance. Despite its larger body dimensions, the design incorporates carefully refined contours intended to maintain physical comfort for the player during extended use.

Construction and Materials

The choice of tonewoods is central to the AAD51CE's performance. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, a industry-standard choice known for its ability to handle a wide dynamic range and provide crisp articulation. The back and sides are constructed from sapele, which contributes warmth and clarity to the overall tonal profile.

The neck is crafted from okoume with a low oval grip profile. This design is intended to feel immediately familiar to the player, promoting a relaxed hand position for both chordal work and single-note lines.

Electronics and Hardware

For live performance and recording, the AAD51CE is equipped with an integrated electronics system. It uses an Ibanez T-bar undersaddle pickup paired with an AEQ-TP2 preamp. The system is designed to capture the natural acoustic character of the guitar without excessive coloration.

The preamp interface includes: * Simple EQ controls for tonal shaping. * A clear onboard digital tuner for convenient pitch adjustments. * Standard output for connection to amplifiers or PA systems.

Sound Profile and Suitability

The sound of the AAD51CE is characterised by a solid low end and a well-balanced mid-range. The solid spruce top ensures that the guitar remains responsive to varying picking strengths, while the sapele components add a layer of harmonic warmth.

This model is particularly suited for songwriting, rehearsals, and live performance. Its ergonomic neck and body contours make it a viable option for those who find traditional full-sized dreadnoughts cumbersome but still require the volume and bass response associated with larger instruments.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What body shape does the Ibanez AAD51CE use?: The guitar utilizes a Grand Dreadnought body shape with a cutaway, designed for increased volume and better access to the higher frets.
What wood is used for the top of the AAD51CE?: The instrument features a solid Sitka spruce top, which provides a wide dynamic range and crisp articulation.
What materials are used for the back and sides?: The back and sides are made of sapele, a wood known for adding warmth and clarity to the guitar's voice.
What type of neck profile does this model have?: It features a low oval grip okoume neck, designed to feel smooth and natural for both chords and extended playing.
Does the Ibanez AAD51CE have built-in electronics?: Yes, it is equipped with a T-bar undersaddle pickup and an Ibanez AEQ-TP2 preamp system.
Is there a tuner built into the guitar?: The onboard AEQ-TP2 preamp includes a clear digital tuner for easy tuning on stage or during practice.
What finish is applied to this guitar?: The guitar is finished in a Dark Violin Sunburst high gloss, giving it a classic and polished aesthetic.
How does the Grand Dreadnought body affect the sound?: The design is intended to deliver impressive volume and a powerful, solid low end compared to standard acoustic sizes.
What controls are available on the preamp?: The AEQ-TP2 preamp offers simple EQ controls to help shape the amplified sound to the player's preference.
Is the AAD51CE comfortable for long playing sessions?: Yes, it features carefully refined contours and an ergonomic neck profile specifically to ensure player comfort during long sessions.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 299, offering a solid-top instrument in an accessible price bracket.
For what scenarios is the AAD51CE best suited?: It is designed for a variety of uses, including songwriting, rehearsal, and live performance thanks to its balanced acoustic voice and electronics.