What is the primary body material of the Ibanez EWP14WB?

The guitar features a top and body made entirely of Ovangkol, which provides a vibrant and rich tonal response.

What body shape does this piccolo guitar use?

It utilizes a cutaway tenor-style EW shape, designed to allow easy access to the upper frets.

What type of finish is applied to the EWP14WB?

The instrument features an Open Pore Natural finish, which allows the natural texture of the wood to be felt and improves resonance.

What material is used for the bridge?

The bridge is constructed from Purpleheart, a wood chosen for its durability and its ability to enhance overall sound projection.

Is the Ibanez EWP14WB suitable for lead playing?

Yes, the cutaway design is specifically intended to help players reach higher notes, making it suitable for experimenting with different styles and soloing.

How does the price point compare to other Ibanez acoustic models?

The EWP14WB typically retails around £189, positioning it as an affordable entry-point for musicians seeking a specialized auxiliary instrument.

What decorative elements are included on the guitar?

The guitar includes an abalone sound hole rosette, adding a level of aesthetic sophistication to the natural wood appearance.

How does the size of the EWP14WB compare to a standard guitar?

It is significantly smaller, based on a tenor-style frame, making it much more portable and higher-pitched than a full-sized acoustic.

Does this model include a pickup for amplification?

Based on the manufacturer description provided, this is a purely acoustic model focused on natural resonance and portability.

What kind of hardware is included?

The manufacturer describes the hardware as 'equally impressive' as the tonewoods, designed to complement the instrument's professional build quality.

Can the EWP14WB be used by professional performers?

Yes, Ibanez describes it as a 'must-have for any performer looking to explore new musical horizons' due to its unique sound and versatility.

What are the tonal characteristics of Ovangkol?

Ovangkol is known for producing rich and vibrant tones, offering a full-spectrum sound that works well in a piccolo-scale instrument.

Gear article

Ibanez EWP14WB Piccolo Guitar

The Ibanez EWP14WB is a compact piccolo guitar featuring an Ovangkol body and a cutaway tenor-style EW body shape. It is designed to bridge the gap between a ukulele and a traditional acoustic guitar, offering a unique high-register voicing for performers and travellers.

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Overview and Design

The Ibanez EWP14WB is a distinct entry in the Ibanez catalogue, categorised by its small-scale construction and specialized tuning. It features a cutaway tenor-style EW body shape, which facilitates access to the higher frets, making it a functional choice for players who employ melodic lead lines or intricate fingerstyle techniques.

The instrument is finished in an Open Pore Natural style, which preserves the texture of the wood. Visual accents include an abalone sound hole rosette, providing a touch of traditional aesthetic sophistication to a modern, compact frame.

Construction and Tonewoods

The choice of materials is central to the EWP14WB's acoustic properties. Both the top and the body are crafted from Ovangkol, a tonewood known for delivering a rich and vibrant sonic profile that balances mid-range warmth with clear highs.

Complementing the Ovangkol body is a purpleheart bridge. Purpleheart is a dense wood that aids in sound projection and durability. The combination of these materials ensures that despite its diminished size, the instrument maintains sufficient volume and clarity for performance and practice.

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Sound Character and Tuning

As a piccolo guitar, the EWP14WB occupies a higher frequency range than a standard acoustic guitar. Its sound is characterized by a bright, shimmering quality that cuts through a mix, similar in some respects to a mandolin or ukulele but with the chordal possibilities of a six-string instrument.

The open pore finish allows the wood to vibrate more freely than heavy gloss alternatives, contributing to a more 'organic' and resonant tone. This makes it an effective tool for recording layers or adding high-end texture to acoustic arrangements.

Target Audience and Use Cases

This instrument is primarily suited for:

Travellers: Its compact size makes it highly portable for musicians on the move.
Solo Performers: Those looking for a unique sonic signature to differentiate their live sets.
Composers: Musicians seeking new inspirations through alternative tunings and higher voicings.
Students: Players with smaller hands who may find the tenor-style scale length more manageable.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body material of the Ibanez EWP14WB?: The guitar features a top and body made entirely of Ovangkol, which provides a vibrant and rich tonal response.
What body shape does this piccolo guitar use?: It utilizes a cutaway tenor-style EW shape, designed to allow easy access to the upper frets.
What type of finish is applied to the EWP14WB?: The instrument features an Open Pore Natural finish, which allows the natural texture of the wood to be felt and improves resonance.
What material is used for the bridge?: The bridge is constructed from Purpleheart, a wood chosen for its durability and its ability to enhance overall sound projection.
Is the Ibanez EWP14WB suitable for lead playing?: Yes, the cutaway design is specifically intended to help players reach higher notes, making it suitable for experimenting with different styles and soloing.
How does the price point compare to other Ibanez acoustic models?: The EWP14WB typically retails around £189, positioning it as an affordable entry-point for musicians seeking a specialized auxiliary instrument.
What decorative elements are included on the guitar?: The guitar includes an abalone sound hole rosette, adding a level of aesthetic sophistication to the natural wood appearance.
How does the size of the EWP14WB compare to a standard guitar?: It is significantly smaller, based on a tenor-style frame, making it much more portable and higher-pitched than a full-sized acoustic.
Does this model include a pickup for amplification?: Based on the manufacturer description provided, this is a purely acoustic model focused on natural resonance and portability.
What kind of hardware is included?: The manufacturer describes the hardware as 'equally impressive' as the tonewoods, designed to complement the instrument's professional build quality.
Can the EWP14WB be used by professional performers?: Yes, Ibanez describes it as a 'must-have for any performer looking to explore new musical horizons' due to its unique sound and versatility.
What are the tonal characteristics of Ovangkol?: Ovangkol is known for producing rich and vibrant tones, offering a full-spectrum sound that works well in a piccolo-scale instrument.