Gearank High Notes
- 2018.08: Highest Rated Acoustic-Electric Guitar Under $300
- 2017.08: Equal Highest Rated Acoustic-Electric Guitar Under $300
Tied With:- Ibanez AEG10II
Yamaha APX500III - Ibanez AEG10II
Gearank Recommendation
The AW54CE appeared on our recommended list for Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $300 from August 2017 until April 2020.
Overview
While generally associated with rock and metal, Ibanez has always had a great lineup of acoustic instruments.
A notable line produced by Ibanez is the Artwood series, which has combined old world craftsmanship with modern manufacturing to create some pretty solid entry-level guitars; a great example of which is the AW54CEOPN.
While it is an acoustic-electric guitar, the main focus of its design was its acoustic tone. The guitar utilizes an open pore finish, which is intended to allow the guitar to resonate more freely by minimizing the amount of finish applied to it. It’s hard to say how effective this is in practice due to the guitar’s laminated back in sides, though there doesn’t seem to be any widespread complaints about the guitar’s tone.
The Ibanez AW54CEOPN sports an active Fishman preamp and pickup system, which performs admirably for a guitar in this price tier. It’s not mind blowing by any means, but it’s definitely serviceable for small gigs and open mics. The pickup sports controls for bass, treble, and volume as well as a tuner.
The unplugged sound of this guitar emphasizes the bass – which can be good or bad depending on your taste.
If you’re looking for a fun to play acoustic-electric guitar with a warmer tonality, the Ibanez AW54CE OPN is highly recommended.
Specifications
- Body Shape: Dreadnought with Cutaway
- Top: Solid Mahogany
- Body: Laminated Mahogany
- Finish: Natural Open Pore
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Fingerboard Radius: 400 mm
- Number of Frets: 20
- Scale Length: 25.62″
- Nut Width: 1 11/16″
- Electronics: Ibanez AEQ-SP2
