Ibanez - AZ26P1-BK Black + Housse

From the very first notes, the Ibanez AZ26P1-BK puts you at ease like an old friend who's been customised with a turbo. Its Oval C neck in steamed maple, combined with the Super All Access heel, makes it effortless to play up to the highest notes. You'll find yourself chaining fast licks together without a second thought, buoyed by ergonomics that seem to anticipate your every move. It's a guitar designed to go with you, without pulling on your sleeve.

This model features Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups in SSH configuration, perfectly suited to those who don't want to choose between clarity and saturation. Thanks to the dyna-MIX9 system, you can go from a funk slap to a thick lead without flinching. And if you like hybrid sounds that are a little out of the ordinary, the Alter Switch is your new favourite button.

The AZ26P1-BK also shows that you can be seriously versatile without taking yourself too seriously. Its American basswood body provides a balanced, natural tonal base, while the ebony fingerboard ensures immediate bite in the upper register. Add jumbo stainless steel frets, and you get a clean, responsive feel that's not afraid of corrosion or long solos. It's as if your fingers were finally allowed to take an express holiday.

Practical details have not been overlooked. The guitar comes in a gig bag, ready to take with you from rehearsal to performance. The Gotoh MG-T tuning machines ensure impeccable tuning, while the T1502 vibrato responds at the drop of a hat. So you can turn every bend into a well-oiled party, with no need to worry about accuracy.

Even in the dark, it keeps its head held high: its luminous cues prevent last-minute stage approximations. And in terms of silhouette, the AZ body's controlled asymmetry adapts to your position, whether standing or sitting, without twisting your back or spoiling the moment. If you like instruments that adapt to you rather than the other way round, the Ibanez AZ26P1-BK clearly deserves a place on your stand.