AEW120BGNT vs AW4000B6815 — Compare
Ibanez AEW120BG NT Acoustic Electric Guitar Natural vs Ibanez AW4000 BS Artwood Brown Sunburst Gloss Acoustic Guitar 6815
The AEW120BG NT is a smaller concert-body electric-acoustic designed for studio clarity and stage versatility with built-in electronics, while the AW4000 BS is a full-size dreadnought built for traditional acoustic projection and fingerstyle comfort. Choose the Ibanez AEW120BG NT if you need amplified output and portability; choose the AW4000 BS if you want classic acoustic warmth and don't require onboard electronics.
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Ibanez AEW120BG NT Acoustic Electric Guitar Natural
Ibanez AW4000 BS Artwood Brown Sunburst Gloss Acoustic Guitar 6815
Specs side by side
| Ibanez AEW120BG NT Acoustic Electric Guitar Natural | Ibanez AW4000 BS Artwood Brown Sunburst Gloss Acoustic Guitar 6815 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $539.99 |
| Brand | Ibanez | Ibanez |
| Body | Orchestra Model | Dreadnought |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 20 Frets | — |
| Fretboard | — | Rosewood |
| Pickup Configuration | Soundhole | Soundhole |
| String Type | Steel | — |
| Year | 2015 | 2015 |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose Ibanez AEW120BG NT Acoustic Electric Guitar Natural
- ✓ Built-in Fishman pickup and AEQ-SP2 preamp with XLR/¼" outputs for direct stage and studio connectivity
- ✓ Smaller grand concert body with soft Florentine cutaway is more comfortable and portable
- ✓ Clear, articulate tone with good projection ideal for singer-songwriter and worship settings
- ✓ Onboard tuner eliminates need for external tuning devices
Why choose Ibanez AW4000 BS Artwood Brown Sunburst Gloss Acoustic Guitar 6815
- ✓ Full dreadnought body delivers traditional acoustic projection and warmth without amplification
- ✓ Warm midrange and focused low end from mahogany back/sides suit fingerstyle and country playing
- ✓ Mid-price tier offers solid Sitka spruce and mahogany construction at better value than AEW120BG
- ✓ Open Grover tuners and satin neck finish provide classic playability across all skill levels
Frequently asked questions
Do both guitars require electricity to play?
No. The AEW120BG NT uses a 9V battery to power its onboard electronics for amplification, but the guitar plays acoustically unplugged. The AW4000 BS is purely acoustic and requires no battery or electronics.
Which is better for fingerstyle playing?
The AW4000 BS is specifically noted as ideal for fingerstyle, with its dreadnought body and warm mahogany tone providing traditional responsiveness. The AEW120BG NT works for fingerstyle too, but its smaller concert body and brighter spruce-and-bubinga tone suit that application less directly.
What's the main tone difference?
The AEW120BG NT delivers clear, articulate tone with bubinga's bright character. The AW4000 BS produces warm midrange and focused lows typical of mahogany-back dreadnoughts—more traditional and darker.
Which is easier for beginners?
Both support beginner through advanced play. The AW4000 BS is rated for beginners and offers a larger, more familiar dreadnought shape. The AEW120BG NT requires intermediate skill minimum and its smaller body may feel less traditional to new players.