Ibanez AW5412CE-OPN Artwood

Now I've had this guitar for a few weeks and I have to say it surprises positively. Usually 12 string guitars are hard to play, but not this one, it is right in the hands. It has a huge acoustic volume, while still sounding really good. I've played with the built-in microphone and with an external Seymour Duncan Woody, and the sound is quite different. Not to say which one of the microphones is best. I really recommend this guitar.

I have been playing this guitar in an Estonian folk band for exactly 3 years now. Overall I can say that the guitar has held up sound and playing wise - it still sounds big and bright plus the frets are nice and smooth. So playability wise, it is really good - the wider neck still feels fast, not bulky.

My favourite thing about using this guitar for performing is the XLR output (makes it really easy to connect it to any mixer and having interusability between cables which the standard vocal and condenser mics plus the guitar use on stage). Sound wise the piezo pickup isn't anything special - a dedicated separate acoustic pickup will sound way fuller and will serve better in mix with traditional instruments.

The build quality has however let me down. In 2025 while trying to restring it I discovered the saddle attached to the guitar body had completely warped outward due to a combination of the tension from the 12 strings being tuned to E standard and being hung up without a moisturizer during the dry winter. I had the bridge fixed and now it is completely fine. My recomenndation would be to keep the guitar in D standard and control the humidity level inside the guitar using specified products for it.

My verdict is that this guitar has completely transformed the default acoustic guitar sound I imagine be the 12 string sound. The instrument has really elevated my folk band's sound in the last 3 years and has served well as a robust tool in adverse weather and venue locations.