Brand/Model: Ibanez PF Series PF15ECE
Number of Strings: 6
Hand Orientation: Right
Body Material: Mahogany/Spruce top
Neck Material: Mahogany
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Price Range: Under $200
Our Rating: 9.6/10
Ibanez PF15ECE Dreadnought Cutaway Guitar Review
Ibanez has quite the long list of a variety of guitars, as well as quite the history in the music industry. However, their PF Series is their Performance line. Let’s strum by what we can learn about this affordable acoustic electric guitar.
A once-over of this cheap guitar tells you it’s a laminate guitar, not a solid wood one. The first indication is the low cost of under 200 clams.
It has laminate mahogany back and sides and a laminate spruce top. While laminate does have its drawbacks when it comes to resonance and sound, it does have its advantages when it comes to standing up to climate damage.
Everything else about is pretty standard. The gloss finish all over the neck and body, chrome die-cast tuners, dreadnought shape, dovetail neck joint, rosewood fretboard, and ivory binding.
However, there is a special feature on the PF15ECE guitar. It has Ibanez Advantage bridge pins! What’s the deal with the pins?
They feature a bulb head that makes them easier to take out, grip, and from pushing them in too far. The newly-designed bulb pin has a stopper cut that keeps the pin in place. It also has a tapered end to keep the string taut and from lifting when it’s tightened in place.
The Ibanez acoustic electric guitar also looks really sleek in its black gloss finish. But, it’s also available at the same price in Natural and Blue Sunburst. It’s a polished guitar that can really offer you some beautiful simplicity.
Pros
- Price
- Dreadnought shape
- Cutaway
- Ibanez Advantage bridge pins
- Fishman Sonicore pickup
Cons
- Laminate
Ibanez PF15ECE Reviews
For under 200 bucks, this PF15ECE guitar makes its owners proud. There’s not a single complaint about this acoustic electric instrument at time of writing.
Some people have sassed Ibanez for finish issues, misaligned tuners, excessive use of glue, and other issues, but the PF Series has no loose ends.
Buyers make have been skeptical at first about buying the cheap guitar, but after a personalized setup, they admit that they won’t ever part with it.
They really like the way it feels in their hands, and the lustrous finish is very attractive and seductive.
Even though the guitar is made of laminate, there hasn’t been any complaint about the sound.
That’s most likely due to the Fishman Sonicore pickup and SST preamp that lends a hand to its electric sass, and you can shred with this thing too!
Alternative Acoustic-Electric Guitars to Consider
For a guitar that’s so affordable to buy, it’s hard to find something to compare in this price range that doesn’t sport a single complaint. If you’re looking to find something that can compete with this Ibanez, then let the Ovation AB24-RR Guitar do the talking.
Its multiple finishes are definitely an attractive aspect of the Ovation, but it’s the sound punch that puts it above its price class. The Ovation guitar is worth a standing ovation and an encore at the end of the day. We definitely think so, so check out our full review on it!
If you want a beginners acoustic electric guitar then we recommend you head over here to see our top beginners acoustic electric guitars.
Yamaha is an excellent competitor to any guitar, and the Yamaha FGX800C is incredibly popular and highly rated. It pushes the budget range to under 300 dollars, but it has a solid top with strong and pronounced tones in the low to middle range.
Back in your price range of under 200 bucks, the Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar meets that quota. With a 3/4 size body, ART-based pickup system, and multiple finishes to boot, it’s a take-home winner for the price!
- Mahogany back and sidesSpruce topFishman Sonicore pickupSST preampOnboard tunerCase sold separately
Ibanez PF15ECE FAQ
Does this Guitar come with High or Low Action?
The guitar should come with low action for smooth and easy playability. However, one person did receive a guitar with high action. The truss rod is adjustable and tools allow you to adjust the action to your liking.
Is this a Full Size Guitar?
Yes, this is a full size guitar intended for adult players or older children.
What are the Dimensions of the Ibanez PF Guitar?
As a full size guitar, it has a 20″ length, 15.75″ width, and max depth of 5″.
Does this PF15ECE Guitar come with a Bag?
No extra equipment or accessories are included in the purchase. However, the recommended hard case bag for this guitar is the Ibanez PF50C case.
Where is the Ibanez Acoustic Electric Guitar Made?
This is a Japanese company, and their guitars are made in Japan.
How to Eliminate Feedback when Playing Acoustic Plugged-in?
Hit the Phase Switch on the control board to eliminate feedback. This keeps the electric signal just barely out of sync with the top vibrations of the strings.
What does the On-Board EQ for the Guitar?
The EQ system enables you shape the sound of your guitar tones by use of the pickups. With Shape, Treble, Middle, and Bass settings, you can mix and dabble to create a range of tonal diversity for private or live playing.
Does the Ibanez PF15 Acoustic Electric Guitar have a Tuner?
There is an on-board tuner with indicator lights to aid in tuning the guitar.
Hardware/Electronics You’ll Need:
This is a bare-bones purchase. In order to get amplified and get strumming loud enough to annoy your parents or your neighbors, you’ll need some extra equipment. If this is your first-time buy, check out our complete list of acoustic & electric guitar accessories to learn all about what you should get and what you must get. For the mean time, here’s your heads-up!
Standout Features of the PF15ECE Guitar
- Aesthetic appeal
- Highly rated
- Easy to play
Our Verdict on the PF15ECE
To strum it up, the Ibanez PF15ECE Acoustic Electric Guitar is an excellent buy. For a first-time purchase or a guitar that’s going to beef up sessions between Martin and Taylor guitar jams, this will make you proud. You might get a case of separation anxiety with your Ibanez.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Further Reading:
- Yamaha Silent Guitar Review – SLG200S Acoustic Electric Guitar (Bodiless Design & Steel String)
- Yamaha FGX800C Review – Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Yamaha APXT2 Review – 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar Less Than $200
- Yamaha APX500III Review – Top Quality Thinline Acoustic Electric Guitar
- Yamaha A3R Review – A-Series Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.