The Ibanez AE205JR-OPN Open Pore Natural is a compact electro-acoustic western guitar that turns out to be the ideal tool for the travelling singer/songwriter. Picked with the fingers and played with the plectrum, the AE body made of laminated mahogany, on which a solid Sitka spruce top swings, provides a clear sound image with a balanced frequency response and lively dynamics. The Ibanez AR205JR is also equipped with the Ibanez T-Bar Undersaddle Pickup and the Ibanez Custom Electronics Preamp, which transmit the sound image with natural heat to the amplifier.
I researched which guitar I wanted for a while and landed on this one. I was mainly sold on the look of the guitar but had looked at lots of reviews which were all very positive to how it played and the sound of it. I was concerned about buying it online before I played the guitar as feel you should always fall in love with the sound and looks of the guitar, but I took a gamble on this as it was so pretty! Thankfully I am glad to report it sounds fantastic and plays really easily. To sum it up, it felt natural as soon as I held it and started playing, no adjustment time needed. It is a junior so about one and a half frets in length shorter than a normal guitar but unless you are a taller player I don't think this will be an issue. The grand auditorium shape still gives out a full and rich sound, plus the cutaway gives full access to the top of the fretboard which is a very useful addition. It is a very light guitar, the tuning nuts are nice and the inlays on the fretboard stunning (and it came with a good soft case). There are no electric tuning options on the top of the guitar but I prefer that as it gives it a much cleaner look. The satin neck is nice and easy to play and the fret sizes not an issue for fingers despite it being a junior. It the most beautiful guitar I've ever owned, well done Ibanez!