AW4000B5471 vs AW4000CEBS-0372 — Compare
Ibanez AW4000 BS Artwood Brown Sunburst Gloss Acoustic Guitar 5471 vs Ibanez AW4000CE-BS Artwood Series Acoustic Electric Guitar in Brn Sunburst High Gloss Finish 0372
The Ibanez AW4000 is a pure acoustic guitar ideal for practice, home recording, and beginners exploring their sound, while the AW4000CE-BS adds a cutaway body, onboard electronics, and a professional-grade pickup system for performers and studio work. Choose the AW4000 for simplicity and tone; choose the AW4000CE-BS if you need to amplify or want easier upper-fret access.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Ibanez AW4000 BS Artwood Brown Sunburst Gloss Acoustic Guitar 5471
Ibanez AW4000CE-BS Artwood Series Acoustic Electric Guitar in Brn Sunburst High Gloss Finish 0372
Specs side by side
| Ibanez AW4000 BS Artwood Brown Sunburst Gloss Acoustic Guitar 5471 | Ibanez AW4000CE-BS Artwood Series Acoustic Electric Guitar in Brn Sunburst High Gloss Finish 0372 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $539.99 | $539.99 |
| Brand | Ibanez | Ibanez |
| Body | Dreadnought | Dreadnought |
| Body Type | — | Hollow |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Pickup Configuration | Soundhole | Under Saddle |
| Year | 2015 | Unknown |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose Ibanez AW4000 BS Artwood Brown Sunburst Gloss Acoustic Guitar 5471
- ✓ Lower price tier makes it accessible for beginners and casual players
- ✓ Solid Sitka spruce top delivers warm, resonant tone prized in folk and country
- ✓ Full body depth maximizes acoustic projection without electronics
- ✓ Straightforward design—no batteries or preamp maintenance required
Why choose Ibanez AW4000CE-BS Artwood Series Acoustic Electric Guitar in Brn Sunburst High Gloss Finish 0372
- ✓ Venetian cutaway allows comfortable access to higher frets for advanced techniques
- ✓ Fishman Sonicore pickup and AEQ-SP2 preamp with XLR/¼" outputs enable live and studio amplification
- ✓ Solid Caucasian spruce top and X-bracing provide articulate definition and balanced projection
- ✓ Onboard tuner powered by 9V battery eliminates need for external tuner
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between Sitka spruce and Caucasian spruce tops?
Both deliver warm, resonant character in this price range. Sitka spruce (AW4000) emphasizes clarity and sustain; Caucasian spruce (AW4000CE-BS) paired with X-bracing provides articulate definition and slightly more projection. The difference is subtle and depends on personal preference.
Can I add a pickup system to the AW4000 later?
Technically possible, but aftermarket pickups and preamps add cost. The AW4000CE-BS comes factory-integrated with a Fishman system and preamp, making it more cost-effective if amplification is a future need.
Is the cutaway on the AW4000CE-BS worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you play lead lines, solos, or need access above the 14th fret. The soft Venetian cutaway doesn't sacrifice body depth or tone. If you primarily play open chords or rhythm in folk/country styles, the full body of the AW4000 may be preferable.
Which guitar is better for singer-songwriters?
The AW4000CE-BS is purpose-built for this role with its cutaway design, onboard tuner, and amplification electronics ready for performance. The AW4000 works well for home demos and practice but requires external amplification for live shows.