The Ibanez MD39C has earned its name rather swiftly as a manufacturer’s universal choice for more or less eager acoustic guitarists. The Ibanez MD39C review is hereby devoted to all the aspects of this guitar including its design and construction, performance, and features.
Ibanez MD39C Review
The Ibanez MD39C is a 39-inch cutaway acoustic guitar made with respect to the Indian market. Ibanez comes up with new designs always, and this model does not compromise on this.
It’s an entry-level guitar where it is nice and affordable, thus you can pick it up as a beginner, yet it doesn’t disappoint in terms of the quality promised by the brand.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 39 inches |
| Top | Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Nato |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Frets | 20 |
| Neck | Rosewood |
| Design | Cutaway |
| Finish | Natural and Sunburst |
The Ibanez MD39C features a spruce top, renowned for its bright tone and wide range of dynamics. Nato wood on the body, back, and sides provides warmth to the guitar, making the overall tone very balanced. The cutaway construction ensures the higher frets are easily reachable, allowing variations in playing styles.
Build Quality and Design
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Ibanez MD39C is its build quality. As part of the economy segment (around Rs. 7500 to 8500), Ibanez has managed to make the guitar robust and it doesn’t feel cheap.
Despite its 39-inch body size, which is slightly smaller than most dreadnought guitars, it balances out the boxiness, especially for kids with smaller hands.
- Spruce Top: Mostly used for its property of clarity in tone without compromising volume.
- Nato Back & Sides: Enhances warmth in texture, which complements the spruce nicely.
- Rosewood Fretboard: Well-balanced and appealing to the touch, permitting smooth finger movement. The cutaway design allows easy access to higher frets, beneficial for solo playing or complex chords. The 20-fret fingerboard provides comfort for both beginners learning chords and advanced players practicing fingerpicking methods.
Sound Quality
Although affordable, the Ibanez MD39C produces excellent sound quality for an acoustic guitar. The spruce top adds brightness, making it stand out even in complex mixes, while the nato back and sides provide warmth to balance the tone. Its versatility makes it suitable for genres like folk, pop, and light blues.
However, as an entry-level instrument, the level of resonance and depth of sound cannot compare to higher-end models. Overall, the performance is impressive for its price range, offering clear highs, smooth mids, and a decent low end for rhythm.
Playability
Ease of play is one of the main reasons the Ibanez MD39C attracts many beginners. The guitar is lightweight and features a slim neck, supporting long practice sessions. Its compact design is ideal for children or players who find full-sized guitars too heavy.
The cutaway feature allows easy access to high frets, making it easier to play complex solos or intricate fingerstyles. The smooth rosewood fretboard enhances comfort for both strumming and fingerpicking.
Durability and Maintenance
For an acoustic guitar in this price category, the Ibanez MD39C offers commendable durability. The nato wood used for the back and sides is sturdy, ensuring the guitar can withstand daily practice. It requires standard maintenance, such as keeping it in a dry and moderate climate.
The Ibanez Advantage bridge pins make string replacement easy and hassle-free, especially for beginners.
Whom is the Ibanez MD39C meant for?
The Ibanez MD39C is designed for:
- Beginners: Affordable, easy to play, and comfortable for newcomers.
- Leisure Users: Perfect for hobbyists seeking an affordable guitar without sacrificing sound.
- Youth: Its smaller size and slim neck make it great for kids and adults with smaller hands.
Comparison: Ibanez MD39C vs Yamaha F280
Another popular model in this price range is the Yamaha F280. Both guitars share similar characteristics, though with some differences worth noting:
| Characteristic | Ibanez MD39C | Yamaha F280 |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Spruce | Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Nato | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Cutaway | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 39 inches | Full-size (dreadnought) |
- Design: The Ibanez MD39C offers a cutaway design for easier access to higher frets, while the Yamaha F280 is a full-sized dreadnought, providing a stronger sound but with more restricted access to higher registers.
- Sound Quality: Both guitars feature spruce tops. The Yamaha’s mahogany adds a bit more warmth, while the Ibanez offers better playability due to its cutaway design.
Conclusion
The Ibanez MD39C is a well-made, budget-friendly guitar that offers excellent sound and build quality for its price. Whether you’re a beginner, a leisure player, or a young guitarist, the MD39C is a solid choice that won’t disappoint.
