Solid Okoume top offers a full-bodied and warm mid-range and a bright tone. The Okoume back and sides generate a woody, warm tone when the guitar is played softly or finger-picked and provide punchy high-mids with a clear projection when strummed. The Low Oval neck grip is designed for easy chord strumming and the Rounded Fretboard Edges provides superior playability. The Ovangkol fretboard provides greater playing comfort. The X-M Bracing creates the clear bottom and crispy treble sound with trimmed warm mid-range, yet provides a wide dynamic range and high response.

The AP11 pickup is small, lightweight and positioned so it won't inhibit the natural vibrations of the top wood. The pickup generates a highly responsive sound with minimal feedback and delivers a lively response throughout the entire frequency range. Ibanez Custom Electronics w/ Volume and Tone control for contouring the tone, making the AE suitable for variety of applications for modern players.