The S-TECH special roasted treatment increases the wood's stability, durability, water resistance and tolerance of temperature changes. The neck is sealed with an oil finish which helps make it feel similar to a well-played guitar neck. Rosewood fretboard provides a well-balanced solid tone with a focused mid range. The Maple top sonically enriches the response for picking and the Alder body delivers a well-balanced bright tone, enriched resonance and sustain. The Magic Touch-mini™ pickup in the neck position offers iconic tonal clarity for which this style of guitar is known, yet with extra body and articulation. The output level is also carefully configured to perfectly match the bridge pickup. The Alnico II Pro™ Custom pickup in bridge position offers up an ample supply of clarity and twang, while also delivering a nice mid-range bark. OTOH® MAGNUM LOCK® machine heads have an established reputation for tuning stability. Its H. A. P® (Height Adjustable Post). system allows for the adjustment of string posts for the appropriate tension of each string. The T1802 tremolo bridge features machined titanium saddles and a machined steel tremolo block for a quick response, thick lows and rich highs. The 10.5mm string spacing allows for easy picking across strings and its snap-in construction makes it easy to load a tremolo arm. The dyna-MIX5 switching system with Alter Switch adds a sound variation to fit so many different kinds of playing style. While the AZ series features a recessed bridge cavity for fluid and dynamic tremolo action, this model has non-recessed bridge cavity. The direct contact between bridge plate and the guitar body provides better resonance and helps facilitate subtle nuances in playing dynamics. This steel pickup plate is designed exclusively for AZS series. It’s a critical component that helps generate that quintessential "Twangy" tone, for which this style guitar is known. This plate is present on both the tremolo and hardtail versions of the AZS, something that is not typical for guitars of this type. This plate, in combination with the traditional style single coil bridge pickup, preserves this iconic sound across the entire AZS lineup. The Oil-impregnated bone nut provides superior tuning stability and warm rich resonance. Stainless steel frets boast excellent corrosion resistance. The Super All Access Neck Joint increases playability and allows for easy access to the higher frets.