Watch: Chon's Mario Camarena and Erick Hansel on their signature Ibanez AZs

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The pair reveal the impact their guitars have had on their creative process. Plus: buy both models at a special price

(Image credit: Chon)

Since playing together as teens in their hometown, Chon's Mario Camarena and Erick Hansel have been working their way to the forefront of a new generation of truly progressive guitar players.

Ibanez was quick to recognise the pair's forward-thinking approach with the advent of its landmark AZ Series a year ago. A high spec guitar range that showcases Ibanez's hallmarks in the 21st century.

Erick Hansel with the Ibanez EH

Erick Hansel with the Ibanez EH (Image credit: Chon)

The MAR 10 and EH10 signature models that formed part of the extensive AZ launch series found Mario and Erick joining the esteemed company of Ibanez's 23 signature artists. 

While this includes familiar icons Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Paul Gilbert, Polyphia's Tim Henson and Scott LePage also joined the roster alongside the Chon guitarists as two bands bringing instrumental guitar music to a whole new audience.

Mario Camarena with the Ibanez MAR10

Mario Camarena with the Ibanez MAR10 (Image credit: Chon)

As Ibanez players since their early days, Mario and Erick's layered and nuanced compositions utilise the potential of their instruments. In this documentary video, Mario and Erick talk about how the bespoke features of their "dream come true" signature AZ guitars and how the instruments put them in a different mindset to take their music even further on their latest, self-titled album.

The Ibanez MAR10 and EH10 are currently available for special prices from UK retailer GAK. 

Ibanez EH10 Erick Hansel Buy from GAK.com

(Image credit: Ibanez)

Body: Walnut top, nyatoh body
Finish: Transparent Green Matte
Neck: AZ Oval C Roasted Maple neck
Fretboard:  Jatoba fretboard with offset white block inlays
Frets: 24 / jumbo Stainless Steel frets
Pickups: Seymour Duncan® Alnico II Pro (S) neck pickup, Seymour Duncan Hyperion (H) bridge pickup
Bridge: Gotoh T1502 tremolo bridge
String spacing: 10.5mm
Nut: Graph Tech

Ibanez MAR10 Mario Camarena Buy now from GAK.com

(Image credit: Ibanez)

Body: American Basswood
Finish: Lavender Metallic Matte
Neck: AZ Oval C Roasted Maple neck
Fretboard:  Roasted Maple / Sharktooth inlay
Frets: 24 / jumbo Stainless Steel frets
Pickups: Seymour Duncan® Hyperion™ (S) neck, Seymour Duncan® Hyperion™ (S) middle, Seymour Duncan® Hyperion™ (H) bridge
Bridge: Gotoh T1502 tremolo bridge
String spacing: 10.5mm
Nut: Graph Tech

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