Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Chris
Welcome to the leftyguitarist.com Ibanez TOD10N review!
As this is a lefty guitar blog, I’m reviewing the left-handed version; the TOD10NL.
The TOD10N is the nylon-strung signature guitar of Tim Henson, one of two guitarists who share lead and rhythm guitar duties in the band Polyphia.
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Table of Contents
A Short Introduction to Polyphia
Polyphia, an instrumental progressive rock band from Plano, Texas, was formed in 2010 by members Tim Henson (Guitar), Scott LePage (Guitar), Brandon Burkhalter (Drums), and Lane Duskin (Vocals), with Duskin leaving and Clay Gober joining two years later on bass duties.
The current lineup was cemented in 2016 when Clay Aeschliman replaced Burkhalter on drums.
Since then, they’ve become known for their intricate compositions; a modern mashup of progressive metal, math rock, hip-hop, trap, jazz, pop, EDM, and R&B.
Their unique ability to merge virtuosic musicianship with modern production techniques and an innovative approach has made them one of the most distinctive and influential instrumental bands around.
The Ibanez TOD10N
Henson showed off his new nylon-strung TOD10N in 2022’s Playing God video, causing many guitarists to wonder what the hell that guitar was, that he was playing.
When the right handed version was released, I searched the Ibanez website to see if there was a left handed version, but sadly there wasn’t.
Several people online had said they’d emailed Ibanez, who had responded that there were no plans to produce a lefty version.
But then… a couple of years or so later, murmurs online surfaced regarding a lefty version, and then I saw this post on Reddit! Photographic evidence from Henson himself of a lefty version in production. At last!!
As soon as I knew that Ibanez was releasing a left handed version of the TOD10N, I kept checking the online guitar stores to see if I could place an order and was finally able to at the beginning of July 2024. I placed my order with Thomann who appeared to be the first store that would deliver to the UK to stock it.
As with the right handed version, high demand meant a long wait before I finally received it. It took almost three months, arriving in late September.
Ibanez TOD10N Review & Specs
Let’s take a look at the TOD10N’s specs:
- STRINGS: 6
- NECK: Nyatoh
- NECK PROFILE: C Shape
- SCALE LENGTH: 25.5″ (648 mm)
- TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce
- BRACING: Fan
- BACK & SIDES: Sapele
- FINGERBOARD: Walnut with Tree of Death inlay
- RADIUS: 400 mm
- FINISH: Transparent Black Flat
- FRETS: 22
- NUT MATERIAL: Bone
- NUT WIDTH: 46 mm
- BRIDGE: Walnut
- SADDLE MATERIAL: Bone
- TUNERS: Gold Classical tuners
- PICKUP: Fishman S-Core
- PREAMP: Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp with Onboard tuner
- CONTROLS: Volume, Treble, Bass, Tuner, Phase
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As an electric nylon-string guitar, the Ibanez TOD10N brilliantly bridges the gap between traditional classical guitar and modern playability, and I think it’s a fantastic way for electric players to explore nylon string tones.
The thin body and familiar neck profile make the transition incredibly smooth, even for those who’ve never touched a classical guitar before.
Henson was heavily involved in developing the TOD10N, and it shows. This guitar feels like it was made for amplified, electric music while still capturing the warmth and dynamics of nylon strings.
It takes inspiration from the now-discontinued Ibanez SC500N, a solid body S-type nylon guitar, which could be seen being played by Henson in a short teaser video for their fourth album Remember That You Will Die.
Design & Build Quality
Ibanez has really nailed it with the TOD10N’s design, taking a refreshingly modern approach that I find incredibly appealing.
The body is slim and streamlined, which I love; classical guitars can be a little bulkier and can feel slightly more awkward to hold. The narrower size of the TOD10N makes it so comfortable, especially for someone like me who’s more used to electric guitars.
I’ve owned two acoustics and I’ve always found them a bit bulky; I’ve also played my dad’s old classical too, which was less bulky but noticeably thicker than the TOD10N, but this is really easy! It feels like a perfect crossover between electric and classical guitar.
The solid Sitka spruce top is paired with a sapele back and sides. To my ears, the tone strikes a great balance; it’s warm and rich, with an articulate sound that’s faithful to the nylon-string tone.
The C-shape neck, made from nyatoh with a walnut fretboard feels incredibly smooth and comfortable, and I love the Tree of Death pearloid inlay; it’s such a cool touch. It’s a great-sounding instrument that looks stunning as well.
This guitar feels lightweight yet durable, and it’s clearly built for performance. The slim design makes the switch from electric to nylon strings feel totally natural.
I love how the headstock blends classical design cues with a modern edge, especially with those gold tuners. Also, the guitar’s transparent black finish is classy but still fresh and contemporary, which sums up what this guitar is all about.
Overall, the build quality is impressive. The guitar feels well-finished, with no sharp fret ends, and the binding adds a classy touch to the overall design.
That said, my particular model had a couple of minor imperfections. One of the tuning peg buttons has a few black specks that won’t come off, and the area around the truss rod access looks a little rough. It’s unfinished and doesn’t appear to have been smoothed out before being painted.
These are very small details, though, and they don’t impact the playability or performance in any way.
Playability
The neck profile feels both thinner and flatter than you’d expect from a traditional nylon-strung guitar, and as someone used to electric guitars, I really appreciate how familiar it feels.
It’s classic Ibanez; renowned for their fast, playable necks and they don’t disappoint here. While I’m far from playing at Tim Henson’s level, I was pleasantly surprised at how effortlessly I could play faster than I normally would. It’s a design that really encourages you to push your limits.
Classical guitars often have wider necks which can feel awkward if you’re not used to them, but this strikes a perfect middle ground. It’s wide enough for complex chord voicings but avoids the bulk.
The fretboard radius is slightly more curved than a typical classical guitar, making it easier to pull off more intricate finger movements.
The cutaway provides easy access to the upper frets, which is crucial if you want to explore more of the fretboard; a necessity for Henson’s style of intricate play. While classical players might need a little adjustment, I think most electric players will immediately feel at home with this design; it feels so familiar!
Tone and Sound
When I first played the TOD10N unplugged, I was impressed by how well it projects for such a slim-bodied guitar. It doesn’t quite match the volume of a full-bodied classical guitar, but holds its own surprisingly well.
Instead of the sound hole being located in the usual place, you can find it on the side, so when you play the TOD10N, the sound is projected upwards to the player’s face, so it’s great for unplugged practice.
The unplugged tone has a nice resonance, with warm mids and a soft high-end that sounds great for quieter, more intimate playing. It’s satisfying while practicing or just noodling around when I don’t feel like plugging in.
Amplified, however, is where the TOD10N shines. The tone is pure and precise, with the nylon strings delivering that signature warmth, while the onboard preamp (with bass, treble, and volume controls) is super easy to use, allowing for further tonal tweaking.
I’m impressed by how natural it sounds through an amp; there’s a depth and clarity that’s hard to beat.
I was also surprised at how well the TOD10N handles effects. I tried it with some reverb and delay, and it sounded amazing; full and textured without getting muddy. Even some light modulation works beautifully, opening up a whole world of possibilities.
This versatility makes the TOD10N ideal for modern players who want to experiment with nylon strings in a way that includes more than just pure acoustic sounds.
Electronics
The TOD10N comes with a Fishman Sonicore pickup and an Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp system.
I love that you can shape your tone without overcomplicating things. It’s straightforward, which means I can focus more on playing than fiddling with settings.
The onboard tuner and phase button are great additions, too. The tuner is a lifesaver for quick adjustments on the fly, and the phase button is really handy for avoiding feedback when playing live.
For most nylon-string players, that’s all you need. The Fishman system captures the guitar’s tonal character faithfully, delivering a clean, rich sound when amplified.
The output jack is located on the guitar’s bottom edge, which makes plugging in straightforward and comfortable.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable Playability: The thin body and neck profile make it so easy to play, and hugely accessible for electric players.
- Great Electronics: The Fishman Sonicore system captures the tone accurately, with excellent amplified sound quality.
- Relatively Inexpensive: Compared to many other signature guitar models, this one is pretty affordable.
- Unique Aesthetic: The design is modern and stylish, with a balance of tradition and innovation.
- Responsive Tone: Good for players who experiment with effects; the tone remains clear and natural.
Cons:
- Limited Unplugged Volume: Due to its slim body, it doesn’t project like a traditional classical guitar when unplugged.
- Limited Tone Controls: Minimalist controls mean fewer options for live EQ adjustments.
- Niche Appeal: Classical purists may find it too far removed from traditional nylon-string guitars.
Is the Ibanez TOD10N Right for You?
The TOD10N is a great fit for a particular type of player: someone who enjoys the sound of nylon strings but wants a guitar that fits better into an electric or amplified context.
If you’re a classical guitarist, the slim profile and modern neck might feel foreign at first, but if you’re an electric player looking to experiment with nylon strings, the TOD10N is designed with you in mind.
For musicians who play live, especially those who want a nylon-string tone with minimal feedback issues that sometimes plague amplified classical guitars, the TOD10N is a reliable and versatile option.
The amplified tone is natural, and the minimalist controls allow for easy, on-the-fly adjustments. In recording situations, it’s versatile enough to fit comfortably across genres.
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Final Thoughts
The Ibanez TOD10N sets a new standard for what a nylon-string guitar can be in an electric and amplified context.
Ibanez has crafted a beautiful, responsive, and versatile instrument that respects the classical sound while pushing its boundaries. While it may not replace a traditional classical guitar, Ibanez has created a guitar that excels in its own right, offering a unique modern voice and a fresh take on nylon-string guitars.
With its modern features, compact design, and amplified capabilities, the TOD10N is ideal for musicians who want to explore new sonic territory. Whether you’re a Tim Henson fan or just looking to add a new flavor to your arsenal, the TOD10N is well worth a go!
It’s pretty much my “go-to” guitar right now.
What do you think about the TOD10N? Have you played it? Comment below!
Photo credits: leftyguitarist.com