Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar

Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar

Are you looking for a modern classical guitar that combines the warm character of nylon strings with a slim body, comfortable playability, and stage-ready electronics? The Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar is designed for guitarists seeking an exceptional instrument for modern fingerstyle techniques, complex chords, melodic solo passages, and amplified live performances. As a signature model by Tim Henson, guitarist for the band Polyphia, the guitar combines a striking appearance with a unique FRH construction and versatile electro-acoustic features.

Even at first glance, the intricately designed maple top catches the eye. The Black Burst Fade Low Gloss finish highlights the characteristic grain and creates a dark, elegant, yet modern look. The pearloid binding frames the body visually, while gold-plated classical tuners and the Tree of Death fretboard inlays underscore its exclusive signature character. This makes the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar not only a versatile musical instrument but also an expressive design piece for the stage, studio, and video recordings.

The FRH body shape differs significantly from that of a traditional concert guitar. The body is flatter, allowing it to sit closer to the body. This design is particularly well-suited for players who normally play electric or acoustic-style guitars and are looking for a nylon-string guitar with a more familiar feel. The cutaway allows for comfortable access to the higher frets, while the C-shaped neck profile, 46 mm nut width, and flat 15.75-inch fingerboard radius support modern playing techniques.

For amplified performances, the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar is equipped with a Fishman Sonicore pickup and an Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp. The built-in tuner makes it easy to quickly check the tuning during rehearsals, performances, and recordings. This allows the instrument to be integrated directly into a professional setup with an acoustic amplifier, mixing console, PA system, or audio interface.

Ibanez and the Tim Henson Signature Series

Ibanez is one of the leading manufacturers of modern guitars and basses. The brand is particularly known for innovative designs, comfortable neck profiles, high-quality electronics, and close collaboration with well-known artists. In addition to classic instrument designs, Ibanez regularly develops models that combine traditional sounds with contemporary ergonomics and modern stage technology.

The Tim Henson Signature Series embodies precisely this approach. Tim Henson is known for his technically precise, rhythmically complex, and genre-spanning playing style. His music blends elements of progressive rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic music, and modern instrumental music. The Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature classical guitar was therefore not designed as a classical guitar in the traditional sense, but as a modern nylon-string instrument for sophisticated playing techniques and flexible production environments.

The signature concept is evident in both the construction and the design. The flat FRH body offers a more direct playing feel than a deep-bodied concert guitar. The fingerboard features 22 frets and a cutaway, ensuring that even the higher registers remain easily accessible. At the same time, the Tree of Death inlays, the dark Black Burst finish, and the gold-plated tuners ensure high brand recognition.

The combination of materials is tailored to achieve a balanced blend of responsiveness, warmth, stability, and visual appeal. The striped maple top serves as the striking centerpiece, while sapele is used for the body. The set neck is made of nyatoh, and the fingerboard and bridge are crafted from rosewood. A bone nut ensures well-defined string contact and complements the high-quality features.

Technical Details of the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar

FRH body style with cutaway

The FRH body style is one of the key features of the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar. The body is flatter than that of many traditional classical guitars. As a result, the instrument sits closer to the body and is particularly comfortable to play whether sitting or standing.

The right arm does not have to reach far over a deep side. This promotes a relaxed posture and can offer a significant increase in comfort during longer practice sessions, rehearsals, or live performances. Guitarists who are accustomed to compact electric guitars will particularly benefit from the slim design.

The integrated cutaway improves access to the higher frets. As a result, the instrument is suitable not only for classic chord accompaniments but also for solo playing, fast runs, tapping, legato passages, and complex modern arrangements. The combination of a flat body and cutaway makes the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature classical guitar a versatile tool for technical and expressive playing styles.

Riegelahorn top

The Riegelahorn top gives the instrument its particularly striking appearance. The wood’s wavy grain is effectively highlighted by the Black Burst Fade finish. This creates a vibrant surface that reveals different shades and textures depending on the angle of the light.

Sonically, too, the maple construction contributes to a clear and defined tone. Riegelahorn is prized for its precise response and transparent sound reproduction. This allows individual notes to stand out clearly from one another, which is particularly advantageous for complex chords, fast runs, and polyphonic fingerstyle passages.

The top supports a direct, articulate tone that blends well with the soft attack of nylon strings. The result is a modern tone with clear definition. This makes the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar particularly well-suited for players who value definition and dynamic control.

Sapele body

The body is made of sapele. This wood complements the clear characteristics of the maple top with a warm, balanced fundamental tone. It supports prominent mids, controlled bass response, and pleasant overtones.

The combination of a maple top and a sapele body provides a versatile tonal foundation. Chords can sound full and harmonious, while individual notes remain clearly distinguishable. This makes the instrument suitable for both rhythmic accompaniment and detailed solo passages.

Sapele also ensures a stable and durable body construction. This is particularly important for musicians who regularly use their guitar in rehearsal rooms, studios, or on stage. The Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar thus combines a high-quality aesthetic design with a practical choice of materials.

Black Burst Fade Low Gloss and Satin Polyurethane Finish

The Black Burst Fade Low Gloss finish gives the guitar a dark and modern character. The color gradient emphasizes the outer areas of the top and makes the bird’s-eye maple grain in the center stand out particularly effectively. This gives the instrument an elegant, sophisticated, and at the same time unique appearance.

The satin polyurethane finish protects the surface from the typical wear and tear of daily use. At the same time, it retains a pleasant feel and is less reflective than a high-gloss finish. The low-gloss finish underscores the modern signature look and ensures that the grain of the curly maple isn’t overshadowed by strong light reflections.

The pearloid binding provides a stylish contrast to the dark finish. Together with the gold-plated tuners and the Tree of Death inlays, it creates a harmonious overall design. The Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Acoustic Guitar thus appears equally high-quality, extravagant, and stage-ready.

Set-in Nyatoh neck with a C-profile

The neck is made of Nyatoh and is firmly glued to the body. A set-in neck construction creates a stable connection and supports even vibration transfer between the neck and the body. This results in a cohesive, controlled playing feel.

The C-shaped neck profile feels familiar in the hand and is suitable for a variety of fingering techniques. It offers sufficient substance for a secure grip, yet remains more accessible than the particularly wide and thick necks of classical concert guitars. This allows even electric guitarists to quickly find their way around the instrument.

The nut width of 46 mm strikes a balanced compromise between the comfort of nylon strings and modern playability. The strings are spaced far enough apart to execute fingerstyle passages cleanly, while chords and quick changes require less of a wide grip than on many traditional concert guitars.

Rosewood fingerboard with a 15.75-inch radius

The fingerboard is made of rosewood and offers a pleasantly smooth playing surface. The material is prized for its balanced tonal qualities and comfortable feel. Slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and quick position changes can be executed with precision.

The fretboard radius is 15.75 inches. This makes the fretboard comparatively flat, without being completely flat. This geometry supports modern techniques and facilitates fast movements across multiple strings. At the same time, there is still enough curvature for comfortable chord playing.

The combination of a 46 mm nut width and a 15.75-inch radius gives the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature classical guitar a unique playing feel that bridges the gap between classical and electric guitars. This makes it particularly well-suited for musicians who want to utilize the sound of nylon strings but prefer modern neck geometry.

22 frets and Tree of Death fretboard inlays

The rosewood fingerboard features 22 frets. This gives the guitar an extended range, which is particularly appealing for solo playing and modern arrangements. The cutaway ensures that even high registers can be reached comfortably.

The Tree-of-Death fingerboard inlays are among the most striking design features of the signature model. The branching motif extends across large portions of the fingerboard and gives the guitar an unmistakable character. At the same time, the inlays help with orientation on the neck.

The contrast between the dark rosewood and the lighter inlays highlights the intricate design. Combined with the Black Burst finish, this creates a cohesive look that makes the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL Black Burst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar instantly recognizable on stage, in videos, and in the studio.

648-mm scale length and bone nut

The scale length is 648 mm. This gives the instrument a full-size 4/4 length and defined string tension. The nylon strings respond in a controlled manner to picking and finger pressure, supporting precise articulation and dynamic playing.

The bone nut provides a firm and even support for the strings. This material is frequently used in guitar making because it facilitates direct vibration transmission. A cleanly crafted saddle surface also contributes to tuning stability, intonation, and balanced string action.

Together with the rosewood bridge, this creates a reliable connection between the strings, neck, and body. As a result, the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar can respond precisely to varying playing dynamics and deliver a defined tone both acoustically and when amplified.

Rosewood bridge and gold-plated classical tuners

The bridge is made of rosewood and transmits the string vibrations to the body. Its design is optimized for nylon strings and supports balanced sound projection. At the same time, the bridge area forms the technical foundation for the Fishman Sonicore pickup.

The gold-plated classical tuners are designed for nylon strings and allow for precise tuning. Their gold-colored finish adds an elegant touch and creates a striking contrast to the dark Black Burst finish.

Precise tuning is especially important for technically demanding playing styles and when changing tunings. The classical tuners on the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature classical guitar ensure controlled and reliable operation.

Fishman Sonicore Pickup

For amplified performance, the guitar is equipped with a Fishman Sonicore pickup. The system picks up vibrations in the bridge area and converts them into an electrical signal. This allows the instrument to be connected directly to an acoustic amplifier, a mixing console, a PA system, or an audio interface.

On stage, the pickup offers significant practical advantages. A separate microphone in front of the guitar is not strictly necessary, allowing for greater freedom of movement. At the same time, the signal level remains more stable since the distance between the instrument and the microphone does not change.

The Fishman Sonicore pickup also opens up various possibilities in the studio. The direct signal can be recorded separately or combined with an additional microphone signal. This allows you to blend the pickup’s clear response with the spatial sound of a microphone recording.

Ibanez AEQ210TF Preamp with Onboard Tuner

The Fishman Sonicore pickup works in conjunction with the Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp. This preamp processes the signal for transmission to an amplifier, mixing console, or recording device. This makes it easy to integrate the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature classical guitar into a variety of technical setups.

It also features a built-in tuner, allowing you to check the tuning directly on the instrument. This is particularly convenient for live performances, rehearsals, and recordings, as there’s no need to connect a separate tuner or attach one to the headstock.

The combination of a Fishman pickup and an Ibanez preamp makes this guitar a versatile instrument. It’s suitable for solo performances, band settings, recording, livestreams, and modern production environments where a reliable and immediately available output signal is required.

Purchase recommendation for the Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Glos Tim Henson Signature classical guitar

The Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL BlackBurst Fade Low Glos Tim Henson Signature classical guitar is recommended for musicians looking for a modern nylon-string instrument with an exceptional design and comfortable playability. It combines the soft, natural tone of nylon strings with a slim body shape, a flat fretboard, and high-performance electronics.

Do you usually play electric guitar and want to explore the world of nylon strings? The flat FRH body, the C-shaped neck profile, and the 46 mm nut width create an accessible playing experience. At the same time, there’s plenty of string spacing for fingerstyle techniques, polyphonic arrangements, and clean articulation.

Are you looking for an instrument for modern solo techniques, complex voicings, or technically demanding passages? The 22 frets, cutaway, and 15.75-inch fingerboard radius support fast runs, tapping, legato, and dynamic fingerstyle arrangements. The solid maple top contributes to a clear, precise response.

Do you need a reliable solution for the stage or studio? The Fishman Sonicore pickup and the Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp allow for direct connection to standard audio systems. The built-in tuner simplifies preparation before a performance and quick checks between songs.

Visually, this model also appeals to players who are looking for an exceptional instrument. The Black Burst Fade Low-Gloss finish, the curly maple grain, the Tree of Death inlays, the pearloid binding, and the gold-plated tuners ensure a striking and high-quality appearance.

The Ibanez TOD20FMN-BFL Black Burst Fade Low Gloss Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar is suitable for modern instrumental music, progressive rock, pop, fingerstyle, recording, livestreaming, and acoustic arrangements. It can be used as a standalone main instrument, as a complement to an electric guitar, or as a specialized nylon-string guitar in a versatile setup.

Those expecting a traditional classical guitar will find a deliberately modern design here. The TOD20FMN-BFL combines nylon strings with a slim body design, an extended range, and professional electronics. It is precisely this combination that makes the instrument appealing to discerning players who want to integrate classical tones into contemporary music and production.

Features:

• Tim Henson Signature Classical Guitar
• Model designation TOD20FMN-BFL
• Classical guitar with integrated pickup system
• FRH body style with cutaway
• Slim body for a modern playing feel
• Maple top
• Sapele body
• Glued-in Nyatoh neck
• C-shaped neck profile
• Rosewood fingerboard
• "Tree of Death" fretboard inlays
• Fretboard radius of 15.75 inches
• 22 frets
• Scale length of 648 mm
• Nut width: 46 mm
• Bone nut
• Rosewood bridge
• Pearloid body binding
• Fishman Sonicore pickup
• Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp
• Built-in tuner
• Gold-plated classical tuners
• Satin polyurethane finish
• Color: Black Burst Fade Low Gloss
• Distinctive bird’s-eye maple grain
• Comfortable access to the higher registers
• Suitable for fingerstyle, solo playing, and modern techniques
• Can be connected directly to an amplifier, mixing console, or audio interface
• Suitable for the stage, studio, rehearsal room, and recording
• Modern signature design with high recognition value

Specs:

• incl. Case: no
• Incl. Bag: no
• Scale: 648 mm
• Color: Black
• Strings: 6
• Frets: 22
• Top: Misc.
• Rib: Misc.
• Cutaway: yes
• Set Offer: no
• Pickup: Yes
• Guitar Size: 4/4
• Width at nut: 46 mm
• Finish: High Gloss
• Type: Concert Guitar
• Theme: Guitars and Basses

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