Ibanez Talman TCY10 – Relaxed Style, Superior Playability

Hang on, has that acoustic guitar melted a little bit? Nope – you are looking at Ibanez’s Talman TCY10 electro-acoustic, which is a rebellious little performer that aims to keep electric players moving into the world of acoustic guitar very happy. There are several different Talman acoustic models available, although the all-laminate TCY10 is one of the more affordable varieties. So let’s see what it has to offer.

Body & Neck

This 25.5” scale length electro-acoustic sports the famous Ibanez Talman design, which – in its solid-body electric variety – has been famously used since the early nineties by The Offspring’s energetic guitarist Noodles, as well as Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine. This steel-string acoustic features the distinctively curvy double-cutaway design, with a laminated, X-braced spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides, all with ivory binding and a high-gloss finish. It’s worth noting that this model comes in three colors – Blue Sunburst, Black and Vintage Sunburst, which are all equally attractive. But the TCY10 is more than just a good looker, because it retains the feel and playability of an electric guitar. This is mainly thanks to the fast-playing neck and ample access to the highest frets. Joining the guitar at the 16th fret, this neck is made of mahogany, with a slick rosewood fretboard, 20 frets, and simple dot inlays.

Hardware

The TCY10 is an electro-acoustic so it makes sense to talk about the electronics, which come in the shape of Ibanez’s battery-powered AEQ2T preamp system, with an under-saddle pickup. When compared to other systems, the controls aren’t the most versatile – just volume, bass, and treble – however the on-board digital tuner is a plus. Elsewhere this Talman features some good hardware that lifts it above some of its competition in this affordable price range, including an Ivorex II nut and saddle, and Ibanez Advantage bridge pins – slightly more performance-orientated than standard pins, making them more consistent and easier to use when changing strings. You also get a standard rosewood bridge, die-cast chrome tuning machines on the distinctive Talman headstock, and Ibanez’s coated bronze strings.

Sound

Although the body woods used for the TCY10 are all laminates, the spruce and mahogany combine to give a well-balanced tone which is quite smooth, even if it does lack some low end. The sound also isn’t as resonant or powerful as a bigger guitar, due to the smaller Talman body, but plugged in to an amp this isn’t as much of an issue, and the AEQ2T controls offer some versatility to tweak your output. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqKG22Hi180

Conclusion

Although this guitar features in our article on the best acoustic guitars under $300, it’s actually closer to $200 in price and, as such, offers really good value. The sound is a little thin when compared to some others in this range, but the relaxed Talman style combined with the superior playability on offer make this TCY10 a real winner, whatever your level of playing. For more info about the Ibanez Talman TCY10, click here. For more  acoustic guitars under $300, click here.