Buying an electro-acoustic means a world of choices - there's a lot to factor in. Comfort, style, acoustic sound, electric sound... There are plenty of guitars on the market that do the job, but occasionally something comes along that plays by its own rules and makes a proper impact.
Say hello to the Ibanez Talman - available in two models, these are electro-acoustic guitars that offer no apologies to the traditional dreadnought shape in favour of comfort and unique style. I've never seen anything that looks quite like them before, so I thought I'd give them a try - if they're good enough for Tom Morello and the Offspring, there must be something to it!
Now, both of these models feature the same body shape - an offset cutaway vaguely reminiscent of something like the Fender Jaguar, with a body depth akin to the Yamaha APX series.
The Ibanez Talman TCY10E can most be compared to the Yamaha APX500 when unplugged, offering a very similar acoustic tone and comfortable feel. Where this guitar breaks away, however, is the electronics - the TCY10E features an Ibanez AEQ200T 2-band tone control with a built in tuner and an under-saddle piezo pickup. When you plug this guitar in, it sounds great, and that's exactly where the Talman shines. It's easily on a par with the Yamaha, which I do hold as one of the finer electro-acoustics on the market.
Where the Talman really shines, though, is with the TCM50E - this one features a figured ash top, which is truly gorgeous. It's clear just by looking at it that this one is a more serious contender, and the electronics really confirm that. This one features a slightly improved preamp, still with 2-band tone control and onboard tuner, but also the Ibanez AP2 magnetic pickup which produces fantastically clear, bright sound with great acoustic tone even when plugged in. It sounds really fat and warm, as opposed to some electro-acoustics which can sound tinny.
I'd recommend coming down to our flagship music store in Leicester and checking out both of these guitars for yourself - they really are very comfortable to play and they do sound amazing, so come and give them a try!