NAMM 2024: Ibanez has treated its FRH10N nylon-string acoustic guitar to a makeover in the form of two eye-popping colorways.
The FRH10N probably needs no introduction, but to recap, the progressive, Talman-esque instrument first arrived this time last year, and was marketed as a cheaper, standard-run version of Tim Henson’s TOD10N signature guitar.
At $499, the FRH10N carried all the DNA of the Polyphia virtuoso’s more elegantly styled signature model, which had been in intense demand ever since the side soundhole-equipped custom build appeared in the music video for Polyphia’s Playing God.
Indeed, it was the TOD10N – itself loosely based on an old SC500N favored by Henson – that paved the path for the FRH10N, and with this latest cosmetic expansion pack, Ibanez has made clear its commitment to growing and expanding the progressive nylon-string platform.
For its first update, Ibanez has introduced Indigo Blue Metallic Flat and Rose Gold Metallic Flat colorways – two contemporary, rather pop-y additions to the range, which join the flagship Natural Flat and Brown Sunburst Flat.
Aside from the fresh lick of paint, the new-look FRH10N stays true to the original template. The FRH body shape is composed from a solid Sitka spruce top with sapele back and sides, with a C-shape nyatoh neck – topped with a 22-fret walnut fingerboard – also making the cut.
Under the hood, the FRH10N houses FRH fan bracing, which retains the classical guitar DNA to produce “a warm and natural nylon string sound”.
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As for sound projection, a side sound port is included in an effort to allow players to “feel and hear the pure acoustic tone” of the guitar “more clearly and directly”.
Finishing touches include a walnut bridge, gold classical tuners, a bone nut and saddles, white dot inlays and an Ibanez T-Bar Undersaddle pickup.
That Ibanez has doubled down on the new FRH format really comes as no surprise, given the guitar had a pretty stellar debut year in 2023. According to Reverb, the FRH10N was the 10th best-selling new acoustic guitar of the year.
The Henson version is even more popular: the online gear retailer identified the TOD10N model as the outright best-selling acoustic guitar in its end-of-year guitar sales roundup report.
The updated FRH10N models weigh in with the same price tags as their predecessors, and are available for $499.
Head over to Ibanez to find out more.
For NAMM 2024, Ibanez has also updated its AZ, RG and S collections, and debuted a new acoustic guitar innovation in the form of the A.I.R. Port system as found on the all-new AE Performer range.
To keep up to date with all the new releases, head over to our guide to the latest NAMM 2024 news.
