The guitar world is evolving with a surge of young and diverse talent, exemplified by the release of Tim Henson’s innovative Ibanez TOD70, which blends modern features with a fresh, stylish design.

I see a very positive trend happening in the guitar world that wasn’t as prominent a few years ago. There’s a noticeable increase in young guitarists of all genders, including male, female, and non-binary musicians, making waves. This diversity is fantastic for creating a more inclusive and representative scene. Artists like Yvette Young, Miyavi, St. Vincent, Mateus Asato, and Matteo Mancuso (just a few of the many great young talents) are bringing fresh perspectives and innovative styles. This shift contrasts with the past, where the scene was predominantly dominated by men. It’s exciting to see new voices with fresh sounds and innovative musical proposals. It’s about time we welcomed these diverse voices and ideas!

In that context, it’s interesting that Ibanez recently announced Tim Henson’s new 7-string signature guitar, the TOD70. It’s a big deal, especially for fans of that sweet progressive and experimental vibe.

This guitar embodies Henson’s style, featuring active/alnico Fishman Fluence Tim Henson Signature Series pickups. At first glance, these pickups might seem pretty standard, making this guitar somewhat of a ‘sleeper.’ It also includes a roasted maple neck and stainless steel frets. It promises versatility in sound, perfect for contemporary guitarists who want a wide range of tones. The guitar’s push-pull switch for different pickup voices offers an array of tonal possibilities, catering to various tricky playstyles.

The AZ7 Oval C Roasted Maple neck promises comfort and fast playability. The 24 jumbo stainless steel frets, paired with an ebony fretboard, provide excellent access, while the Gotoh tremolo bridge is a high-quality addition. The Graph Tech nut ensures tuning stability. All in all, this guitar looks also made for speed.

The guitar’s silver finish is visually appealing, and the overall vibe suggests a quality instrument. Manufactured in Indonesia as part of Ibanez’s mid-tier Premium line, the suggested retail price is $1,699 USD.

This guitar also has a striking appearance, with the “Tree of Death” inlay—a darker twist on Steve Vai’s iconic “Tree of Life,” showcasing Henson’s flair for drama. All in all, it looks like a powerful and stylish instrument. Sweet!

The launch of Tim Henson’s Ibanez TOD70 guitar marks an exciting shift in the guitar world, highlighting the rise of diverse and innovative musicians. Henson’s signature model combines modern features with a sleek design, representing this fresh wave of talent and ideas. It’s a thrilling time for the guitar community, as instruments like the TOD70 help pave the way for the next generation of artists. This guitar isn’t just about great looks and playability; it also symbolizes a positive shift in a traditionally set musical world that is, fortunately, evolving and changing.

The Tim Henson Ibanez TOD70 is expected to be available in August ’24.

Pros:

• Innovative Design: Active/alnico pickups offer diverse tones.
• High-Quality Components: Roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, Gotoh tremolo.
• Versatile Sound: Push-pull switch provides multiple voicings.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Stylish silver finish and “Tree of Death” inlay.
• Playability: Comfortable neck and fast playability.

Cons:

• Price: $1,699 USD may be high for some.
• Niche Appeal: Suited for progressive and experimental styles.
• Complexity: Advanced features may overwhelm beginners.

IBANEZ TOD70 Specifications Overview

Suggested retail price: $1,699USD

– Neck and Body:

  – Neck Type: AZ7 Oval C Roasted Maple neck

  – Top/Back/Body: American Basswood body

  – Fretboard: Ebony with “Tree of Death” inlay

  – Frets: 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel frets

– Hardware and Bridge:

  – Bridge: Gotoh® T1527S tremolo

  – String Space: 10.5mm

  – Nut: Graph Tech®

  – Hardware Color: Chrome

– Pickups and Electronics:

  – Neck Pickup: Fishman® Fluence™ Tim Henson Signature Series 7 (Active/Alnico)

  – Bridge Pickup: Fishman® Fluence™ Tim Henson Signature Series 7 (Active/Alnico)

  – Voicing Switch: Push/pull on tone control for Tim Henson Signature Series pickups

  – Tuning: Factory tuning: 1E, 2B, 3G, 4D, 5A, 6E, 7B

  – Strings: D’Addario® EXL110-7 (.010 to .059 gauge)

– Additional Features:

  – Luminescent Side Dot Inlays

  – Gotoh® MG-T Locking Machine Heads

  – Gig Bag Included

– Neck Dimensions:

  – Scale Length: 648mm/25.5″

  – Width at Nut: 47mm

  – Width at 24th Fret: 66mm

  – Thickness at 1st Fret: 20.5mm

  – Thickness at 12th Fret: 22.5mm

  – Radius: 305mmR