.jpeg)
Nylon-string guitars often present electric guitarists with opportunity and compromise. The expressive tone can invite new sounds, different styles (a little classic, jazz or flamenco anyone?) and fingerstyle explorations. But traditional classical and flamenco guitars can be beasts to manage, due to their large bodies and limited upper-fret access.
However, the Ibanez Tim Henson TOD100FMN nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar offers far more opportunities than compromises.
In this demo and overview, guitarist and influencer Dre DiMura explores the latest evolution of the Polyphia guitarist’s signature nylon-string acoustic-electric.
"There has been a lot of innovation in the nylon-string acoustic-electric space," says DiMura, "but this thing shreds way harder than anything else I've tried. I think Ibanez and Henson have genuinely created something incredible—almost an entirely new type of guitar."
Built for Electric Players
When Ibanez introduced the original TOD10N in 2022, it challenged long-held expectations of what a nylon-string guitar could be. The TOD10N was slim, offered ergonomics suitable for electric players, provided excellent upper-fret access and came outfitted with onboard electronics. It was basically a semi-hollow electric guitar—well, except for those nylon strings.
The TOD100FMN builds on the original concept with premium appointments—such as a flamed-maple top, solid okoume back and sides, ebony fingerboard and Tim Henson's signature "Tree of Death" inlay—and upgraded electronics.
"If you're coming from an electric or steel-string acoustic background, the TOD100FMN really bridges the gap between those guitars and nylon strings," says DiMura.
Elevated Fishman Electronics
The Ibanez TOD100FMN boasts a comprehensive Fishman tonal package that includes the company’s Acoustic Matrix undersaddle pickup, bridge-mounted body pickup and Aura technology. The Fishman Aura preamp deploys studio-modeled acoustic imaging to blend the direct pickup signal with the sound of a professionally miked nylon-string guitar.
"It’s what really takes this guitar to the next level," explains DiMura.
Shop Now: Ibanez Tim Henson TOD100FMN Nylon-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Toasted Marshmallow
Familiar Feel, New Possibilities
Rather than simply encouraging electric players to imitate classical guitarists, DiMura believes the TOD100FMN occupies an entirely new creative space.
"I don't think the TOD100FMN encourages nylon-string players to play more like electric players or electric players to play more like nylon-string players," he says. "It exists somewhere in the middle. What really struck me about this guitar is possibility."
Explore the TOD100FMN at Guitar Center
If you’re a Tim Henson and Polyphia fan, but aren’t sure you want to take the leap to an Ibanez TOD100FMN nylon-string electric-acoustic guitar yet, our helpful Gear Advisers are fabulous resources for stylistic, sonic and ergonomic advice. They’ll work everything out with you, so you can be confident about your next move.
You can drop by your local Guitar Center to talk to one of our associates in person, or maybe even play a TOD100FMN yourself. Obviously, we love having you drop by for any reason, but check with the store to confirm available inventory before seeking a hands-on audition. Our Rig Advisor app is another excellent tool if you’re looking for just the right gear for your musical explorations.