Jim P from Raleigh, NC
Subject:
great value for entry level guitar
Quality:
So far, I am extremely impressed with the value that I got for the money paid.
Sound:
Unplugged, it has extremely thin tone. Fine for practicing or if you don't want to be loud. Plugged in you may need an EQ or other affects to add some depth / body to it, but I am very pleased (and get routine compliments) on the sound I get).
Reliability:
I've had it for over a year. Bought the cheapest "hard" case I could find. I take it to rehearse weekly and perform monthly with it. I've never had a problem with it.
Overall:
This did (and does) exactly what I needed it to do.
Playability and Feel:
The double cutaway neck gives me the access I want. The neck feels similar to an electric guitar neck. The width of the neck and string spacing is kind of small (almost like a youth guitar) and that takes some getting used to. It's also neck heavy (if you take your hand off the neck, the neck will want to go to the floor).
Finish:
I bought the blue burst finish and am very satisfied with the quality and look of the finish.
Action:
The set up was fantastic out of the box!!!
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Do you own this product?:
Yes
James McKinney from Pineville, MO USA
julemc2004@yahoo.com
Subject:
Good little guitar
Quality:
It is made with Ibanez' usual high-quality standards as far as workmanship. Though the plywood body hinders tone substantially, it does make it hold up better under less-than-ideal situations, like at the beach or around the campfire. You could probably drop it in the pool without doing much damage. The tuners are good, sealed units that hold tune well, but you'll want to replace the chintzy plastic strap buttons with metal ones.
Sound:
As mentioned above, this guitar's tone and projection is inhibited by its small stature and lower-cost laminate wood construction. Unplugged, its tone is weak and barely adequate, especially in the lower ranges. Plugged in, the sound improves a lot-this box really wakes up when hooked up to a good acoustic amp. It only has a 2-band (bass & treble) EQ with volume control, but it's enough for most jamming situations.
Reliability:
I have owned mine for about 7 years now (and have played the heck out of it) without a major problem. I did have to replace the input jack a couple of years ago, no big deal.
Overall:
The Ibanez Talman TCY10E acoustic-electric is a good design idea for electric guitar players who are looking for some acoustic flavor, without modifying their technique. This one handles like an electric, is small-bodied with a double-cutaway design for easily reaching the highest frets, and it has onboard electronics for plugged in play. That being said, you should NOT expect dreadnought-like sound from this pygmy axe-it just ain't there. Plus, it's made of laminated wood (on the body) which doesn't exactly deepen the tone. It is, however, a fun guitar to play!
Playability and Feel:
The TCY10 is super light and airy, like a SMALL hollowbody electric. Once you get the action where you want it, it plays like a dream-or like your old, reliable electric. The neck is adjustable, too. The controls are right where they need to be.
Tone:
Tone is a little thin but tolerable, but much better plugged in. About what you'd expect from an acoustic axe this size.
Finish:
The finish on mine was flawless, with no dings, finish runs, binding misalignment, glue drops, or anything unusual. I got the black one, which looks killer when new but, unfortunately, shows scratches very plainly after awhile. This isn't the guitar's fault, but I'd try the blue-burst one if I had to choose again.
Action:
Action out of the box was fair-it was quite playable-but most inexpensive guitars can always be improved upon in the action department. I shaved the bridge saddle (intonated, by the way)and helped it a bunch. (Mine had 2 saddle shims plus an extra saddle included with it, in case you mess the first one up!) It has a nice, fast neck too.
Do you own this product?:
yes