Review quickie: Ibanez FRH10N

The Ibanez FRH10N is actually a non-signature version of the Tim Henson model. It is fundamentally a classical guitar sporting the FR body outline. Yes, that body outline isn't new, it's from the FR series, one of the few singlecut Ibanez designs. Between the TH version & this FRH, every appointment is the same save for: 1) Preamp. This FRH is only equipped with Ibanez's own T-Bar pickup & CE electronics. As such, it has no volume / EQ controls of any kind & runs on the CR2032 button type battery 2) Blank fretboard. The TH version sports a tree of death inlay. 

Likes

• solid top
• wider neck profile
• weight
• overall construction
• price

Dislikes

• no volume / EQ control
• side sound port does not help acoustic volume projection
• no bag

The FRH10N does not fall into the typical demand for an acoustic instrument with a shred potential. Ibanez wouldn't have introduced this on its own accord save for the insistence of a certain Tim Henson & the provision of a more affordable take thereafter. The FRH10N is a very shred-able guitar but those of us who are unaccustomed to the nylon strings need to adapt to that annoying roll-over feel once too much pressure is applied. Ditto playing too fast. 

Those of us who played & liked the TH version need to understand the major setback here; there are no volume or other voicing controls when plugged in. Be reminded that the FRH10N is essentially a plug in guitar unless one is content with the measly volume projection during unplugged moments. That side sound port is a novelty inclusion as it does not project sound unto the player's audio territory (ie. the face / ear). Nevertheless, the default tones are above expectations especially with chorus dialled in. Coming from a predominantly electric solid body perspective, the FRH10N profile suits the electric player very well. Maybe Ibanez could add an elbow relief at the body end for prolonged playing comfort. Is it too much to ask for a bag as well?

Final rating: 82%

Ibanez: FRH10N

Availability: Swee Lee Co.

List: $649

Pic: Ibanez

Review quickie: DiMarzio Norton

The DiMarzio Norton is an Alnico 5 humbucker with a strong midrange response. It's meant to be a bridge humbucker with a high output performance. The one you see above is the special order double cream finish which was sold to me for a good price because it's an F-Spaced version; the owner wanted a regular spaced model. It was still sealed in the box when I took over possession.

Likes

• clarity with distortion
• smooth overall performance at high volume settings
• relatively good clean tones

Dislike

• nasal midrange at high gain settings

Overall rating: 80%

I'm not really a fan of DiMarzios (if you've been following this blog diligently) but I make exceptions for models which cater to my needs. The Norton here was spec'd out for a pushed midrange performance which is absolutely my thing with regards to the music I play.  So this humbucker was adept to all harsh settings common in the black metal realm but the midrange gets nasal at high gain settings (even in less distorted situations). A check over at the amp's EQ section is a must. The good thing about DiMarzios - they still maintain the smooth, polished overall tones with excessive processing. If you wish for clarity (especially the solo-inclined geeks) at high gain, the Norton is the way to go, regardless of the music genre.

Thanks: Bothers Kai Jie / Jordan Thiam for your kind contributions. One more time - I'm very grateful to all who had made my December a little more bearable. If you wish to join the cause - for which I'm grateful for - please refer to the QR code on the left shoulder of this page. Thanks in advance!

Flip change

Music Radar recently gave the Ibanez AE500 a glowing review. I must say it's deserving.

The same review featured the guitar's flip side- or is it? Note the absence of cutaway & an entirely different headstock.