"The Worst" Ibanez TOD10N EVER MADE?!

[@AMerrickProductions]

Had the exact same thing with this guitar. Was so excited and right out of the box the neck was completely twisted and S curved. Truss prodded it multiple times thinking it would straighten out over time, got saddle and fret work done to try and make it better, but to no prevail. Ended up returning it.

[@josh_thatcher]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with the guitar. It sounds like you also went through a lot trying to make it work. Returning it was probably the best decision. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@c47force15]

Why not just get replaced?

[@richardplaysguitar]

I've had mine for about 4 months and haven't had any of the problems you mentioned. The intonation is ok and the action is really really low so I was quite surprised to see how high yours was! However, mine is also not without a disappointing defect of its own. The finish on the guitar has different levels of gloss and in the light there are two very ugly spots that stick out like a sore thumb. Its hard to explain without simply showing a photo but it really annoys me, especially because I waited for this guitar for so long. I haven't seen any other T0D10Ns with these ugly marks so I wonder if I too, got a lemon.

[@a0nee965]

same here. hope everyone can relay the issues with the guitar and it gets fixed somehow makes me happy that mine came in almost perfect condition 🙏

[@Satchafunkilus]

I'm quite happy with mine, all in all, I only buy Japanese or USA guitars, What we have here is Indonesian made. Need i say more! For $1k, you really can't justify the complaints here

[@Rockeiro70]

So sorry to hear those problem cases. Have mine since about Christmas 2023 (after waiting 12 weeks) and Iam quite happy in total. I love the sound (with Fishman loudbox mini) and the playability. And of course the look in general and fretboard Inlays.

[@WillBhart]

Lowest height you can achieve without buzz on this guitar (i have one too and spent hours/days modifying and testing) is 2.1mm-1.6mm 12th fret E-E. If you went too low on the original saddle just put a sliver of a business card into the hole to raise it back up and go from there but keep using the original. String volume is fixed by using good strings with proper tensions (not EJ45's or any set with less than 14 lb's on the G string specifically) the best strings I have found and use are the Hannabach 815 Silver Specials really good volume clarity and the tension on the G string specifically is 15 lb's not 12 like most other sets. Do those 2 things are you have a playable loud awesome guitar. These strings are nice too as the bass strings are not overly acoustic steel string sounding like in some other sets they have that nice nylon style sound still. I did need to do a fret level as there was some uneven frets probably because I got the FRH10NNTF cheaper version not the TOD10N but definitely check if you need that and also I added a fret falloff on the last 5 frets which is just sanding those down every so slightly lower than the rest of the frets on purpose. If you are using a set of strings that has less than 14 lbs of tension on any string specifically you are shooting yourself in the foot.

[@josh_thatcher]

This is high octane information. Thanks for the comment Will. Very useful!

[@SJamo88]

High Tension Hannabach 815 Silver Specials you reckon?

[@DaintLee]

High tension? Low?? Medium???🤷🏻‍♂️

[@WillBhart]

@@DaintLee high tension

[@WillBhart]

@@SJamo88 yes ht

[@calgoalden4686]

just read these comments. havent watched the vid about to and will relay back. But those comments are so useful and stop i was not aware about. love the guitar community

[@vincentdain9233]

this is the exact video i'm looking for.. i'm planning to buy this guitar but now i reconsider it.. Thank you for your honest review !

[@SizzleCinema]

i had the exact same thing happen to me with my first tod10n. i took it to a local luthier, he told me my best bet was to get a replacement because ide be out too much money to fix issues that shouldnt have come with the guitar. sweet water told me they would try to reglue the bridge since it was glued on slightly the wrong angle which caused the intonation issue... but then there would be a flaw in the paint mismatch around it.... so i told them i just wanted a new one. thank GOD.... the next one came in clean and problem free. just wait till they work through the backorders. i ended up waiting 6 months for the first one i bought... then 5 1/2 months for the replacement.

[@c47force15]

I dont have any of the issues mentioned in this video. Volume across strings and intonation across the frets is spot on. There is something wrong with the guitar this guy got. Don't let put u off.

[@cyborgchimpy]

its weird, because I have seen multiple people complain...I bought the guitar regardless and I am honestly very happy with how comfortable it plays. I didn't plug it in yet(literally just got it yesterday) but this is not why I bought this guitar to begin with. wanted something to quickly grab and practice on and activate some new pathways in my head. I am an electric guitar player primarily. the acoustic I already owned plays a millions times worse than the Tod. I am happy with the Tod and it looks pretty cool as well.

[@geneiti2177]

I'm thinking like this to man, nice...purchasing mine in a month. Cool

[@cyborgchimpy]

@@geneiti2177 have fun with it man! if you didnt forget about this comment i'd be seriously curious to your view.

[@JiicoZ]

I’ve heard the tod10n is made in 2 factories, one is noticeably better than the other. I’d imagine they started with 1 and decided to start producing it with 2 cause of demand. Basically a game of luck and quality control

[@mineralisk]

Finally, an honest review on KZbin. Thank you!

[@josh_thatcher]

Thank you for the comment. And thanks so much for watching. 🙌

[@ironlungproductions9252]

I just picked up my TOD10N from the store today and the intonation is way off on the G string and action is very high. I will be bringing it to my tech to get his thoughts before either spending money to make it right or just returning it. I'm pretty bummed with this thing right out of the box.

[@krispwnsu]

I fixed up my guitar. I kind of expect to work on any new guitar I buy to make it work for me. It is a great instrument after you file down the bridge and notch it to correct the intonation. Go slow filing down the bridge as too low will cause buzzing but a fret file will fix that too. Love the guitar otherwise. Btw my action doesn’t look that high but it did before I filed the bridge down. If you over file you can shim just in case

[@brianmorris2643]

I hope everybody sees this video before buying...first..if you're an electric guitar player you most likely will have to sand down the saddle. It's not difficult and there are good videos on utube to watch before you start...the bottom of the saddle must be perfectly flat..check with a straight edge..otherwise you will have uneven string volume!..I got mine down to 2.3mm or so..feels fine now. The neck was good...satin finish is nice on the neck also..doesn't get sticky..intonation is a little off on the G string..light as a feather...fun to play!...I also have the less expensive model..

[@EricFoster]

I think it may be a lemon. HOWEVER, I have a TOD10N as well and the QC on it is not great. The action is pretty high, but the neck needs an adjustment (it needed one straight from the box). The back of the neck heel has also developed a small crack, but it appears to only be in the finish, not the wood. With all of that said, I too love my guitar. In fact, I bought a second one, the non-Henson FRH10N in rose gold.

[@josh_thatcher]

Thanks for the comment Eric. I'm bummed to hear that you're facing similar problems but they are still cool guitars. I love the FRH10N as well. Would dig to have one in my arsenal.

[@blurryface9910]

I love my TOD10N but it buzzes A LOT and the frets aren't flush with the neck - in fact, they probably stick out enough for me to cut myself if I played rough enough. Thankfully I don't play very often so none of this bothers me all that much, but if I was an avid guitarist I would not be happy with the out-of-the-box condition after placing 4 orders across 6 months to get 1.

[@SA1KO0O1]

i had none of these problems but after about a month of having the guitar i started to hear buzzing at the bridge and nothing i did fixed it untill about a month ago it just stopped happening

[@benjaminj883]

I have approximately this same problem. I hear the buzz coming from the bridge, and when its plugged in it absolutely ruins everything. From what i understand it stems from humidity, and it might get back to normal if humidity goes back to the correct level. In my case, i kept the guitar in my very humid appartement for a year now and im scared that its ruined lol

[@brianmashburn6233]

I also experienced the same problems you pointed out in the video. I was able to sand down the saddle, and and after a very minor truss rod adjustment, got the action really good. But the intonation on the G and B strings was garbage( I think it has a lot to do with the saddle they use). I was so disappointed by that, seeing as it played brilliantly. Long story short, I ended up buying a Cordoba Stage and selling the Ibanez, and I don't regret it at all. Sorry that you also had to experience the same struggles.

[@LenCanter]

Thanks for your video. Was thinking about another nylon string guitar.: might reserve judgement. For no:. Currently play a Camps FL-11c A/E, Cutaway from the company in Madrid, SP.. Hoping to find a nylon 7 string guitar soon. My 1992 Ibanez UV7 has been good since new for surf, R&R, etc…but now I’m attempting Flamenco. Looked at a Ibanez nylon string A/E today. Wasn’t 7 strings, so I’ll keep looking. Sorry you had the problem. I’d called or written the company in Japan.. They might have provided an inexpensive solution.

[@druchumley4571]

Ibanez usually has excellent quality control. However, I think the absolutely overwhelming demand for these guitars has caused the company to crank these out ASAP, without proper inspection. The odds of getting a bad one are, unfortunately, very good.

[@peterpursley9852]

You can shave the bone saddles down to fit the correct shape - its a delicate process but thats why theyre shaped like that.

[@ianbrown9104]

How much experience with nylon string guitars do you have. These all seem like common issues (with the exception of the machine head). Nylon string guitars are an entirely different experience. I’ve thought similar things of all of my 3 cordoba’s. I too have the tod10n and it seems to be pretty consistent. I’m no expert but in my humble opinion nylon string guitars in general are finicky. I’ve changed strings to the exact same brand and type of string and had my guitars sound and feel different. The tod is a fun guitar non the less. Best to ya!

[@josh_thatcher]

Hi Ian, thanks for the comment. I'm glad to hear you got a solid, "consistent" TOD10N there. As you saw in the video, I definitely did not. I would say I have a fair amount of experience with nylon strings. I've been playing them for 36 years and have played a number of them over the years from cheap to expensive. I had a $50 Yamaha that had better action and intonation than the TOD. But like I said I still love it and play it all time. And yes, it is a very fun guitar to play.

[@jasongultjaeff9397]

Still, all nylon classicals have actions you can park a bus under compared to shred type electrics. Perhaps some of it was just very different than what you were used to. Some of the rest sounds a bit like "built to a price point" in regards to the intonation and volume on the G string. Personally, I think for the price of these most people are better buying a guitar (even a hybrid nylon one) from a company that specialises in classical guitars, like Cordoba. I'm also fairly sure an expensive Godin won't have these issues. Disapointing of Ibanez for sure. Those D'Adario Pro-Arte hard tension are great strings though. If i bought on of these, I would change to those strings straight away. It needs them.

[@richardlenz2655]

Good that you report about these problems. I bought the TOD10N 2 weeks ago. To have a little bit more comfortable start, I first changed the stings to D‘Addario EJ45, just to ensure at least the strings are no problem. I use it as a replacement for my modified Yamaha silent guitar. It is of course not an electrical guitar, more like a mix between Classical and Electric, but of course Nylon strings. Up to now it works like expected. Not perfect but ok. I think, since the beginning they improved a few thing 👍🤭

[@bry.nine.]

Sad that you’ve had so much drama with this guitar. Do you have action measurements and nut slot measurements? The action on my 10n is definitely way higher than my steel string guitars but it seems to be a reasonable height to me. Did they also check your frets for level?

[@WillBhart]

2.1mm -1.6mm E-E at the 12th fret can be achieved on these guitars look at the other comment i made on the video if needed. They ship out at 2.8+mm unecessarily which is dogshit and the strings they recommend are not what Tim uses and are not suffecient. 815 Silver Special Hannabach's are the best imo and I've tried over 20 sets now.

[@10thnote]

⁠@@WillBhartThanks for your recommendation i will try the 815 strings. Btw does Tim use the 815 on this guitar?

[@WillBhart]

@@10thnote i have never heard him say what he uses but without question it is not EJ45's and is a set with 14.5 lbs on the G. Always look at the individual string tension charts is the takeaway because you can have two sets that say Super Tension and one has 11 lbs on the G and the other has 15 lbs it's ridiculous really.

[@10thnote]

@@WillBhartI thought maybe he use D'Addario® XTC45?

[@WillBhart]

@@10thnote with 11 lbs on the G string? nope no way in hell you get buzzing with those even at 3mm action you need 14.5 lbs on the G or the set is garbage

[@hamburger512]

The real test is to get your hands on another one. Have you had a chance to compare since you’ve made this video?

[@josh_thatcher]

That's a good point. I haven't unfortunately. I've had a mixed bag of comments on this video though.

[@hamburger512]

@ haha I’m not surprised it got a mixed reception. I’m personally on the fence on getting one, and your video is the first I’ve come across that really has anything negative to say. Now I’m wondering if your experience is typical and others have been hiding that fact, or if you truly got a lemon.

[@CrossGuitarWorks]

I think you did not buy a lemon but unfortunately these guitars are so sought after that the factory is pumping them out at all costs. I am a tech and had to work on my mate's guitar which came with a ridiculous high action and the guutar cannot take the lowering of the saddle because the neck angle is too shallow. Also the bridge hokes fir the strings are too high and once you get the saddle low enough the atrings start moving side to side because there is very low pressure on the saddle. So it requires some slotting which is not bad, but the real fix is the redrill the bridge and deepen the slot between the saddle and the string block. It is a €700 guitar and an Ibanez (I have tremendous respext for ine if not the finest out there) but this guitar is made in Indonesia and it does not even come close to the Japanese workmanship expected from this amazing brand. Anyway, I had to do a fret level in the end because the 14th fret was way way out and then settled for a higher than ideal action because of the wrong bridge/neck angle combination. The pickup I did not find an issue with but I added a carbon strip to the saddle which in itself eq's the response. Should you need to discuss it feel free to find me on fixyourguitar@gmail and I'll be happy to help you

[@josh_thatcher]

Thank you for taking the time to post your valuable input Josef. It's a real pity these guitars aren't maintaining quality through mass production but as you say it's a $700 guitar so I guess you get what you pay for. 🙏

[@CrossGuitarWorks]

@@josh_thatcher to be completely honest for €700 I think it is expensive for what it is. With €700 and Ibanez's perfectionism I thought they'd make a better job at it. When you compare what that money gets you, in Harley Benton for example solid woods and you buy two guitars with that budget, in Fender terms a Mexican Vintera which is the bar gor value vs money imo

[@travvhunter]

Mine sucks too compared to my main guitars, but just good enough to still have a ton of fun with

[@effectosis742]

At least you can regulate them... Most nylon guitars you can't really regulate and they are buzzing if you want to play with a pick . Nylons also have always higher action than acoustics. I tried one in music shop (only by fingers) and was surprised it was faster than my Godin . But still I wouldn't get rid of my nylon Godin as it sounds a lot better than this Ibanez and I use it also with synthesizers .

[@Edyremoh]

"I did in fact buy a lemon" lmao solid ending. So, you keeping it or getting it exchanged? If it's a lemon, I can't imagine why you'd keep it except for the sake of all the money and time you spent on it. If I were you I might just keep it on principle.

[@josh_thatcher]

You're right, it's a tough call. Considering the investment of both money and time, I'm leaning towards keeping it for now. Hopefully, I can make the most out of it despite its flaws. Appreciate your input!

[@vox1962]

That action height alone is unacceptable, I would have returned it

[@calgoalden4686]

video was great aswell. sorry to hear about the guitar tho. such a shame. i think i will avoid these for now and stick with the Godin. they always kept an amazing sound and CDN :)

[@huntersmall6162]

Dam I just ordered this guitar I'll send it back if I have these problems forsure

[@DestructX]

Tbh I hear buzzing sound even Tom Henson plays it

[@heyvladislove]

I can't say I have any of the problems you had, however I do have a weird problem where Ableton or any software for that matter doesn't seem to pick up any signal from it when I plug it into my audio interface. I've tried everything like turnign the volume knob (of course), switching tuner on and off, changing batteries but to no avail. But when I plug in my electric guitar into that same interface with the very same cable, everything works perfectly fine. Really bummed out about this one

[@arunabeck4116]

If you dont want it you can send it to me i would be grateful😊

[@n3wmgmt118]

So it's the player not the guitar hmmm

[@nopenope1678]

I'm not an expert by any means but this is one of the cheapest guitars I've ever felt. I don't understand all the reviews praising the quality.

[@foox6101]

I don’t know.. mine is really high quality (ordered from sweet water)

[@flyingquail1003]

Mines beautiful in quality I love it so much (ordered from UK music retailer GAK)

[@studentofbecker]

It's a badass guitar

[@foox6101]

@@ZakkisB6st how?

[@albertplaysguitar]

Playing the cordoba stage nylon, man... made the tim henson feel lackluster. So I've set my eyes on the cordoba. It also sounded better plugged in.

[@geneiti2177]

I had a pretty good experience with the Ibanez FRH10NBSF Electro-Nylon Classical Electric Guitar (Brown Sunburst Flat).....I found the action pretty low, the tone was nice, and the sound hole at the top was a neat add-on. super lightweight wizard-like fretboard, I grew up with an Ibanez 540 Ltd in Wizard Neck...my opinion and experience are that it is an awesome guitar...I really want to buy it, because of the walk-in, pick up and play experience, really thought it would be shit, but nope, it's very, very good, I will purchase it in a month, minus the FRH10 has no pre-amp but don't really need it to cut through a prog band in a mix.

[@RustyRaceHorse]

The action looks crazy high! Sounds like the bridge is too high. Or maybe the fretboard isn’t the correct height. Send it to me. I’ll go ahead and break it for you.

[@aktin6011]

its because those other guys are doing sponsored reviews

[@williamtsol636]

👍