Ibanez has long been a trailblazer in guitar design, and its latest release, the Ibanez FRH20FM, is no exception. This innovative instrument breaks down the wall between two distinct musical worlds, offering the warm, rich tone of a nylon-string classical guitar with the sleek, familiar feel of a modern solidbody electric.
A Fusion of Form and Function
The FRH20FM’s core is its modified hollowbody design, a clever engineering feat that provides the resonance of an acoustic without sacrificing the comfort and balance of an electric.
Its solid Flame Maple top is fan-braced, a technique traditionally used in classical guitar construction, allowing it to vibrate freely for a full, resonant voice with impressive sustain. Paired with Sapele back and sides, the guitar delivers a warm, balanced tone that’s as expressive in an intimate acoustic setting as it is on a big stage.
Modern Playability for Any Player
One of the most significant departures from traditional classical guitars is the FRH20FM’s focus on modern playability. The Nyatoh neck is carved into a comfortable “C” shape with a slim profile, a stark contrast to the thick, cumbersome necks often found on classical instruments. The Rosewood fingerboard has a familiar 15.75″ radius, making it ideal for smooth bends and effortless fretwork.
The 1.8″ nut width is a thoughtful compromise, narrow enough for electric players to feel at home but wide enough to accommodate the precise fingerstyle techniques of classical players. This makes the FRH20FM a truly versatile instrument that’s accessible to guitarists of all backgrounds.
Plug In and Perform
When it’s time to plug in, the FRH20FM truly shines. An Ibanez T-bar under-saddle pickup captures the guitar’s natural piezo-style tone with stunning clarity, making it perfect for percussive techniques like rhythmic slaps and hits.
Built-in noise reduction ensures a clean, buzz-free signal, letting the genuine character of the wood resonate through your amplifier.
With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $649.99/£529, the Ibanez FRH20FM offers a compelling value for guitarists looking to explore the beautiful world of nylon-string tone without sacrificing the comfort and feel they’ve come to expect from a modern electric.
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