So, I’m a sucker for cheap and quirky Ibanez models, my favourite guitar I own is my Roadcore series RC302, that I got for a steal and modded the hell out of it.
But now, a new challenger approaches.
A couple weeks ago I finally found the guitar that held the 1st spot in my bucket list for some years: the Ibanez TM303M, also known as the Nashville Talman.
For those who don’t know, this guitar was issued with the respin of the Talman series, a design inspired by old-school Fender models, with the classic alder body and bolt on maple neck, that had very limited runs. This particular one was produced for just a couple years from 2016 to 2018 and it took me a lot of patience to find one.
The thing that fascinated me about this model, besides its captivating looks, is its circuit: while in stock Nashville Telecasters the middle pickup is usually activated via push-pull knob or with a 5-way switch in a Strat-like combination, here it is controlled by its own volume pot, allowing it to be blended in with any other classic Tele position and giving the guitar more tonal flexibility.
If you’re interested in the schematics I found this on Seymour Duncan’s site.
I’ve got a very similar TM302M (which doesn’t have the middle pickup). I don’t know much in depth about them, but it’s the guitar I happened to pick up when it was new. I’ve really enjoyed it!
Well there is a bit of cult following around the Talman series on the web, mainly because they are a barebone and stylish alternative to the classic teles and strats. They’re quite sought after since the only way to get one new nowadays is to buy the Yvette Young signature and that’s a big jump in budget.
Edit: if you can, please share a picture of yours in the community!
I was really surprised to hear a few years later that they discontinued them! Definitely seem like they punched above their weight.
Edit: And I will try to share a pic sometime soon.