TOP SHELF: Ibanez THBB10 + SLM10 Polyphia Signature Model Electric Guitars
ALEX WILSON CHECKS OUT THESE BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW AND HOTLY ANTICIPATED SIGNATURE MODELS FROM POLYPHIA’S UP-AND-COMING GUITAR GODS (AND MEME LORDS).
Polyphia are leading the charge in getting instrumental guitar music back in front of listeners. These uber-fashionable Californian kids combine poppy songwriting smarts, high-production video clips, and ironic millennial bling, racking up views and plays in the millions. Much of their older material leaned heavily on melodic shredmetal tropes, but with their latest album they’ve diversified their sound, exploring cleaner and jazzier textures.
When it came time to create their signature models, longtime Ibanez players Tim Henson and Scott LePage turned to the company’s new AZ line as a starting point. The AZ line, released in 2018, earned rave reviews for the excellent componentry and tone lurking within an otherwise run-of-the-mill design.
AZs also likely represent Ibanez’s desire to keep up with the needs of the modern guitarist who may be looking for something different than an RG. Whereas an RG feels very metal-friendly, the AZ takes that same speedy neck and active circuitry to a place more suitable for fusion, classic rock, jazz and other somewhat gentler genres.
So these unassuming yet versatile solidbodies are a great basis for the slick Super Strat vibes of the THBB10 and SLM10. The result of this collaboration is a pair of swanky guitars that are nonetheless musical and versatile. The fleet-fingered player will appreciate the speed-friendly neck while also enjoying Polyphia’s well-considered tone and pickup choices. While there are some specific differences between each instrument, both are also relatively similar, so we’ll be reviewing them side-by-side.
WTOHPY S IHTE’SLFON THE
Although I have a strong aversion to gold hardware, even I have to admit that these are cool guitars. They’re definitely ostentatious, like a pair of muscle cars, but they also have the goods under the hood to make them more than just a talking point.
Signature models rarely come cheap, and with the quality tonewoods, hardware and pickups included in the THBB10 and SLM10, you’re gonna pay top dollar.
WCOHNASTIDYEORU FSIHROSTULD
You really want to play these guitars before you buy them. While they look like an average Super Strat from the outside, there are unique quirks and details to each that you would want to investigate with your own hands and ears before plonking down almost three grand on one of them.
If you are thinking of buying, one of the most notable differences between each is the number of frets. The THBB10 is 24, whereas the SLM10 is 22. LePage has mentioned in interviews that he prefers to concentrate on the lower register to differentiate his playing from Henson’s, and feels his tone is improved due to fewer frets. RETAIL PRICE: $2,899 AUD