General
One look at the affordable Talman TM302 in Tri Fade Burst will reveal where Ibanez's inspiration came from. This asymmetrical instrument is something of a tribute to the famous ST and TE-style models. Jackplate and tone controls give a nod to the ST model, while the pickup configuration and bridge are clearly based on those of a TE-style guitar. The two Ibanez pickups offer plenty of the popular single-coil sparkle that you'd expect this configuration to deliver.
Classic construction
The distinctive Talman body is made of alder, while the neck is made of maple. This combination of wood-types allows for a rich sound with plenty of bass, bright mids and some bite in the trebles. Furthermore, the 22-fret rosewood fretboard adds some nice, warm overtones to the overall sound. The bridge pickup delivers beautifully aggressive leads, while the neck pickup is a bit milder. Of course, you can combine them for that recognisably nasal TE sound.
Modern comfort
Naturally, Ibanez ensures that the Talman is comfortable to play. For instance, the body features Ibanez's own fast access heel, that allows for easy access to the highest frets. The shape of the headstock also shows off the instrument's clever design. Take a closer look, and you'll notice that the strings run from the tuners to the neck in a virtually straight line. Not only does that help improve tuning stability, it also makes performing string bends a bit easier. Clearly , the Ibanez TM302 is nothing short of a modern classic!
