ITI: The Ibanez Talman Intermax project

For a while now I have been wanting to create / modify a guitar that is somewhat different, somewhat personal and matches my own interests /current needs. I had a lot of different scenarios on my mind, from buying and customizing a DIY guitar kit (such as below) through modifying one of my already existing guitars, to buying a brand new one that I will alter to my needs. When I first though about this plan, altering primarily meant installing a Roland GK3 pickup (internal kit) on the body. 

DIY telecaster - maybe another time

I also have an unexplainable interest in thin / chambered body acoustics, which was just strengthened recently by my lack of ability to practice acoustic songs (primarily finger picking) during the night. If you have a young kid / old granny / wife with nearfield ears / terrible neighbours in or around your property, you know what I am talking. 

Gibson Chet Atkins light: Epiphone SST Studio

The first result of this drive was my short lived relationship with an Epiphone SST Studio, a chambered body solid body acoustic guitar. Why I did not end up modifying that particular model should be another post, it was not a mistake related to the  design of the guitar, more that  of the merchant.

After sending my shiny new Epiphone back to the shop, I, ended up purchasing a used Ibanez Talman Intermax guitar. It is suprising how little is known about this guitar. Simply Googling it does not yield a lot of information on this rare beauty.

So this is it.  Note the non-factory, fake star inlays on the neck. Stickers, basically...

Somehow, I have had this strange feeling from the first moment I got the Ibanez in my hand that it will sound nice and play well in my hands. I did recognize some of its flows (mostly related to age) already in the carpark where I bought it from a local musician, but still had this feeling of buying something with great potential. After a quick, 10 minute bargaining, I remember closing the car boot with a smile on my face, though I knew a lot will need to be done before this bird will fly high again. Strangely, I never felt that with my brand new Epiphone SST, even before the production flaws turned out. 

To be continued ...