Ibanez FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal

Ibanez FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal review

The Ibanez FTM33-WK is an eight-string signature guitar for Meshuggah guitarist Fredrik Thordendal, finished in Weathered Black with an ash body and matching ash top. Its unusual Firebird-style outline sets it apart from more familiar extended-range designs, while the fixed bridge and Lundgren Model M8P humbuckers give it a focused brief: deliver clear, forceful low tunings without making everyday string changes unnecessarily difficult.

At a listed price of $1,939, this is a specialist instrument rather than an inexpensive way to try an eighth string. Owner feedback suggests the appeal is strongest for players who want the Meshuggah sound and a distinct look. The playing impressions are encouraging, though some reports note small cosmetic flaws and a finish that may be easy to damage.

Construction and hardware

The body and top are ash. The seven-piece neck combines maple and walnut, with KTS titanium reinforcement, and meets a rosewood fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets. The M80M neck profile and 55 mm nut width reflect the demands of an eight-string layout. Luminescent side dots help locate the neck in low light.

The scale is 686 mm, or 27 inches. That length helps support the low strings, though one owner describes the tension with the factory.009 to.074 string set as initially feeling loose. After adapting to the feel, they were able to play Meshuggah material, including "Bleed," without changing the strings. Players who tune lower or prefer especially firm tension may want to consider a longer scale or a different string setup.

The fixed Edge III-8 bridge avoids the floating-bridge routine that can make restringing and tuning more involved. One first-time eight-string owner reports that changing strings is manageable and that the guitar has remained well in tune. Another owner says bridge setup takes some time, but praises its stability and sustain. These are individual experiences, not a guarantee that every guitar will behave identically.

Pickups and playing feel

Two passive Lundgren Model M8P humbuckers, one at the neck and one at the bridge, are a major part of the FTM33-WK's identity. The controls comprise two volume knobs, one tone knob, and a three-way toggle switch. One player who had previously used a seven-string says the pickups deliver a particularly strong, defined low end and compares them favorably with active Fishman pickups. They also value not having to manage pickup batteries.

Another owner, comparing the guitar with an Ibanez RG2228, reports a clearer, more precise sound on the lowest strings, along with substantial sustain. They found the guitar effective for both clean tones and distortion. The ability to blend the pickup volumes also proved useful for rhythm sounds. Taken together, the comments point to a dense, aggressive voice that retains definition, rather than a guarantee of one particular tone through every amplifier or setup.

Despite its extended range and distinctive body, the guitar is reported to sit comfortably on a strap, with little or no neck dive. One player found the fingerboard unusually easy to play and said fast passages felt natural. Another, coming from a different eight-string model, found the neck somewhat thicker and had to adjust. That difference is worth keeping in mind: the M80M profile will not feel identical to a slimmer neck, and personal preference matters.

Finish and included case

Cosmetic quality is the most consistent reservation in the owner reports. One player noticed minor finish issues, slight wear to the black coating around the nut hardware, and adhesive visible beneath a clear cover. They did not report functional faults, raised frets, or fingerboard problems. Other owners specifically warn that the black finish seems sensitive to knocks and may chip or wear. The longer-term reports are limited, so the extent of that risk is difficult to establish, but careful handling is sensible.

The included case has a gig-bag-like outer material, yet one owner describes its shape, structure, and interior as closer to a conventional hard case than a soft bag. The supplied specifications confirm that a case is included and a separate gig bag is not.

Verdict

The Ibanez FTM33-WK makes a strong case for itself as a purpose-built Meshuggah-style eight-string. Its Lundgren pickups, stable fixed bridge, clear low-string response, and manageable 27-inch scale earn praise from players who have spent time with it. The main cautions are the price, the adjustment period for the neck and string tension, and reports of a vulnerable finish or minor cosmetic imperfections.

For a player specifically seeking Thordendal's signature setup, those trade-offs may be acceptable. Buyers who are new to eight strings should try the neck and scale in person if possible, and inspect the finish closely. The playing feedback is notably positive, but cosmetic durability is the detail to weigh before buying.