Unveiling the Future of Strings: Tim Henson’s Signature Collection with Ernie Ball
NAMM 2025: Ernie Ball has joined forces with the innovative guitarist Tim henson of Polyphia to launch two new signature string sets that showcase the duality of his musical style.
This exciting release is part of the official Tim Henson Signature String and Accessory Collection, which also features a fret wrap and a guitar cable. The collection includes dedicated six-string sets for both classical and electric guitars.
Interestingly, there is currently no extended range set available, which raises questions given that Henson has a seven-string Ibanez among his signature models.
Whether this oversight is a missed prospect or simply reflects a lack of demand for such a set remains to be seen. Fortunately, his othre signature models, including the popular electric nylon TOD10NL and the Fishman Fluence-equipped Ibanez TOD10, are well represented.
Crafted for Versatility
As expected from a collaboration of this caliber, the string sets have been meticulously crafted to align with Tim’s distinct specifications and versatile performance style. The classical set combines fluorocarbon trebles with silver-plated copper basses, delivering a “dynamic, bright response with a percussive edge.”
This design is particularly beneficial for achieving the twang that Henson often incorporates into his nylon guitar work, especially in tracks like their nuevo flamenco hit, Playing God. The gauges for this set are .24, .27, .33, .30, .36, and .42, making it ideal for both finger-picking and aggressive strumming.
Electric Strings with a Twist
On the electric side, Henson has opted for a hybrid combination of Ernie Ball’s Cobalt and Paradigm technologies. These strings feature a cobalt exterior and a Paradigm core wire, which enhances durability and strength while providing a nano-treated surface for corrosion resistance.
According to Ernie Ball, this combination yields “maximum output and clarity,” allowing every nuance of Henson’s intricate playing style to shine through. The gauges for the electric set are .09.5, .12, .16,.26, .36, and.46.
Unique Accessories
The fret wrap, designed by Gruv Gear, showcases Henson’s cherub-style logo, while details about the guitar cable remain scarce. However, it does feature Henson’s branding, adding a personal touch.
“When I initially approached Ernie ball, I presented them with a list of ambitious requests,” Henson shares. “One key request was to ensure that the low string could be struck hard without overpowering the harmonics.”
“At the time, I was using 10s to keep my riffs in tune during live performances. The challenge was: ‘Can you create a string that’s lighter than a 10 but still offers stability, allowing for easier bends while maintaining a percussive quality without being overly bright?’ I believe we achieved that balance.”
This explains why the electric set features a lighter .09.5 e string, while the nylon set tops out at .42, reflecting a meticulous approach to string design.
As Henson notes in the promotional video, when he began this collaboration, only Metallica’s James Hetfield and Slash had signature string sets with Ernie Ball. Since then, John Mayer’s precision strings and Avenged sevenfold’s Synyster Gates strings have joined the lineup, with Henson’s new offerings further expanding Ernie Ball’s signature range.This indicates a clear strategy from ernie Ball to diversify and modernize its offerings, making it exciting to see where they will venture next.
The Ernie Ball Tim Henson Signature String and Accessory Collection is set to launch in Spring, even though pricing details have yet to be announced.
For more information,visit Ernie Ball’s official website.
In the meantime, Polyphia’s recent collaboration with Ernie Ball has led to the creation of a brand-new eight-string signature model for Henson, as the band works diligently on their upcoming album alongside a renowned guitarist and producer. They have also hinted at an exciting lineup of guest collaborators, though no release date has been disclosed yet.
