Tanglewood EMC34 Enredo Madera Comienzo 3/4 Classical Guitar, Natural Satin

The satin finish 3/4 classical at a lower price

What sets the Tanglewood EMC34 apart is its satin finish and its price. It is a 3/4 size classical guitar from the Enredo Madera Comienzo range, and at £89 it is the most affordable way into a compact nylon string guitar in this group.

Natural Satin finish

Satin is a thin, matt coat with a smooth feel under your hand. It looks understated, hides fingerprints, and lets the wood show through without the glare of a gloss surface. Many players find a satin body pleasant to hold for long sessions. If you prefer a shiny look, the EMC2 is the gloss version at £109.

Tonewoods

The top is spruce, which gives a bright, clear note that suits both simple exercises and livelier strumming. The back and sides are linden for warmth. Together they make a balanced sound that suits traditional classical pieces as well as fingerstyle tunes. The fingerboard is Techwood.

Who it suits

The smaller 3/4 body is a good match for younger players, learners with a smaller frame, and anyone who wants an easy guitar to pick up and practise on. It is also handy as a travel guitar or a second instrument kept by the sofa.

Because the finish is thin, the wood can vibrate with little hindrance. Satin does show wear differently from gloss, so everyday marks tend to blend in rather than stand out. That makes it a sensible choice for a guitar that will be picked up daily.

• 3/4 size classical body
• Spruce top, linden back and sides
• Natural Satin finish
• Techwood fingerboard

For a younger child, the 1/2 size EMC1 may be a better start. If you are ready for a full size guitar, the EMC3 is the 4/4 model in the same series.