Tanglewood EMD3 Dominar Full Size Solid Cedar Top Classical Guitar

Solid cedar and walnut in a traditional full size classical

Tanglewood's EMD3 gives you a full size nylon string guitar with a solid cedar top. It is a straightforward, traditional classical guitar for learners who want a serious instrument and for experienced players who like a warm, mellow voice.

Why a solid cedar top

Cedar is a favourite top wood for classical guitars. It responds quickly to a light touch and gives a warm, rounded sound that is rich in overtones. A solid top, rather than a laminate, tends to open up and improve as the guitar is played. Together with the walnut back and sides, you get a sound with warmth and good definition.

Shape and feel

This is a full size body in the traditional classical shape, so the feel will be familiar if you have played other classical or Spanish guitars. The fingerboard is walnut stained. The natural gloss finish shows off the wood and gives a smooth surface for your hands.

No electronics

The EMD3 has no pickup, so it is designed for acoustic playing. That keeps the guitar simple, and it is ideal for lessons, practice, recording with a microphone and small acoustic gatherings.

Nylon strings are gentle on the fingertips and give a soft attack, which is why they suit beginners and long practice sessions. The wide neck gives your fingers room for classical scales, arpeggios and chord shapes.

• Solid cedar top
• Walnut back and sides
• Full size classical body
• Natural gloss finish

If you want a smaller body, the EMD4 offers the same woods in a parlour shape. If you want to plug in, the EMDC8BK and EMDC8CG add B-Band electronics. At £349 the EMD3 is a good value nylon string guitar with a real solid wood top, from the Dominar part of the Enredo Madera range.