Tanglewood TJ5CE Java Dreadnought Cutaway Electro-Acoustic Guitar

The loudest voice in the Java range, with a cutaway

Big strummers should start with the Tanglewood TJ5CE. It's a dreadnought electro acoustic guitar with a cutaway, a solid spruce top and a Fishman preamp, made for players who want volume and punch for band practice, busking and plugged-in gigs.

Dreadnought power

The dreadnought is the largest body in the Java line-up, and it moves the most air. Open chords ring out with a strong low end, and hard strumming stays solid rather than turning thin. The cutaway on the treble side means the big body doesn't stop you playing up the neck, so lead fills and higher chord shapes are within easy reach.

• Large body for strong projection and bass
• Cutaway for access to the higher frets
• Techwood fingerboard
• Natural gloss finish
• Fishman Presys electronics with built-in tuner

Spruce, amara and spalted mango

The top is solid spruce, which gives you a quick, punchy response that cuts through other instruments. Turn the guitar round and the three-piece back is the talking point: amara on each side of a spalted mango centre, with the mango's dark marbling under a natural gloss finish. Amara sides finish the body. Together the woods give a full, warm sound with good sustain behind that bright spruce attack.

Ready for the stage

Fishman's Presys system handles the amplified side. Use the onboard EQ to tune the sound to the room, engage the phase control when feedback creeps in at higher volumes, and keep in tune with the built-in tuner. Running straight into a PA or acoustic amp is simple.

All four Tanglewood Java series models in this range share the same woods and electronics, so the body is what sets them apart. Choose the TJ5CE if you want the biggest sound and play with a pick. If you'd rather have something smaller and more intimate, compare it with the TJ4CE super folk or the TJ8E parlour. It costs £649 and comes with free UK delivery.