Tanglewood TJ8E Java Series Parlour Electro-Acoustic Guitar

A small-bodied Java with vintage charm and modern electronics

Small body, big character: the Tanglewood TJ8E is a parlour guitar with a solid spruce top and Fishman electronics. If you play fingerstyle, write songs on the sofa or simply find full-size acoustics awkward to hold, this compact parlour electro acoustic guitar is worth a close look.

Comfort first

The parlour shape harks back to the small acoustics of the early twentieth century. Its narrow waist and shallow, compact body sit close to you, so your strumming arm isn't stretched over a wide lower bout. That makes it relaxing for long practice sessions and a good fit for smaller players. The fingerboard is Techwood.

• Compact parlour body that is easy to hold
• Solid spruce top for a lively response
• Amara sides and a three-piece back
• Natural gloss finish

Tone and tonewoods

A parlour won't boom like a dreadnought. Instead you get a focused, intimate sound where every note in a picked pattern comes through clearly. The solid spruce top keeps it responsive to a light touch, and the amara back and sides add warmth. In the middle of the back, a strip of spalted mango with dark, wandering lines sits between the two amara pieces, which gives the TJ8E a look you won't find on a standard parlour.

Plug in when you need to

A Fishman Presys system means this little guitar can still play a gig. You get EQ controls to shape the amplified tone, a phase switch to cut feedback, and a tuner built into the side. It's handy for small venues, café sets and recording at home.

The TJ8E is the smallest model in the Tanglewood Java series. If you want more volume and low end for strumming, step up to the TJ3E orchestra or the TJ5CE dreadnought, which use the same woods and electronics. For fingerpickers and songwriters who value comfort, the TJ8E is the one to choose at £649, with free UK delivery.