Tanglewood TM3E Metropolitan Orchestra Folk Electro Acoustic Guitar with Koa Back and Sides

An orchestra-bodied electro that is easy to take out

Plugging in is the whole point of the TM3E, the amplified version of the TM3 in the Metropolitan series. It keeps the mid-sized orchestra body and adds Tanglewood TEQ-G3 electronics. It is an orchestra electro acoustic guitar for players who want to take their sound out to open mics, church halls and small stages.

Sound and shape

The orchestra body is balanced and not too big. It gives a clear voice with good definition across the range, which suits fingerpicking and light strumming alike. The top is spruce, and the back and sides are koa. Spruce brings brightness, and koa adds warmth and a handsome grain. The fingerboard is ebony, and the natural satin finish has a smooth, understated feel.

Built for travel

Every wood panel on the body is high pressure laminate, or HPL. It handles shifts in temperature and humidity better than many wood-only builds. If your guitar goes from a warm car to a cold venue, that stability is worth having. It also cuts down on the worry of keeping the guitar in a special case or room.

On stage

The TEQ-G3 system gives you onboard controls so you can adjust the tone on the spot. Plug into an amp or PA and the sound follows the guitar's natural voice.

• Orchestra/Folk body shape
• HPL spruce top, koa back and sides
• Ebony fingerboard
• Tanglewood TEQ-G3 electronics

It costs £50 more than the acoustic-only TM3, and that covers the pickup and preamp. If you prefer a larger, louder body, the Metropolitan dreadnoughts share the same electronics at the same £229. For a compact, dependable electro that is simple to run, the TM3E fits the bill. It is a good match for acoustic sets, backing vocals and quiet gigs where a loud dreadnought would be too much, and the koa finish gives it a look of its own.