Tanglewood TM5 Metropolitan Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Natural Satin

Big dreadnought volume at a friendly price

Here is a straightforward dreadnought for players who want volume and bass without spending a lot. The Tanglewood TM5 is part of the Tanglewood Metropolitan range, and as a dreadnought acoustic guitar it is made for strumming, singing along and filling a room.

Why the dreadnought shape works

The big body moves a lot of air. You get strong low end, a clear midrange and enough top-end sparkle to keep chords from sounding muddy. It is a natural choice for rhythm players, singers and anyone who plays in a group and needs to be heard.

Spruce top, koa back and sides

The top is spruce and the back and sides are koa. Each is made from high pressure laminate (HPL), which resists swings in humidity and temperature far better than many traditional builds. If your guitar lives in a spare room that gets cold, or travels in the car, that stability counts. Spruce brings a bright, quick response, and koa rounds it off with warmth and a lively grain pattern.

Finish and feel

The natural satin finish lets the koa figure show through and feels smooth rather than sticky under the hand. It also cuts down on glare if you play under stage lights. The fingerboard is ebony.

• Dreadnought body with strong projection
• HPL spruce top, koa back and sides
• Ebony fingerboard
• Natural satin finish
• Acoustic only, no electronics

This guitar has no pickup, so it is for playing unplugged. If you want to plug in, look at the cutaway electro models in the same series, such as the TM4CE or TM6CE. Players who like the dreadnought shape but want solid wood might also look at the Union range. For a first serious guitar, or a spare to leave by the sofa, the TM5 at £179.00 is easy to recommend, and delivery in the UK is free.