Tanglewood TM5E Metropolitan Dreadnought Electro Acoustic Guitar, Koa Back and Sides

A hardy koa dreadnought you can plug straight in

The Tanglewood TM5E is a Metropolitan series dreadnought with a pickup fitted. It has a full-size body, a spruce top and koa back and sides. It is aimed at players who want a hard-working dreadnought electro acoustic guitar without a big outlay.

Built to cope with real life

The top, back and sides use high pressure laminate, usually shortened to HPL. HPL is stable when the temperature or humidity changes, so the guitar is less fussy than a solid wood instrument. That makes it a good choice for gigging, for travelling, and for players who do not want to worry about humidity. The top is spruce, the back and sides are koa, and the fingerboard is ebony.

Sound and shape

The dreadnought body gives a strong low end and loud projection. Spruce keeps the highs bright and clear, while koa brings warmth to the midrange. You can strum hard or flatpick melodies and the guitar stays balanced. The natural satin finish has a smooth, low-gloss feel.

Electronics

The Tanglewood TEQ-G3 system sends the guitar's sound to an amp or PA. Its onboard controls let you adjust the tone to suit the venue, whether that is a small bar or a bigger stage.

• Dreadnought body with no cutaway
• HPL spruce top, koa back and sides
• Ebony fingerboard
• Tanglewood TEQ-G3 electronics

If you want easier access to the top frets, the TM5CE is the same guitar with a cutaway at the same £229. If you would like a smaller body, the orchestra TM3E has the same electronics. For players who simply want a solid, loud dreadnought that can be plugged in, the TM5E does the job. It is a sensible first electro for a student, a handy backup guitar for a gigging player, and a good choice for anyone who wants koa looks and a loud acoustic voice without spending much. The satin finish also hides fingerprints better than gloss does.