Tanglewood TP4CE Premier Super Folk Cutaway Electro-Acoustic Guitar with Fishman Presys

A solid spruce Super Folk with Fishman electronics

The Tanglewood TP4CE is a Super Folk cutaway electro acoustic guitar from the Premier series. It is a sensible choice for a player who wants a solid wood guitar with a smaller, comfortable body and dependable amplified sound.

At £599 it gives you a solid spruce top, a solid mahogany back and a named preamp, which is a good set of features for the money. The finish is natural satin rather than gloss, so the guitar looks calm and works well for players who gig regularly and do not want to worry about fingerprints or a mirror shine showing every mark on the body.

Solid woods, clear sound

The top is solid Engelmann spruce, known for being responsive and articulate. The back is solid mahogany and the sides are mahogany. That mix gives a clear top end with a warm, supportive midrange. It suits fingerstyle, light strumming and singer songwriter work.

Shape and neck

The Super Folk body is compact and easy to hold, with a cutaway that eases access to the higher frets. The fingerboard is Indian rosewood, a classic choice that many players like for its smooth feel. The natural satin finish is understated and pleasant to the touch.

Fishman Presys

Electronics are by Fishman Presys. The onboard preamp gives you volume, bass and treble controls plus phase adjustment, so you can tidy up the sound at a gig without leaving the stool. It is a well known system and easy to understand.

• Solid Engelmann spruce top
• Solid mahogany back, mahogany sides
• Indian rosewood fingerboard
• Natural satin finish

If you play left-handed, the TP4CELH is the same guitar set up for you at £629. If you prefer a bigger voice, look at the TP5SE dreadnought in the same range. Otherwise the TP4CE is a neat, practical Super Folk for stage and home.