Tanglewood TR3E Roadster Orchestra Electro-Acoustic Guitar, Natural Satin

Orchestra body comfort with a pickup already fitted

Looking for an Orchestra-shaped electro acoustic guitar from the Roadster series? The Tanglewood TR3E sits between a small parlour and a full dreadnought, giving you a body that is comfortable to hold with plenty of balance. It is a good fit if you play at home and want to plug in for rehearsals or gigs.

The Orchestra shape

An Orchestra body is trim at the waist and sits well against you. The sound is even, with clear trebles, a focused middle and enough bass to feel full. It suits strumming behind a vocal as well as fingerstyle arrangements, and it will not overpower a quieter room.

Woods

A spruce top gives clarity and a quick response when you change how hard you play. Mahogany back and sides round off the tone with warmth. The Eboncore fingerboard is smooth and dark, and the Natural Satin finish keeps the guitar looking plain and honest.

On stage and in the studio

The Tanglewood TEQ-MX electronics give you simple controls for shaping the amplified sound. Plug into an amp, a PA or an audio interface and you are ready to go with a natural tone.

• Orchestra body shape
• Spruce top, mahogany back and sides
• TEQ-MX onboard electronics
• Eboncore fingerboard
• Natural Satin finish

Compare it with the TR8E, a parlour in the same series at the same £299, if you want something smaller and more vintage in feel. If you do not need a pickup, the dreadnought TR5 costs less. For a balanced all-rounder with electronics, the TR3E is hard to ignore, from recording ideas at home to playing with a band.

Everyday playing

The neck is comfortable and the action is easy, so the guitar invites you to pick it up often. Because the body is a little smaller than a dreadnought, it is kinder on your shoulder and sits neatly on your knee. You still get enough volume to fill a living room, and the electronics are there when you need more.