Tanglewood TR5 Roadster Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Natural Satin

Big dreadnought sound without a big price

The dreadnought is the shape most people picture when they think of an acoustic guitar. The Tanglewood TR5 brings it to the Roadster series at £229, so you get a full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar with a loud, confident voice and no pickup to pay for.

Volume and tone

A dreadnought body is deep and wide, which means strong projection and a solid low end. The spruce top keeps the highs bright and clear, while mahogany back and sides smooth out the middle. Strum hard and it rings out. Pick gently and the notes still stay defined.

Who it suits

This is a good first guitar for anyone who wants a classic size. It is also a sensible spare for experienced players who need something to leave out in the house or take to a friend's. It works well behind vocals, around a campfire or in a small band where you need to be heard.

Build and finish

The Natural Satin finish shows the wood grain and feels smooth. The Eboncore fingerboard gives a dark, tidy look and wears well over time.

• Dreadnought body shape
• Spruce top, mahogany back and sides
• Eboncore fingerboard
• Natural Satin finish
• Acoustic only, no electronics

Playing it day to day

The neck feels comfortable and the strings sit at a friendly height, which helps new players build confidence. Open chords ring out loudly, barre chords are manageable and the guitar sounds good with a pick or with your fingers. It is a simple, dependable instrument that rewards regular practice.

If you later want to plug in, the range does not include an electro dreadnought at this level, so look at the Orchestra TR3E if amplified playing matters. For a straightforward, loud and friendly guitar at an easy price, the TR5 is one to try, and it will happily cope with years of regular playing.