Tanglewood TR5E Roadster Dreadnought Electro Acoustic Guitar, Natural Satin

A full size dreadnought that plugs straight in

The Tanglewood TR5E is the straight dreadnought of the Roadster family, with no cutaway and no fuss. If you want a big-bodied dreadnought electro acoustic guitar that can go from your bedroom to a PA, this is the simple way to get one.

Where the volume comes from

A full dreadnought body moves a lot of air, and the TR5E has a spruce top over mahogany back and sides. The spruce keeps notes bright and clear. The mahogany fills in the lower middle so chords do not sound thin. You get strong projection with a rounded edge.

Without a cutaway

Leaving the cutaway off keeps the body complete, and many players feel that gives a touch more bass and resonance. It also keeps the look classic. Anyone who spends most of their time on open chords and the first few frets will not miss it.

It copes with light fingerpicking as well as hard strumming. Play softly and the notes stay clean. Dig in and the guitar answers with weight rather than breaking up, which is why this shape has been a favourite for songwriters, buskers and band players for so long.

Electronics and feel

TEQ-MX electronics are built in, so you can plug in at a gig, a rehearsal or at home with a recording interface. The Eboncore fingerboard and Natural Satin finish give a smooth, easy feel under the hand.

• Full size dreadnought body, no cutaway
• Spruce top, mahogany back and sides
• Eboncore fingerboard
• TEQ-MX electronics

Compare before you buy

If you want to reach the highest frets more easily, the cutaway TR5CE costs the same £299 and shares the same woods. For a rounder, darker tone, have a look at the mahogany Blackbird TWBBSDE. Anyone who wants a strong all rounder from the Tanglewood Roadster series can stop here. Delivery in the UK is free.