Tanglewood TRX4CE Roadster X Super Folk Cutaway Electro-Acoustic Guitar

Cutaway access and a pickup at a sensible price

Part of the Roadster X series, the TRX4CE is a Super Folk cutaway electro acoustic for players who want an all-round steel string with easy upper-fret reach and a built-in pickup, without spending much.

Sound

The top is spruce, which responds quickly and sounds bright and open. Ovangkol back and sides add body and a little warmth. The Super Folk shape is a good middle ground: bigger than a parlour, easier to hold than a large dreadnought. It handles chords and picked lines with equal ease.

Playing up the neck

The cutaway removes part of the body near the neck joint, so you can reach the higher frets comfortably. If you like solos or melody work, you will notice the difference straight away. The fingerboard is Eboncore.

Amplify it

Tanglewood TEQ MX electronics are fitted, giving you EQ control when you plug into an amp or PA. The natural gloss finish keeps the look clean and classic.

The Roadster X series gives you real tonewoods and a stage-ready preamp at a modest price. That makes the TRX4CE a sensible choice for a first electro acoustic, or as a second guitar you can take to gigs without worrying too much about knocks. The finish is tough and the shape is easy to hold, so it stays comfortable through longer sessions.

• Super Folk Cutaway body
• Spruce top, ovangkol back and sides
• Eboncore fingerboard
• Tanglewood TEQ MX preamp
• Natural gloss finish

For a 12 string version of the same shape, look at the TRX412CE. If you do not need a cutaway, the TRX3E and TRX5E cost the same and offer different body sizes. The TRX4CE is a good pick for singer-songwriters and players who gig now and then, and want one guitar that does the lot.