Tanglewood TSC8E Sundance Classic Parlour Electro-Acoustic Guitar

Small body, solid cedar, and a pickup built in

Looking for a parlour guitar that does not feel like a toy? The Tanglewood TSC8E is a parlour electro acoustic guitar with a solid cedar top, made for players who like a small, comfortable body and a warm tone. It sits in the Sundance Classic series and ships ready to plug in.

Why the parlour shape

A parlour body is compact, so it sits close and is easy to hold on the sofa, on a train or on a stool. Despite the size, the sound is focused and clear, which suits fingerstyle, blues and songwriting.

Woods and sound

The top is solid cedar, a wood that gives a mellow voice and speaks readily. The back is solid mahogany and the sides are mahogany, which add depth and keep the tone balanced rather than thin. Expect a soft, intimate sound that still carries in a room.

Electronics and finish

An LR Baggs Bronze system lets you amplify the guitar without losing its character. That makes it handy for small gigs and recording. The natural satin finish keeps the wood looking honest, the fingerboard is laurel, and a genuine abalone rosette gives the front a little sparkle.

Who it suits

This guitar works well if space is tight or if bigger bodies tire your arm. It is a good partner for travelling, for late night practice and for recording at home, where a focused tone sits easily in a mix. Because it is a solid wood guitar, the sound should open up as you play it over the years. Strings, picks and playing style all change the voice a little, so it is worth trying a few light gauge sets until you find the feel you like best.

• Parlour body for comfort and easy handling
• Solid cedar top, solid mahogany back
• LR Baggs Bronze electronics
• Natural satin finish

The TSC8E has no cutaway. If you want upper fret access in the same series, the TSC4CE is the Super Folk cutaway version. If your budget is tighter, the Blackbird series also has smaller bodied electros. Either way, the TSC8E is a characterful choice at £699, with free UK delivery.