Tanglewood TUN8E Union Parlour Solid Mahogany Top Electro-Acoustic Guitar

Small body, solid top, and a lead for the amp

Small guitars have a following for good reason. The Tanglewood TUN8E is a parlour electro acoustic guitar from the Union series, built for players who want a compact body that is easy to carry, comfortable on the lap and still has a solid wood top.

Parlour character

The parlour shape has a close, intimate voice. Notes are articulate and focused, which is why blues, folk and singer-songwriter players have used the shape for so long. It suits fingerstyle in particular, and it can still handle a strummed song around the kitchen table. It is also a good travel companion.

Solid mahogany build

The top is solid mahogany, and the back and sides are mahogany. That gives a warm, even tone with a strong midrange, and the solid top should open up over time. The fingerboard is Eboncore, and the open pore natural satin finish leaves the grain showing with a smooth, natural feel.

Plugged in

A Tanglewood TEQ MX preamp is fitted, so you can go to an amp, a PA or a recording setup without adding a pickup later. There is no cutaway on this model, which keeps the classic parlour outline.

Because the body is small, the guitar is quick to pick up and easy to leave out on a stand, which tends to mean you play it more. That alone makes a parlour a smart second guitar for anyone who already owns a bigger acoustic, and a fine first solid top for someone who wants something lighter.

• Parlour body, compact and light to hold
• Solid mahogany top, mahogany back and sides
• Eboncore fingerboard
• Tanglewood TEQ MX electronics

Choose it for songwriting, couch practice or small stages. If you need a bigger sound, look at the TUN4CE or the dreadnought TUN5CE, both also £399.00. The TUN8E is the same price and comes with free UK delivery.