Tanglewood TW45RE Sundance Reserve Super Folk Solid Cedar Electro-Acoustic Guitar, Natural Gloss

All-solid cedar and mahogany in a natural gloss super folk

Natural gloss is the plainest dress the Tanglewood TW45RE comes in, and that suits it, because the wood is the whole point here. This is an all-solid super folk electro acoustic guitar with a cedar top and mahogany back and sides, aimed at players who want a warm, touch-sensitive voice that still works through a PA.

Why solid cedar and mahogany

Every major tonewood on this guitar is solid, not laminated. Cedar is softer than spruce and speaks quickly, so light fingerpicking and gentle strumming come through with plenty of colour. It has a warm character from the first chord rather than needing years to settle in.

Solid mahogany on the back and sides keeps that warmth going and adds a strong middle. Together they give a full, even sound with clear note separation, which helps when you play chord melodies or sing over your own playing. The fingerboard is rosewood.

The super folk body

Super folk sits between a small parlour or folk shape and a big dreadnought. It is easy to hold seated or standing, yet it still has enough air inside to project in a room. Good reasons to pick this shape:

• Comfortable on the lap for long practice sessions
• Enough volume for open mic nights and small gigs
• Balanced response that suits both fingers and a pick
• A natural gloss finish that shows off the cedar grain

Fishman Presys Plus electronics

When you plug in, the Fishman Presys Plus system gives you onboard EQ so you can adjust the amplified sound to the room, the stage or the studio. The aim is a plugged-in tone that stays close to what the guitar does acoustically, so you do not lose the cedar warmth through the speakers.

If you like the sound of this model but prefer a darker, more vintage look, the TW45RVSE is the same Sundance Reserve guitar in vintage sunburst gloss at the same price. For an all-mahogany voice with a softer top end, compare it with the TW47RE. Choose the TW45RE if you want the cedar top to be the first thing people notice.