Tanglewood TW45RVSE Sundance Reserve Super Folk Electro-Acoustic Guitar, Vintage Sunburst Gloss

Vintage sunburst looks over a warm all-solid cedar voice

The sunburst finish is what sets the Tanglewood TW45RVSE apart from its natural sibling. Under that vintage gloss you get a solid cedar top, solid mahogany back and sides and Fishman Presys Plus electronics, making this a sunburst electro acoustic guitar with real tonewood behind the looks.

A darker, classic face

Vintage sunburst gives the guitar a traditional, well-worn look that natural finishes cannot match. It frames the cedar top and draws the eye to the centre of the body, so the guitar looks just as good on a stand at home as it does under stage lights. The gloss coat keeps it shining and is easy to wipe clean after a gig.

Tone from solid woods

Because the top, back and sides are all solid, the whole body vibrates freely. The cedar top reacts fast to your picking hand and has a soft, warm edge, which rewards dynamic playing. Light touches stay delicate and harder strums open out without turning harsh.

Mahogany adds a firm, rounded middle. Chords sound full and single notes keep their definition, so the guitar is easy to record and pleasant to sing with. The rosewood fingerboard feels smooth under the fingers.

What this TW45 brings to your playing:

• A super folk body that sits comfortably seated or standing
• Plenty of projection for small venues without a dreadnought's bulk
• Onboard Fishman Presys Plus EQ for tuning your sound to the room
• A plugged-in tone that stays true to the acoustic voice

Should you pick this or the natural one

Sound, woods, shape and electronics are the same on this model and the TW45RE, and both are £1,199. The choice comes down to looks. Go for the natural gloss TW45RE if you want the pale cedar grain on show. Choose the TW45RVSE if you prefer a vintage feel, or if you already own a natural guitar and want something that stands out next to it. Players after a slightly mellower top end can also compare it with the all-mahogany TW47RE in the same Sundance Reserve range.