Tanglewood TW5CER Winterleaf Dreadnought Cutaway Electro Acoustic Guitar, Thru Red Gloss

Translucent red over warm, punchy mahogany

Thru Red Gloss makes the Tanglewood TW5CER the boldest TW5 in the Winterleaf line-up. Under the colour is the same cutaway dreadnought with a solid mahogany top, so this red electro acoustic guitar gives you a standout look without giving up on tone, at £449.

A red you can see the grain through

The Thru Red finish is translucent rather than solid paint. You get a rich red colour, but the figure of the mahogany still shows underneath, and the high gloss adds depth when the lights hit it. It is a good pick if you want to be noticed on stage or simply like a guitar with some personality on the stand at home.

How it sounds and plays

Dreadnoughts are known for volume and drive, which is why they have been a go-to for strummers for so long. With a solid mahogany top and mahogany back and sides, the TW5CER keeps that power but rounds it off. Expect a warm voice with a strong middle and good sustain. It suits backing vocals with chords, as well as fingerpicked patterns where you want each note to bloom.

The cutaway lets you reach the higher frets of the Techwood fingerboard comfortably, so lead fills and chord shapes up the neck are no trouble.

• Translucent Thru Red Gloss finish
• Solid mahogany top on a mahogany body
• Cutaway for reaching the top of the neck
• Premium Plus EQ with an integrated tuner

The electronics

Tanglewood's Premium Plus system handles amplified playing. It is voiced to keep the acoustic character of the guitar when it goes through a PA, and the EQ lets you adjust for each venue. The integrated tuner means you can check your tuning quietly between songs.

All four TW5 finishes share the same spec and price. Choose the TW5CEAVB for a vintage tint, the TW5CEBS for black or the TW5CESB for a classic sunburst. If red is your colour, the TW5CER is the one, delivered free in the UK.