Tanglewood TW5CESB Winterleaf Dreadnought Cutaway Electro Acoustic Guitar, Sunburst Gloss

The classic sunburst look on a mahogany dreadnought

Sunburst is the finish most people picture when they think of an acoustic, and the Tanglewood TW5CESB wears it well. This cutaway dreadnought guitar has a solid mahogany top and Premium Plus electronics, so it suits players who want a traditional look with a pickup for gigs, at £449.

Who it suits

The TW5CESB is a sound choice for a rhythm player, a songwriter or anyone stepping up from a first guitar who wants a solid top. The dreadnought shape is loud and confident when you strum, and it sits comfortably for most adult players. If you play in a band or at open mics, the built-in preamp means you can plug straight into a PA.

• Sunburst Gloss finish
• Solid mahogany top with mahogany back and sides
• Cutaway dreadnought body
• Techwood fingerboard
• Premium Plus EQ with an integrated tuner

Mahogany through and through

Because the top, back and sides are all mahogany, this is a warm sounding instrument. The bass is smooth rather than boomy, the midrange is focused, and the treble is sweet rather than sharp. It works for gentle fingerpicking as well as heavier strumming, and a solid top tends to gain resonance as you play it in. The cutaway gives your fretting hand room at the top of the Techwood fingerboard when you move into lead parts.

Sunburst and stage sound

The Sunburst Gloss graduates from dark edges into a lighter centre, which frames the mahogany grain and gives the guitar a vintage feel. When you plug in, the Tanglewood Premium Plus system aims to reproduce the natural acoustic tone, with EQ to suit the room and a tuner on board for quick checks between songs.

This model is one of four colours of the Tanglewood Winterleaf TW5 at the same price. The TW5CEAVB, TW5CEBS and TW5CER play and sound the same, so pick the finish you love. For a classic, no-nonsense look, the TW5CESB is hard to beat. Free UK delivery is included.