Tanglewood TWMFVSE Union Electro-Acoustic Scroll Mandolin, Vintage Sunburst Satin

A scroll mandolin with a pickup built in

The Tanglewood TWMFVSE is a scroll-bodied mandolin from the Union series, and it comes with an under saddle pickup already fitted. If you want an electro acoustic mandolin that looks like a classic and plugs straight into an amp or PA, this is the one to look at.

Spruce top, linden body

The top is solid-looking spruce, the wood many players pick for a lively, bright response. Two F-holes let the sound out with plenty of clarity, so single notes and chopped chords stay clear when you play with others. The back and sides are linden, which adds some warmth underneath that bright top. The result is a voice that is crisp but not thin.

Plugging in

The under saddle pickup sits beneath the bridge saddle and picks up the vibration of the strings. That means you can move from a quiet session at home to a stage or a recording without changing instrument. The acoustic character stays at the heart of the tone, and the pickup simply makes it louder when you need it to be.

Look and feel

The vintage sunburst satin finish gives the mandolin a gently worn-in look. Satin feels smooth and natural under your hand, and it lets the grain show through. The fingerboard is Techwood, a stable material that suits regular practice. The scroll shape is the first thing people notice, and it sets this model apart from the usual teardrop outline.

• Spruce top with linden back and sides
• Basic scroll cutaway body with two F-holes
• Under saddle pickup for amplified playing
• Techwood fingerboard
• Vintage sunburst satin finish

This mandolin suits folk, bluegrass and celtic players who want to gig as well as practise. If you prefer a rounder teardrop shape, compare it with the other Union mandolins in the range, such as the TWMTBKPE. If the scroll look appeals, the TWMFVSE gives you old-style character and modern amplification for £349, with free UK delivery.