Tanglewood TWMTBKPE Union Teardrop Electro-Acoustic Mandolin, Black Gloss

Black gloss teardrop mandolin you can plug in

The Tanglewood TWMTBKPE is a black gloss teardrop mandolin with an under saddle pickup. It is an affordable electro acoustic mandolin for players who want to be heard on stage without buying a separate pickup.

The black gloss look

Most mandolins come in sunburst, so the black gloss finish stands out. It is sleek and modern, and the shiny surface helps protect the wood from everyday knocks. If you play in a band and want an instrument that catches the stage lights, this finish does the job.

Teardrop shape and F-holes

The teardrop outline is the familiar mandolin shape, so it feels comfortable straight away. Two F-holes in the top help the sound project and give each note a clear edge. Top, back and sides are all linden, a light wood that gives a smooth, balanced tone. It responds well to strummed chords and picked tunes alike.

Amplified sound

The pickup sits under the saddle, so it follows the natural sound of the strings. Plug in at a gig, a session or in the studio and you keep the same voice, only louder. That is a useful feature at this price, and it saves you sorting out extra gear later. The fingerboard is Techwood.

• Linden top, back and sides
• Teardrop body with F-holes
• Under saddle pickup
• Techwood fingerboard

This model is a sensible pick for anyone starting out who already knows they will play with an amp, and for experienced players who want a cheap second mandolin for the stage. If you would like a brighter spruce top and a scroll body, look at the TWMFVSE. If you do not need a pickup, the TWMTWR costs less. At £229 with free UK delivery, the TWMTBKPE gives you plug-in convenience at a friendly price.