What is the body shape of the Tanglewood TA4CE?

The TA4CE features Tanglewood's Super Folk body shape, which is designed to be more compact and ergonomic than a traditional dreadnought while maintaining tonal depth.

What woods are used for the back and sides?

The back and sides of the TA4CE Azure are constructed from maple, which contributes to a balanced and warm tonal character.

Does this guitar include a preamp system?

Yes, it is equipped with the Tanglewood Premium electronics system, making it suitable for live performances and studio recording.

What material is used for the fingerboard?

The fingerboard and bridge are made from Purple Heart wood, chosen for its aesthetic appeal, durability, and tonal qualities.

What colour is the TA4CE Azure model?

This specific model features a unique finish called Aurora Green.

How does the TA4CE handle different playing styles?

It is designed to be versatile, handling both the bright articulation required for fingerpicking and the depth needed for strummed chords.

Is the Tanglewood TA4CE suitable for beginners?

Yes, its Super Folk body shape provides a nimble and comfortable playing experience that is often preferred by beginners and smaller players.

How does it compare to the Martin LX1E?

While the Martin LX1E is a travel-sized guitar, the TA4CE is a larger Super Folk model, offering a fuller acoustic resonance but less portability than the Martin.

What is the typical price for this guitar?

The Tanglewood TA4CE Azure is typically priced around £299.

Can I use this guitar for studio recording?

Yes, the combination of maple tonewoods and the Tanglewood Premium electronics makes it an ideal choice for studio environments.

How does the TA4CE differ from a jumbo guitar like the Guild F-2512E?

The TA4CE is smaller and more focused on comfort and balance, whereas a jumbo guitar like the Guild F-2512E is designed for maximum acoustic volume and projection.

What tonal qualities does maple provide in this guitar?

Maple typically provides a sound that is clear and articulated, which Tanglewood has voiced to be warm and balanced in the TA4CE design.

Gear article

Tanglewood TA4CE Azure Super Folk Electro-Acoustic

The Tanglewood TA4CE Azure is a Super Folk-bodied electro-acoustic guitar designed to balance visual aesthetics with versatile tonal performance. Finished in a distinctive Aurora Green, the instrument features maple construction and integrated Tanglewood Premium electronics for both stage and studio use.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Tanglewood TA4CE Azure is part of Tanglewood's diverse catalogue of acoustic instruments, aimed at players seeking a modern aesthetic combined with traditional playability. The 'Super Folk' body shape is a hallmark of the brand, offering a slightly more compact and curved profile compared to a standard Dreadnought. This design is intended to provide a more nimble playing experience, making it comfortable for both seated practice and standing performances.

The most striking feature of this specific model is the Aurora Green finish, which sets it apart from traditional wood-grain acoustics. This is complemented by the use of Purple Heart wood for both the fingerboard and the bridge, a material chosen for its distinctive hue and natural durability.

Construction and Tonewoods

The TA4CE is constructed with maple back and sides. In acoustic guitar lutherie, maple is typically associated with a transparent and bright tonal profile, helping the instrument cut through a mix. Tanglewood describes the resulting sound as warm and balanced, suggesting a voicing that avoids the harshness sometimes found in smaller-bodied guitars.

The inclusion of a Purple Heart fingerboard is a notable specification. Purple Heart is an extremely dense and stiff wood, which contributes to the structural stability of the neck and offers a smooth surface for the player's fretting hand.

Electronics and Hardware

To facilitate live performance and recording, the TA4CE Azure comes equipped with the Tanglewood Premium electronics system. This onboard preamp allow the guitar's natural acoustic vibrations to be amplified through a PA system or acoustic amplifier. The integration of these electronics makes the instrument a versatile tool for gigging musicians who require a plug-and-play solution without the need for external microphones.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the entry-to-mid-level electro-acoustic market, the TA4CE competes with several notable models:

Travel-sized alternatives: For those seeking even smaller frames, the Yamaha APXT2 (available in Black or Old Violin Sunburst) and the Martin LX1E Little Martin offer increased portability, though the TA4CE provides a fuller sound due to its larger Super Folk dimensions.
Full-sized competitors: The Fender Newporter Player in Tidepool offers a similar modern aesthetic, while the Sigma DTC-28HE provides a more traditional dreadnought experience.
Specialised shapes: For players desiring maximum volume, jumbo models like the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon or the Guild F-2512E 12-string offer significantly more projection than the Super Folk shape of the Tanglewood.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the body shape of the Tanglewood TA4CE?: The TA4CE features Tanglewood's Super Folk body shape, which is designed to be more compact and ergonomic than a traditional dreadnought while maintaining tonal depth.
What woods are used for the back and sides?: The back and sides of the TA4CE Azure are constructed from maple, which contributes to a balanced and warm tonal character.
Does this guitar include a preamp system?: Yes, it is equipped with the Tanglewood Premium electronics system, making it suitable for live performances and studio recording.
What material is used for the fingerboard?: The fingerboard and bridge are made from Purple Heart wood, chosen for its aesthetic appeal, durability, and tonal qualities.
What colour is the TA4CE Azure model?: This specific model features a unique finish called Aurora Green.
How does the TA4CE handle different playing styles?: It is designed to be versatile, handling both the bright articulation required for fingerpicking and the depth needed for strummed chords.
Is the Tanglewood TA4CE suitable for beginners?: Yes, its Super Folk body shape provides a nimble and comfortable playing experience that is often preferred by beginners and smaller players.
How does it compare to the Martin LX1E?: While the Martin LX1E is a travel-sized guitar, the TA4CE is a larger Super Folk model, offering a fuller acoustic resonance but less portability than the Martin.
What is the typical price for this guitar?: The Tanglewood TA4CE Azure is typically priced around £299.
Can I use this guitar for studio recording?: Yes, the combination of maple tonewoods and the Tanglewood Premium electronics makes it an ideal choice for studio environments.
How does the TA4CE differ from a jumbo guitar like the Guild F-2512E?: The TA4CE is smaller and more focused on comfort and balance, whereas a jumbo guitar like the Guild F-2512E is designed for maximum acoustic volume and projection.
What tonal qualities does maple provide in this guitar?: Maple typically provides a sound that is clear and articulated, which Tanglewood has voiced to be warm and balanced in the TA4CE design.