What is the body shape of the Tanglewood TA4CE Azure?

The TA4CE Azure features a Super Folk body shape. This design is more compact than a dreadnought, offering a comfortable and nimble playing experience while remaining large enough to produce a rich sound.

What tonewoods are used for the back and sides?

The back and sides of this model are constructed from maple. Maple is traditionally used in guitar building to provide a clear, bright, and balanced tonal response.

What material is used for the fingerboard and bridge?

Tanglewood uses Purple Heart wood for both the fingerboard and the bridge. This timber is chosen for its elegance, durability, and positive tonal qualities.

Does the TA4CE Azure include electronics?

Yes, it is an electro-acoustic guitar equipped with the Tanglewood Premium electronics system. This allows the guitar to be amplified for live performances or connected to an interface for studio recording.

What is the primary colour finish of this model?

The guitar features a specific finish known as Serenity Blue. This gives the instrument a distinct visual appeal compared to traditional natural wood finishes.

Is this guitar suitable for fingerpicking?

Yes, the bright articulation provided by the maple construction and the responsive Super Folk body make it well-suited for fingerpicking styles. It is designed to capture the nuances of individual notes clearly.

Can the TA4CE Azure handle strumming?

While it excels at fingerstyle, the manufacturer notes that it also provides the depth and lushness required for strummed chords. Its balanced sound makes it adaptable to various playing styles.

Who is the target audience for this guitar?

The TA4CE Azure is designed for players who value both sound quality and visual aesthetics. It is intended for musicians ranging from hobbyists to those performing in live or studio environments.

How does the size compare to a standard dreadnought?

The Super Folk shape is smaller and more ergonomic than a standard dreadnought. This makes it easier to handle for smaller players or those who find large-bodied acoustics cumbersome.

What is the typical price for a Tanglewood TA4CE Azure?

The typical retail price for this model is approximately £299. This positions it as a mid-range instrument suitable for budget-conscious players seeking professional features.

Does the guitar have a cutaway?

Yes, based on the 'CE' (Cutaway Electric) designation in the model name, it features a cutaway in the body. This allows the player to reach the higher frets on the fingerboard more easily.

What are some comparable alternatives to this model?

Notable alternatives in similar categories include the Fender Newporter Player, Sigma DTC-28HE, and Yamaha APXT2. These models offer different combinations of body shapes, electronics, and tonewoods at various price points.

Gear article

Tanglewood TA4CE Azure Super Folk Electro Acoustic

The Tanglewood TA4CE Azure is a Super Folk-bodied electro-acoustic guitar finished in a distinctive Serenity Blue. It is designed to balance ergonomic playability with a versatile tonal profile suitable for both studio recording and live performance.

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Overview

The Tanglewood TA4CE Azure represents an entry in the brand's contemporary lineup, focusing on a combination of visual aesthetics and functional performance. Built to the 'Super Folk' body specification, it offers a more compact and nimble feel compared to traditional dreadnought designs. The instrument is characterised by its Serenity Blue finish and the use of Purple Heart wood for the fingerboard and bridge, which provides both a unique visual contrast and enhanced structural durability.

Design and Construction

The guitar features maple back and sides, a choice often associated with clarity and projection. The Super Folk body shape is slightly smaller and more contoured than a standard folk guitar, intended to provide comfort for standing performances or for players with smaller frames. The inclusion of a cutaway allows for easier access to the upper frets. For the hardware, Tanglewood has utilised Purple Heart wood for the bridge and fingerboard, a dense timber known for its resilience and tonal stability.

Sound and Playability

The TA4CE Azure is engineered to produce a warm and balanced sound. The maple construction contributes to a bright articulation that benefits fingerpicking styles, while the Super Folk body maintains enough depth to support strummed chords. This versatility makes it adaptable across various musical genres. The 'nimble' playing experience mentioned by the manufacturer suggests a neck profile and body depth suited for quick transitions and extended playing sessions.

Electronics and Hardware

To facilitate live use and recording, the guitar is equipped with the Tanglewood Premium electronics system. This preamp allows the instrument to be plugged directly into an amplifier or PA system, maintaining the acoustic character of the maple and Purple Heart construction. The hardware is selected to ensure tuning stability and longevity, aligning with its intended use as a reliable workhorse instrument.

Market Position and Alternatives

Positioned at a retail price point of approximately £299, the TA4CE Azure competes in the mid-range electro-acoustic market. It serves as an alternative to models like the Fender Newporter Player, which also offers vibrant finishes, or the Sigma DTC-28HE for those seeking different tonewood configurations. While it lacks the premium price tag of a Taylor Presentation series, it provides a professional aesthetic and electronics package that rivals the Yamaha APXT2 and Gretsch Rancher Falcon in terms of specific stylistic appeal.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body shape of the Tanglewood TA4CE Azure?: The TA4CE Azure features a Super Folk body shape. This design is more compact than a dreadnought, offering a comfortable and nimble playing experience while remaining large enough to produce a rich sound.
What tonewoods are used for the back and sides?: The back and sides of this model are constructed from maple. Maple is traditionally used in guitar building to provide a clear, bright, and balanced tonal response.
What material is used for the fingerboard and bridge?: Tanglewood uses Purple Heart wood for both the fingerboard and the bridge. This timber is chosen for its elegance, durability, and positive tonal qualities.
Does the TA4CE Azure include electronics?: Yes, it is an electro-acoustic guitar equipped with the Tanglewood Premium electronics system. This allows the guitar to be amplified for live performances or connected to an interface for studio recording.
What is the primary colour finish of this model?: The guitar features a specific finish known as Serenity Blue. This gives the instrument a distinct visual appeal compared to traditional natural wood finishes.
Is this guitar suitable for fingerpicking?: Yes, the bright articulation provided by the maple construction and the responsive Super Folk body make it well-suited for fingerpicking styles. It is designed to capture the nuances of individual notes clearly.
Can the TA4CE Azure handle strumming?: While it excels at fingerstyle, the manufacturer notes that it also provides the depth and lushness required for strummed chords. Its balanced sound makes it adaptable to various playing styles.
Who is the target audience for this guitar?: The TA4CE Azure is designed for players who value both sound quality and visual aesthetics. It is intended for musicians ranging from hobbyists to those performing in live or studio environments.
How does the size compare to a standard dreadnought?: The Super Folk shape is smaller and more ergonomic than a standard dreadnought. This makes it easier to handle for smaller players or those who find large-bodied acoustics cumbersome.
What is the typical price for a Tanglewood TA4CE Azure?: The typical retail price for this model is approximately £299. This positions it as a mid-range instrument suitable for budget-conscious players seeking professional features.
Does the guitar have a cutaway?: Yes, based on the 'CE' (Cutaway Electric) designation in the model name, it features a cutaway in the body. This allows the player to reach the higher frets on the fingerboard more easily.
What are some comparable alternatives to this model?: Notable alternatives in similar categories include the Fender Newporter Player, Sigma DTC-28HE, and Yamaha APXT2. These models offer different combinations of body shapes, electronics, and tonewoods at various price points.