What is the body shape of the Tanglewood TA4CE Azure?

The Tanglewood TA4CE Azure features a Super Folk body shape. This design is intended to be more compact and nimble than a dreadnought while maintaining a rich tonal response.

What woods are used for the back and sides of this guitar?

The back and sides of the TA4CE Azure are constructed from maple. Maple is chosen for its ability to produce a sound that is both warm and balanced.

What material is the fingerboard made from?

The fingerboard is made from Purple Heart wood. This material is selected for its aesthetic elegance, durability, and its contribution to the instrument's tonal qualities.

Does the Tanglewood TA4CE Azure have a pickup system?

Yes, it is an electro-acoustic guitar equipped with the Tanglewood Premium electronics system. This allows the guitar to be plugged into an amplifier or recording interface.

What is the specific finish on this model?

The guitar features a Shoreline Amber finish. This gives the instrument a distinct and premium visual appearance compared to standard natural finishes.

Is this guitar suitable for fingerpicking?

Yes, the Super Folk body shape and bright articulation make it well-suited for fingerpicking. It provides the clarity needed for intricate note definition.

Can the TA4CE Azure handle heavy strumming?

The guitar is designed to be versatile, offering depth and lushness for strummed chords. While it is smaller than a jumbo, it is built to handle various playing styles.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Tanglewood TA4CE Azure typically retails for approximately £299. This places it in the entry-to-mid-level market for electro-acoustic guitars.

How does the TA4CE compare to the Yamaha APXT2?

The TA4CE is a full-scale Super Folk guitar, whereas the Yamaha APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar. The Tanglewood offers a larger body for more acoustic resonance.

Is the bridge also made of Purple Heart?

Yes, Tanglewood uses Purple Heart for both the fingerboard and the bridge. This provides visual consistency and contributes to the overall durability of the instrument.

Is this guitar recommended for studio use?

Tanglewood describes the TA4CE as an ideal choice for studio recordings. Its balanced tone and integrated preamp make it easy to capture high-quality audio.

How does the size compare to a Gretsch Rancher Falcon?

The TA4CE Super Folk is significantly more compact and nimble than a Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon. The Gretsch is a Jumbo model, which is much larger in profile.

Gear article

Tanglewood TA4CE Azure Super Folk Electro Acoustic

The Tanglewood TA4CE Azure is a Super Folk-style electro-acoustic guitar designed for versatility and visual appeal. Featuring a Shoreline Amber finish and a Purple Heart fingerboard, it provides a balanced tonal profile suitable for both studio recording and live performance.

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Background and Design

The TA4CE Azure is part of Tanglewood's range of accessible electro-acoustic instruments. It utilizes the Super Folk body shape, which is a design choice aimed at providing a more nimble and comfortable playing experience compared to traditional dreadnoughts. This model is specifically distinguished by its Shoreline Amber aesthetic, intended to provide high visual appeal alongside its functional features.

Material Construction

The guitar is constructed with maple back and sides, a wood choice typically known for its clarity and brightness, which Tanglewood notes contributes to a warm and balanced output in this specific configuration. A notable feature is the use of Purple Heart wood for both the fingerboard and the bridge. Purple Heart is selected not only for its distinct aesthetic and elegance but also for its durability and specific tonal characteristics that complement the maple body.

Performance and Sound

The TA4CE Azure is designed to handle a broad variety of musical genres and playing techniques. The Super Folk body allows for bright articulation, which is beneficial for fingerpicking styles. Conversely, the instrument retains enough depth to produce lush tones when playing strummed chords. This versatility makes it an adaptable tool for musicians who transition between different styles within a single set or recording session.

Electronics and Hardware

For live use and amplification, the guitar is equipped with the Tanglewood Premium electronics system. This preamp allows the natural acoustic character of the maple and Purple Heart construction to be translated through an amplifier or PA system. The hardware is designed to ensure the instrument is ready for professional environments, including both studio tracking and live stage work.

Market Comparison

At a price point of approximately £299, the TA4CE Azure competes with several other electro-acoustic models. While smaller travel-sized options like the Yamaha APXT2 or Martin LX1E offer portability, the TA4CE provides a full-scale Super Folk experience. It offers a more compact alternative to jumbo models like the Gretsch G5022CWFE or the Guild F-2512E, and serves as a stylistically unique competitor to the Fender Newporter Player or the Takamine GN20CE.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body shape of the Tanglewood TA4CE Azure?: The Tanglewood TA4CE Azure features a Super Folk body shape. This design is intended to be more compact and nimble than a dreadnought while maintaining a rich tonal response.
What woods are used for the back and sides of this guitar?: The back and sides of the TA4CE Azure are constructed from maple. Maple is chosen for its ability to produce a sound that is both warm and balanced.
What material is the fingerboard made from?: The fingerboard is made from Purple Heart wood. This material is selected for its aesthetic elegance, durability, and its contribution to the instrument's tonal qualities.
Does the Tanglewood TA4CE Azure have a pickup system?: Yes, it is an electro-acoustic guitar equipped with the Tanglewood Premium electronics system. This allows the guitar to be plugged into an amplifier or recording interface.
What is the specific finish on this model?: The guitar features a Shoreline Amber finish. This gives the instrument a distinct and premium visual appearance compared to standard natural finishes.
Is this guitar suitable for fingerpicking?: Yes, the Super Folk body shape and bright articulation make it well-suited for fingerpicking. It provides the clarity needed for intricate note definition.
Can the TA4CE Azure handle heavy strumming?: The guitar is designed to be versatile, offering depth and lushness for strummed chords. While it is smaller than a jumbo, it is built to handle various playing styles.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Tanglewood TA4CE Azure typically retails for approximately £299. This places it in the entry-to-mid-level market for electro-acoustic guitars.
How does the TA4CE compare to the Yamaha APXT2?: The TA4CE is a full-scale Super Folk guitar, whereas the Yamaha APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar. The Tanglewood offers a larger body for more acoustic resonance.
Is the bridge also made of Purple Heart?: Yes, Tanglewood uses Purple Heart for both the fingerboard and the bridge. This provides visual consistency and contributes to the overall durability of the instrument.
Is this guitar recommended for studio use?: Tanglewood describes the TA4CE as an ideal choice for studio recordings. Its balanced tone and integrated preamp make it easy to capture high-quality audio.
How does the size compare to a Gretsch Rancher Falcon?: The TA4CE Super Folk is significantly more compact and nimble than a Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon. The Gretsch is a Jumbo model, which is much larger in profile.