What is the primary body shape of the Tanglewood TJ8E?

The Tanglewood TJ8E features a traditional Parlor body shape. This design is smaller and more compact than standard acoustic guitars, offering a focused mid-range tone.

What woods are used for the back of the TJ8E?

The guitar features a distinctive three-piece back. It is constructed from a combination of Amara and Spalt Mango, providing a unique visual aesthetic and tonal depth.

Does the Tanglewood TJ8E have a solid top?

Yes, the TJ8E is built with a solid spruce top. Solid tops are preferred over laminated tops for their superior resonance and ability to improve tonally as the wood ages.

Which electronics system is installed in this guitar?

The TJ8E is equipped with a Fishman Presys EQ system. This includes an onboard preamp with volume and tone controls, as well as a built-in tuner.

Where does the neck join the body on the TJ8E?

The neck joins the body at the 12th fret. This is a classic parlor design characteristic that affects the bridge placement and overall string tension.

What finish is applied to the Tanglewood TJ8E?

The guitar features a natural gloss finish. This highlights the wood grain of the spruce top and the exotic Amara and Spalt Mango back.

What type of tuners does this model use?

It uses open-gear tuners with chrome hardware. These tuners provide a vintage look that complements the traditional parlor styling.

Is this guitar suitable for stage use?

Yes, because it is an electro-acoustic model with a Fishman Presys system, it can be plugged directly into an amplifier or PA system for live performances.

How does the TJ8E compare to the Yamaha APXT2?

The TJ8E is a full-sized parlor guitar, whereas the Yamaha APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar. The Tanglewood features more exotic tonewoods and a solid top compared to the Yamaha.

What playing style is best suited for the Tanglewood TJ8E?

The articulate tone and compact size make it ideal for fingerpicking and intricate playing styles. It provides a balanced sound that does not become muddy during complex passages.

What is the typical price for the Tanglewood TJ8E?

The typical price for this model is approximately £599. It sits in the mid-range of the Tanglewood Java series.

Does the TJ8E include a built-in tuner?

Yes, the Fishman Presys EQ system includes an integrated digital tuner. This allows the player to tune the guitar without needing external devices.

Gear article

Tanglewood TJ8E Java Parlor Electro Acoustic

The Tanglewood TJ8E Java Parlor is a compact electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid spruce top and a distinctive three-piece Amara and Spalt Mango back. It is designed to offer a blend of traditional parlour aesthetics with modern electronics, specifically catering to fingerstyle players and musicians requiring a portable stage instrument.

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Overview and Design

The Tanglewood TJ8E is part of the Java series, noted for utilizing exotic timber combinations. The instrument is built in a traditional parlour shape, characterized by its smaller footprint and narrower waist compared to dreadnought models. A key design feature is the 12th-fret neck join, which positions the bridge further back on the soundboard to maximize resonance from the compact body. The guitar is finished in a high-gloss natural lacquer, complemented by open-gear tuners and chrome hardware.

Tonewoods and Construction

The TJ8E utilizes a solid spruce top, a standard in acoustic lutherie for its clarity and projection. The most striking visual and sonic aspect is the three-piece back, which combines Amara Ebony with a wedge of Spalt Mango. This combination is intended to provide tonal depth and rich harmonic content while serving as a decorative centerpiece. The shorter scale length contributes to lower string tension, providing a 'vintage' feel that is often preferred for intricate fretting work.

Electronics and Hardware

For live performance and recording, the TJ8E is equipped with the Fishman Presys EQ system. This onboard preamp includes controls for volume, bass, middle, and treble, as well as a phase switch to help manage feedback on stage. It also features a built-in digital tuner with an LED display. The guitar uses open-gear tuners, which reinforce the traditional parlour aesthetic while providing stable tuning for the steel strings.

Sound Profile and Playability

The combination of a solid spruce top and the small parlor body results in a warm, articulate tone. Unlike larger guitars that may have an overwhelming bass response, the TJ8E focuses on mid-range clarity and crisp highs, making it particularly well-suited for expressive fingerpicking. The ergonomic benefits of the smaller body and shorter scale length make it comfortable for extended practice sessions and players with smaller frames.

Market Comparison

Within the compact guitar market, the Tanglewood TJ8E competes with models such as the Sigma DTC-28HE and the Fender Newporter Player. While the Taylor Presentation PS14ce or Martin LX1E represent different ends of the price and size spectrum, the TJ8E occupies a mid-range niche focused on exotic woods. Compared to 3/4 scale models like the Yamaha APXT2, the TJ8E offers a more traditional parlour experience with a full-depth body and premium solid wood top.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body shape of the Tanglewood TJ8E?: The Tanglewood TJ8E features a traditional Parlor body shape. This design is smaller and more compact than standard acoustic guitars, offering a focused mid-range tone.
What woods are used for the back of the TJ8E?: The guitar features a distinctive three-piece back. It is constructed from a combination of Amara and Spalt Mango, providing a unique visual aesthetic and tonal depth.
Does the Tanglewood TJ8E have a solid top?: Yes, the TJ8E is built with a solid spruce top. Solid tops are preferred over laminated tops for their superior resonance and ability to improve tonally as the wood ages.
Which electronics system is installed in this guitar?: The TJ8E is equipped with a Fishman Presys EQ system. This includes an onboard preamp with volume and tone controls, as well as a built-in tuner.
Where does the neck join the body on the TJ8E?: The neck joins the body at the 12th fret. This is a classic parlor design characteristic that affects the bridge placement and overall string tension.
What finish is applied to the Tanglewood TJ8E?: The guitar features a natural gloss finish. This highlights the wood grain of the spruce top and the exotic Amara and Spalt Mango back.
What type of tuners does this model use?: It uses open-gear tuners with chrome hardware. These tuners provide a vintage look that complements the traditional parlor styling.
Is this guitar suitable for stage use?: Yes, because it is an electro-acoustic model with a Fishman Presys system, it can be plugged directly into an amplifier or PA system for live performances.
How does the TJ8E compare to the Yamaha APXT2?: The TJ8E is a full-sized parlor guitar, whereas the Yamaha APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar. The Tanglewood features more exotic tonewoods and a solid top compared to the Yamaha.
What playing style is best suited for the Tanglewood TJ8E?: The articulate tone and compact size make it ideal for fingerpicking and intricate playing styles. It provides a balanced sound that does not become muddy during complex passages.
What is the typical price for the Tanglewood TJ8E?: The typical price for this model is approximately £599. It sits in the mid-range of the Tanglewood Java series.
Does the TJ8E include a built-in tuner?: Yes, the Fishman Presys EQ system includes an integrated digital tuner. This allows the player to tune the guitar without needing external devices.