Gear article
Tanglewood TRU4CEAE Reunion Pro Series Super Folk
The Tanglewood TRU4CEAE is a Super Folk-sized electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid spruce top with an ebony veneer. Designed for versatility across live and studio environments, it integrates TW Premium Plus electronics with a natural satin finish and eboncore hardware.

Overview
The Tanglewood TRU4CEAE belongs to the Reunion Pro Series, a line of instruments focused on combining premium aesthetics with practical performance features. The guitar utilizes the 'Super Folk' body dimensions, which are slightly smaller than a traditional dreadnought, providing a more comfortable ergonomic profile for seated or standing play while maintaining significant acoustic projection. The visual identity of the instrument is defined by its ebony veneer applied over a solid spruce top, giving it a distinct, dark appearance compared to traditional blonde spruce-topped guitars.
Construction and Materials
The core of the TRU4CEAE’s construction is a solid spruce top, a industry-standard choice for its tonal responsiveness. This is augmented by an ebony veneer, contributing to both the aesthetic depth and the specific resonance of the instrument. The fingerboard and bridge are crafted from Eboncore, a high-quality composite material designed to provide the feel and durability of ebony while ensuring consistent performance across different climates. The hardware includes chrome machine heads for stable tuning, and the entire instrument is finished in a natural satin, which allows the wood to breathe and minimizes reflections under stage lights.

Electronics and Sound
For live performance, the TRU4CEAE is equipped with the TW Premium Plus electronics system. This preamp and pickup combination is designed to deliver a crystal-clear amplified signal that accurately reflects the guitar's acoustic properties. Tonally, the instrument is characterised by a bright, resonant high-end balanced with a warm depth provided by the ebony elements. This makes it suitable for both melodic fingerpicking, where clarity is paramount, and rhythmic strumming where a full-bodied sound is required.
Comparative Analysis
Within the £350 price bracket, the TRU4CEAE competes with several other electro-acoustic models. Compared to the Yamaha APXT2, the Tanglewood is a full-sized instrument offering more volume and bass response. While the Martin LX1E provides extreme portability, the TRU4CEAE offers the complexity of a solid spruce top combined with a larger body cavity. Against larger jumbo models like the Gretsch G5022CWFE or the Guild F-2512E, the Tanglewood provides a more focused mid-range and easier handling, making it a middle-ground choice for players who find jumbos too cumbersome but need more power than a travel guitar.
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£215.00 ($273)Yamaha
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the body shape of the Tanglewood TRU4CEAE?
- The guitar features a Super Folk body shape. This design is slightly smaller and more contoured than a standard dreadnought, offering improved player comfort and a balanced tonal response.
- What woods are used in the construction of the TRU4CEAE?
- The instrument features a solid spruce top with an ebony veneer. The bridge and fingerboard are made from Eboncore, a synthetic alternative to ebony that offers high durability.
- Which electronics system is installed in this model?
- The guitar is equipped with Tanglewood's TW Premium Plus electronics. This system is designed to provide a clear, natural amplified tone suitable for various live venues and recording setups.
- Is the Tanglewood TRU4CEAE suitable for live performances?
- Yes, it is specifically designed for live use. The combination of the TW Premium Plus preamp and the ergonomic Super Folk body makes it an adaptable choice for gigging musicians.
- What type of finish does the TRU4CEAE have?
- The guitar features a natural satin finish. This non-glossy coating provides a smooth feel and helps the wood to resonate freely compared to thicker gloss finishes.
- What is the typical price for this guitar?
- The Tanglewood TRU4CEAE typically retails for approximately £349. This positions it as a mid-range instrument suitable for both intermediate players and professionals seeking a reliable secondary guitar.
- How does the ebony veneer affect the sound?
- The ebony veneer, paired with the solid spruce top, helps deliver a bright and resonant tone. It adds a layer of warm depth to the sound profile, making it versatile for different musical styles.
- What are the benefits of the Eboncore fingerboard?
- Eboncore is a premium composite material that mimics the look and feel of natural ebony. It is highly stable, resistant to humidity changes, and provides a smooth surface for playability.
- Does this guitar feature a cutaway?
- Yes, the TRU4CEAE includes a cutaway in its Super Folk body design. This allows players easier access to the higher frets for lead playing and complex chord voicings.
- What kind of tuners does the TRU4CEAE use?
- The guitar is fitted with chrome machine heads. These provide reliable tuning stability and durability for frequent use in different environments.
- How does it compare to a Martin LX1E?
- The TRU4CEAE is a larger Super Folk model, providing more natural acoustic volume than the 3/4 scale Martin LX1E. The Tanglewood is better suited for those who don't require a travel-sized guitar but want a full-sized resonance.
- Who is the Tanglewood TRU4CEAE best suited for?
- It is an ideal choice for musicians who need a stylish and reliable electro-acoustic guitar for a mix of strumming and fingerstyle. Its comfortable size makes it particularly good for players who find large-bodied guitars difficult to handle.
