What is the body shape of the Tanglewood TRX2ELH?

The guitar features a Travel Folk body shape, which is designed to be more compact and easier to handle than a standard-sized acoustic guitar.

Is the Tanglewood TRX2ELH suitable for left-handed players?

Yes, this specific model (TRX2ELH) is factory-built specifically for left-handed players, featuring a mirrored nut, bridge, and internal bracing.

What woods are used in the construction of the TRX2ELH?

The guitar is constructed with a spruce top and ovangkol back and sides, a combination intended to deliver a bright and balanced tone.

Does this guitar have a built-in pickup system?

Yes, it is equipped with the Tanglewood TEQ MX electronics system, allowing it to be plugged into an amplifier or sound system.

What type of finish does the Tanglewood TRX2ELH have?

It features a natural gloss finish which protects the wood during travel and highlights the natural grain of the spruce and ovangkol.

How much does the Tanglewood TRX2ELH typically cost?

The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 279, placing it in the affordable mid-range for travel electro-acoustic guitars.

Can the TRX2ELH be used for professional recording?

Yes, the onboard TEQ MX electronics provide tone-shaping capabilities that make it suitable for studio use as well as live performance.

How does spruce affect the sound of this guitar?

The spruce top provides a bright, clear tone with good projection, which helps the smaller Travel Folk body produce a surprisingly full sound.

What are the tonal characteristics of ovangkol?

Ovangkol offers a balanced tone with plenty of warmth and clarity, often described as having a frequency response similar to rosewood but with more midrange.

Is a gig bag included with the TRX2ELH?

While specific retailer bundles vary, the Roadster series is designed for portability; check with your dealer regarding the inclusion of a travel bag.

How does the TRX2ELH compare to the Yamaha APXT2?

Both are travel-sized electro-acoustics, but the Tanglewood uses a spruce/ovangkol wood combination and a Travel Folk shape compared to Yamaha's 3/4 thin-line design.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, its smaller body size and comfortable handling make it an excellent choice for left-handed beginners or younger players who find full-sized guitars difficult to hold.

Gear article

Tanglewood TRX2ELH Roadster Travel Left Handed Electro Acoustic

The Tanglewood TRX2ELH is a compact, left-handed travel electro-acoustic guitar featuring a Travel Folk body shape. It combines a spruce top with ovangkol back and sides to provide a balanced, portable instrument suitable for stage, studio, and practice.

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Overview

The Tanglewood TRX2ELH Roadster Travel guitar is a purpose-built instrument designed for the mobile musician who requires a left-handed configuration. It occupies the 'Travel Folk' category, providing a smaller footprint than standard dreadnought or auditorium models without sacrificing the essential structural integrity of a performance-ready acoustic. The guitar features a natural gloss finish that serves both an aesthetic purpose, by highlighting the wood grain, and a functional one by offering increased durability for transit.

Construction and Materials

The tonewood selection for the TRX2ELH prioritises a balance between clarity and warmth. The spruce top is utilised for its responsive and bright characteristics, providing the necessary projection for a smaller body. This is paired with ovangkol back and sides, a wood often compared to rosewood for its wide frequency range, though it typically offers a slightly fuller midrange. The result is a compact guitar that retains a full-bodied sound signature despite its reduced dimensions.

Electronics and Hardware

To ensure utility in professional environments, the TRX2ELH is equipped with the Tanglewood TEQ MX electronics system. This preamp and pickup configuration allows the guitar to be connected directly to amplifiers, PA systems, or recording interfaces. The system includes built-in tone-shaping controls, enabling the player to adjust the EQ to suit different acoustic environments or performance requirements.

Target Audience and Application

This model is specifically aimed at left-handed guitarists who find standard-sized guitars cumbersome for travel or practice. Due to its rugged construction and compact Travel Folk shape, it is an ideal companion for touring musicians or hobbyists who require an instrument that can be easily transported. Its electronics make it equally suitable for live performance, bridging the gap between a pure 'backpack' guitar and a full-sized stage instrument.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other travel and compact guitars, the Tanglewood TRX2ELH offers a distinct material profile. While the Yamaha APXT2 3/4 series provides a similar portable electro-acoustic experience, the TRX2ELH uses ovangkol and spruce for a different tonal character. It serves as a mid-range alternative to premium travel models like the Martin LX1E Little Martin. Unlike larger options such as the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon or the Guild F-2512E 12-string, the Tanglewood focuses strictly on portability and ease of handling for the left-handed player.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body shape of the Tanglewood TRX2ELH?: The guitar features a Travel Folk body shape, which is designed to be more compact and easier to handle than a standard-sized acoustic guitar.
Is the Tanglewood TRX2ELH suitable for left-handed players?: Yes, this specific model (TRX2ELH) is factory-built specifically for left-handed players, featuring a mirrored nut, bridge, and internal bracing.
What woods are used in the construction of the TRX2ELH?: The guitar is constructed with a spruce top and ovangkol back and sides, a combination intended to deliver a bright and balanced tone.
Does this guitar have a built-in pickup system?: Yes, it is equipped with the Tanglewood TEQ MX electronics system, allowing it to be plugged into an amplifier or sound system.
What type of finish does the Tanglewood TRX2ELH have?: It features a natural gloss finish which protects the wood during travel and highlights the natural grain of the spruce and ovangkol.
How much does the Tanglewood TRX2ELH typically cost?: The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 279, placing it in the affordable mid-range for travel electro-acoustic guitars.
Can the TRX2ELH be used for professional recording?: Yes, the onboard TEQ MX electronics provide tone-shaping capabilities that make it suitable for studio use as well as live performance.
How does spruce affect the sound of this guitar?: The spruce top provides a bright, clear tone with good projection, which helps the smaller Travel Folk body produce a surprisingly full sound.
What are the tonal characteristics of ovangkol?: Ovangkol offers a balanced tone with plenty of warmth and clarity, often described as having a frequency response similar to rosewood but with more midrange.
Is a gig bag included with the TRX2ELH?: While specific retailer bundles vary, the Roadster series is designed for portability; check with your dealer regarding the inclusion of a travel bag.
How does the TRX2ELH compare to the Yamaha APXT2?: Both are travel-sized electro-acoustics, but the Tanglewood uses a spruce/ovangkol wood combination and a Travel Folk shape compared to Yamaha's 3/4 thin-line design.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: Yes, its smaller body size and comfortable handling make it an excellent choice for left-handed beginners or younger players who find full-sized guitars difficult to hold.