What is the body depth of the Tanglewood TU3TLCESB?

The TU3TLCESB features a thinline body design, which is significantly slimmer than a standard dreadnought, making it more comfortable for smaller players or stage use.

What tonewoods are used in its construction?

The guitar is built with a spruce top and Okoume back and sides. This combination is intended to provide a balance between brightness and warmth.

Does this guitar have a cutaway?

Yes, it features a hybrid cutaway shape. This design allows for easier access to the upper frets of the fingerboard compared to a traditional full-body guitar.

What type of electronics system is installed?

It is fitted with a Belcat EQ system. This allows the guitar to be plugged into an amplifier or recording interface with integrated controls for tone shaping.

What is the fingerboard material?

The fingerboard is made from Purple Heart, a dense and durable wood that provides a smooth playing surface.

What kind of finish does the TU3TLCESB have?

It has a satin sunburst finish. The satin texture offers a smooth, non-reflective feel compared to high-gloss lacquers.

What color are the tuning machine buttons?

The guitar features chrome machine heads equipped with black buttons, contributing to its modern aesthetic.

Is the Tanglewood TU3TLCESB suitable for beginners?

Yes, its thinline body and comfortable contours make it an excellent choice for beginners who might find full-sized acoustic guitars difficult to hold.

How does the thinline body affect the sound?

The thinline design provides clear articulation and reduced feedback when amplified, though it generally has less natural acoustic projection than a deep-bodied guitar.

Does the guitar feature any binding?

Yes, it includes ivory ABS binding. This adds a decorative element while protecting the edges of the guitar body from minor impacts.

What is the price range for this model?

The Tanglewood TU3TLCESB typically retails for approximately £349, positioning it as an accessible mid-range electro-acoustic.

Can this guitar be used for recording?

Yes, the onboard Belcat EQ system makes it ideal for direct recording into an audio interface, while its spruce top provides the clarity needed for microphone recording.

Gear article

Tanglewood TU3TLCESB Union Thinline Electro-Acoustic

The Tanglewood TU3TLCESB Union is a thinline electro-acoustic guitar featuring a spruce top and Okoume back and sides in a satin sunburst finish. Designed for ergonomics and stage use, it incorporates a hybrid cutaway body and a Belcat EQ system for amplified performance.

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Overview and Construction

The Tanglewood TU3TLCESB is part of the Union series, designed to provide a comfortable playing experience without the bulk of traditional dreadnought or jumbo guitars. The instrument features a thinline body depth, which reduces physical weight and makes the guitar sit closer to the player's body. The construction utilises a spruce top, a industry standard for its resonant properties, paired with Okoume back and sides.

The aesthetic is defined by a satin sunburst finish, which provides a matte texture rather than a high-gloss sheen. Functional appointments include ivory ABS binding for structural protection at the edges and a Purple Heart fingerboard. The headstock is equipped with chrome machine heads featuring black buttons for tuning stability.

Electronics and Hardware

For live performance and studio recording, the TU3TLCESB is equipped with a Belcat EQ system. This side-mounted preamp allows the player to adjust the tonal output when plugged into an amplifier or PA system. The system is designed for ease of use, providing quick access to volume and tone shaping controls. The inclusion of a hybrid cutaway ensures that players can reach the higher frets of the Purple Heart fingerboard more easily than on a standard non-cutaway acoustic.

Sound Profile

The combination of tonewoods and the thinline body shape results in a warm and balanced tonal character. While thinline guitars naturally possess less acoustic volume than full-bodied instruments, the spruce and Okoume pairing prioritises clear articulation and note definition. This makes the guitar particularly effective when amplified, as the slimmer body is often less prone to the low-end feedback issues sometimes associated with larger acoustic guitars in high-volume environments.

Market Position and Alternatives

At a typical price point of approximately £349, the TU3TLCESB competes in the mid-range market for electro-acoustic guitars. It is positioned as a stage-ready instrument for those who find standard acoustics cumbersome.

Potential alternatives include: * Yamaha APXT2: A 3/4 size travel guitar offering similar thinline benefits but in a smaller scale. * Fender Newporter Player: A model that offers a similar slim-neck feel and modern aesthetic. * Sigma DTC-28HE: Provides a more traditional full-body dreadnought experience for those prioritising unplugged volume. * Martin LX1E: A compact alternative for players seeking a specific high-pressure laminate construction and brand heritage.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body depth of the Tanglewood TU3TLCESB?: The TU3TLCESB features a thinline body design, which is significantly slimmer than a standard dreadnought, making it more comfortable for smaller players or stage use.
What tonewoods are used in its construction?: The guitar is built with a spruce top and Okoume back and sides. This combination is intended to provide a balance between brightness and warmth.
Does this guitar have a cutaway?: Yes, it features a hybrid cutaway shape. This design allows for easier access to the upper frets of the fingerboard compared to a traditional full-body guitar.
What type of electronics system is installed?: It is fitted with a Belcat EQ system. This allows the guitar to be plugged into an amplifier or recording interface with integrated controls for tone shaping.
What is the fingerboard material?: The fingerboard is made from Purple Heart, a dense and durable wood that provides a smooth playing surface.
What kind of finish does the TU3TLCESB have?: It has a satin sunburst finish. The satin texture offers a smooth, non-reflective feel compared to high-gloss lacquers.
What color are the tuning machine buttons?: The guitar features chrome machine heads equipped with black buttons, contributing to its modern aesthetic.
Is the Tanglewood TU3TLCESB suitable for beginners?: Yes, its thinline body and comfortable contours make it an excellent choice for beginners who might find full-sized acoustic guitars difficult to hold.
How does the thinline body affect the sound?: The thinline design provides clear articulation and reduced feedback when amplified, though it generally has less natural acoustic projection than a deep-bodied guitar.
Does the guitar feature any binding?: Yes, it includes ivory ABS binding. This adds a decorative element while protecting the edges of the guitar body from minor impacts.
What is the price range for this model?: The Tanglewood TU3TLCESB typically retails for approximately £349, positioning it as an accessible mid-range electro-acoustic.
Can this guitar be used for recording?: Yes, the onboard Belcat EQ system makes it ideal for direct recording into an audio interface, while its spruce top provides the clarity needed for microphone recording.