Tanglewood guitars are known for being well-made, good-sounding, and budget-friendly. They are designed in the UK but mostly built in Asia, which helps keep the price lower without losing quality.
These guitars are popular with beginners and intermediate players because they’re easy to play and sound great. Different models like the Discovery, Crossroads, and Winterleaf offer a mix of styles and features. Some use spruce wood for a bright sound, while others use mahogany for a warmer tone.
If you're looking for a dependable acoustic guitar that won’t cost too much, tangle wood guitars
are a smart choice. They’re built with care and made for real players.
Why Choose a Tanglewood Guitar?
If you want a guitar that sounds good, feels strong, and doesn’t cost too much, Tanglewood is a great brand to check out. Whether you're just learning or have been playing for a while, there’s probably a Tanglewood guitar that suits you.
One big reason people pick Tanglewood is the value. These guitars often have features you’d expect on more expensive ones like strong wooden tops, smooth playing, and careful design but they come at a friendlier price. Guitars from the Discovery or Crossroads series are great for beginners. They’re light, easy to play, and sound better than you might expect.
Tanglewood also puts a lot of thought into how their guitars sound. They use different types of wood to create different tones. For example, spruce makes the sound bright and clear, while mahogany gives it a warmer, deeper sound. Other woods like cedar and koa are also used, especially in their fancier models like the Sundance or Winterleaf series.
All of their guitars are designed in the UK, even though they’re made in other countries. The designs focus on both how the guitars look and how comfortable they are to play. Some models have a classic, old-school look, while others are more modern and ready for the stage.
Tanglewood also gives players lots of choices. They make regular acoustic guitars and ones you can plug into an amp (called electro-acoustic guitars). There are different shapes too like dreadnought, parlour, and super folk so you can find one that fits your style.
In the end, people like Tanglewood because they make guitars that are fun to play, sound great, and don’t cost a fortune. Whether you're learning your first chords or writing songs to perform, Tanglewood has a guitar that can help you sound your best.
Tanglewood Guitar Series - Which One’s Right for You?
Choosing a guitar can be tricky, especially with so many options. Tanglewood makes things easier by offering different series made for all kinds of players and budgets. Here’s a simple guide to help you pick the one that fits you best.
Tanglewood Discovery Series
This series is great for beginners. The guitars are light, easy to play, and sound good. They use woods like spruce or cedar for the top and mahogany for the back. Some models even let you plug in to an amp.
Best for: New players
Example: Tanglewood DBT D
Tanglewood Crossroads Series
Love the vintage look and warm, bluesy sound? These guitars are inspired by old American styles and feel smooth when you play.
Best for: Folk and blues players
Example: TWCR OE
Tanglewood Blackbird Series
These guitars look cool with their dark finish and also sound warm and rich. A good choice for players who want something different without spending a lot.
Best for: Beginners to mid-level players
Example: TWBBOE
Tanglewood Winterleaf Series
This series is made for players who perform. They often have solid tops, cutaway shapes, and built-in electronics for great sound on stage.
Best for: Players who gig or perform
Example: TW4 E VC KOA
Tanglewood Sundance Series
Split into two types Performance Pro (for stage use) and Historic (for pure acoustic play). These guitars use high-quality wood and are made for serious musicians.
Best for: Hobbyists and semi-pros
Example: TW40 SD VS E
Tanglewood Java Series
These guitars look amazing thanks to exotic woods and have a bright sound. Great for fingerstyle players or those who like a fancy design.
Best for: Unique tone and look
Example: TWJP
Tanglewood Premier Series
This is the premium line. These guitars have the best parts and electronics. They’re made to sound great, whether you play unplugged or on stage.
Best for: Advanced players
Example: Premier Deluxe DC
Tanglewood Heritage Series
These guitars are made with all-solid wood and have a classic design. They sound warm and full — great for recording or playing quietly.
Best for: Fingerstyle and studio use
Example: TW1000 H SRCE
Acoustic vs Electro-Acoustic - Which One Should You Choose?
If you're thinking about getting a Tanglewood guitar, one of the first things to figure out is: should you go with a regular acoustic or one that can plug into an amp (called an electro-acoustic)? Let's make it simple to understand.
What’s the Difference?
Acoustic guitars are the regular kind. They don’t need electricity or batteries. The sound comes out naturally when you play. Electro-acoustic guitars are similar but come with electronics inside. You can plug them into an amp or speaker to make them louder.
Acoustic Guitars - Simple and Natural
Sound: Clear and warm without any electronic help.
Weight: Lighter because there’s no extra gear inside.
Care: No batteries or wires to worry about.
When to use: Perfect for home practice, writing songs, or playing in small spaces.
Price: Usually cheaper than ones with electronics.
Good choices:
New players: Discovery DBT D - easy and budget-friendly.
Old-school sound fans: Crossroads TWCR O - classic mahogany tone.
Natural sound lovers: Sundance Historic TW40 O AN - top-quality wood and clean tone.
Note: If you want to play on stage or record, you’ll need a microphone to make it louder.
Electro-Acoustic Guitars - Play Anywhere
Sound: Sounds good unplugged and even better when plugged in.
Controls: You can adjust the sound with buttons for volume and tone. Many have built-in tuners too.
Flexible: Great for home, studio, or stage.
When to use: Best for gigs, school performances, or recording at home.
Price: Costs a bit more because of the electronics.
Good choices:
Beginner stage players: Blackbird TWBBOE - low price and easy to plug in.
Next-level players: Winterleaf TW4 E VC KOA - awesome sound with cool features.
Performers: Sundance Performance Pro TW40 SD VS E - made for the stage.
Reminder: These need batteries, and the sound might change just a little because of the built-in parts.
Easy Comparison Chart
| Feature |
Acoustic Guitar |
Electro-Acoustic Guitar |
| Electronics |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
| Pure Sound |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes (a bit different) |
| Plug into Amp |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
| Cost |
💲 Lower |
💲💲 Higher |
| Good For |
Home & practice |
Performances & recording |
| Care |
Simple |
Needs battery checks |
Which One Should You Pick?
Choose an acoustic if:
- You’re just starting out.
- You don’t need to plug into anything.
- You want a guitar that’s simple and sounds great on its own.
Choose an electro-acoustic if:
- You plan to perform live or record.
- You want extra tools like a tuner or EQ settings.
- You like having the option to go louder anytime.
No matter which type you go for, Tanglewood has great guitars for all kinds of players. Just think about how and where you’ll be playing, and you’ll find the right one for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tanglewood guitars made in the UK?
Tanglewood guitars are designed in the United Kingdom, but they are built in other countries like China, Indonesia, and South Korea. This helps keep the cost down while still offering good quality.
Are Tanglewood guitars good for beginners?
Yes! Tanglewood is a great choice for someone just starting out. Their beginner-friendly series like Discovery, Strada, and Crossroads are easy to play, sound nice, and don’t cost too much.
What kind of wood do Tanglewood guitars use?
Tanglewood uses different types of wood, depending on the model. Some of the most common ones are: Spruce: Bright and clear sound Cedar: Warm and soft sound Mahogany: Deep and rich sound Koa, Mango, Amara: Unique looks and tones They also use eco-friendly woods like Techwood or Black Walnut for fingerboards and bridges.
Can you use Tanglewood guitars for live shows?
Yes, especially their electro-acoustic models like the Winterleaf, Sundance Performance Pro, and Premier. These guitars have built-in systems so you can plug them into an amp or speaker. They also have helpful tools like volume controls and anti-feedback settings.
How does Tanglewood compare to Yamaha or Fender?
Tanglewood is just as good as Yamaha and Fender in the same price range. Yamaha is known for being reliable, and Fender has a big name, but Tanglewood stands out with stylish British designs and interesting wood choices.
What kinds of guitars does Tanglewood make?
Tanglewood is mostly known for acoustic and electro-acoustic guitars. But they also make classical guitars, acoustic bass guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, and a few electric guitars too.
Do Tanglewood guitars have solid wood parts?
Yes, especially in their higher-end models like the Legacy, Premier, and Heritage series. These use solid wood for the top, back, and sides, which gives the guitar a richer sound. The more affordable ones use layered (laminated) wood to save cost.
Do Tanglewood guitars keep their value?
The mid- and high-end Tanglewood guitars usually hold their value pretty well. Entry-level guitars lose value faster, but that’s normal for most beginner models.
How should I take care of my Tanglewood guitar?
Wipe the strings and body after playing. Keep the guitar in a place with steady humidity (40–60%). Change the strings every few months. Use fretboard conditioner if needed. Check batteries and electronics if it’s an electro-acoustic guitar.
Do they come with a warranty?
Yes, most Tanglewood guitars include a warranty that covers problems from the factory. Make sure to register your guitar after buying it to activate the warranty. Some stores even offer extra coverage.
Why pick Tanglewood over other low-cost brands?
Tanglewood gives you a lot of value. Their guitars are well-designed, comfortable to play, made with good woods, and often sound better than other guitars at the same price. It’s a solid pick if you want a good instrument without spending too much.
