A Great Guitar, Regardless of Price
Tanglewood TW70-H Grand Auditorium
LIST: $1,749.00
WEB: www.tanglewoodguitar.co.uk

Tanglewood’s Heritage Series, inspired and designed by custom builder Michael Sanden of Sweden and influenced by the golden era of acoustic guitars, represents Tanglewood’s best. These are all-solid wood guitars constructed from some of the finest tone woods available. The TW70-H Grand Auditorium, offered only in North America, is the top of the line model in Tanglewood’s top series; in short, the best of their best.

The TW70-H Grand Auditorium is an interesting hybrid. Much of it reminds me of a tried and true Martin OM from the 1930s. But what are interesting are the differences, more than the similarities. Tanglewood plays with the traditions by incorporating a solid cedar top rather than the spruce you would expect. Also, they borrow a bit from the Martin D-35 by giving the TW70-H a three-piece back, then surprisingly make the center piece a beautiful flame maple wedge bordered by herringbone trim. This unusual combination of designs and woods makes for a unique tone… unique in a good way, not a euphemistic way. It’s warm but punchy and well balanced. The TW70-H’s neck has an old school V, which is very comfortable. The guitar is manufactured in China, but it’s clearly handcrafted by luthiers who know what they are doing. The set up, performed in Montreal, Canada, is perfect, with a comfortable action, easy playability and incredible tone. It’s no surprise that Tanglewood is the UK’s best selling acoustic. It is surprising that this is the first time I’ve played one.

Although the standard hard-shell case is fine, for a $150 up charge, you can replace the standard case with a Hiscox Pro II case. Hiscox Cases, made in the UK, can withstand more than a half-ton of pressure. They are also lighter (under 10 lbs. for Pro II OM case) than any other case in their price range, and offer better thermal insulation. The cases are constructed from a molded, high impact-resistant A.B.S. plastic outer shell. The shell is bonded directly to an inner molding, manufactured from a unique blend of high tech, lightweight, semi-rigid cellular foam. An aluminum valance, which extends well inside the case behind the plastic shell, and into which all the hardware (handles, catches, hinges) is riveted, enhances the strength of the case, making for the ultimate protection for your new baby.

The only thing I didn’t care for about the TW70-H – and this is a minor matter of personal taste – is the five-ring abalone rosette. The rosette seems to fight the classic neck inlay, subtle headstock and the beautiful herringbone binding. I know many people out there love ornate rosettes, but that’s just not my bag. There, I said it. Regardless, I love the TW70-H. It filled a sonic space in my guitar collection I did not know I was missing.

Read the rest of our “Recession-Ready Acoustics” feature from the July/August 2010 issue here.