Tanglewood Electric Guitar article
A Guide to Tanglewood Electric Guitars
Tanglewood makes a range of electric guitars that cover beginner to intermediate players with a mix of Strat, Tele and LP-style options. Here's what to know.
Tanglewood is better known for acoustics, but the brand has built a solid electric guitar range that's worth the attention of UK players looking for reliable instruments without paying Fender or Gibson prices. A Tanglewood electric guitar tends to sit in the £150–£500 bracket, covering beginners through to intermediate players who need something dependable for rehearsals, gigging and recording at home.
The Brand Behind the Guitars
Tanglewood is a British company, founded in 1990 and based in Northampton. That matters to some buyers — UK warranty support and a brand presence at British retailers means you're not dealing with grey imports or uncertain after-sales service. The guitars themselves are manufactured in the Far East, like most instruments in this price range, but Tanglewood oversees quality control and sets the specifications from the UK end.
Electric Guitar Lines
Tanglewood's electric range is organised into several series, each targeting a different player and price point:
- Crossroads — the entry-level series, covering Strat-style and Tele-style bodies at £150–£250. These are designed for beginners and use basic hardware, but they play well out of the box with a decent setup.
- Evolution III — the mid-range series, with better pickups and hardware than Crossroads. Available in Strat, Tele and LP-style bodies. The step up in build quality is noticeable at this level.
- WET (Weathered Enhanced Tone) — relic-styled instruments with a worn finish that replicates the aged look of vintage guitars. Primarily aimed at players who want the aesthetic of a well-used guitar on a new instrument.
- Metal — higher-output pickups, typically humbucker configurations, targeted at players in heavier styles.
What Makes the Range Worth Considering
The strongest argument for choosing a Tanglewood electric guitar over a comparable Squier or Yamaha is the UK brand presence and the spread of body styles available. Tanglewood offers Strat, Tele, LP and semi-hollow options within each tier, which not all competitors do. The Evolution III models in particular represent good value: better-specified than the Crossroads range but still well below the price of equivalent Fenders or Epiphones.
Setup quality varies, as it does across this price segment. Some instruments arrive playing well; others need a basic fret level and action adjustment. Buying from a retailer who performs a setup before sale makes a real difference at this price point.
Pickup Configurations
Across the electric range, Tanglewood offers the standard configurations: SSS and HSS on Strat-style bodies, single-coil on Tele-style, HH on LP-style and heavier models. The pickups fitted to the Crossroads series are functional but modest; the Evolution III range uses better-wound pickups that produce more usable tones without modification.
For a buying decision, the Tanglewood electric guitar buyer's guide breaks down which models offer the best value. Beginners should also read the beginner's guide for practical first steps.
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