Tanglewood Electric Guitar roundup
Tanglewood Electric Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Tanglewood's electric range covers beginner to mid-level players across four series. Here's how to pick the right one.
Tanglewood's electric range spans several price tiers and body styles, and the differences between them are real enough to matter when you're making a buying decision. This guide runs through what each series offers, what to pay and what to watch out for.
The Series Breakdown
There are four main electric series from Tanglewood: the Crossroads (entry-level), Evolution III (mid-range), WET (relic finish) and Metal (high-output). For most buyers, the choice comes down to either the Crossroads or the Evolution III, depending on budget and playing level.
Crossroads models start around £150–£200 and cover the basics well. Evolution III models run from £250 to around £450 and offer noticeably better hardware and pickups. The WET range sits alongside Evolution III in price but prioritises aesthetics. The Metal series is for buyers who specifically need higher-output humbuckers.
What You Get at Each Price Point
Under £200 (Crossroads): functional instruments with adequate pickups and hardware for a beginner or someone buying a second guitar for practice. Setup quality varies, and some buyers find the nut needs attention out of the box. These are not precision instruments, but they play acceptably when set up properly.
£250–£450 (Evolution III): a meaningful step up. Better-wound pickups, improved bridge hardware and tighter tolerances. A Tanglewood electric guitar at this level competes credibly with Squier Classic Vibe and Epiphone Inspired by Gibson models. This is where the brand makes its strongest case.
Above £450 (WET, upper Evolution III): premium finishes and better components, but diminishing returns compared to competing brands at this price. Worth considering if you specifically want Tanglewood's aesthetic offerings, but at £500 you can also look at Fender Player Series instruments.
Body Style Choices
Tanglewood offers a wider variety of body shapes than some budget brands. Across the electric range, you'll find:
- Strat-style — the most common shape, with SSS or HSS pickup configurations
- Tele-style — the classic single-cutaway, two-pickup layout
- LP-style — humbucker-equipped, arched top
- Semi-hollow — thinline body with a centre block, available in some Evolution III models
What to Ask About Before Buying
Before purchasing any Tanglewood electric guitar, confirm whether the retailer performs a pre-sale setup. At the budget end of the range, the setup can make the difference between an instrument that plays well and one that feels difficult. Also check that the model fits your preferred string gauges — nut slots on budget guitars are sometimes cut for extra-light strings and need adjustment for 10s or above.
For a broader picture of the range before committing, the guide to Tanglewood electric guitars covers all four series in context. For first-time buyers, the beginner's guide provides a clear starting point.
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