Tanglewood Master Designer – Michael Sanden
By MNJ
| Posted in Guitar
The Tanglewood TSR 3 MasterDesign electro acoustic guitar which is pictured opposite is a great example of what can be achieved when a respected guitar brand joins with a master luthier. How so? DV was recently lucky to play host to Michael Sanden, the world renowned Swedish luthier who was kind enough to take time out from his guitar building schedule to visit these shores and our stores to promote not only the Tanglewood Master Design acoustics but his own hand built models. There was a surprise in store for everybody concerning the hand built models, but more of that later.
Tanglewood approached Michael Sanden two and a half years ago with an offer to build a range of guitars in their factory using his designs and designating them ‘MasterDesign’. Utilising premium toneweoods like Indian Kerala Rosewood and specifying solid Spruce tops on all models, Tanglewood and Michael Sanden have managed to create something unique – a factory built guitar with a hands on, close-up quality control that ensures that every guitar is worthy of the master luthier’s name.
There are six MasterDesign models in two ranges, the TSM range and the TSR range, in which the Tanglewood TSR3 sits. TSM guitars have mahogany back and sides and TSR have rosewood. There is also a choice of three body shapes in each range: Auditorium, Grand Auditorium and Super Jumbo. Ebony fingerboards are used throughout, a testament to the no-compromise approach taken in selecting materials. Tight grained Tibetan Sitka Spruce is used for the tops, which are braced using Michael’s unique patten.
If you examine the guitar in detail, there are another couple of interesting features. The neck is made from two pieces of premium grade mahogany, glued lengthwise for extra strength, and the headstock is laminated both front and back with rosewood, another unique Sanden innovation. The bindings are all natural woods too, and the result is a visual treat which both enhances the elegant looks and allows the guitar to ‘breathe’..
During Michael’s visit, we were fortunate enough to grab a few minutes with him to ask him about his association with Tanglewood. He told us: ” I went to the Tanglewood factory and looked over their stock of timber. I told them what the minimum quality could be, as it was incredibly important to me that the wood was of a high standard. Since then, I’ve not seen anything but great quality blanks sent my way – I wish I owned some of that timber”.
He continued, “It’s the first time Tanglewood has ever worked with a luthier, so they’re not just getting a guitar builder, they’re getting a designer and a consultant”.
Having played the guitars and now having met the man, it’s clear that this is a partnership that really works. More importantly, Tanglewood has hit the spot first time with a range of superb instruments such as the Master Design TSR3, offering hand-built quality and refinements at factory built prices.
Tags: master design, michael sanden, Tanglewood, tsm, tsr