Build and features

This recently introduced model is a slot-head version of Crafter’s TC035, apparently one of the company’s best sellers. The rosewood-faced Spanish peghead lends an attractive retro air, emphasised by aged-brass open- back tuners and the fingerboard’s diamond/cat’s-eye markers.

The good-looking solid Engelmann spruce top receives a deluxe treatment of pearl purfling and a similarly inlaid rosette. The back and sides aren’t truly laminated rosewood, as the innermost veneer is mahogany or similar. It’s anybody’s guess what constitutes the in-between ply.

Still, the guitar is smartly turned out. The satin neck, with its moderate-depth ‘C’ profile, is a fine player. The semi-wide 44.5mm nut span offers easy fingerstyle, yet feels sufficiently snug for general chord work. Fretting and set-up are excellent, allowing a slinky, fast action.

Next: Crafter TMC035 sounds, pros and cons