Tanglewood NS1CFHH Northstar Double Cutaway Humbucker Electric Guitar, Charcoal Frost

Twin humbuckers for heavier playing

The Tanglewood NS1CFHH is the Northstar for players who want more weight in their sound. It is a double cutaway electric guitar with two ceramic humbuckers, finished in Metallic Charcoal Frost, and it costs £149.

Humbucker power

Humbuckers give a thicker, fuller tone than single coils. The two ceramic humbuckers here suit rock, blues and heavier styles, and they stay clear when you add gain. Clean rhythm parts still sound solid, so you are not limited to one style.

Body and neck

The body is poplar with a double cutaway shape. Both horns are cut away, which makes the upper frets easy to reach from either side. The maple neck has a Roseacer stripe, and the fingerboard is caramel maple. Chrome die cast machine heads finish it off.

The finish

Metallic Charcoal Frost is a dark, cool grey with a frosty sparkle. It looks serious without being plain, and it goes well with the pale maple of the neck.

• Poplar double cutaway body
• Two ceramic humbucker pickups
• Maple neck with Roseacer stripe
• Caramel maple fingerboard

Who it suits

This is a good choice if you play heavier music but still want a guitar under £150. If you prefer a brighter, sparkly sound, the NS1EG and NS1MC in this series use three single coils instead. Compare those against this one before you decide.

It works as a first electric guitar or a back up for the stage. Free UK delivery applies.

Getting the most from humbuckers

Humbuckers like a bit of gain, so a small overdrive pedal or an amp with a good drive channel will suit this guitar well. Roll back the volume for cleaner passages and push it forward for solos. Try both pickups on their own, then together, to hear how much range you have.