Tanglewood NS1MC Northstar Double Cutaway Electric Guitar, Morello Cherry

Morello Cherry red with a rosewood fingerboard

Cherry red is one of the best loved electric guitar colours, and the Tanglewood NS1MC wears it well. It is a double cutaway model fitted with three ceramic single coils and a rosewood fingerboard. The price is £139, and it is part of the Northstar series.

Looks

Morello Cherry is a deep, rich red. Next to the rosewood fingerboard and the maple neck with its Roseacer stripe, it gives a warm, classic look. If you want a red electric guitar for a modest price, this is a strong option.

Neck and body

The poplar body has a double cutaway, so you can reach the upper frets from either side. Rosewood under the fingers feels smooth and natural. Chrome die cast machine heads complete the hardware.

• Poplar double cutaway body
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Maple neck with Roseacer stripe
• Chrome die cast machine heads

Sound

Three ceramic single coils give bright, clear tones. Use the neck position for something softer and the bridge for a sharper edge. Add overdrive and the guitar still stays lively, so it suits pop, rock and blues alike.

Where it fits

It is built the same way as the NS1EG, which has a laurel fingerboard and a green finish. Choose this one for the rosewood board and the cherry colour. If you want a thicker sound, the NS1CFHH has twin humbuckers.

It makes a friendly first electric guitar and costs little enough to buy as a spare. Free UK delivery comes with it.

Rosewood and cherry together

The dark rosewood board sets off the red body nicely, and it feels smooth when you slide between chord shapes. Many players like rosewood for its warm touch, so if you tend to prefer a mellow feel over a bright snap, this fingerboard may suit you better than maple.