Tanglewood NS3GT Northstar Single Cutaway P90 Electric Guitar, Gold Top

P90 pickups and a Gold Top finish

The Tanglewood NS3GT is the step up in this batch of Northstar guitars. It is a single cutaway electric guitar with two P90 pickups, a Gold Top finish and a rosewood gloss back, priced at £249. If you like the look and voice of a classic gold top, start here.

P90 pickups

P90s sit between single coils and humbuckers. They have more body than a single coil and more bite than most humbuckers. You get a raw, punchy tone that works for blues, rock and indie, and clean settings stay open and clear.

Body and finish

The poplar body has a single cutaway shape. The top is finished in gold, and the back has a rosewood gloss finish, so the guitar looks good from both sides. The metallic gold stands out under stage lights.

Neck

The neck is maple, and the fingerboard is rosewood. Rosewood has a warm, smooth feel and suits fast chord changes. Chrome die cast machine heads sit on the headstock.

• Poplar single cutaway body
• Two P90 pickups
• Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
• Gold Top finish with rosewood gloss back

Compared with the rest of Northstar

Most of the series costs £139 or £149 and uses single coils or humbuckers. The NS3GT costs more and gives you the P90 sound. If you play blues or rock and want something with character, it is worth the extra. For a lower budget, the NS1CFHH is a good humbucker alternative.

Free UK delivery is included.

Playing tips

P90s respond well to how hard you pick. Dig in for a growl, or play lightly for a cleaner, sweeter sound. They can be a little noisier than humbuckers, which is part of their character. Try them with a mid gain amp setting to hear them at their best.