Tanglewood NSP2SC Northstar Pro Single Cutaway P90 Electric Guitar, Sienna Copper

Sienna Copper colour, P90 pickups, solid poplar

What sets the Tanglewood NSP2SC apart is its Sienna Copper finish, a warm metallic shade that catches the light. Underneath it is the same single cutaway electric guitar as the natural NSP2NA, with two P90 pickups and a solid poplar body. It is part of the Northstar Pro series from Tanglewood, priced at £199.

The finish

Sienna Copper gives the guitar a strong personality without being loud. The gloss has a coppery depth that suits the classic single cutaway outline. If a plain wood look is not your thing, this version has more colour and more shine.

Body and tone

The body is solid poplar, which gives an even, balanced tone across the strings. The two P90 pickups add the character. They are clear when you play clean and rough around the edges when you turn up the gain. Rhythm parts sound full, and lead lines have enough bite to cut through a band.

Neck and feel

You get a torrefied maple neck with a Roseacer stripe, topped with a rosewood fingerboard. Torrefied maple is roasted for added stability, and rosewood has a smooth, slightly warm feel. The cutaway lets you reach the top frets without stretching, and the chrome die cast machine heads hold their pitch well.

It works well as a first serious electric or as a second guitar for a different sound. The weight is easy on the shoulder, the controls are simple, and the setup keeps things uncomplicated. You plug in, pick a volume and play, with no need to learn a complicated layout before you get a sound you like.

• Single cutaway shape for upper fret access
• 2 x P90 pickups
• Solid poplar body
• Rosewood fingerboard

Compare it with the NSP2NA if you cannot decide on a finish, as the specification is otherwise the same at £199. If you would rather have two humbuckers, look at the double cutaway NSP1 models in the range. Delivery in the UK is free.