Tanglewood NSP3HCB Northstar Pro Double Cutaway Electric Guitar, Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Heritage Cherry Sunburst with twin humbuckers

The Tanglewood NSP3HCB takes the Northstar Pro double cutaway and dresses it in Heritage Cherry Sunburst gloss. It is a sunburst electric guitar with two humbuckers, an arched top and a rosewood fingerboard. It suits players who like a traditional colour on a modern build.

The sunburst finish

The cherry fades to darker edges over a flame maple veneer. Because the gloss is clear, the figure of the veneer glows through. It is the most classic looking of the three NSP3 colours.

Construction

The body is poplar with the maple veneer on the arched top. The one maple neck carries a rosewood fingerboard, which feels warm and smooth. Two cutaways give easy access up the neck. The machine heads are chrome die cast.

Sound

Twin humbuckers deliver a full, thick tone with good sustain. They are quiet in use and suit rock, blues and heavier styles.

• Double cutaway, arched top
• Flame maple veneer on poplar
• Rosewood fingerboard
• 2 x humbuckers

Who it suits

Choose this one if you like the traditional look of a cherry burst but want a guitar that is easy on the budget. The arched top and double cutaway make it comfortable for long sessions, and the rosewood board gives a smooth feel. Players who enjoy rock, blues and classic rock tones will find the two humbuckers a natural match, and the glossy finish cleans up easily with a soft cloth after a gig or a rehearsal.

Playing it

Plugged into a valve combo, the humbuckers give a creamy crunch that sits nicely in a band mix. Through a clean amp they stay clear and full rather than thin. The comfortable neck lets you move around the board quickly, and the chrome hardware stays neat and reliable. For the money, it gives you a lot of looks and a lot of tone in one guitar.

Alternatives

For a darker, vintage brown look, the NSP3TS is Tobacco Sunburst. The NSP3BL is the blue version. All are £299 with free UK delivery.