Tanglewood NSP3TS Northstar Pro Double Cutaway Electric Guitar, Tobacco Sunburst

A vintage brown burst with modern twin pickups

The Tanglewood NSP3TS is a double cutaway electric guitar in Tobacco Sunburst gloss. The amber centre darkens to brown at the edges, giving the look of an older instrument. It is a sunburst electric guitar for players who like a vintage appearance but want two humbuckers and a comfortable modern build.

Veneer and finish

A flame maple veneer covers the arched top of the poplar body. The tobacco burst lets the grain pattern show, so no two guitars look quite the same. It costs £299.

Neck and fingerboard

The neck is maple, topped with a rosewood fingerboard. It feels smooth and warm for both chords and lead lines. The double cutaway means the top frets are within easy reach.

Hardware and tone

Two humbuckers produce a full, steady tone with plenty of sustain, and they keep noise down. Chrome die cast machine heads hold their tuning.

• Poplar body, flame maple veneer
• Maple neck, rosewood fingerboard
• 2 x humbuckers
• Chrome die cast machine heads

Who it suits

This guitar is aimed at players who love the look of a well worn vintage burst but want a build that is ready to gig today. The arched top gives a pleasing shape, and the compact double cutaway body is easy to carry and to hold. The two humbuckers cover a lot of ground, from warm clean tones to thick overdriven chords, so it can handle blues, rock and indie without any trouble at all.

Playing it

With a bit of gain, the humbuckers give a thick lead tone with long sustain. Back the volume off and they clean up into a warm, even rhythm sound. The neck is comfortable for long practice sessions, and the rosewood board gives a smooth feel under your fingers. The guitar suits both bedroom players and gigging musicians who want a solid, good looking instrument.

Which burst?

If you prefer a redder sunburst, the NSP3HCB is Heritage Cherry Sunburst. The NSP3BL is the blue gloss option. Pick the NSP3TS for the warmest, most vintage colour of the three.