Tanglewood NSP4CB Northstar Pro Offset Blue Electric Guitar, Cadillac Blue

Cadillac Blue offset with soap-bar single coils

The Tanglewood NSP4CB is a blue electric guitar with an offset body shape, a caramel stained maple neck and single coil soap-bar pickups. The Cadillac Blue finish is the headline here. It is an offset electric guitar from the Northstar Pro range, priced at £229.

Cadillac Blue and a caramel neck

The blue is a classic automotive shade that stands out against the warm, stained maple neck. The pairing gives the guitar a retro feel with clean modern lines. Chrome hardware ties it together.

Offset shape, poplar body

The offset body is a favourite for its balance and comfort, and it sits well on a strap or on your knee. The body is poplar, a light and even sounding wood. You get a lively, clear response without any single frequency dominating.

Soap-bar single coils

The pickups are single coil soap-bars. Expect a bright, articulate sound with good definition when you pick or strum. They are well suited to clean chords, jangly rhythm parts and crisp lead lines, and they respond well to pedals. The fingerboard is Techwood, with chrome die cast machine heads for steady tuning.

Offset guitars have a loyal following among indie, surf and alternative players. The shape feels balanced on a strap, and the lower body bout sits comfortably when you practise on the sofa. Pair it with a small valve amp and a few pedals and you have a flexible rig without spending much. The soap-bar pickups are simple, with no coil-splitting or extra switches to learn.

• Offset body shape in poplar
• Maple neck with caramel stain
• Techwood fingerboard
• Single coil soap-bar pickups

The same guitar comes in Metallic Emerald Green (NSP4EG), Graffiti Yellow (NSP4GY) and Morello Cherry (NSP4MC), all at £229. If you want a heavier look, the Open Pore NSP5 models cost £299. Delivery in the UK is free.