Tanglewood NSP5BK Northstar Pro Offset Electric Guitar, Open Pore Black

Open pore black with the grain still to feel

Where the other Northstar Pro offsets are gloss, the Tanglewood NSP5BK has an open pore finish. You can feel the grain under your hand. If you want a black electric guitar that looks understated and feels more natural than a thick gloss coat, this is the one.

Finish and feel

Open pore means the paint follows the wood grain rather than filling it. The result is a satin, slightly textured black that does not show fingerprints as readily as a high gloss. It is priced at £299, a step above the glossy NSP4 models.

Build

The body is poplar in an offset shape. It is a light wood, so the guitar stays comfortable on a strap or on your knee. The neck is maple with a caramel stain, paired with a Techwood fingerboard and chrome die cast machine heads.

Sound

The pickup is a single coil soap-bar. It gives a full, punchy tone with a bit more weight than a standard single coil. That makes it a handy all rounder for rock, indie and blues, and it takes pedals well.

• Offset poplar body
• Maple neck, caramel stain
• Techwood fingerboard
• Single coil soap-bar pickup

Who it suits

This is a good fit if you are moving on from a first guitar and want something that feels a little more grown up. The textured black finish hides the marks of regular use, so it is a practical choice for rehearsal rooms and gigs. The soap-bar pickup is simple, with no switching to learn, which lets you concentrate on playing and on shaping your sound with your amp and pedals.

Compare it

If you prefer a warmer look, the NSP5CH is the same guitar in Open Pore Cherry. For a glossier finish at a lower price, look at the NSP4MC in Morello Cherry at £229. Choose the NSP5BK if you want to keep the look dark and the finish natural to the touch.