Tanglewood NSP5CH Northstar Pro Offset Electric Guitar, Open Pore Cherry

Cherry red that lets the wood show through

The Tanglewood NSP5CH is a Northstar Pro offset electric guitar in Open Pore Cherry. The red is stained into the grain instead of sitting under a thick gloss, so it looks and feels more natural. It suits players who want a red electric guitar with a bit more character than a standard gloss.

What open pore means

The finish is thin and follows the texture of the wood. You get a warm cherry tone with the grain visible, and a smooth satin surface under your hand. It costs £299, which is £70 more than the gloss NSP4MC.

Body, neck and hardware

The body is poplar with an offset shape that is easy to balance. The neck is maple with a caramel stain and carries a Techwood fingerboard. Tuning is handled by chrome die cast machine heads.

Pickup and tone

One single coil soap-bar pickup gives a rounded, punchy sound. It is happy with clean chords, crunchy rhythm or a lead tone with some gain.

• Poplar offset body
• Open pore cherry finish
• Maple neck with Techwood fingerboard
• Soap-bar single coil
• Chrome die cast tuners

Who it suits

It is a good pick if you want a guitar with a handmade look but a sensible price. The thin finish keeps the body feeling light and lively, and the offset shape is comfortable standing up or sitting down. Beginners moving up will find it easy to live with, and experienced players will like it as a simple, no fuss second guitar for rehearsals and small gigs, with one pickup and nothing to fiddle with.

Other options

The NSP5BK is the same guitar in Open Pore Black, also £299. If you would rather have a high gloss red, the NSP4MC in Morello Cherry is £229. Pick the NSP5CH when you want the grain to stay part of the look.