Tanglewood NSP6JP Northstar Pro Offset Bass Guitar, Thru Purple Gloss

A full-size offset bass in translucent purple

The Tanglewood NSP6JP is an offset bass of standard length from the Northstar Pro series, finished in Thru Purple. It is aimed at players moving up to a serious instrument and at working bassists who want something with a bit of colour. If you are searching for a purple electric guitar, note that this one is a bass, so check it is the instrument you want.

Scale and feel

The scale length is 864mm (34 inches), the standard full-size measure. That gives you the string tension and spacing that bass players expect, with a tight, focused response.

Body and neck

The body is poplar in an offset waist shape. It is a balanced wood that gives clear lows and a bright top end. The contoured body sits comfortably seated or on a strap through a long rehearsal. The neck is maple with a caramel stain, and the hardware is chrome die cast.

The Thru Purple finish

Thru Purple is a translucent gloss. It adds depth and lets the body look rich under stage lights.

• 864mm scale length
• Poplar offset body
• Maple neck, caramel stain
• Chrome die cast machine heads

Who it suits

Moving up from a short scale starter bass, you will notice the longer neck and the firmer feel straight away. It is a straightforward instrument to learn on and to gig with. The contoured body keeps the weight comfortable, and the balance means the neck does not dive when you let go of it. That matters when you are playing for a couple of hours at a time, whether in a band room or on a stage.

Choosing your colour

The NSP6PBL is the same bass in Thru Blue, also £249. Pick the NSP6JP if purple is your colour. Either one makes a sensible first full-size bass or a spare for gigs.