Tanglewood NSP6PBL Northstar Pro Classic Bass Guitar, Thru Blue Gloss

Thru Blue bass with a classic full-size layout

The Tanglewood NSP6PBL is a full-size bass in the Northstar Pro range. Its colour is Thru Blue, a see-through gloss that shows depth. It is priced at £249 and suits both players buying a first serious bass and gigging musicians. Note that it is a bass, not a six-string guitar, if you were browsing blue electric guitars.

Tone and scale

The body is poplar, which gives a rounded bottom end that stays clear in a mix. The 864mm (34 inch) scale length is the full-size standard, so the strings feel tight and the response stays focused. It works with fingers or a pick.

Neck and comfort

The maple neck has a caramel stain. The body is balanced, so the bass stays steady through long rehearsals and full sets. Machine heads are chrome die cast.

Who it suits

If you are stepping up from a short scale beginner bass, the full-length neck will feel more like the instrument you see on stage. The translucent blue looks sharp under lights, and the body keeps its weight under control so your shoulder does not tire during a long set. It also makes a sensible backup for players who already own one bass and want a second tone and colour for the band room or the studio.

Styles

A bass like this is used across rock, pop, funk and soul, and it keeps up with all of them.

• Full-size 864mm scale
• Poplar body
• Maple neck, caramel stain
• Thru Blue gloss finish

Setting it up

Plug it into a bass amp and the poplar body gives you a solid, even tone to build on. Turn up the low end for a deep, rounded sound, or push the mids so the notes stay audible against loud guitars and drums. Players coming from a short scale instrument can expect to adjust their stretches slightly, but the spacing is the same as on most full-size basses, so the skills carry over.

Other colours

The NSP6JP is the same bass in Thru Purple, also £249. Choose the NSP6PBL if you like blue. Both come with free UK delivery from us.