What body wood is used in the Northstar Pro NSP2NA?

The guitar is constructed from solid poplar. This material is known for providing a balanced and resonant voice with a clear midrange presence.

What kind of pickups does this model have?

It is equipped with a pair of P90 pickups. These provide a versatile range of tones, from glassy cleans to gritty, responsive overdriven sounds.

What is the finish on the NSP2NA?

The guitar features a Natural Dark Stain finish. It is coated in a high-gloss sheen to show off the wood grain while protecting the surface.

How many frets does the fingerboard have?

The rosewood fingerboard is equipped with 21 frets. This provides a standard range for most traditional and modern playing styles.

What is the neck construction of the Northstar Pro?

The guitar features a bolt-on maple neck. It also includes a roseacer stripe for increased stability and a unique aesthetic touch.

Is the hardware on the NSP2NA reliable?

Yes, the guitar is fitted with solid chrome hardware. This includes dependable tuning machines designed to maintain stable tuning during play.

What is the typical price range for this guitar?

The Northstar Tanglewood Northstar Pro NSP2NA typically retails for approximately £199. This makes it an affordable option for beginners and intermediate players.

What is the sound character of the NSP2NA?

The sound is characterized by punch, clarity, and snap. The combination of poplar and P90s results in a balanced tone with significant touch sensitivity.

How does it compare to a Gibson Les Paul with P90s?

While the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 is a premium professional instrument, the NSP2NA offers a similar P90 tonal profile and single-cutaway look at a much more accessible price point.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, its price point and stable construction make it an excellent choice for beginners. The rosewood fingerboard and maple neck offer smooth playability for those learning the instrument.

What genre of music is this guitar best for?

Thanks to the P90 pickups, it is highly versatile. It suits genres ranging from jazz and blues (for glassy cleans) to rock and punk (for gritty, driven tones).

Does the NSP2NA have a modern or vintage design?

It is described as a modern single-cutaway guitar. While it retains a classic silhouette, the Natural Dark Stain and high-gloss finish give it a contemporary, 'stage-ready' look.

Gear article

Northstar Tanglewood Northstar Pro NSP2NA

The Northstar Tanglewood Northstar Pro NSP2NA is a modern single-cutaway electric guitar designed for players seeking punchy clarity and a contemporary aesthetic. Featuring a solid poplar body and dual P90 pickups, it is positioned as an accessible yet versatile instrument suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

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Overview and Design

The Tanglewood Northstar Pro NSP2NA is a contemporary take on the classic single-cutaway electric guitar. It is built around a solid poplar body, a tonewood chosen for its balanced resonance and notable midrange presence. The instrument features a striking 'Natural Dark Stain' finish, which is applied under a high-gloss sheen to highlight the natural wood grain while maintaining a modern, stage-ready appearance. The hardware is finished in chrome, providing a clean contrast to the dark wood aesthetic.

Neck and Playability

The guitar utilizes a bolt-on maple neck, reinforced with a roseacer stripe for added stability and a distinct visual detail. The fingerboard is crafted from rosewood, providing a traditional feel and a touch of tonal warmth. With a total of 21 frets, the neck is designed to be responsive and smooth, catering to both rhythm playing and lead work. The inclusion of dependable chrome tuning machines ensures consistent pitch stability during performance.

Electronics and Sound Character

A defining feature of the NSP2NA is its pair of P90 pickups. These pickups occupy the tonal space between a standard single-coil and a humbucker, offering more 'growl' and output than a traditional single-coil while retaining better top-end clarity than most humbuckers.

Clean Tones: The guitar delivers glassy, articulate cleans with plenty of 'snap'.
Overdriven Tones: When pushed, the P90s produce gritty, textured distortion that remains sensitive to the player's touch.
Midrange: The combination of the poplar body and P90 electronics results in a strong midrange presence that helps the guitar cut through a band mix.

Market Position and Comparisons

Retailing typically at £199, the NSP2NA is positioned in the entry-to-mid-level market. It competes with other single-cutaway or P90-equipped models such as the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90, though at a significantly lower price point. While brands like Squier and Gear4music offer budget-friendly alternatives like the Knoxville or Mini Stratocaster, the Northstar Pro differentiates itself through its specific combination of a solid poplar body, high-gloss natural finish, and P90 electronics.

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Frequently asked questions

What body wood is used in the Northstar Pro NSP2NA?: The guitar is constructed from solid poplar. This material is known for providing a balanced and resonant voice with a clear midrange presence.
What kind of pickups does this model have?: It is equipped with a pair of P90 pickups. These provide a versatile range of tones, from glassy cleans to gritty, responsive overdriven sounds.
What is the finish on the NSP2NA?: The guitar features a Natural Dark Stain finish. It is coated in a high-gloss sheen to show off the wood grain while protecting the surface.
How many frets does the fingerboard have?: The rosewood fingerboard is equipped with 21 frets. This provides a standard range for most traditional and modern playing styles.
What is the neck construction of the Northstar Pro?: The guitar features a bolt-on maple neck. It also includes a roseacer stripe for increased stability and a unique aesthetic touch.
Is the hardware on the NSP2NA reliable?: Yes, the guitar is fitted with solid chrome hardware. This includes dependable tuning machines designed to maintain stable tuning during play.
What is the typical price range for this guitar?: The Northstar Tanglewood Northstar Pro NSP2NA typically retails for approximately £199. This makes it an affordable option for beginners and intermediate players.
What is the sound character of the NSP2NA?: The sound is characterized by punch, clarity, and snap. The combination of poplar and P90s results in a balanced tone with significant touch sensitivity.
How does it compare to a Gibson Les Paul with P90s?: While the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 is a premium professional instrument, the NSP2NA offers a similar P90 tonal profile and single-cutaway look at a much more accessible price point.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: Yes, its price point and stable construction make it an excellent choice for beginners. The rosewood fingerboard and maple neck offer smooth playability for those learning the instrument.
What genre of music is this guitar best for?: Thanks to the P90 pickups, it is highly versatile. It suits genres ranging from jazz and blues (for glassy cleans) to rock and punk (for gritty, driven tones).
Does the NSP2NA have a modern or vintage design?: It is described as a modern single-cutaway guitar. While it retains a classic silhouette, the Natural Dark Stain and high-gloss finish give it a contemporary, 'stage-ready' look.