I appreciate how andre's reviews are both nitty gritty and also very measured. He's just like "this is what works for me and my life" and the guitarsphere needs more of that.
Seriously, it’s like guitarists don’t understand that people have different tastes, needs, and tastes. I tried talking to someone about how I might not like the Wolfgang due to the upper fret access being hindered on the low end, and bro talked to me as though I just spat on their god. I’m a fan of Eddie as much as the next guy, but I’m not gonna just accept his designs as gospel. However, there’s people who DO like that shape and have tried and enjoyed it, so I’m willing to keep an open mind
I have the Elemental Blue one, it is unbelievable. What surprised me the most was the resonance as you demoed. For such a small guitar it rings better than some of my expensive high end guitars.
im a jazz guitar major dealing with debilitating wrist pain for a couple months now, to the point where ive had to postpone my juries and even drop a class. ive seen a doctor and received multiple steriod injections, and ive been waiting to buy the bullet on a strandberg essential until you made a review about it. thanks so much!
@@thomascoolberth2648 yea i had pain in my thumb and wrist, turned out i had de que rains tendinitis, got a siurgery last week and feeling so much better
I think as far as PR material goes, being reviewed by one of the most detailed and litigious reviewers in RUclips is a really good fit for their target market
@@matthewjohnloren1995and a very brave move too. Sending to a reviewer who would go super deep on the details means you must be very confident that your final product is great.
Thanks for considering the suggestion, Andre. I wonder where this leaves the rest of the Strandberg lineup. This comes at a ~40% discount to the next cheapest Strandberg models, and those models only have 1. brand-name pickups (pointless because the OEMs sound fine) 2. fancier wood (pointless because the audience for these guitars likely aren't cork-sniffers, and their prettier tops are just veneers anyway) 3. multiscale (some might care) 4. Trem option (probably will be added to this lineup later) If anything, I applaud these guys for putting their newest advancements at the lowest-end first. Nobody else does that.
Yep. Couldn’t agree more. There will always be an audience for high end guitars. But the bigger market is this high end mid-tier zone. This is the best place for consumers.
I think the thing to note is that, even on the fanned fret guitars, the low strings only go up to 25.5" scale length. So if you plan to use this thing for metal, it should be perfectly fine with something like 10-52 gauge strings.
@@arunkarthikma3121 yeah, just the standard Fender scale. Basically no point in the 'standard' Strandbergs anymore, they even come from the same factory.
@@shubniggurath6464 Yeah, I personally find the Gibson scale length very cramped past the 12th fret. I'll see if I can try one of these new Essentials out at my local Guitar Center.
@@shubniggurath6464 Unless you play extended range guitars. They don't make the 7/8 strings for the essential line, though I assume Ola is working on that.
Even though English is not my mother language I understand Andre’s reviews very well and I love them because he is very honest and clear. In the past I sold both my Strandbergs, a 7 and a 6 string, but because of this review I’m going to try one of this. Thank you for your honesty.
Gotta say I love the fanned frets on my Sälen. It's the one guitar I pick up every day and the one I miss when I'm traveling. I'm close to buying a second one with a humbucker.
Same with my Sälen Jazz. The frets are fanned differently than on the Böden though, with the frets close to the nut being flat and progressively fanning out from there.
@@crow-dont-knowI believe that all of the 6 string variants (Boden, Sälen, Varberg) are flat at the first fret, it’s the 7 and 8 string versions that properly fan. But I do agree, while the fan wasn’t a reason why I bought the Sälen Jazz, it certainly didn’t hurt. The benefit of bends is kind of irrelevant to me, but lower string tension on the higher strings just makes it easier to play.
Andre, i want to thank you for your videos on guitar ergonomics. The tips about the guitar cushion and the performaxe have helped me tremendously. Have a good one!
I'm pretty sure strandberg got tons of feedback just from your channel alone. That 1 hour review is the most in-depth and very great review of a guitar i've watched. Every aspect is covered very well.
You never miss with these reviews man I really love how you pick apart each thing you review, exploring every possible thing no matter how insignificant it may seem to most
Honestly, this video just pushed me over the edge. I've been thinking about ordering this guitar for so long and this was the final push to just order it. Wish me luck!
Agree 100% with what you said.Had 3 other Strandburgs.Always Trem equipped.Got my Essential (red)about a month ago from Sweetwater.Got it Plek-ed and had a Graphteck nut put on it.👍Asked Strandburg for a 25 1/2 in.scale in 2019.Glad to have 1 now.Don't feel the need to replace the pick-ups.Ola knocked it out of the park with this one.My Kiesel Osiris has a trem,when I want a trem.Still playing my D'Angellico with Vega-Trem. Glad to see your channel is doing so well.Subbed from just about the start. Best Regards..
I'd be super interested to see your take on the Ibanez QX line. Mostly your take on the frets. The body shape is not as good as Strandberg, but I'm really curious as to the uniformly angled frets.
A note about the neck: On other Strandbergs, the neck is carbon reinforced, you will see 2 lines down the back. The Essential is a one piece neck, no reinforcement.
But it is another of the aspects, like the fanned frets, that are probably much less of an issue for a 6-string. Roasted maple and a truss rod, as well as the fact that the endurneck is a proper chunk of wood, should be very stable.
Thanks for pointing out the issue with the zero fret. I had never really thought about it before, and I've never tried one, but you 100% convinced me to avoid them lol. I've never really had issues with a normal nut, and having that plinking happen to me on a bend would kill my desire to play the guitar (just as floating bridge issues have with my main electric guitar...) I still want to try a fanned fret strandberg though, and then everything else you've talked about are things which are just direct upgrades over their previous guitars, it seems
The only things putting me off from picking one of these up is that they’re matte finished and 25.5” scale. I would really love to see more headless manufacturers making 24.75” scale guitars, the only model I know of currently is the Kiesel Zeus.
I have a Zeus 24.75, and that axe just sings. Plus, there's always the option to have one made with a 25.5 scale if needed along with a slew of other options - including color, wood type, finish, and trem bridge to mention a few. IMO, the Kiesel Hipshot headpiece is more ergonomic and esthetic than the Strandberg which I could never get used to. As if that's not enough, one can also custom order other body styles than the single-cut Zeus, like the double-cut Vader, Osiris, or Delos.
I’ve never found a 6 string strandberg in any local music store to try but have been interested. This model really checked a lot of boxes for me except a floating tremolo. If they put one of the essential models out with a Tremelo I will buy it.
Hey Andre! I have two strands, and I've had plinking sounds when I was bending. Sometimes, it can definitely be the zero fret, but both mine were new from the factory. What I had found was that the saddles themselves had little burrs in them that the string was getting caught on. Annoying, but I was able to fix it with a little elbow grease and an exacto (not the ideal tool for the job at all, but it worked.. eventually). I had isolated the string at the nut and at the bridge, and bent it, listening for what end was making pinging sounds. Just a heads up for others who might have this issue.
Soon after seeing model @NAMM 2024 I wrote to Strandberg asking if they’d release a trem’d version of this guitar. The reply was basically a friendly “no plans at this time but keep your eyes open”. I can’t be the only one who’s asked this of them. Got a used Boden Strandberg off Reverb and it was a GREAT guitar in every way except for the fanned frets which were a no-go so I sold it. If they made the above instrument with a trem I’d get it tomorrow.
i used to own a strandberg and was stoked when the essential came out as it addressed the zero fret / nut and fan fret issues I had with it. However, I would prefer a premium option like with a wood top like the plini with similar specs over a budget one. Although, I have kind of soured on headless guitars in general as the hardware is prone to break and it would be difficult to replace years later. It just also has a very prog aesthetic.
About the Strandberg multitool, I had recently asked Strandberg support about getting a new one and they did send it for free as they have been for others, but it was also an improved multitool. With the exception of the end that just fits into the tuners to turn them easier, every single end now made out of metal which alleviates the problem I encountered with my old one!
Strandberg should just sell these on their website. I know that some other brands like Ibanez also make a hex multi tool, but the strandberg one seems so convenient.
Any further insight on the question asking about the palm muting tone sounding djenty on that bridge? I just want a deep resonate sound on high gain, which you only vaguely covered. Great video though you sold the guitar very well.
The Ibanez doesn’t have an especially ergonomic body. It’s just a mini sized guitar. I’m sure it’s a great instrument but it’s not the same type of thing.
Yet another wonderfully in depth review, Mr. Fludd! Although your content is different, you and Rick Beato are both channels I look forward to with each and every new video! Thank you ever so much! - Cheers! Brian Cooper, Shinkai Studio, Japan
I like your style man. Also that you show mistakes or that clip of learning the metal song. very human, but awesome. Total beginner here(8 months) worthless playing so far, but my 1 year anniversary will be met with one of these bad boys.
Fanned frets made me sell my first Strandberg after two days. The essential is perfect with straight frets and It made me realize I actually love the enduraneck shape…. When it’s not paired with fanned frets… Strandberg player for life now. 🤘🏻
Bought one of these a month ago. It was ‘B’ stock from a UK retailer. It’s perfect, love it. Haven’t played another one of my other guitars since I got it. it’s that good that I have decided to sell a couple of my existing guitars.
Hi Andre. Love your videos. I'm on the fence to buy this guitar thanks to you! Will ponder a while longer. I also saw a similar guitar, namely the HILS Next Series Headless Guitar HN3. Perhaps this one would be interesting for you to review as well!
Great review and spot on. Loving my Essentials. Perfect backup guitar for live playing due to small size and light weight. Easy to play. Pickups sound much better than expected.
I'm absolutely planning to check one of these out. I haven't had great luck with fanned frets in the past, which means I haven't really gotten to try the endure neck either.
Really interesting video (as always) Andre. I had a 2018 Boden Metal 6 and couldn't get along with it due to the sharp string lock issue you mentioned in Improvement 2 - it literally cut my hand. Much prefer the straight frets and new heel sculpt too so might have to check it out. Glad to see Strandberg supporting your videos :)
I got boden resq:d this spring for 1300 because I didn't want to wait for this one to release. And I'm in love with the guitar. For 300 extra I think it's a good deal since I actually like fanned frets😅
great review. can you do the new "HILS - THE NEXT" active headless? it's half the price but looks quite high quality. I'm curious how close it gets to the strandberg boden essential
This is a great review. I've been very interested in the Boden Essential since it dropped. You and I seem to have similar tastes in guitar necks, features, etc., so I feel that if you liked it, I should too. I do plan on getting one of these from Sweetwater. Seems like exactly what I've wanted all along.
I saw these on sweet water I was wondering how good they are. Thanks for your indepth video. This will be my next axe purchase as I've always wanted to get a Strandberg.
Hi Andre, I got the fusion nx 6 a year ago, and am loving it to pieces, but when you made your comment about the tuning issue with a tremolo bridge, I was all with you on that! Thanks for the great review, I guess I will have to consider adding the Essential to my arsenal for sure! Oh, and I like the red, guess we can't all agree on everything ;-)
Hi Andre, just wanted to take a second here to let you know how much I appreciate your content. Your channel played a big role in helping me choose my next guitar. I really appreciate your reviews and attention to detail in comparing all of the different Strandberg models. I honestly don’t know how I would have made my decision without your content to guide me. Thank you for what you do! ❤
I've been eying this model since it's announcement and have discovered your channel because I was looking for as many Strandberg reviews as I could find. The coincidence of you making this analysis of exactly this model in black is just fantastic. Almost everyone is buying the red model. Thank you for making this video, you've sold me (as soon as I have the cash haha).
@@andrefludd Question: I was worried about the texture/coloring on the black one as it doesn't seem as even as the others, as you can see on the picture at 10:40. However, in this video your black version seems entirely even, or is the texture just not showing on video? Thanks again!
The key to zero fret maintenance is to start early. Plinkers can be sanded & polished away. Strandberg's zero fret is slightly taller and it will function so long as it is as least as high as the other frets. For stainless steel, that will take a while.
On my Strandberg the 0 fret got pitted in 2 months - no time at all - also it made my thumb sore I would love one without angular neck… the pickups were great
The Strandberg Boden Essential is priced similarly to the PRS DGT SE. Very different instruments, of course, but with that sort of budget, which would you choose? I hope and suspect that Strandberg will add floating bridge models to the Essentials line-up, which would make the comparison more direct. Finally, just a thank you for the enormous amount of time, effort and cost you put into your videos. It really shows and is much appreciated!
Hey! I can’t really compare the guitars, it’s all of matter of what one is looking for. Quality is great on both. But if I could only have one instrument it would probably be a Strandberg.
Wow, thank you for being so comprehensive with your format. I always learn something from your channel and take away new things to consider when thinking about purchasing a new guitar. Appreciate you 👏
Hi Andre, great video, many questions answered. Few more questions please: 1. Watching reviews about this guitar, seems like the pickup output is too loud, would that bother you for practicing some funky-soul-jazzy stuff? 2. How do you feel about fret spacing? Are frets too close to each other or they feel comfortable to play? 3. As I travel for work (not music related) and I spend few months in different locations, would this be the best travel guitar option? Thanks a lot
Andre...Would you consider doing a action setup on the Strandberg? I am very curious how this bridge is to setup. I can't find any info on this exact bridge and how you adjust the action. Best wishes, Scott G.
My issue with the essential is the lack of fanned frets. I have a Boden NX8 which was nearly perfect for me. I havnt noticed any issues with the zero fret yet, and i hope i dont. Strandberg is really great, but i really dont like the jack placement. I get why its there, but playing while sitting it gets in the way. For the money im spending id like to have two output jacks like what kiesel offered
Andre, your reviews rule. I actually pounced on the essential when I found out about them bc the price point and your review of your other Strandberg. Glad to see you like it too!
Personally, I prefer the looks of this model, although it could do with a pickguard. With the extra money I'll save, I'll buy a pitch shift/vibrato pedal lol.
Im looking into strandberg cause i need a more ergonomic 7 string than what i currently own, but at this point youre gonna make me buy the essential lol. Great video as always.
Watching this video as my very own got delivered today feels amazing! Always loved the looks and quality of Strandberg guitars, but the prohibitive cost in my country (Brazil) wouldn't allow me to buy it. Can't wait to spend countless hours playing it
I encountered a saddle issue with my Boden Essential and would be curious about your experience. To replicate it, try tremolo picking while gradually bending the strings up to 1.5 steps. Did the strings choke out at any point? If so, it might be because the "V" shape end of the saddle is touching the string while bending. For my Essential, this happened with the high E and D strings. My luthier fixed it by shaving some metal from the V shape of the saddle, I could then bend the string without choking out.
hello, Nice video. I'm thinking about getting the new, lower price Strandberg for my Jazz studies. I would like to get out of the traditional style guitars (which I have several) and try something different. But, I was wondering what amp you're using and the tone settings. The tone you get on this video around 7:55 is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks
I also saw this released and finally had interest. I prefer straight frets, and i like how they ditched that zero fret on this one. Great review!! get vid, liked and subbed!
I considered this guitar but ended up taking a risk on an aliexpress Acepro guitar, in a Strandberg body shape. (I generally prefer the shape to the Essential, just aesthetically). It cost £230 UK including delivery and arrived in 3 weeks! I put Seymour Duncan Seth Lover pickups in for jazz tone and it still cost less than £500. Not for everyone, but if you’re prepared for some setup it is such a bargain, with all the major ergonomic advantages of the Essential. Differences are: Position of the volume button (which causes me no problems, personally). 3-way switch. Cheaper hardware. Setup (the nut slots needed lowering just slightly. The stainless frets needed final polishing). Normal, non endurneck neck profile (with what I find to be a very comfortable profile). The string locks are different to Strandberg’s but they do not stick out, and do not use the ball-bearing system seen on some other cheap Strandberg knock offs. Strings are easy to change, and the lock/s itself would also be easy to replace. Very slight flaws in finish (tiny areas of filler, and a few well hidden flaws in shaping around the cable socket. The bridge/tuners work well and hold tune. There are also more expensive/quality controlled ones available -though I don’t see the need, and the guitar would still be 1/2 to 3/4 the price of the Strandberg depending whether you change the pickups (the pickups it came with were functional but not great).
I wanted a Strandberg to save space and weight and this new series might be the one. They are so expensive but this one might do the trick if I decide to sell the one im using now for one of those...
These guitars will be a very good deal used. At 1100-1200 EUR here in the EU it's still kinda expensive for what it is, but I really like that they put more effort in the comfort side of things, and removed everything that isn't necessary. Cool demo/review!
Great video as always. Have you had the chance to try a Mayones Hydra? I own 3 and they're just amazing. Recently sold a Strandberg Plini Sälen in order to finance the last Mayones. Although the endurneck felt great, the construction itself seemed of much lower quality compared to the Mayones. Plus their bridge just didn't sit well with me. Cheers and keep up the videos!
Yooo, this one looks great, the old school features makes it more accessible to everyone, I am so used to jackson, ibanez, dean, even fender, this one would not feel so alien
I'm very happy with my boden essential - curious if you will end up swapping the pickups over time on this one vs the other strandbergs you've had. It's not my favorite guitar but it's my most played guitar already, and I think if I could get some PRS 85/15's in there it might end up being my favorite.
Interesting that you prefer the strandberg over the kiesel Vader. I have both a Boden 6 standard and my Vader and I do prefer the Vader over the Strandberg. Maybe it’s because of recency bias towards the Vader as that is the newer of the two but it just seems to feel way better. Perhaps I just enjoy the neck profile of the Vader more over the endure neck but at the end of the day I’d recommend either guitar to anyone who is interested in an awesome playing modern day ergonomic guitar
12:30 unless if you found yourself a deal for one on the second hand market - then it's definitely worth it. For less than $1300 I got me a Boden Original 7 and I couldn't be any happier with it.
I think this release was a great idea. I certainly like the idea of the more expensive ones more than this model (having not played this model) but think if I was in a different position (not already having a Strandberg) I wouldn't think twice. Since you mentioned the zero fret first, I feel like I have to say the absence is almost a deal breaker. I haven't actually heard any complaints about this from anyone else and think it is a fantastic addition to the guitar. I haven't noticed any wear on my Strandberg 8 string. I don't believe this model has a treble bleed included, which is a feature I love on mine. Make it much more useable with the tone knob and better for backing off especially when playing fusion stuff, fantastic for live use. The bridge is cheaper but can't be much more than .5% worse and the absence of the carbon fiber neck reinforcement is something I would want as I move a TON... But these don't matter to me on a 6 like they do on my 8 string. The absence of a trem is what has so far really stopped me from buying this. I have been considering another Strandberg for a bit, and I think when I need one I will still get the cheaper Salen with the trem due to *everything* being an upgrade (except for the scale, but the 25.5 on the low and the shortest scale length being 25 is still better with the EndurNeck than a longer scale without IMO), unless they release an essential with a trem before then. I agree the fan isn't necessary for playing 6s. I was fine with the fan on 6 string Strandbergs I have played, but as a dude with big fingers and a decent stretching ability I prefer longer scale length in every situation, which is in fact why I love multiscales-they usually allow for longer scale lengths and good balanced feel. So I prefer the 25.5 straight to 25-25.5. I actually prefer the Strandberg OEM pickups to the Suhrs and Fishmans that are alternatives, and solid finishes to fancy tops. I really like the 6 string even if it isn't as good as the higher-priced ones, but they have most Strandberg staples and are easily worth it. I can only hope for an 8 string essential with fanned frets. On an 8 I would be fine with every other downgrade since I already have one but on non-6-strings the multiscale is a need IMO.
I bought one of these and realized the high-e string was maybe 1mm away from the edge of the frets, making it unplayable for me. The store didn't have another for me to try so I had to return it. I haven't been hearing this issue from others so I guess I just got a bad one. If I ever find another in-person I'll have to give it a try, but too much of a gamble for me buying one online.
Finally... The Boden essential review 😭 Also I think the fretwire is the same as many cheap guitars like Harley benton (I think this fretwire comes from the 'blacksmith' line iirc)
I am close to picking up this one. But I just saw Strandberg Boden JC Djesse. It looks like a crazy toy and I might be crazy for liking it, but the looks of this is my type and I am almost willing to pay the price for it just for the looks. Am I crazy? For me it would cost 3900 USD. I know you said in previous videos that a Strandberg at 2500 USD is not recommended, but a Strandberg at 1500 USD is recommended. Would you buy a Strandberg at a higher price if it looks just the way you want? Please knock some sense into me 😅
Back when I saw this one launched with its straight frets, my first thought was "Does Andre know?"
I got a few DMs about it 😂 I appreciate you all
@@andrefludd😂 all good
I appreciate how andre's reviews are both nitty gritty and also very measured. He's just like "this is what works for me and my life" and the guitarsphere needs more of that.
Seriously, it’s like guitarists don’t understand that people have different tastes, needs, and tastes.
I tried talking to someone about how I might not like the Wolfgang due to the upper fret access being hindered on the low end, and bro talked to me as though I just spat on their god.
I’m a fan of Eddie as much as the next guy, but I’m not gonna just accept his designs as gospel. However, there’s people who DO like that shape and have tried and enjoyed it, so I’m willing to keep an open mind
I have the Elemental Blue one, it is unbelievable. What surprised me the most was the resonance as you demoed. For such a small guitar it rings better than some of my expensive high end guitars.
Yeah, that chambering really does work, huh?
Where'd you find a blue one?
@@binkywarren21 I ordered it on the Strandberg website
Don"t think it is chambered. It is all in Ola's hands...@@arunkarthikma3121
@@binkywarren21 They have plenty on the Strandberg site . The blue ones are not sold in stores , only on the Strandberg site !!
Nice video. I wasn't sold on this essential collection, but this really gave me a great new perspective on them.
Same!
im a jazz guitar major dealing with debilitating wrist pain for a couple months now, to the point where ive had to postpone my juries and even drop a class. ive seen a doctor and received multiple steriod injections, and ive been waiting to buy the bullet on a strandberg essential until you made a review about it. thanks so much!
What injuries do you face ? strain in the fretting hand?
@@thomascoolberth2648 yea i had pain in my thumb and wrist, turned out i had de que rains tendinitis, got a siurgery last week and feeling so much better
Give us an update pls
@@thomascoolberth2648 yes i had de quervains tendinitis, got a surgery 2 weeks ago and now im playing guitar more or less pain free!!
It's nice to watch a real review and not a PR piece. Thank you.
I think as far as PR material goes, being reviewed by one of the most detailed and litigious reviewers in RUclips is a really good fit for their target market
@@matthewjohnloren1995and a very brave move too. Sending to a reviewer who would go super deep on the details means you must be very confident that your final product is great.
Thanks for considering the suggestion, Andre. I wonder where this leaves the rest of the Strandberg lineup. This comes at a ~40% discount to the next cheapest Strandberg models, and those models only have
1. brand-name pickups (pointless because the OEMs sound fine)
2. fancier wood (pointless because the audience for these guitars likely aren't cork-sniffers, and their prettier tops are just veneers anyway)
3. multiscale (some might care)
4. Trem option (probably will be added to this lineup later)
If anything, I applaud these guys for putting their newest advancements at the lowest-end first. Nobody else does that.
Yep. Couldn’t agree more. There will always be an audience for high end guitars. But the bigger market is this high end mid-tier zone. This is the best place for consumers.
I think the thing to note is that, even on the fanned fret guitars, the low strings only go up to 25.5" scale length.
So if you plan to use this thing for metal, it should be perfectly fine with something like 10-52 gauge strings.
@@arunkarthikma3121 yeah, just the standard Fender scale. Basically no point in the 'standard' Strandbergs anymore, they even come from the same factory.
@@shubniggurath6464 Yeah, I personally find the Gibson scale length very cramped past the 12th fret. I'll see if I can try one of these new Essentials out at my local Guitar Center.
@@shubniggurath6464 Unless you play extended range guitars. They don't make the 7/8 strings for the essential line, though I assume Ola is working on that.
Even though English is not my mother language I understand Andre’s reviews very well and I love them because he is very honest and clear. In the past I sold both my Strandbergs, a 7 and a 6 string, but because of this review I’m going to try one of this. Thank you for your honesty.
Im happy I can help, Manuel! Thank you for your comment.
Gotta say I love the fanned frets on my Sälen. It's the one guitar I pick up every day and the one I miss when I'm traveling. I'm close to buying a second one with a humbucker.
Same with my Sälen Jazz. The frets are fanned differently than on the Böden though, with the frets close to the nut being flat and progressively fanning out from there.
@@crow-dont-knowI believe that all of the 6 string variants (Boden, Sälen, Varberg) are flat at the first fret, it’s the 7 and 8 string versions that properly fan.
But I do agree, while the fan wasn’t a reason why I bought the Sälen Jazz, it certainly didn’t hurt. The benefit of bends is kind of irrelevant to me, but lower string tension on the higher strings just makes it easier to play.
Andre, i want to thank you for your videos on guitar ergonomics.
The tips about the guitar cushion and the performaxe have helped me tremendously.
Have a good one!
Happy to help!
They really need to release the Salen classic with the Essential woods or whatever they need to put it at the Essential price point.
I'm pretty sure strandberg got tons of feedback just from your channel alone. That 1 hour review is the most in-depth and very great review of a guitar i've watched. Every aspect is covered very well.
You never miss with these reviews man
I really love how you pick apart each thing you review, exploring every possible thing no matter how insignificant it may seem to most
Honestly, this video just pushed me over the edge. I've been thinking about ordering this guitar for so long and this was the final push to just order it. Wish me luck!
Agree 100% with what you said.Had 3 other Strandburgs.Always Trem equipped.Got my Essential (red)about a month ago from Sweetwater.Got it Plek-ed and had a Graphteck nut put on it.👍Asked Strandburg for a 25 1/2 in.scale in 2019.Glad to have 1 now.Don't feel the need to replace the pick-ups.Ola knocked it out of the park with this one.My Kiesel Osiris has a trem,when I want a trem.Still playing my D'Angellico with Vega-Trem. Glad to see your channel is doing so well.Subbed from just about the start. Best Regards..
I'd be super interested to see your take on the Ibanez QX line. Mostly your take on the frets. The body shape is not as good as Strandberg, but I'm really curious as to the uniformly angled frets.
This is the different guitar channel I've was looking for. I'm also very interested in ergonomics and that stuff and Andre makes it very clear.
Glad I can help!
I got mine about a week ago in Elemental Blue and it is literally the perfect guitar for me.
I can’t get over how amazing this thing plays!
A note about the neck: On other Strandbergs, the neck is carbon reinforced, you will see 2 lines down the back. The Essential is a one piece neck, no reinforcement.
But it is another of the aspects, like the fanned frets, that are probably much less of an issue for a 6-string. Roasted maple and a truss rod, as well as the fact that the endurneck is a proper chunk of wood, should be very stable.
Thanks for pointing out the issue with the zero fret. I had never really thought about it before, and I've never tried one, but you 100% convinced me to avoid them lol. I've never really had issues with a normal nut, and having that plinking happen to me on a bend would kill my desire to play the guitar (just as floating bridge issues have with my main electric guitar...) I still want to try a fanned fret strandberg though, and then everything else you've talked about are things which are just direct upgrades over their previous guitars, it seems
The only things putting me off from picking one of these up is that they’re matte finished and 25.5” scale. I would really love to see more headless manufacturers making 24.75” scale guitars, the only model I know of currently is the Kiesel Zeus.
What is it about a 25.5 that bothers you?
@@AfterSimone I have pretty small hands lol. Plus bends and stuff just feel better on a 24.75 in my opinion
I have a Zeus 24.75, and that axe just sings. Plus, there's always the option to have one made with a 25.5 scale if needed along with a slew of other options - including color, wood type, finish, and trem bridge to mention a few. IMO, the Kiesel Hipshot headpiece is more ergonomic and esthetic than the Strandberg which I could never get used to.
As if that's not enough, one can also custom order other body styles than the single-cut Zeus, like the double-cut Vader, Osiris, or Delos.
Been on the fence about these guitars, thank you for all the info and analysis. Great video
Awesome review! Thank you for taking the time.
Finally, I was tired of your ocd tearing up Strandbergs. So glad you are happy. I still love my Boden Prog 6NX.
😂
I’ve never found a 6 string strandberg in any local music store to try but have been interested. This model really checked a lot of boxes for me except a floating tremolo. If they put one of the essential models out with a Tremelo I will buy it.
Hey Andre! I have two strands, and I've had plinking sounds when I was bending. Sometimes, it can definitely be the zero fret, but both mine were new from the factory. What I had found was that the saddles themselves had little burrs in them that the string was getting caught on. Annoying, but I was able to fix it with a little elbow grease and an exacto (not the ideal tool for the job at all, but it worked.. eventually).
I had isolated the string at the nut and at the bridge, and bent it, listening for what end was making pinging sounds. Just a heads up for others who might have this issue.
Soon after seeing model @NAMM 2024 I wrote to Strandberg asking if they’d release a trem’d version of this guitar. The reply was basically a friendly “no plans at this time but keep your eyes open”. I can’t be the only one who’s asked this of them.
Got a used Boden Strandberg off Reverb and it was a GREAT guitar in every way except for the fanned frets which were a no-go so I sold it. If they made the above instrument with a trem I’d get it tomorrow.
i used to own a strandberg and was stoked when the essential came out as it addressed the zero fret / nut and fan fret issues I had with it. However, I would prefer a premium option like with a wood top like the plini with similar specs over a budget one. Although, I have kind of soured on headless guitars in general as the hardware is prone to break and it would be difficult to replace years later. It just also has a very prog aesthetic.
About the Strandberg multitool, I had recently asked Strandberg support about getting a new one and they did send it for free as they have been for others, but it was also an improved multitool. With the exception of the end that just fits into the tuners to turn them easier, every single end now made out of metal which alleviates the problem I encountered with my old one!
Strandberg should just sell these on their website.
I know that some other brands like Ibanez also make a hex multi tool, but the strandberg one seems so convenient.
Any further insight on the question asking about the palm muting tone sounding djenty on that bridge? I just want a deep resonate sound on high gain, which you only vaguely covered. Great video though you sold the guitar very well.
It would be interesting to see how this guitar compares to an Ibanez Q54, which I believe is similar in price and concept.
The Ibanez doesn’t have an especially ergonomic body. It’s just a mini sized guitar. I’m sure it’s a great instrument but it’s not the same type of thing.
Yet another wonderfully in depth review, Mr. Fludd! Although your content is different, you and Rick Beato are both channels I look forward to with each and every new video! Thank you ever so much! - Cheers! Brian Cooper, Shinkai Studio, Japan
I like your style man. Also that you show mistakes or that clip of learning the metal song. very human, but awesome.
Total beginner here(8 months) worthless playing so far, but my 1 year anniversary will be met with one of these bad boys.
Fanned frets made me sell my first Strandberg after two days. The essential is perfect with straight frets and It made me realize I actually love the enduraneck shape…. When it’s not paired with fanned frets…
Strandberg player for life now. 🤘🏻
Bought one of these a month ago. It was ‘B’ stock from a UK retailer.
It’s perfect, love it. Haven’t played another one of my other guitars since I got it.
it’s that good that I have decided to sell a couple of my existing guitars.
Hi Andre. Love your videos. I'm on the fence to buy this guitar thanks to you! Will ponder a while longer.
I also saw a similar guitar, namely the HILS Next Series Headless Guitar HN3. Perhaps this one would be interesting for you to review as well!
Amazing video! As a jazz guitarist, I'd love to see you review the Strandberg Sälen Jazz. Cheers from Latinoamérica!
Always a pleasure to watch your reviews! You are always right on point!! Thank you so much and keep up the excellent work! :) -Scott G.
Thank you! Great review! you helped me decide what my first electric guitar will be!
Your first electric! That’s super exciting. If you get a chance shoot me an email once you get it. I’d love to hear what you think.
Great review and spot on. Loving my Essentials. Perfect backup guitar for live playing due to small size and light weight. Easy to play. Pickups sound much better than expected.
I have one and love it. My first Strandberg guitar after many years of traditional guitars with heads.
I recently bought a boden original 7 and an essential and you’re pretty much spot on. The essential is a damn good guitar for the price
I'm absolutely planning to check one of these out. I haven't had great luck with fanned frets in the past, which means I haven't really gotten to try the endure neck either.
Really interesting video (as always) Andre. I had a 2018 Boden Metal 6 and couldn't get along with it due to the sharp string lock issue you mentioned in Improvement 2 - it literally cut my hand. Much prefer the straight frets and new heel sculpt too so might have to check it out. Glad to see Strandberg supporting your videos :)
I got boden resq:d this spring for 1300 because I didn't want to wait for this one to release. And I'm in love with the guitar. For 300 extra I think it's a good deal since I actually like fanned frets😅
great review. can you do the new "HILS - THE NEXT" active headless? it's half the price but looks quite high quality. I'm curious how close it gets to the strandberg boden essential
Hey Andre, I really appreciate the review - especially the Q&A at the end.
My pleasure!
This is a great review. I've been very interested in the Boden Essential since it dropped. You and I seem to have similar tastes in guitar necks, features, etc., so I feel that if you liked it, I should too. I do plan on getting one of these from Sweetwater. Seems like exactly what I've wanted all along.
I saw these on sweet water I was wondering how good they are. Thanks for your indepth video. This will be my next axe purchase as I've always wanted to get a Strandberg.
Hi Andre, I got the fusion nx 6 a year ago, and am loving it to pieces, but when you made your comment about the tuning issue with a tremolo bridge, I was all with you on that! Thanks for the great review, I guess I will have to consider adding the Essential to my arsenal for sure! Oh, and I like the red, guess we can't all agree on everything ;-)
Hi Andre, just wanted to take a second here to let you know how much I appreciate your content. Your channel played a big role in helping me choose my next guitar. I really appreciate your reviews and attention to detail in comparing all of the different Strandberg models. I honestly don’t know how I would have made my decision without your content to guide me. Thank you for what you do! ❤
I appreciate that!
The amount of effort you put on ur vids is insane, everyone should watch it, seriously
Thanks for noticing. This one did take awhile
I've been eying this model since it's announcement and have discovered your channel because I was looking for as many Strandberg reviews as I could find. The coincidence of you making this analysis of exactly this model in black is just fantastic. Almost everyone is buying the red model. Thank you for making this video, you've sold me (as soon as I have the cash haha).
Glad I can help! Thanks for watching!
@@andrefludd Question: I was worried about the texture/coloring on the black one as it doesn't seem as even as the others, as you can see on the picture at 10:40. However, in this video your black version seems entirely even, or is the texture just not showing on video? Thanks again!
The key to zero fret maintenance is to start early. Plinkers can be sanded & polished away. Strandberg's zero fret is slightly taller and it will function so long as it is as least as high as the other frets. For stainless steel, that will take a while.
On my Strandberg the 0 fret got pitted in 2 months - no time at all - also it made my thumb sore I would love one without angular neck… the pickups were great
Yep looks like a very good value in ergonomic designs if you don’t mind have a tremolo.
Now, I’m glad I ordered the exact same model (the same colour too) and I can’t wait to experience it.
A great review Andre💯.
The Strandberg Boden Essential is priced similarly to the PRS DGT SE. Very different instruments, of course, but with that sort of budget, which would you choose? I hope and suspect that Strandberg will add floating bridge models to the Essentials line-up, which would make the comparison more direct. Finally, just a thank you for the enormous amount of time, effort and cost you put into your videos. It really shows and is much appreciated!
Hey! I can’t really compare the guitars, it’s all of matter of what one is looking for. Quality is great on both. But if I could only have one instrument it would probably be a Strandberg.
Thanks for the prompt reply, Andre, that's a very helpful comment!
You definitely sold me on this, answered all the questions i had about this guitar. Great review!
Wow, thank you for being so comprehensive with your format. I always learn something from your channel and take away new things to consider when thinking about purchasing a new guitar. Appreciate you 👏
Hi Andre, great video, many questions answered. Few more questions please:
1. Watching reviews about this guitar, seems like the pickup output is too loud, would that bother you for practicing some funky-soul-jazzy stuff?
2. How do you feel about fret spacing? Are frets too close to each other or they feel comfortable to play?
3. As I travel for work (not music related) and I spend few months in different locations, would this be the best travel guitar option?
Thanks a lot
Andre...Would you consider doing a action setup on the Strandberg? I am very curious how this bridge is to setup. I can't find any info on this exact bridge and how you adjust the action. Best wishes, Scott G.
My issue with the essential is the lack of fanned frets. I have a Boden NX8 which was nearly perfect for me. I havnt noticed any issues with the zero fret yet, and i hope i dont. Strandberg is really great, but i really dont like the jack placement. I get why its there, but playing while sitting it gets in the way. For the money im spending id like to have two output jacks like what kiesel offered
Try the Ibanez ICHI10! Would love to see you compare the Strandberg with this one (even though the Ibanez has single coils)...
I've been considering pulling the trigger on a Strandberg for a while now but have been waiting for this review before doing so
Andre, your reviews rule. I actually pounced on the essential when I found out about them bc the price point and your review of your other Strandberg. Glad to see you like it too!
Does Strandberg make or will they make a Boden Essential with all these fixes that offers a tremolo?
This might be the most game changer guitar ever, can't wait to get mine once it's on stock
the only thing stopping me from buying this is the bridge
@@WarrenM9 i think it just kinda ruins the look it looks kinda weird alongside the body and I need a trem real bad
Do you prefer the all black bridges? Or the chrome ones?
Personally, I prefer the looks of this model, although it could do with a pickguard.
With the extra money I'll save, I'll buy a pitch shift/vibrato pedal lol.
I find the tuners sticking off the back ugly. I’d prefer a more premium version of the KD licensed bridge.
@@arunkarthikma3121 good luck becoming the first human to be able to articulate a whammy pedal and make it sound like a tremolo
I wish I could get one in Brazil. They don't have an official reseller here I'm afraid.
Im looking into strandberg cause i need a more ergonomic 7 string than what i currently own, but at this point youre gonna make me buy the essential lol. Great video as always.
Philip McKnight said that their 7-string model was the most comfortable 7-string neck he's ever tried. But I doubt he plays in a classical position.
Thanks for the review, I was on the fence about this model or the Ibanez and do not have a way to play either one before purchasing them.
Watching this video as my very own got delivered today feels amazing! Always loved the looks and quality of Strandberg guitars, but the prohibitive cost in my country (Brazil) wouldn't allow me to buy it. Can't wait to spend countless hours playing it
Thanks for the video Sir, I’m definitely getting one!
I encountered a saddle issue with my Boden Essential and would be curious about your experience. To replicate it, try tremolo picking while gradually bending the strings up to 1.5 steps. Did the strings choke out at any point? If so, it might be because the "V" shape end of the saddle is touching the string while bending. For my Essential, this happened with the high E and D strings. My luthier fixed it by shaving some metal from the V shape of the saddle, I could then bend the string without choking out.
hello, Nice video. I'm thinking about getting the new, lower price Strandberg for my Jazz studies. I would like to get out of the traditional style guitars (which I have several) and try something different. But, I was wondering what amp you're using and the tone settings. The tone you get on this video around 7:55 is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks
I also saw this released and finally had interest. I prefer straight frets, and i like how they ditched that zero fret on this one. Great review!! get vid, liked and subbed!
Thank you!
Thanks for answering our questions! love your videos.
I considered this guitar but ended up taking a risk on an aliexpress Acepro guitar, in a Strandberg body shape. (I generally prefer the shape to the Essential, just aesthetically). It cost £230 UK including delivery and arrived in 3 weeks! I put Seymour Duncan Seth Lover pickups in for jazz tone and it still cost less than £500. Not for everyone, but if you’re prepared for some setup it is such a bargain, with all the major ergonomic advantages of the Essential.
Differences are: Position of the volume button (which causes me no problems, personally).
3-way switch.
Cheaper hardware.
Setup (the nut slots needed lowering just slightly. The stainless frets needed final polishing).
Normal, non endurneck neck profile (with what I find to be a very comfortable profile).
The string locks are different to Strandberg’s but they do not stick out, and do not use the ball-bearing system seen on some other cheap Strandberg knock offs. Strings are easy to change, and the lock/s itself would also be easy to replace.
Very slight flaws in finish (tiny areas of filler, and a few well hidden flaws in shaping around the cable socket.
The bridge/tuners work well and hold tune. There are also more expensive/quality controlled ones available -though I don’t see the need, and the guitar would still be 1/2 to 3/4 the price of the Strandberg depending whether you change the pickups (the pickups it came with were functional but not great).
Great video. I appreciate your content; your honestly and straight forward approach is a breath of fresh air.
I"VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW!!!!! Great work sir
I wanted a Strandberg to save space and weight and this new series might be the one. They are so expensive but this one might do the trick if I decide to sell the one im using now for one of those...
That was so articulate and useful, thank you. You've got a new sub!
These guitars will be a very good deal used. At 1100-1200 EUR here in the EU it's still kinda expensive for what it is, but I really like that they put more effort in the comfort side of things, and removed everything that isn't necessary. Cool demo/review!
Thank you for making this video Andre, great work!
Great video as always. Have you had the chance to try a Mayones Hydra? I own 3 and they're just amazing. Recently sold a Strandberg Plini Sälen in order to finance the last Mayones. Although the endurneck felt great, the construction itself seemed of much lower quality compared to the Mayones. Plus their bridge just didn't sit well with me.
Cheers and keep up the videos!
You're right. Tried it, love it, search finally over for me. Just need a 7 string version now.
Great stuff as always Andre. Please tell me what studio chair you have. Thanks!
Yooo, this one looks great, the old school features makes it more accessible to everyone, I am so used to jackson, ibanez, dean, even fender, this one would not feel so alien
Thanks for your great videos 😊
As a owner of 2 Strandbergs with fanned frets, I’m curious to try one of these 😉👍🏻
I'm very happy with my boden essential - curious if you will end up swapping the pickups over time on this one vs the other strandbergs you've had. It's not my favorite guitar but it's my most played guitar already, and I think if I could get some PRS 85/15's in there it might end up being my favorite.
Interesting that you prefer the strandberg over the kiesel Vader. I have both a Boden 6 standard and my Vader and I do prefer the Vader over the Strandberg. Maybe it’s because of recency bias towards the Vader as that is the newer of the two but it just seems to feel way better. Perhaps I just enjoy the neck profile of the Vader more over the endure neck but at the end of the day I’d recommend either guitar to anyone who is interested in an awesome playing modern day ergonomic guitar
12:30 unless if you found yourself a deal for one on the second hand market - then it's definitely worth it. For less than $1300 I got me a Boden Original 7 and I couldn't be any happier with it.
I think this release was a great idea. I certainly like the idea of the more expensive ones more than this model (having not played this model) but think if I was in a different position (not already having a Strandberg) I wouldn't think twice.
Since you mentioned the zero fret first, I feel like I have to say the absence is almost a deal breaker. I haven't actually heard any complaints about this from anyone else and think it is a fantastic addition to the guitar. I haven't noticed any wear on my Strandberg 8 string.
I don't believe this model has a treble bleed included, which is a feature I love on mine. Make it much more useable with the tone knob and better for backing off especially when playing fusion stuff, fantastic for live use. The bridge is cheaper but can't be much more than .5% worse and the absence of the carbon fiber neck reinforcement is something I would want as I move a TON... But these don't matter to me on a 6 like they do on my 8 string.
The absence of a trem is what has so far really stopped me from buying this. I have been considering another Strandberg for a bit, and I think when I need one I will still get the cheaper Salen with the trem due to *everything* being an upgrade (except for the scale, but the 25.5 on the low and the shortest scale length being 25 is still better with the EndurNeck than a longer scale without IMO), unless they release an essential with a trem before then.
I agree the fan isn't necessary for playing 6s. I was fine with the fan on 6 string Strandbergs I have played, but as a dude with big fingers and a decent stretching ability I prefer longer scale length in every situation, which is in fact why I love multiscales-they usually allow for longer scale lengths and good balanced feel. So I prefer the 25.5 straight to 25-25.5.
I actually prefer the Strandberg OEM pickups to the Suhrs and Fishmans that are alternatives, and solid finishes to fancy tops.
I really like the 6 string even if it isn't as good as the higher-priced ones, but they have most Strandberg staples and are easily worth it. I can only hope for an 8 string essential with fanned frets. On an 8 I would be fine with every other downgrade since I already have one but on non-6-strings the multiscale is a need IMO.
Great review. I know you've mentioned the Sälen NX Tremolo before, would you have visually preferred the Sälen shape?
Nice! Love that Matt black colour too.
I bought one of these and realized the high-e string was maybe 1mm away from the edge of the frets, making it unplayable for me. The store didn't have another for me to try so I had to return it. I haven't been hearing this issue from others so I guess I just got a bad one. If I ever find another in-person I'll have to give it a try, but too much of a gamble for me buying one online.
Finally... The Boden essential review 😭
Also I think the fretwire is the same as many cheap guitars like Harley benton (I think this fretwire comes from the 'blacksmith' line iirc)
How does “blacksmith line” stainless steel compare to normal nickel, and higher end stainless steel frets?
I had wanted a Strandberg for years. Finally got one , but I just couldn't get on w/ the Endurneck.
I am close to picking up this one. But I just saw Strandberg Boden JC Djesse. It looks like a crazy toy and I might be crazy for liking it, but the looks of this is my type and I am almost willing to pay the price for it just for the looks. Am I crazy? For me it would cost 3900 USD. I know you said in previous videos that a Strandberg at 2500 USD is not recommended, but a Strandberg at 1500 USD is recommended. Would you buy a Strandberg at a higher price if it looks just the way you want? Please knock some sense into me 😅