LET'S TALK ABOUT THE STRANDBERG BODEN ESSENTIAL...

[@agufish]

Wow such mysterious censoring in the thumbnail. Bet none of you guessed what guitar it was 😬 ➤ More information on the Strandberg Boden Essential » Sweetwater (US) sweetwater.sjv.io/LXNLNM »Thomann (EU) thmn.to/thoprod/585559?offid=1&affid=203

[@rocknrollguitar]

Great,know I want this one aswell 😅🎉

[@amordeus2681]

is this an Indonesian made instrument?

[@ExtremelyOnlineGuy]

I was about to say man… Had me worried for a second

[@seanseams6308]

Q

[@ZOOC-iz1fq]

How tf do I order this from Asia?

[@Del_987]

You should try one with the fanned frets, I think the neck lends itself better to them and the adjustment period is actually a bit less

[@sprucesoultree3833]

Yeah, the neck is made for the fanned frets and it's weird how they included it on the non-fanned fret version

[@thisguy2973]

I think since the 6 strings don’t really have a need for a multiscale configuration, it made more sense to ditch it.

[@patledoc]

@@thisguy2973 I agree with you.

[@cory-o-cookies95]

Love my Boden Original 7.

[@arunkarthikma3121]

@@sprucesoultree3833 No, not really. The EndurNeck simply exists to guide your thumb placement. Also, fanned frets simply aren't for everyone. Ergonomics depends on your playing style, finger length, etc.

[@johnw5734]

In my 70s now (yeah, it happens) and looking for light weight easy to play guitars. Searching for something like a Parker Fly only to find they're not made anymore. Then I came across Strandberg and that was it. I love 'em. Be careful, the more you play that thing the more it grows on you.

[@blerbele632]

Honestly as someone who owns a 95 Fly Deluxe, I'm in the same boat as you. I got lucky and was able to mess around with a Strandberg Boden 8 at Guitar Center about a year or so ago. I don't play as much as I used to so I haven't brought myself to drop a ton of money into another guitar yet, but Strandberg is about as close as you'll get to a parker from my limited experience.

[@Superman-pn1rx]

The same here 👍🏻

[@SwirlOfColors]

Look at the Ibanez Q series (or ICHI10).

[@CamHyde]

I’m 78 😁 and still play my ‘Stranny’ almost daily. Bought the lightest one on the Sweetwater site and it did wonders for my back and wrist. Ergonomics are wonderful for us older players.

[@arunkarthikma3121]

@@CamHyde Heck, I'm a 20-something with wrist issues from the gym. I'm looking into these right now myself!

[@Rightchickenwing]

1:17 Great editing out your head mate! 😃

[@sand8908]

thx for commenting this i somehow missed it while watching lol

[@agufish]

That was all John’s editing! He didn’t say anything, just sent me the video and got me good 😂

[@REDW1NG94]

I saw that and had to do a double take😂😂

[@brucelong5125]

Thanks!

[@lowhangingvegetable]

Got a strandberg a little over 2 years ago and have barely touched any of my other guitars since. It's just so comfortable

[@bbbbbbread]

@biohazard8295I just got a strandberg classic 8 string ghost white for 900$ of Facebook marketplace it’s so comfortable

[@TommyGunzzz]

I have one too and it's great and they are very expensive for import guitars. Like nuts. I currently can't stop playing my Chapman ml3 though over the Strandberg though

[@ericfritts5994]

This is the antithesis of Agufish's favorite guitars

[@jonnybroomhead]

Probably the sickest demo track yet!

[@thoughtsbeforesleep]

My biggest complaint with the Strandbergs has been the zero fret, which even with stainless steel is prone to grooves getting worn in it. I was pleased to see this model without the zero fret.

[@DanielBobke]

Interesting - never had a problem with any of my Strandbergs and the zero fret. I have had my original Strandberg for years and there are no grooves in it. That is hard to do with stainless steel.

[@thoughtsbeforesleep]

@@DanielBobke Yeah it's weird because I've heard others say that, but mine had issues within a couple months of purchasing it brand new.

[@miksilplik]

@@DanielBobke I had 4 high end Strandbergs, and every one developed grooves within a few weeks. I do a lot of bends but I play with a really light touch... so it doesn't make sense.

[@DanielBobke]

@@miksilplik Interesting - I have a very different experience

[@F1r3Foxxxy]

I have the same issue - did you ever find a solution e.g. replacing the fret with a conventional nut? I believe the 0 fret may or may not be used for grounding on passive pickups so not sure how straightforward it would be

[@hackmeister]

I have two Strandbergs. The necks are incredible. Very innovative design. Strandberg are my favorite 7 string guitars.

[@PapaShasta_]

I had a .Strandberg Boden NX 6 in forest green, and it was a PHENOMENAL guitar… almost TOO phenomenal. I’m newish to guitar, been playing for 2 years now, and it just felt like I wasn’t worthy of owning the thing. At 1,600$ it was my most expensive item in my apartment, and I’m so fresh and my chops are so dull that everytime I played it (which felt amazing. The neck alone is worth the price tag) I just felt as if I didn’t deserve it. This 999$ version looks awesome. Glad to see them innovating for the Average Joe like myself.

[@wctownsend]

Damn man, great job! I want a Strandberg and you cemented it. Love it! And GREAT track!!!

[@oldstone1035]

did you get one? b-stock is the way to go

[@user-po8yw9dh4j]

I felt the same as you. I was intrigued to try one but not for 2 grand. I visited Sweetwater and my wife grabbed the Bolten Original to try out and I loved it!! I ended up getting it a few months later. I now want to get a 7 string and 8 string version in the future

[@jesperbc]

Definitely want to try the Essential model. This is the entry level model I've been waiting for.

[@LONGname46]

Yo the editing in this is kinda sick bro! Keep it up! ❤️

[@mcchurch118]

I have a Legator headless guitar and I love it. The only issues I have is if you want to use heavier strings you have to do some modifications

[@BrokenStrings231]

Such a great review, nicely done!

[@DeadBeatGamer-]

Awesome vid as per, very interesting guitar but banging track as always bro!!

[@hampuspersson6509]

It’s great to see Strandberg getting a foothold in the metal scene. Great guitars and really fun to see some forward thinking in a pretty stale business.

[@averyhagaman9310]

They feel super common in the modern progressive metal world, but I don’t really understand what metal is anymore. Great guitars, I love my Original 8.

[@JackTaylorGuitars]

I'm incredibly happy to see you try one of these dude given your affinity for the classics! I'm like 4 Strandy's in now and it takes a lot for another guitar to pull me away so it's super cool to see you enjoy yourself with it. The demo track was absolute filth too bro, so good! Cheers man 🤘

[@pramusetyakanca1552]

Bro that opening to the demo track is so Polaris, I love it

[@carpingdownsouth7082]

Never fancied one, but hearing your tune, and watching you play, I would def keep it in mind for my next purchase…

[@piotrlesiakowski7794]

Whoa! That's a really weird single cut :o

[@arunkarthikma3121]

It's a triple cut, that lower bout is for your LEG. So that you can play in a classical position.

[@Drunkcat008]

Man I gotta be real with you This is probably the best demo I've seen from you This should definitely be a song For someone who's says he doesn't play a lot of modern stuff this was soo sickkk

[@michaelmcnamara7292]

Strandberg is great, I loved it when I tried it, and might have to get this more affordable version…… and I hope you play it more and more and give up the boat anchors!!!! 😂

[@A.Moortal]

I got my first headless almost a year ago. A cheap one from Eart. It's my favorite guitar. I can't go back lol.

[@Baldwinr1992]

I have the seven string version of the boden standard shown at 12:35 and it is hands down my go to guitar ever since I got it. Personally I feel more conformable on the endure neck than a regular neck since it almost forces your thumb to go into the correct position for playing at that certain point on the neck

[@benjihutch24]

Awesome review, i really liked the little track you wrote with it! I haven't played guitar for a number of years, i love my current guitar for sentimenal reasons but i feel like i want something new to re-inspire me and bribe myself a little into practicing again. I fancy one of these Strandbergs, it would be a big change as its unlike anything i've ever played or owned.

[@zaxzumu4605]

I have an 8 string diy kit copy of this that I have yet to have the time to assembke, but it is definitely a super comfortable feeling neck

[@prblackhawk]

Had bought a knock off several years ago to try the headless shape. Since then I've always owned at least two strandbergs as once. They're just that good. Would otherwise never own more than one of any type of guitar. Glad to see them make their own entry level version!

[@Planet9_music]

I was curious so i bougth a GOC and love it. Eco friendly, forward thinking guitar company always pushing the limits of what they can offer for an affordable price

[@stringedaz]

Killer review. I'm usually an "old man" guitar guy, too, but I've been venturing into modern guitars. I'd love to try out one of these. That neck carve is ultra cool and weird. Rock on

[@N3ss3s]

Nice video about the boden essential! I'm off to test a used boden metal 8 Sarah Longfield this Friday, let's see if it is for me.

[@pamelaarmstrong3612]

I’ve got a Strandy. Love it. So comfortable to play and take anywhere. Do miss the headstocks on my other guitars though. But not much.

[@AgainstTheeWickedlyMusic]

That was an excellent demo and review of this guitar, and I think you've made me want one even more. In a guitar world where the average 1000 series LTD is $1400, I'm honestly impressed that Strandberg decided to basically give their whole experience (minus the fan frets, which doesn't really matter on a 6 string) for $999. I've been excited about these since they were announced, and after basically only seeing positive reviews about them, I think it might be time to start saving

[@RockyNeurock]

I bought a Strandberg a couple of years ago in hopes it would eliminate some pain that would prevent me from playing guitar for long stretches. It did, so I'm quite happy about that. I do feel like they cost too much but, for me, the pain relief has been worth it.

[@IDGAF_PLUS]

What pain(s) are you referring to? Please elaborate as I too have the ouchies.

[@RockyNeurock]

@@IDGAF_PLUS I get pain in my left wrist (I’m right-handed) after playing for a while. Sometimes after 10 minutes, sometimes after an hour. It gets so bad I have to stop. I don’t get the pain anymore so I assume it had to do with the position of my hand on a traditional guitar neck.

[@IDGAF_PLUS]

@@RockyNeurock thanks! Me too. BAD wrist injury with resulting arthritis. I really pay for it if I play too long. Also, can't bend the wrist but a few degrees necessitating having to play in classical position. I'm seriously wondering if a Strabdberg would be good for me.

[@RockyNeurock]

@@IDGAF_PLUS I hope you find some relief, however you can

[@jfo3000]

​@IDGAF_PLUS Have you tried one yet? Is there less wrist pain with the Enduro neck?

[@dio1304]

Anybody knows what song is on 13:37? Heard it a long time ago, but can't find

[@creationinspired200]

Fender can open with this ad any day love seeing all the guys in stage playing the same song! 😊

[@DanielBobke]

Strandbergs are great guitars...I have three. The only problem I have with the Essentials is they lack the multiscale fretboard. They did this to save cost on the Essentials model, but the multiscale in combo with the EndurNeck is the way to go in my opinion. BTW - high and nerdy is the way to wear this guitar!

[@TudorAdrian]

Would love to see a 7-string Essential offering too

[@Steven-u5w]

Truthfully honestly I would love to try one and I can see the advantage relying on public transport. This guitar would make it much easier to carry on board buses and trains and also maybe aircraft in the cabin hand luggage. You could pop it in the locker above you on an aircraft maybe? Also, if you only have a small studio it makes it easier to move around regarding the shape of the neck, wow, I'd like to cry one and see how how I get on, but it could be some advantages with that shape of neck. Of course, one advantage would be at the top end I think I'll stay open-minded but I definitely interested in trying one. Thanks for the time you put into the video. Thanks again. God bless

[@danoftheredhand9973]

Yeah, been playing for...lets say a while. Used to love Explorers, Dimebag MLs (both Dean and Washburn), and Ibanez RGs. This said, since getting my first Strandberg over a year ago (it was a Boden Prog NX 7) I have not really looked back. Gives me all the tones I want and I have found myself able to play for longer periods of time without any noticeable pains in my shoulders nor back. I also thought the Endurneck would be odd, but honestly it really isn't an issue at all. The only tie I really notice it is when playing some odd inversions of extended chords. None the less, not have an 8 string as well, and planning on getting another 7 string and a 6 string version in the future.

[@petermoss208]

bought a yellow boden 6 neck thru. great guitar and it’s made in Indonesia. Can’t imagine how nice the Japanese or Swedish made ones are. And I collect a lot of vintage style guitars. But Strandberg is like the culmination of years of builders like Steinberger, Ibanez and Jackson who spent lots of years refining “modern” rock/metal guitars. Strandberg blows them all away. Even if you want a tele or strat setup, their versions of those look great too. Try a neck-thru next time. Also cool to see you working through a riff @Agufish, never seen you writing music before unedited.

[@Levitationaldelusion]

Hunter you fucking murdered this demo man, impressive playing sir!

[@paulanderson771]

Back when I had TikTok I used to follow a couple of guitarists that had them and they were always writing imaginative and sick riffs - seems to be a guitar that inspires playing outside the box.

[@grimmdaigon2345]

I got an NX8 from Sweetwater a while back. As soon as i picked it up and held it i was oh yeah, thats perfect. Such a comfy guitar, and its an 8 string! I love it so much id like to get a 6 string version too.

[@alexandreberanger2067]

Hello, First I want to say that I love your videos, and your shorts, really. There's one thing I'd like to know. I have pain in my left hand that comes back from time to time, and I was wondering if the Strandberg endurneck would relieve the tension in my left hand (which would make my life better). Finally, if you could match the basic pickups to those of another production guitar, which would it be? Just to give me an idea. Thanks for reading!

[@LouAllenWheeler]

I just got a Boden NX Prog 6 a week or two ago, and man... It's a fun guitar to play. Glad to see that the Essentials are equally fun. The super light weight and comfort of the body design are on another level, even when compared to my NK 7 string 2021 model and Volgoa GTWT-01 amazon special, two pretty damn comfy headless guitars. That demo track was fantastic, btw!

[@MickDavies]

These are priced well hey Hunter! My main local music shop Manny's in Brisbane just started stocking these and I think a natural finish Boden might be my next guitar. I've got 2 Ormsby Goliath's which are their headless and the lightness is so good. Just need to try out the neck for a bit and see if I can adapt to it. Nice tracks dude 🤘

[@alrangelal]

I got one of the older Standard Boden 6 on Reverb and the only issue I've found so far is that round necks now feel weird. Other than that, easily my best guitar and it's not even my most expensive one (a Gibson Les Paul Classic takes that one). It's light, comfortable to play sitting down since you can keep a correct position and the coil-split sounds are far more usable than any Gibson or PRS. My Strandberg is the first guitar to make me doubt owning anything else. Up to this point, each guitar seemed to have a purpose and none was as "swiss army knife" as I expected them to be. I will gig it almost exclusively, along with my Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional for less heavier stuff.

[@newmexicosaint]

Excellent video brother. Loving your playing. Excellent entry into a Strandberg but why in heck did they put stainless frets and a PLASTIC nut?!?! 🤦 Ibanez Q and QX series did the same thing. Saving 3 bucks to skimp there??? Cmon man. 😂

[@Planet9_music]

Does multi scale really cost more to manufacture when everything is machined by CNC?

[@Guitar_Builder]

Its nice they are priced closer to the relative speced instruments from (the same factory) But comparatively strandbergs are still the most expensive of the bunch bar none while cutting corners on a lot of features (multi piece necks, carbon reinforcement) etc.

[@keithbrown6030]

Had the essential model for about a year, love it and never pick my other guitars up now. Been putting it off but I think it time to thin out my other guitars and try not to spend the money on another Strandberg.

[@parkerwojtanek3262]

I got a Boden standard 7 last year. It was my introduction to headless guitars and now I can’t go back. I got a Kiesel Vader shortly after. Both are extremely ergonomic guitars and very well made. Couldn’t be happier with either of them, although I like the Kiesel more.

[@marcoferrandi6191]

I recently bought a used Strandberg and, exactly like you, I adjusted to it very quickly. I think that every guitarist should try one for a couple months (if possible, ofc) and then decide if it's their cup of tea. Mine, it is 😉

[@DrewKane]

I played an old Harmony short scale recently (can't remember the model) that had a crazy weird neck very similar to this. It was almost a V cut neck profile, but was tapered to one side and centered out when getting closer to the body joint. It was chunky and weird, but oddly comfortable.

[@Unzarida0]

Banger of a riff! 🔥

[@IanReimann]

The riffs are immaculate.

[@tractorgt]

The fanned fret version is an amazing instrument.

[@snop6176]

Loooove my Strandberg. My Boden nx 7 is my favorite guitar ever

[@TVsBen]

Great demo, and you actually put some of my fears about the neck shape at ease. I have been back and forth on this, with a Boden Essential in and out of my cart repeatedly. I just still can't quite bring myself to spend a grand on something when I'm not sure. I need to get my hands on one first.

[@orthorat]

can someone please tell me why there is a "." before strandberg and a "*" after it. why is it .strandberg*

[@shirotenkai8180]

5 watt world mentioned this on their video, but the "." represents a seed, the begining of the idea for the design, and the "*" a fully blossomed flower as the result of this idea.

[@TheAverageGam3r]

My bandmate has a Boden and I love it. When I first played it everything felt at home like I had been playing that guitar for years. Crazy. Can’t wait to have my own Also dude that was probably my favorite demo you’ve ever written

[@jacy123]

Tried the TT 7 and 8 boden and due to the weak richlite fretboard and and possibly some other design flaw the necks would NOT stay strait. Constant truss rod adjustments. ultimately the neck bowed beyond what maximum truss rod tightening could fix and they both had to go back. Both were kept in a climate/humidity controlled studio. Richlite is now being phased out due to many cases similar to mine. $8k worth of useless guitars. :(

[@FlyGuy457]

I'm up for one now. Thanks and nice work Strandberg.

[@89digits59]

Any neck dive issues ? I have always felt these will be neck heavy.

[@jfo3000]

No headless guitar I've played is neck heavy, including three Stranbergs. Removal of that headstock way out on that lever arm totally negates that.

[@manufacturingdiscontent8829]

Not a diss, but it's funny watching Hunter play the Strandberg so low/on his right leg when the guitar is shaped for a more "classical" position, higher up or on the left leg. Great demo track and content as always!

[@comment.highlighted]

I still can’t believe they can’t figure out the 3 problems with Strandbergs. 1. The sharp string ends sticking out 2. The sharp top part of the string locking pieces 3. The sharp back corners of the head piece

[@dancarlson4944]

String ends shouldn't be sticking out if cut them correctly, you have to pulled the string end towards the fret board when cutting.

[@TerryOCarroll]

I've always wanted to try a Strandberg, I want to know if the neck shape is as comfortable as they say it is. I do own a factory second Ormsby Goliath, which is similar in shape but does not have the patented Strandberg neck, and I like it

[@am1992sxe]

Next you should try and Etherial Guitar, quite literally the opposite in regards to the neck of Stranbergs. Very weird and fun to play though.

[@keefjunior4061]

Those necks are crazy! Feels like an iPhone or something.

[@am1992sxe]

@@keefjunior4061 yeah it wild, took me a month or so to get used to but there’s nothing else like it. One of my favorite necks for MultiScale extended range guitars.

[@jeremykopatz4760]

I really enjoyed your song writing journey here! End product was exactly what you aimed for and taught me a few things to consider when writing. Oh the guitar was pretty awesome as well lol Post edit: That ending section was really sick.

[@Rikamortis6stringer]

My thoughts on the strandberg are totally the same as yours. That first riff you did was probably one of the sickest riffs I think I've ever heard in my 30 years of playing. Or maybe it's the way you accenuate the notes. Good job my friend Great channel great guitars. Although I'm a pointy guitar guy so I'm on the other end of the spectrum is you but I like playing and listening to the same kind of music you do. So that's a little weird but hey sometimes opposites attract lol

[@mikedamisch]

Absolutely love Strandberg guitars. I've had two. If for nothing else, the guitar world needs a company that isn't stuck in the '50s (I love those guitars as well, but there need to be forward-thinking options to keep guitar relevant and interesting).

[@jordanrcxd]

This is my dream guitar

[@bear1084]

Had a chance to play some Strandbergs last time I was at Sweetwater. They're definitely a trip the first time you pick one up, but I'll be damned if they're not super comfortable to hold and play. I'm a sucker for lightweight guitars, and the neck carve was prolly the most surprising part, but in a good way. After a couple minutes, I was able to turn off the voice of logic in my head that kept saying "this is weird, this should be weird, why doesn't this feel weird?" and settled in, I had a great time with it! Glad they're at least dipping toes into more affordable models! 🤘🤘

[@jamesmurry5910]

Fanned frets make the whole package

[@smittyjones8755]

Dude, that is a KILLER demo track.

[@KoraOSRS]

What riff was that towards the end? I know it but can’t put my finger on it

[@benstanfill363]

The arpeggiated one sounds like walk with me in hell from lamb of god. I recognize the first one but can’t figure out off the top of my head. Edit: maybe alter bridge?

[@gtrguy17]

hey strandberg love the essential but adding a trem model would be perfect!

[@joshtorresfdu6621]

Probably the best demo track you’ve made

[@KevinNolin]

I have the fanned fret NX version in this colour. Can't speak for these lower end models but the NX is my best playing guitar.

[@bartvansliedregt5482]

Oehhh I have been waiting for this video!

[@ChadwickRider]

My headless is one of my best playing guitars, perfect studio guitar because it's small... easy to sit down and track right at my workstation. Mine has stainless steel frets with rounded tips, a zero fret, Indian Rosewood fretboard, Seymour Duncan Black Winter pickups, and it plays like butter. Standbergs are a bit pricey though.

[@MrJingles021]

You should have got the single cut strandberg!

[@Lomoholga2]

I wonder how this guitar feels for lead playing versus a regular neck- I imagine the thumb positioning makes it more comfortable in the upper frets than a generic neck?

[@anticapitalistopossum]

I bought a Boden Original NX6 a little over a year ago and it’s become my all time favorite guitar! It’s so light, so comfy, and it somehow makes hard riffs easier for me to play..? I highly recommend trying one out if you haven’t yet!

[@botenderson]

The black Les Paul looking guitar to your right. What brand and cost is it?

[@arrakeen20]

I’ve been gone for 4.5 months, did Hunter drop his updated HB signatures?

[@miguelalves8388]

Actually surprised you didn't comment on the 20'' fret radius. How do you think it compares with something like the PRS Mark Holcomb?

[@rudycastillo6369]

do any of u guys have the link for the ir pack he was using

[@LukeDKramer]

We do, but it's not available yet because Kickass Audio hasn't officially launched

[@rudycastillo6369]

@@LukeDKramer u should pop a mixed ir so people can check it out under his youtube video

[@LukeDKramer]

@@rudycastillo6369 I haven’t done a mix for Hunter in a long time, but maybe that’ll change here soon to correspond with a certain release? 🤔

[@rudycastillo6369]

@@LukeDKramer would u send me a ir to checkout

[@georgejohnson7591]

I think these are awesome, and I don't play guitar! (Ukulele player here!) But if I did play guitar, I would have one of these in a heartbeat!

[@Arevernus]

I love my Boden Original 7.Pricey but worth every penny.

[@nokuse]

That demo song was 🔥!!!

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

My son has a few with the most recent being the Metal version. At first it was alien AF but you can’t deny the proficiency of the instrument after picking up. Now days I’d play one in a heartbeat. Coming from a Boomer that says a lot.

[@tjmanning]

I tried a strandberg bodin 6 with the true temper frets. Im not sure if its something I would get use to, but the square edges of the neck hurt my hands when I would bend a string 😂 Really interesting design and idea tho.

[@CSFiction-]

I went to a workshop with Sarah Longfield and Ola Strandberg, and Ola said something that really stuck with me and made me believe that his guitars were "it" when it comes to modern ergonomic design. He said "We make headless guitars, other companies make guitars without headstocks" which only rang true as I got the chance to try other headless guitars. They certainly aren't absolute perfection, but no other company is as unapologetically hyperfocused on this design philosophy as they are.

[@steveweilhart2359]

If a headless is good for Allen Holdsworth it should be ok for just about anyone - try it you just might like it - nice video

[@WDkuru]

Sick, what do you use for dem drums?

[@DenisLeskovar]

Hands down, the nicest, best playing guitar for me is strandberg. I have Harley Bentons which are nice to play, but strandberg is next level and despite being 1700€ more expensive, worth every penny. Neck heel is not the best and could be better, neck isn't for everyone, multiscale is also something specific. I don't have money for neck-thru model, but eventually will drop some more money for another one, 6 string version with tremolo.