Strandberg Guitar Initial Impressions 

1) Don't forget this video is just initial impressions. I have other videos in the series including a 1 hour conclusion :). 2) Frame rate/sync issues will be fixed moving forward.

Just got a strandberg for Christmas, I have chronic back issues and it’s been such a joy to play due to its ergonomics and light weight. Now my main guitar.

Not sure if anyone else mentioned this, but that tremolo bridge has two different stiffness settings (not related to string gauge and spring tension). Strandberg trems are unique in that the knife edges are on bridge posts, and the fulcrum points are inside of the bridge plate. When you place the bridge onto the the posts, there are two separate fulcrum points that you can choose from. One is deeper, and one is more shallow. Depending on which you choose, the bridge will rest higher, or lower on the posts. You will experience a different amount of tremolo resistance depending on which of those two fulcrum positions you are using. Ola did a video on this many years ago, I would definitely check it out. He explains it pretty well. Moral of the story: if the bridge feels too stiff for your liking, then you are likely using the “wrong” fulcrum point in your setup. Nice video btw.

As a guitarist who is also trying getting sponsorships with guitar brands, I love the attention to detail in your content. You’re incredibly gifted at your craft and I cannot wait to see you keep killing it!

Hey. I really appreciate the in depth dive into these guitars, I wish all guitar reviews were like this! You've earned my subscription, nice work!

Wow, great video Dr Fludd! Anyone considering a Strandberg should consult this video beforehand, as you dive into topics I have not seen covered by others on RU-vid. I just picked up my second Strandberg, a NX 7, and it is the most comfortable 7 string I have ever played, by far. The unique neck shape opens up a new world for me, as before I was having issues playing wider necks with my medium-sized hands. I am looking forward to your follow-up video!

I’m in the market for a Strandberg and really appreciate the detail of this extended review. You’re going over all the small details nobody else talks about. Amazing review.

Dude its so cool to see that you have narrowed your scope and found your thing. Really excited to see what comes this year.

Always been interested in this brand despite having never played one, cool idea for a video series

I just have to add that the way you use your tremolo - your control of the dynamic range that you engage with it makes it sound like a pedal. I realize you aren’t playing the way you would in a performance, but omg. Your jazz progressions are brilliant and satisfying to hear. I’ve been playing my whole life, but I have split my time with drums and other production tools and am known more for visual art - def subscribing.

the details matter, thanks for diving into all the aspects of this guitar (the locking tuner "head", the neck, zero-fret, sloping frets, trem, etc.)! looks and sounds like an amazing guitar.

Really interesting breakdown Andre. I like Plini's music a lot and know he plays his Strandberg. I think he said he has never owned an amp! Looking forward to more fun music in 2023.

The series looks to be everything I hoped for. Documenting your opinion of the instrument as it evolves with playing time is entertaining and informative in a way no "summary" review could be. This is something every gear junkie would want to watch. I also have recently purchased a Strandberg (NX 6 Metal) and agree that it seems to vibrato very well. In addition to the factors you mentioned, I'd add that the upright playing position when seated seems to assist it as well. Having the pivot point at the end of the guitar seems to make for a more controlled "shake" during vibrato as opposed to the more seesawing motion of a traditional guitar.

i bought my first strandberg last year. at first it felt like i was holding a toy it was so light but that endurneck feels incredible. love 'em

Love the sound of the middle pickup on a HSH guitar very nice to have a comprehensive overview for advanced playing on guitar models; there isn't really anyone covering this style of reviews on youtube. most other channels are retailers and/or play a less demanding style don't perceive things the way technical players do.

Love the dedication you put into this video series. Been watching a couple of your videos over the last weeks and finally subscribed.

This format is brilliant, perfect fit for your style!! Interesting video, even not being interested in a headless still really enjoyed it and learned a lot. Looking forward to the whole series and everything else you’ve got coming this year! Also I’m sure there’s copyright involved but your playing is fantastic and can always go for more of it. Happy New Year!

Immediacy is a good word for it too. I'd probably use responsive or maybe dynamic, but that's just another synonym in the bag! Awesome review man - thanks for the crazy level of detail that a lot of reviewers wouldn't think to share or perhaps even notice.

You're one of the LUCKY few! When The Fusion Neck-Thru with MF pickups was cancelled I was crushed... Then one came in two weeks after all orders were cancelled...I GOT IT! A dream come true❤️. The Trans Teal is pure bliss

As far as the string ends at the nut, you can string it up and leave a bit of slack on the tuner, then loosen the nut to let the sharp end slip down to where it isn't exposed anymore then tighten and tune to pitch. Kiesel has a video on their channel showing how to do it.

I watch a lot of your videos and you are very detailed. Guitar makers should definitely sponsor or have you critique their instruments.

Hi Andre! That was super interesting! I have a lot of experience playing many brands of guitars but, I've never played a guitar with fan frets. You answered so many questions that I had including how it affects the positioning of your playing hand which is something that I'm currently working on. I've watched other RU-vidrs playing fan fret guitars, but they've never gone this in depth about it. This guitar has the zero fret at the nut. If I were to play a fan fret, I think that this setup would be my ideal entry point as opposed to a more extreme fan fret setup with the zero fret as the 9th or the 12th fret like the Ormsby guitars that KDH plays. I don't know exactly how much I would really like it, but I guess you never know until you try. I found the pickup switching config a bit too clever by half, but that's just my personal taste as I prefer much simpler options there. I once asked my luthier about making one of the knobs on my SG a master volume for both pickups. I didn't go thru with it but yeah, the Telecaster is my ideal config when it comes to switching so I guess that you can see where my head is at there. I am curious to hear how the pickups respond to drive with the volume knob though. By that, I mean how they clean up by backing off on the volume. I really enjoyed the video man. It was great to see such an in-depth deep dive on a guitar that I'm not actually familiar with. Everyone does Fenders, Gibsons, PRS, etc. Or they do like-minded boutique guitars. Not everyone does Strandbergs. That was different and well worth the watch. I'm looking forward to the next installment and I hope you have a very Happy New Year. Cheers Andre! ✌

Yo doc, I've been perusing guitar vids on RU-vid since the beginning of RU-vid and you've got one of the best channels by far!

You've already answered most of my questions about the Endureneck. I thought it was mainly for 7 string playing but it sounds like it works for 6 as well. (No idea where I got that impression). Looking forward to the next video! Have a great new year!

The birds eye on that fretboard is really nice. Thanks for the re stringing idea for the Boden.

These videos are SO helpful when it comes to refining my guitar designs. I always suspected the Endure neck design required a slightly thicker profile to accommodate both the diagonal bevels and the truss rod channel. 24mm is definitely a bit thicker than your modern thin neck (

Kiesel vaders come standard with a 20” radius, neck thru bodies, a floating bridge, and you can spec out a thicker neck profile, chambered body, HSS or HSS pickup configuration, fanned frets, fretboard & body wood, etc. Why not try one of those? Skervesen & Halo as well if you can find a used one and don’t want to order a custom. Nice job with the new direction of your channel btw. The long form reviews are super insightful and really set you apart from the other channels out there.

Great in depth review. This guitar being so different, really helps potential buyers understand the unique features of the guitar. Can't wait for next episode.

love this style of review and love how articulate you are with how you describe your preferences and what you like and dislike about stuff. super excited for more about this guitar! strandbergs are beautiful and weird as hell and i feel like for as divisive they can be they're going to be the next "classic" guitar in the canon so to speak

That "the notes getting to your ears faster" phenomenon was also experienced by cory wong and nile rodgers on their signature guitars. Interestingly, they both requested slightly smaller bodies on their signature guitars which resulted in that "the notes getting to your ears faster" thing. Watch the Cory Wong interview with sweetwater along with Don Carr they talk about this in more detail. The whole concept at this point is arbitrary at best but i say what feels good makes us play better.

Your channel keeps getting better man! Keep it up, love it

Your reviews are truly on another level. Thanks for being so detailed. Sub'd / liked!

Really glad to see you doing these deep dives. Had a similar fatigue experience with the Boden Original 8, and now it's my favorite. I think the extended range helps with some of the fretboard and position marker spacing issues you noted. Now my 6 string's neck feels way too small. Funny how that happens.

This was a fantastic and thorough review! Subscribed!

A kiesel build would be a awesome little series to do in the future.

Love my 2018 Fusion with bolt on neck. I also have three newer NX models so clearly I'm a fan. They're not perfect (I'm not sure such a thing exists) but I very much enjoy mine. Subbed and looking forward to the rest of the series.

Another way around the pointy string ends at the nut is to lock the string down slightly so it doesn’t slip, clip the string as close to the locking mechanism as possible, then pull the string back slightly into the locking mechanism and clamp it down. I don’t have experience with Strandbergs, but this helped with my Kiesel Vader.

Fantastic review! Or perhaps... Another fantastic review! So comprehensive, covers every question I might have! Cheers

Really appreciate the effort that was put in this video. Good job really enjoyed it!

You know the slogan: Feel better, Sound better!

This is exactly the sort of guitar review I want. After trying many I landed on the strandberg prog 7. Only regret was not going for the neck through fusion model. I'm looking forward to more videos in this strandberg series, this might be the first you tube Chanel I turn notifications on. I'd love an in depth review of the two post height tremelo configurations, for 2 years I've only had mine in the lower position so I have less sonic range but I imagine there is greater tuning stability for whatever reason. Additionally I had a plan to go with a custom aristides as my end all dream guitar, but you briefly mentioned it wasn't right for you. Please elaborate on that in the future I need to be more educated via someone like you before I can spring for an aristedes.

Wow, amazing review Andre. I also have hand/should issues and have been toying with thee idea of buying a Strandberg. This is the best review I’ve seen on RU-vid, and I’ve watched alottt. Anyways, thanks man! I’m subscribed and will be looking forward to digging into your channel!

great to see you reviewing a strandberg! I’m completely sold on them and i just added a boden J7 to my collection.

I'm brand new to your channel and loving the attention to detail - we have quite different tastes in guitars, which is making the depth of your analysis that much more valuable to me. A suggestion for protruding string ends: if you get a pair of end cutters/end cutting pliers, you'll be able to cut right at the edge of the tuner and save yourself from having to mark and release the strings to cut them.

Great video man! I like that you talk about things that no one else in other reviews does. I have to say, i have an ormsby guitar that is also fanfret (25,5-27,5) and it was much harder for the eyes than the fingers. I got used to it very fast. Looking forward to the other videos of this series. Cheers from Germany

That's a fantastic idea for a series

I’m fortunate enough to own several Strandberg guitars, including the Plini neck-through, but I must say, the neck on the prog 7 is just incredible to me, having the slightly wider endurneck is a very different experience imo. I come from a classical guitar background so it may have something to do with it. Great content btw.

Great job! This is a wonderful review.

1:54 tap early tap often 🤙 Great review. A bjj friend is getting into guitar, I still have three, and getting re-interested after a long hiatus. The design and ergos of strandberg are super appealing.

I think I like the format for this Doc. I also like the refreshing small comedy breakthru lol,(writing on screen etc.) I have played a stranberg briefly and liked it, just feels strange without a headstock. That being said I could get one some day. You really have created a new "Deep Dive" . I did like the neck

Dude, I totally get what you mean by the ''immidiacy'' of the pickups. I had this feeling when I first got my Ibanez MM1 (Martin Milers's AZ model). The Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups gave me this exact impression, especially compared to my Bare Knuckle Juggernauts pickups, which are very tight, but a little more ''spongy''. Although, this has nothing to do with delay/latency... they all bring sound instantly. This feeling has to do with the dynamic range of the pickups. In fact, it's not the dynamic range itself (both sets are very dynamic), but it's more about the distribution of the dynamic range. Some pickups will react stronger with less pick effort than others, giving the impression that they react faster. For instance, the SD Hyperion pickups are extremely dynamic/poky, but it is still very easy to get a high velocity sound out of them when picking smoothly, and if you want them to whisper, you have to pick extremely softly. On the other hand, the BKP Juggernauts are also very dynamic, but it's very easy to get low velocity sounds (you don't have to play that softly), but when you dig in the strings, they get very aggresive. I believe that's what you're describing here. DC resistance and coil winding techniques may also play a role here. I don't hear the single coil sound that you're talking about with the neck pickup though... it totally sounds like a humbucker to me (darker, beefier and very jazzy) with both pick and fingers.

Fantastic video. Really enjoyed this. Subscribed 🙂

Great review ,keep em coming .

As an older player used to playing a Strat, I kinda think that anything that cost's 2000 + should be flawless. You always have your Danelectro guitar on set and you seem to be happier with that than other expensive exotic guitars. The Strandberg seems like a high quality instrument.

Very unhappy to hear the neck through fusions were cancelled. I was holding out for one of those in the teal just like you have. Beautiful instrument as is your approach to this review series - well done Sir!

Strandberg pickups even the in house pickups are absolutely amazing. They have staccato from outer space. Honestly

Happy New Year Andre! I really dig how modern Strandbergs are… I used to hate the headless look, but I can’t deny how beautiful these look that now I’m GASsing for a 7 string 😂

Love it! Thanks so much for this video.

Hello, we've not met. Thank you, sir for putting up this awesome review. I am working on a buying decision right now and it involves this one and an Ibanez or two.

36:39 I checked my phone 'cause I thought it went off XD Great video, love how in depth you get with the Endurneck!

I like your videos man. I've been on the fence buying one of these. I'm in the market now if I can get the one I want at a good price. 🤟🏻

This video is super well done, congrats Andre!! Here are my questions of the strandberg that you may answer in the following episodes: 1. How does the guitar feel and sound for blues and funk? 2. How does the middle single coil pickup sound in comparison to a Fender strat middle pickup? (PS: Im not necessarily asking for an audio comparison of the two pickups but more your opinion based on your experience playing this guitar and different strats) Thanks!

Awesome video, dude! New subscriber here. Thanks for all you do!

Checkout My best-selling teach yourself course: www.andrefludd.com/one-course-to-make-you-intermediate

Thank you for making a review with the complaints that real guitarists notice and care about!

I'm loving this series since I recently started to feel drawn to headless guitars. I'm a huge fan of HSS and curious as to your preference for the hsh.

Great info thanks for your dedication and commitment towards excellence, not many are like us,but just enough ,ha ha .

Happy new year, thank you for all your content. You should get your hands on some Reverend guitars, in my opinion some of the best guitars built for the money. Not to mention newly acquired Jetstream RB has the Wilkinson 2-point trem, which is amazing.

Been looking into these guitars for a while now and your review really helped. Too bad they don’t produce the finish that is on the model in this video because that color is sick!

Over the past year I’ve come really close to buying a Salen online but always paused because of their neck design. Recently tried one in person and glad I waited because I didn’t like the neck at all. Obviously this is personal preference. Still always good to see someone making guitars that aren’t clones of some old design.

That was very insightful and indepth... but also I can see big progress on quality of video. Time to subscribe you

Thank you for THE most comprehensive review of Strandberg guitars. I have been playing one for about 9 months, the Salen Jazz NX model. I have arthritis in my thumbs and I was hoping that the combination of the Enduro Neck, the light weight of the guitar and the enforced good posture might help. It is much easier on my hands, primarily of course on my left, fretting hand. I noticed some of the same things you mentioned about the fanned frets creating fingering problems further up the neck. Not a deal breaker for me given my ability to play longer and more comfortably. It is my main instrument. I play blues, western swing, and some classic rock. I really appreciate your efforts. Just sayin'.

Cool vibratos there! It’s nice to know that some necks enhance your grip there. Ever since I got my vintage guitar, vibratos and bends have just got more difficult for me. The thumb just won’t settle.

Wait, you like thicker necks, good trems, upper fret acess and versatile pickup options, have you tried a red special yet? (The one with the original trem, not the 2 point one)

I'm enjoying your detailed dive in the features of the Strandberg guitar. As you probably know, Natural Harmonics are located above the string nodes. If a pickup is angled differently than the frets, then some harmonics will not line up over the frets. Depending on the pickup location, type, and width, some harmonics may be unequal in volume. This will typically be more noticeable on single coil width pickups. Have you noticed anything regarding this on the Multi-Scale/Fan fret guitar?

Hi Andre, have you tried the Ibanez QX series ? It is affordable and has a lot of modern playability specs, I love my QX52. Headless, Jumbo EVO gold frets, flat 20” radius and a very small multiscale fret span. You might prefer the plain Q with a fatter neck. Thanks Joe K.

I thought the Endurneck profile was made specifically to guide your thumb to The Only Right Position it ever needs to be in, but then I see you putting your thumb above the ridge? Also saw Rabea basically doing the Hendrix thumb over neck thing with it and that just looked a bit painful (but Rabea IS a bit of a larger bloke with larger hands). Loving these impressions, keep them coming!

Great review!

I think people have bought way too much into thin necks because of 90s shredders and ibanez. I was a diehard fan of that neck profile for years until I got older and learned that a different radius and neck thickness works for me better. Like you, I have wrist issues in both my hands. A thicker neck made my left hands pain more managable, and a thicker pick/plectrum (like 8mm or more) has made my picking hand FAR more relaxed.

Happy New Year, Dr. Fludd! Another intriguing video - I wanted to ask, what gauge strings are you using on the Strandberg? Is it the same gauge you normally use? I normally use 9 - 42's but I got a Godin last week that I've had set up with 8 - 38's and it's taking me a little while to adapt to that. I enjoy the level of detail you go into, by the way.

The SE Mark Holcomb signature has a thick neck and flat fretboard. To me, it's the most comfortable guitar I've ever played. If I had the money, one of those would be my go to guitar.

Awesome video. Been wanting to pull the trigger on a strandberg but I have an issue with my thumb (from a recent injury) If I put pressure on it from certain angles I get a sharp pain. This mostly happens with flat fretboards (had to sell my keisel due to this issue). Does the endure neck put less pressure on your thumb as you move up the fretboard?

I don't think guitar videos are allowed to be this quality... The easiest sub of my life.

I feel the same. Very direct response!

Very cool video! Super thorough and informative. Playing a Sälen Classic here and while I'm just an amateur player it's the best guitar I ever had. It's a Tele that happens to be comfortable to play but still sounds like a Tele. It does offer a wider sound palette than a traditional Tele though. Check Tory Slushers videos on her Sälen. Insane stuff. The transition to the new neck and fanned fret was quick and no hand issues for me. And I too think the Endurneck feels different in a good way - espc when going back to my other guitars. Looking forward to the second episode!

Great video, I wish it had been posted before i bought my strandberg. That said ive come to the conclusion that Ola actually successfully reinvented the wheel on these guitars. They just dont behave like you expect from traditional guitars or even other headless platforms. Also the neck through issue is less of a problem due to the heel design at least on the new nx models (what i own). It is really a beautifully thought out concept unlike any other bolt on I have played.

Idk why I always think headless guitar are only good for Fusion/Prog/Metal thing, but dan those things are versatile af when it comes to playing all kinds of music!

Cool man, kinda enjoy your knitpicking. I’m just gonna stick with my head guitars. I don’t have any issues with them.

Showing Jabba while talking about a thick neck cracked me up.

Considering Stranberg but also looking at Ibanez. I was able to get hands on with an Ibanez at a shop and was really struck by how light this type of guitar is. for city life I like the idea of how easily transportable these would be.

Great video, thanks

Just bought a Boden Prog yesterday, since I got a mail that Strandberg were raising prices in January and was really close to getting one soon anyway. So far I really feel that the Endurneck can help me with my legato-technique. not sure how it will help me with sweeps, but the nice stainless steel frets and the ergnonomics in general make me feel quite confident! I do have to say, though, that for my ideal position, the top strap button is in the way and digging a little into my chest, though. and if I'm sure that I will basically never ever sell the guitar, I will probably try to relocate it.

Hi Andre, if you’re interested in thick necks, I’d recommend looking into Jericho Guitars. Their necks aren’t SUPER thick, but in my opinion they’re much thicker than the typical “modern” neck shape. It’s closer to a Gibson style neck and I quite liked the Elite model that I had. Be warned, though. Jericho builds a nice guitar for a good price, but their customer service is quite bad. I’d look for a second hard guitar if you’re interested in them.

Glad to finally see the start of this series and I can't wait to see the rest. I'm curious what do you think of the tuners? I have spent a little time with someone else's strandberg not enough to know but I have heard several people say they wish the spacing was a bit better on strandbergs. When I played one it did look a little tight but wasn't going to be that guy changing the tuning of someone else's guitar. Also curious to hear more about your thoughts regarding the trem. There are lots of issues associated with getting a multiscale tremolo to work and with Kiesel guitars finally throwing their hat into the ring with their version of the multiscale trem last week I feel like that is going to change things a bit. I feel like the range of this Strandberg trem is quite limited no? To prevent it from running into some of these issues. My headless 8 string that was custom built has a lot of design features that were meant to be improvements on the Strandberg I'm curious how it stacks up these days. I would like to get a Strandberg at some point but as far as my 8-string needs were concerned this one has me covered. You mentioned in a previous video we could send you guitars to check out and if you would like we could set something up with this. I think it would probably be much more up your alley than any other 8 out there. It actually has a decently thick neck, especially for an 8-string and the fretboard is completely flat, no radius.

Great video, I like the idea of the deep dive you’re doing, also I wanted to let you know that a shop on reverb has a new old stock Parker piezo tremolo for 189 bucks..

I remember my hand hurt when i as a kid trying to play a Martin. I worked on it a lot, and then my hand didn’t hurt, anymore.

I had a fusion model and couldn't get used to it with the endurneck. I really tried, but I had to give up because my thumb got numb and started hurting.

Very useful video, this kind of information is what helps to decide in making purchases. You mentioned you tried an Aristides H0 too (the purple headless one), but I can't find a video about it. Did you make one, or was that before youtube? I'd love to see such a review about a H0 as well, if you still have it!

Strandberg will put out a 7 string, new Per Nilsson signature guitar. It has a little bit thinner endurneck, but it has the corners rounded off. First of its kind. Check it out if you can when it comes out.

Very accurate review!👍🏻