.Strandberg* Boden Classic | REVIEW
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
- Check out this great sounding and playing Strandberg! This is the third Strandberg I've played, and this one sounds and plays great. Definitely a great choice for the 'super-strat' player, and at a slightly more affordable price point than other models. If you've never played the endure neck, trust the hype. It really is a game changer, and with stainless steel frets, this guitar will last for years of heavy playing without wearing nearly as quick as nickel frets.
The only weakness I found in my test is the middle and bridge pickups could use an upgrade. Since all Strandberg hardware is the same quality on every model, a pickup upgrade would make a lot of sense.
0:00 - High Gain Demo
0:37 - Intro
1:01 - Build Quality
1:45 - Features
3:00 - Pricing and Value
3:42 - Low Gain Demo
#strandberg #boden #classic
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Hello internet...my name is is Rob Craft and welcome to my youtube channel!
'A Minor Error' is the creative home for all things I do in music: instrumental progressive metal music, product reviews, tip videos and free music lessons. Leave me a comment or question, I try and reply to all comments within a day!
I'm a Berklee College of Music Grad and I've been based out of Philly teaching and gigging in music for the over the last 10 years in various bands. I play guitar, trumpet, bass, piano and ukulele and offer online private music lessons. Send me an email to aminorerrorrocks@gmail.com to book a lesson.
Stop by my bandcamp to buy tabs from my songs and videos.
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That intro song was delightful, also beautiful guitar. I really love what they've done with this model.
Thank you! It's a really cool guitar, all I'd do is replace the middle and bridge pickups. Consider giving the channel a sub, we've got a lot of new content like this on the way!
Finally great strandberg review excellent demonstration and skill set that is well worth of this musical instrument
That's very kind of ya! Thanks!
Dude! I just randomly stumbled on ur video and I barely ever say this but your playing is incredibly melodic and tasteful as well as unique, one day I'll play like you
Thanks for the kind words and for watching my demo! Keep on working hard and you'll def get there. Shoot me an email to aminorerrorrocks@gmail.com and I'll send you the tabs from my solo for free too. Rock on!
I know this is a few years old but I just got this exact guitar and this helps me get a little bit more perspective on it. Thanks!
Appreciate you watching and congrats on the new axe! I've got the new NX Classic with the upgraded pickups in for review now and I can def tell you already that the pickup upgrade makes a huge difference. I'd recommend changing em out for the Suhr stuff, really opens up the instrument nicely and is the improvements the old model needed.
Great intro!!
Thank you!
Jesus christ you went OFF in the intro, nice playing!
Thanks bud, that's really nice of ya to say! Consider giving the channel a sub for a whole lot more guitar playing like that!
Nice review man 👍
Been looking at getting one of these they are pretty sweet
Hope you have a good day :)
Thanks bud! It's a great guitar and great bang for buck too! Hope you have a good day too, and if you get a chance give the channel a Sub! We've got loads of Strandberg content as well as new original music coming out soon you might be interested int!
@@aminorerror love your stuff man keep up the good work. Just subbed :)
I have been intrigued by these for a long while. I have never got to try one
Def give one a try sometime, the endure neck is a game changer, and the headless design makes traveling so much easier. The Classic is a great guitar, but I didn't really care for the middle and bridge pickups. I'd recommend changing those out, but the hardware/other aspects of the Classic is just as good as any other Strandy. Best of luck!
I'm just going to save up for one of these what a gorgeous guitar
That's a great plan! If you check Reverb or other used websites you might be able to find one for less too. Thanks for watching and commenting too, appreciate you stopping back!
Nice review! how does the neck pickup sounds compare to a strat? can it achieve the classic strat neck tones for neo soul/ jazz? I am interested in the look and economic for the guitar. I think it will be great for prog rock kinda stuff but I don't know if they are good for jazz/ neo, clean tone kinda stuff.
In the back of the video there's less gain examples to show what the pickups sound like less saturated. If I'm honest, I loved the neck but didn't really like the middle or the bridge. It's a great playing guitar but I'd recommend a pickup upgrade to really get the tones you have in mind. Thanks for the comment!
I love how in-depth your Strandberg review are. I'm curious, what would you be on the lookout for to assess build quality? I'm looking into a used classic in excellent condition, it's however an older model (2017-18) with a fixed bridge and it was made in China - so I'm a bit concerned about the build quality before I make the plunge. What do you think?
Thanks for watching, the kind words and giving the channel a sub! You're support really means a lot.
As far as I know, Strandberg has never made any guitars in China so that doesn't sound like a legit 'berg to me.
The older models were made in Korea and called the Strandberg OS for 'Overseas' and were very nice guitars, I've actually still got my Korean made OS Original. They're currently all made in Indonesia, as was this classic that I tested here.
There are other places that Strandberg's have been made, Sweden, USA, and Japan that are all legit (and normally cost $4k and up USD), but that Chinese one almost most def isn't legit and it probably is priced accordingly or it's a fraud trying to rip you off.
Hope that helps, best of luck!
the headless whammy bar bridge looks deadly amazing
I agree! If you get a chance give our channel a sub for more content like this!
YES...JUST GOT MINE...IN BLUE...
YES...BY FAR THE BEST GUITAR
I'VE EVER PLAYED...
(AND I'VE PLAYED JUST ABOUT
EVERYTHING)
Congrats!
very nice
Thanks for watching and the kind words! Love your playing, keep up the great work!
Hi, how is the trem compared to your other strandbergs or like any high end trem? I won't be able to try it before buying, is it tight/smooth or does it get sloppy? And ofc how is the tuning stability?
The quality is the same from any strandy to any other, they don't make a 'budget' tremolo at least as of now (unlike Ibanez ect) Its tight and smooth, it flutters and tuning stability is good. The flutter and stability isn't as bullet proof as an Ibanez Lo Pro Edge, but its still very reliable. The feel of the trem is also very different from Floyd Rose/Ibby's. Its kinda bouncy and all around just different. Not worse, and not better but different.
Short answer: Its a great trem and you'll love it, but like all parts of these guitars they're different
A MINOR ERROR Thanks for the answer! I just hate the feeling when the bar starts moving loosely in the hole, dont know how to describe it but you know like some low end ibanez, so you put some rubber, tape etc to make it tight temporarly, really hope it doesnt do that after some time.
If your Ibanez tremolo is feeling loose, order more bushings. Those white plastic pieces are designed to be replaced and new bushings are crazy cheap.
The strandberg's have a small allen key screw that you can tighten when they start to get loose, so its a quick and easy fix.
A MINOR ERROR thats good to know, gonna try that too, thanks again!
I have a question, I am very used to the Ibanez Wizard neck, very wide and thin, I was searching about the nut width on the strandbergs, but is seems they are extremely narrow, now i'm wondering if it has to do with the multiscale and how it actually compares itself to like a normal wide neck, I'm kinda worried because I dont feel comfortable with anything narrower than a strat.
I'd highly recommend TRYING before you buy.
The neck profile is a lot thicker than what you'll be used to. Granted, with the endure neck profile there are flat surfaces that are pretty thin, but the idea is that your thumb follows the flat section in the middle of the neck most of the time, and that is going to feel pretty thick and chunky. On the two six strings the necks do seem extra narrow, but I haven't owned or played a six in years so I'm not the best on that.
I personally prefer the wider, thicker profile on my Ibanez J Custom CST. It doesn't have a think Wizard neck and I'm glad, but that's also my preference.
Musicians Friend and Sweetwater will both let you return a guitar just to try it, but you will have to pay the return shipping. That's an option since most stores still aren't open. Best of luck, Strandy's are legit great guitars, worth the hype and the endure neck is a legit game changer for me, but you might not like it. It is VERY different than anything else out there.
@@aminorerror Thanks! I Love how comfortable and ergonomic they look, I'll give one a try some day.👌🏼
Nice review ! Beautiful guitar and it seems so comfortable. I would like to own this exact model.
However I am a bit afraid about the sound. The tone seems a bit "plasticky", everywhere I hear it on YT. Don't know if it's just the pickups or the guitar itself.
Thanks! The back part of this video will really give you an idea what the different pickups sound like. I do think an upgrade on a Classic might make sense, but I happen to like the tone of neck pickup especially. Like any brand, Strandberg's tend to have a certain 'tone' because of the construction. I can understand if not everyone likes the way they sound, but I happen to love them. I wouldn't describe it as plasticky but that's me. The ergonomics of a Strandberg truly sets them apart from any other brand, and since the Classic comes with their own pickups an upgrade would make a big difference here.
@@aminorerror thanks for the feedback, dude !
No problem! I'd highly recommend any Strandberg guitar, the endure neck is legit a game changer. Thanks for watching!
Nothing plastic about the sound IMO. I’ve got a Boden standard HSS (check my channel for clips and review) and the tone is right there in line with my les Paul, Ernie ball and Charvel.
@@FastRedPonyCar I got a classic 6 tremolo in the meantime and, even if I like it a lot, some frequencies and body are missing, compared to a standard Strat. Also the low mids are getting a bit boomy sometimes.
Maybe it's the pickups. To me, they sound a bit flat. I plan to change them against Suhr V60 and probably a Bare Knuckle in the bridge.
Overall, and despite of these cons, it's a great guitar.
Received my Boden Standard 6 (HH - no trem) earlier this week. I'm very impressed! I might swap out the pickups, but even the stock pickups sound pretty good.
Is the string spacing on these HSS Strandbergs Fender or Gibson based? I ask because if it's Gibson spacing, then it will be difficult to replace the single coil pickups as the the pole pieces on replacement pickups won't line up. (Assuming the Strandberg single-coils are the same width as typical single-coil pickups.
Congrats on the new guitar! I haven't had a chance to check out a Standard yet, it's on my list to try out eventually!
Unfortunately I'm not sure what the string spacing size is, it would be best to contact strandberg. My guess is its Fender based though, but you'll def want to contact them. Best of luck!
Recommendations please for a good set of HSS noiseless pickups to put in a Strandberg Classic - thanks.
Thanks for watching and commenting! Unfortunately I'm not much of a single coil player so I don't know a set that I'd recommend. That said, any good set of Dimarzio, Seymour Duncan or Suhr pickups I think would pair great. On the Dimarzio site they have a pickup selector guide where you can enter info to get some suggestions, and I'd also recommend just emailing the companies to ask for their advice. They all love to always talk shop, best of luck!
Is the bridge pickup good for tight metal type stuff? I’m looking for a good all arounder guitar with the bridge humbucker and single coil in the neck and this is the top contender for me if that strandberg humbucker is good for metal.
Unfortunately for metal the stock bridge pickup is going to let you down. That said, the classic plays and sounds great otherwise, just I'd just plan on dropping a better bridge pickup in there. A nice Dimarzio, Suhr or Barekuckle would make the guitar scream and nail the tone you're after. Best of luck, and consider giving the channel a sub!
A MINOR ERROR thanks for the info :)
I just picked up a Strandberg Salen yesterday. You need to try one. It’s awesome.
Congrats on the new axe! Which Salen did you get, the Deluxe is so freaking sexy I've been wanting to try one forever. Hopefully sometime soon!
@@aminorerror I got the Classic. I like it because it’s not chambered, and still only 5 1/2 pounds. It has Suhr single coils. They’re great.
Thats sick dude! God it's so crazy how light Strandberg's are...5 1/2 pounds for a solid body. I bet those Suhr pickups are amazing too, I was in love with the Suhr pups on the Prog 6 and Fusion neck through I played a while back. You'll have to hit me up when you post some stuff playing that thing!
@@aminorerror I will, for sure!
@@aminorerror Check out Tory Slushers video of the Salen Deluxe, she is a great player. I got one because of her. The pickups are awesome!!!
Kinda wish it was 22 fret. I can never gel with 24 fret neck pickup sound
Thanks for this video. I am considering trading my American Pro HSS Strat for one of these.
These are great guitars, the only thin you might want to consider is upgrading the pickups after you get it. For me, I found the middle and bridge pickups to be a little lacking, IMO. Otherwise, it's a fantastic instrument. You get the full quality strandberg hardware and the fit and finish was first class. Consider giving the channel a sub for more content like this!
Trying to decide if a Classic is enough or if I need to ante up. I've only ever played an original and it seems like I'm being overcharged for Suhr pickups and a chambered body.
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting. In my opinion the tone and vibe of the Classic vs Original is pretty different, so it does depend on what style you're planning on primarily playing. The Classic is obv aimed at getting those classic Strat tones, where the Original is a lot different with dual humbuckers. I also found the middle and bridge pickup to be pretty lacking on the Classic and you'll prob want to upgrade those. Thanks for watching and I hope that helped!
What’s that riff you start playing at 4:24? It sounds heavenly
Thank you! It's from an unreleased single called '81 Years Past...' that I'll be releasing sometime in the spring/summer. If you haven't already, consider giving the channel a sub so you don't miss the finished product, I think you'll really dig the tune! Also, stop by and check out my newest single here:
czcams.com/video/gUZFQrY1fsU/video.html
Nice review, just an observation though : It's pretty common for a guitar manufactured in a high humidity enviroment to develop fret "lips/tangs" in a western less humid climate. More or less every guitar gets that way if the relative humidity drops below 25/30% when the neck gets dry and shrinks a bit. . For that not to happen you HAVE to have a humidifier and keep the room where your guitars are stored at a + 40% at all times.
Unfortunately the problem with my Boden Metal 8 is different than that. I know what lips or tangs to the frets feel like, and its wayyyy more than that. Also to my point too, neither other strandberg is like that. Thanks for watching and the comment, trust me its not the case with the metal.
@@aminorerror If it's that bad you should ask for a refund/exchange. Sounds like a qc issue and nothing that should have reached a customer.
Unfortunately I bought it used off reverb and it was marked down a LOT so I'm just kinda living with it lol Otherwise its a great guitar though and I've really happy with it.
@@aminorerror You should be able to find an instrument shop that does fretwork to take care of that. Shouldn't cost much if it just needs to be filed down a little.
A MINOR ERROR shred until the coating peels off the tuner u noob
How does it sound clean, without distortion?
The end of the video has some clips with slight overdrive. You'll get a good idea from that part of the video.
what pickups would you replace the pickups with in the classic if you were playing prog metal?
I'd recommend the Suhr pups that come in the new Classic NX, especially the Suhr V60LP for the single coils. The Suhr Thornbucker+ in the bridge is a solid option but going with a Suhr SSH+ (which comes in the prog 6) might be the way to go. The Suhr SSH+ in the Prog 6 was one of the best sounding pups I've every played in that guitar, but the materials are different between the two guitars so not sure what it would sound like in a Classic. Maybe have some fun and experiment a bit on the bridge pup. Bareknuckle anything that's a modern metal pup could be fun or even a Dimarzio or Seymour Duncan. Good luck and thanks for watching!
@@aminorerror Can the thornbuckers II do higain?
Yep def!
I have the exact same guitar and I think it's a fantastic instrument, except for the 60 cycle hum, which I haven't seen anyone mention. It is as loud on mine as it has been with any Strat I've owned. Please comment, thanks!
I didn't mention it because most single coil guitars have 60 cycle hum, unless you've got special ones designed not to. It just comes with the territory of pickups like that. Thanks for the comment though, congrats on the great instrument and consider giving the channel a sub for more content like this!
@@aminorerror Yeah, I know the arguments for and against; but if I can cancel or limit that hum these days, with little sacrifice to sound (after a lifetime of "goes with the territory"), you'd better believe I will. Here are some interesting videos of a guy with a Boden Classic and what he did: czcams.com/video/pVL1CsT9ChE/video.html at first he was really enamored of those humbuckers (though I thought he'd ruined the sound completely) and then he kind of came to his senses with: czcams.com/video/nuPE9aqDK0A/video.html IMO these brought him way back on track but then he put in some Mojotone Quiet Coils on on one his Strats and finally found the Holy Grail. Each to his own of course, but I've got those Quiet Coils in a Strat myself, and they are awesome - and soon to be installed on my Boden too -
I def agree, if I had kept the classic I would have done the same thing.
The classic is also more a 'budget' Strandberg (I know at $1500 it isn't cheap but that's half of what the fully loaded 'bergs cost) so that's why you get more budget pickups. The instrument is a great platform though, and a pickup upgrade really does make sense. I liked the tone of the neck and middle in my test, but wasn't a fan of the bridge. An upgrade to the pickups would make this guitar tone BEAST because Strandberg does give you good quality hardware on the classic.
Best of luck to you with your classic, its a fine instrument!
Some Andy Timmons dimarzios would be so nice in that setup and playing
Hell yea they would! Any Timmons is SO freaking amazing, those pups would be perfect in a classic. Thanks for watching and commenting as well.
Have you ever wanted to upgrade pickup? Expensive models are equipped with Suhr or MF pickup, but the model is OEM pickup. I'm worried about this.
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting! I don't keep really any of the guitars that I test, so I've never tried a pickup replacement (this one was been long gone). I do however have a lot of experience with other strandberg guitars though (I've got reviews on a Prog 6, Metal 8, OS Original 7, and Fusion Neck through. I've also got new reviews on an Original 7 Poplar Burl and Standard 6 on the way).
My reviews have improved greatly since this video, and the pickups on this guitar are def a let down. The neck pickup was solid but the bridge pickup especially was pretty bad. I've played the Prog 6 with dual Suhr pickups and it was probably one of the best sounding guitars I've ever tested.
If you can find a used Classic that's a bit cheaper than new and in good condition, DEF go for it. Even if you can't, the pickup upgrade is going to make sense, that's why Strandberg came out with the NX Classic, it's basically doing that upgrade from the factory.
Hope that helps!
@@aminorerror Thank you so much for your kind and detailed answer!
Are those frets stainless or nickel?
All strandberg's are stainless steel. Thanks for watching and commenting!
thanks. love the review man. 👌
Thank you, much appreciated! If you get a chance, give the channel a sub, we've got new guitar related content twice a week!
How close do you set your bridge pup? mm? Thank in advance☺️
Just at the factory height. All three pickups were at basically the same height here, didn't have a need to adjust it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
What the price ??? Thank
Around $1500 new from any online retailer
Aren't those single coils a little noisy?
Most single coil pickups have what's called 60 cycle hum, so these aren't any noisier than your average non-hum cancelling single coils. Also, the more gain you run with single coils the noisier they'll sound. Thanks for watching.
These guitars cost about 150 usd to make and sell for 12x the cost...
I think you meant $1500, and these aren't on the same level as a Washburn Custom Shop or even a MIJ import. Still a very fine playing/sounding/ect instrument but not on that next level.
@@aminorerror lol. I live in an Asian third world shithole, Indonesia is my neighbor. You can make a car there for that money.... I'm guessing you keep telling yourself that bullshit because you own one of these. Cool.
I'm so confused...I'm most def not a Trump supporter so if those comments he made offend you, I'm right there with you.
As far as everything else...it just costs what it does and I've been lucky enough to catch some breaks in the music industry and can scratch out a decent living. Best of luck with everything
wouldve liked to see clean tones
There's low gain tones that'll give you a good idea of what it sounds like in the end of the video. Thanks for watching.
If your ever want to sale this guitar let me know.
This one is already gone! But I've still got the Fusion for sale if you're interested! Email me at aminorerrorrocks@gmail.com if you are.