Strandberg Boden Original NX 6 Charcoal

+ comfortable
+ versatile sounds
+ premium features
+ genuinely different
- prize
- Endurneck and fanned frets divide opinions

Straight away Strandberg Boden Original NX 6 feels light and a real joy to play. From the weight of the body to the shape of the neck this guitar feels good to hold and is really comfortable. There is less strain on my shoulders and fretting hand, as the guitar is nicely balanced. In my opinion, there are two main elements that really separates a Strandberg from competitors: body shape and Endurneck. Let's start with Endurneck

Endurneck. Transitioning from a traditional neck to Endurneck didn't feel like a massive paradigm shift to me. My fretting hand went to the same positions and did the same things as with a more traditional neck. Some positions felt a bit more comfortable. My hand didn't feel as strained. For example when playing 6, 8 and 10 frets on low E-string. For me the Endurneck felt more like a pedagogical device. It gently nudges you to position your hand in a loose C shape. With traditional necks, I sometimes tend to scrunch up my hand in a vice like claw. Playing Endurneck you do sometimes reminisce fondly of a traditional smooth neck with no edges. Overall, I would characterize Endurneck as a well thought innovation that promotes a studied and disciplined approach to guitar.

Body. The body itself is nice and light. I believe that with the NX line the body contour is better and my right picking hand has no problem finding a place to rest. The different angles and curvature ensure that you can hold the guitar comfortable in most positions. Combined with a good strap, this light guitar gently rests on chest height. I think that one of the best things about this guitar is that it doesn't get in the way of your playing. You do not need to support it, angle it differently or keep correcting it. And no risk of knocking that glass of water off the table when swiveling in your chair.

Fanned frets. There is a slight fan to this six string. It does make the guitar smoother to play with slightly looser strings on G, B and E to facilitate bending and vibrato and stiffer strings on low E, A and D to help with riffs and chords. However, this change is not a night or day thing compared to non-fanned frets. The difference is subtle. But it is there.

Pickups. I really love these Suhr pickups. I've got Fishman Fluence Classics and Seymour Duncan Distortions on my two other guitars I and I prefer these over them. Bridge pickup is nice and hot while the neck pickup is smooth and articulate. There is enough bass response to make the tone meaty and enough clarity and separation so that complex chords sound good even with distortion. I think these pickups hit the sweet spot where all the positions are different enough to provide options without overwhelming you with choice. I would characterize these pickups as versatile and modern sounding.

Overall, this is a premium quality instrument that commands a hefty price tag. However, with a Strandberg you truly get something unique and different. I was a bit worried that some features like Endurneck, fanned frets and the body shape would feel too alien and foreign to me. But when you just sit down and play the guitar it all makes sense. At the same time, these features are not so earth-shattering that they completely change the way you think about the guitar or play it. Even though I feel that the prize tag is a bit much, I am content with my choice and look forward to playing this guitar for many years to come. It is a solid piece of work that invites you to play, tinker with it and to just have fun.

This guitar is objectively one of the best guitars I've every played in my life. That being said, it's not my favorite nor is it even close. I bought it because I have neck/back/shoulder issues and wearing heavier guitars and even sitting with them was difficult. The strandberg solved all of these issues and has the added bonus of being incredibly easy to travel with. I'm shocked at how light and portable the guitar is in the case. I've flown with it twice, internationally and on a smaller EU flight. No issues in terms of comfort travelling with it and certainly no issues from the various airlines - fits easily into the overhead.

The tones are astoundingly versatile. I'm playing jazz one minute and death metal the next. Having a 5 way on a 2 humbucker set up with the Suhr pickups is really brilliant.

The neck is really where things get complicated. For some, this may be a life changer. For others, like me, I just never connected with it. I typically like the 'v' shape Fender neck so I thought a thicker 'endurneck' profile may work. It certainly has its benefits but again, I just never clicked with it. Unfortunately there's no comparison I can easily make to offer a frame of reference but that's what makes it so innovative. For many, I would imagine lead players in particular, this neck is probably something that will make them sell all of their other guitars.

It stays in tune, it sounds great, is easy to play and and while some people on the strandberg community have noticed QC issues my guitar arrived in flawless condition. It has been the most consistent and reliable guitar in my collection which includes some high end pieces.

Customer service: the amazing venture bag they sent broke after a few months due to a faulty strat - it was quickly replaced with a brand new one by Thomann and strandberg.

I'm probably going to sell this guitar because it's just not my favorite and I have particular tastes but I have to give credit where it's due - this guitar is revolutionary and incredibly functional, versatile and beautiful.