This is the best guitar channel on youtube. Even if I play pointy guitars and death metal I absolutely agree with you with neck positioning etc. You have the best guitar analysis out there
Speaking of pointy guitars, I like how a Rhoads V is to sit down and play. You naturally get the tilted angle (if you have the V straddling one leg) though you don't get the good _height_ that this has
Hallelujah. First time I've heard this discussed... Agree with every single word. Additionally with the Boden shape I can play sitting back completely relaxed on a sofa with a cushion behind me and eliminate any stress in the lumbar region. It's simply wonderful.
Totally agree with your assessment. The feature I love the most of my Strandberg Boden Standard 7 is the body cut out which enables it to use it in the classical position: the one you mentioned. As a bedroom guitarist who mostly noodles around while watching TV, the position is a game changer. Loved it so much that it is now my go to guitar ever since I bought it few months back. Out of the 6 guitars I own, I have used Strandberg the most, even ahead of ones which cost twice the Strandberg.
Spot-on. I don't have a Strandberg, but my low-cost Eart GW-2 headless, "inspired" by the Strandberg design, has a nearly-identical body, and since I virtually never play standing up, I discovered - really, it was a pleasant surprise - the thing about playing position, wrist strain, etc. long before I saw this video. I totally agree that it's a really important design feature, and makes playing far more comfortable, especially for extended periods.
That’s certainly the feature which drew me to the Strandberg. I still can’t wait to try one out. For now, I finally have a Performaxe on the way. As always, thanks for the great suggestions.
100% fact, after playing my strandy (appropriately named Sandy), this feature alone makes it the most comfortable guitar I've ever played. I've played more expensive guitars and they don't even come close in terms of comfort, and let's be honest, comfort is the most important part.
Being a long time SG player, and having struggled with left wrist pain battling with that damnable SG neck dive, I can really appreciate the benefits of the ideal Strandberg playing position. Sounds like a winner so far. 👍🎶
I can only join in the chorus and say how useful, informative and intelligently presented your videos are. Your approach is honest and genuinely insightful. Thank you!
Metal guitarists have been holding superstrat guitars in classical position for decades. It’s good for posture and like you said, ergonomics for technical playing.
The attachment you recommend for better, higher guitar positioning while seated, is a lot cheaper than the exorbitant cost of the Strandberg guitars. It seems to me if simply repositioning the neck to be more ergonomic in your lap is the point, why not spend 100 bucks (or whatever- I think it's a bit less) on a tool that puts any guitar into just as good of a playing position. Is that lower bout ergonomic cutaway really worth the extra grand?
@@wenjacklowI love flat fretboards and I think you really need to get out and try some flat fretboard guitars and A/B them against something like a Strat for yourself. Also, big six string barr chords are done to death and vastly overrated imo; 4 note chords almost always sound way better to me; you don't need three octaves of the tonic to get the point across; and if you play a lot of the same old six note barr chords, I think you'll find that just by mostly ditching them, and getting rid of most of the doubled notes like the ridiculous three octaves of the root in every Ramones chord, you're going to instantly be a more interesting and individual sounding player. Why stick with the same old chords everyone has already worn out? Every single beginner learns and then plays those to death before they finally get around to learning some really interesting and cool chords that are going to be a far more individual expression, if they even get around to it. Honestly, as a listener, I think the standard R&R over reliance (my opinion only, obviously-I won't be hurt if someone disagrees) on the same old major and minor triads with a note or two doubled or tripled is beyond stale. What's good for Kiss and the Ramones; every chord exactly like every other chord, just bores the crap out of anyone who has been exposed to more interesting harmony. In my opinion, everything you can do on a curved fretboard, you can do as well or better on a flat one. But maybe Andre will tell you differently. The point is you might agree with me or you might agree with someone who says "oh no the 12 inch strats are much better", and you won't know until you simply feel it for yourself. It's kind of like someone who has never been stoned to ask what it's like and then decide they will love it or hate it based on someone else's experience; there's no way to convey it except to give you the opportunity to experience it for yourself. Again, I understand that some will disagree, and some Kiss and Ramones fans might be mad at me, but I'm just a guy with my own opinion, not twisting arms, just saying my thoughts, so calm the eff down already 😱😁. If someone is offended, it wasn't my intention, but having said that, I don't care either. People get way too attached to wanting everyone to agree with them; what a bore that would be; almost as boring as the ancient and worn out chords of Kiss and the Ramones. 😜
Couldn't'' agree more with this! Although I play budget guitars, my "Eart GW2" (Strandberg knockoff) is my go-to guitar for the very reasons you mention. On a similar note, I really appreciate that Tosin Abasi includes this ergonomic design feature in his own concepts line (love the new Emi). I really wish other manufactures would take note; headless or not, we really need more of these lower bout cutouts available. Thanks for covering this!
Very interesting video, I never thought about posture and ergonomics playing guitar. Back in high school I would play 2-3 hours a day almost every day at the 180 degree position you showed, worked up to learning 6 string arpeggios and 15-18 note per second scale runs neo-classical style and never had any wrist and shoulder pain. But now as I approach 30, I take trying to take care of my body much more seriously. Never really thought about the 45 degree position for electric guitar until I watched this, always thought it was just some multiple hundred year old norm for classical guitar. Thanks man
OMG i just a Boden 6 and love it. Game changer! I only wish the forearm curve had more curve like a Jazzmaster or Strat. Up to this point was playing a '96 Parker Fly Classic which was the best sounding electric I've ever played BUT I can't stand that constant elbow in the chest so I'll probably sell the Fly which is in almost mint condition. Yes, that lap cutout is really nice which was another reason to buy this guitar because i spend most of my time in front of my PC learning and transcribing tunes so comfort is primary. Thanks Andre.
I love the tip of the hat to John Stowell, a real early pioneer of pointing the neck nearly vertically most of the time to facilitate a lot of the kind of stuff he likes to do, particularly playing challenging chords with close intervals requiring a serious hand stretch. He explains in his clinics and articles that he doesn't have particularly large hands, and has found the neck elevated along with the willingness to fret notes with the sides of his fingers when needed rather than the tips, to be helpful in facilitating the grabbing of all the notes of cords spanning sometimes 5-7 frets. John Stowell is one of the best, most interesting jazz guitarists on Earth, thanks in large part to his affinity for piano, and having developed a completely unique and wonderful approach to guitar harmony that owes more to piano than traditional jazz guitar. 🎸🎶❤️👏👏👏
I’ve always wanted a Strandberg but I’ve never considered this as a reason to buy one until now. Only makes me want one more as I tend to play in classical position. Definitely my next guitar purchase!
I couldn't stretch to a Strandberg either - a bit much if you're not certain you'll like it. I went for an Eart W2 which is a sorta Chinese knockoff albeit of very good basic quality. Even better (for me), it had a regular (ie non-slanted) frets; the neck is absolutely fabulous. 24 steel frets, 2 very good classic PAF humbuckers. Lovely low action. Bridge is a bit weird but very stable tuning. Don't bother with the tremelo version. The body shape was later modified by Eart to the GW2 model, presumably due to copyright or patent threats, but it still featured "the chomp" and by all accounts is still a great-playing guitar. Alternatively check out the Latitude headless which is very similar: ua-cam.com/video/OzukZ00IHs4/v-deo.html
Good to see confirmation of my initial motivation to buy a stradberg. Very comfortable, I find my self practicing more and my guitar playing has come a long way because of this instrument.
When you talk about how it tucks away so you can do other tasks, it reminds me of how Jimi Hendrix used to talk around his house with his guitar so he could access it immediately when an idea struck him.
I found the number of people who reviewed Strandbergs but don't mention that lower rear carve puzzling. IMO, it's the Strandberg's most innovative feature and the thing that really sets it apart from other guitars. It's making me nervous because once I shimmed the neck and got the action nice and low, I've lost the urge to pick up any of my other guitars. Great video. The best guitar channel on youtube keeps getting better.
Thank you so much Mark. That means a lot. I’m curious as to why you needed to shim the neck. I’ve had no issue getting the action low without modding it.
@@andrefludd I had an issue with buzz despite fairly high action (low E .008" @ 12th). The nut was fine and the frets were level so when all else fails, the only thing left to do is shim it. It took a bit of work to sand down a shim from Stewmac to the necessary thickness but the action is now down to .005 without a hint of buzz. I really have no idea why this works -- it's just changing the neck angle slightly -- but it does. Just blind luck, perhaps?
You are 100% correct about this! This is the thing that many of the Chinese Strandberg knockoffs like Volgoa miss. Though they have the lower bout leg rest, they ruin it by putting the output jack there. It drives me crazy when someone recommends a headless guitar design and then when I go to look at it, I see that the output jack RUINS THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF AN ERGONOMIC GUITAR!!! I like the Strandberg and would like to have one, but they are priced out of my budget. I did buy the Boya & Ziqi Lizard 6 headless which is a very good Strandberg double-humbucker knockoff that is affordable and I love it; but I would love it if someone would gift me a Salen Classic NX6. 🤞
The ability to sit in a classical position with the guitar is the reason I bought a V rather than a super strat or another vaguely classic design I've been interested in a headless with the strandberg body design but they're all just too expensive to warrant the experiment
I agree 100% I have seen a few guitars with similar shapes where the jack is where you are sitting your guitar. Strandberg really made a great decision with this design choice.
I play modern metal (like intervals mixed with monuments) and i love the content. Had my strandberg standard for 2-3 years now and it just never gets old
I LOVE both of those bands. I'm also a big fan of bands like Volumes, Currents, Alpha Wolf, Knocked Loose, Silent Planet, Jesus Piece, omg and Vildhjarta. I'll shut up now. I need to make a video where I just list amazing bands.
@@andrefludd lol I love all those bands! Would be interesting to make a video showing your diverse music taste and some common threads between very different genres (like similarities between jazz music and Vildjharta)
I bought a Strandberg 3 years ago and I wish I had seen THIS video before. Not because of I regret purchasing it, but because of the details of ergonomic playing really means ✨
EXACTLY!! 100% Thank you for making a video on this 'leg rest' cut out as it definitly factors in when playing this guitar. I love my strandberg which I've had for about 18 months. When seated, this IS THE most comfortable position to play in...and yes, even lounging in a chair. I have other guitars and when playing in the 'normal' seated position for a while, maybe its just all in my head, I now notice how seated in the slightly twisted position starts being a distraction. You've made a great set of videos truly giving a real world in depth review of this guitar, great job! Subscribed.
There are a bunch of things that I really like about the Strandberg. The lower bout leg rest, light weight, recessed neck heel and the light weight. Never really liked the pickups, so I swapped them with EMG active pickups and now the guitar sounds awesome.
It’s crazy how things in life happen at certain times. I’ve been on the fence about getting a Strandberg for a while now. I’m a 38 year old plumber and have been playing guitar for 10+ years. So my hands/shoulders are pretty beat up. I’ve bought guitars in the past without trying them first. It’s scary for more traditional guitars, but terrifying for a design as extreme as a Strandberg. Randomly stumbling upon your channel has been extremely helpful. I look forward to future videos. Thanks Andre l!
Absolutely, I’ll keep you posted. What do you think about the 20” radius? How does playing chords feel? I’ve never had a guitar with a board that flat. Thanks Andre!
@@mlite84 I LOVE IT. Chords as just as easier as ever but everything else is easier. I will def have a 20inch radius or even flatter on any custom build I do in the future.
@@andrefludd Think it would be worth buying one of the kits but buy new hardware and electronics? I'm a little more on the cost effective side of things lol
Interesting. I am 61 and grew up playing so called traditional guitars.. You should try a flying v standing up because you can put the V against your legs and really lock it in if you're playing fast scales, etc.. :-) Just found you.. I would like to have a headless, but not sure what brand I want.. I'm considering the Ibanez for it's value.. Thanks for an interesting video!
Guitarists are super valuable! I remember going to the doctor because of crippling back pain at the age of 21 (not good). Turns out it was from practicing classical guitar with one foot in the air for many hours a day. Switched to a rest and it solved my problems in a week. I think it's cold to see companies using new ergonomic body shapes, rather than imitating an acoustic guitar or vuhuela which needed to be that shape for its tone.
This is the hardest thing to get across to students. They all start "sideways" and then I usually...USUALLY convince them that classical position is the way to go. They want to look cool on stage. I get that! But you cannot play complex chords with the guitar hanging at your knees! Personally, I do fine with the footstool/strap method. I get all of your points, from your other video, but this does work for me.
It’s such an individual thing. The strap method even works for me sometimes and it was my main method for most of my guitar playing history so I get it.
good to hear you're enjoying the classical position leg rest! the design im working on at the moment combines both the classical position cutaway and the Klein guitars leg rest. as you mentioned being able to change up your position regularly is super important to minimise strain, so im hoping my design will work with getting me into the ergonomic playing position both in the classical position and electric guitar position.
Great Video, Andre! I love your deep dive content. I prefer to play seated with my neck angled up at around a 45 degree angle, but most guitars are terrible in that position, even when I’m using a strap. I love my Les Paul, but it slides down whenever I try to rest the lower bout on my leg. This is one of the MAIN things that draws me to the strandberg. The scale is on the shorter side, which I prefer, it’s very light, AND it has the lower bout leg cut. Your series on this guitar only makes me want one of these even more haha! I can’t wait to find a good deal and pick one up.
So true! Now that you mention it I realise I play in this position with my Sälen all the time. Comes so natural that one not even thinks about it. That's a sign of good design.
Love this video. Thanks for recording it twice. ;) I must say I love your way of explaining things. Detailed, logical, sensical. You THINK instead of simply regurgitating what others do. Keep up the awesomeness. We appreciate it!
Perhaps I should add a "classical" position (45 degrees) for the leg bar on my builds. I started with a design that placed the neck at a 30 degree angle when seated, then later went to 25 degrees so it was a bit less "in your face".
you re so so so so gargantually right about the hunching iver and shoulder issues. I have a shoulder impingment and i cant sit and play like this at all now, i feel like me front delt screams when i play this way. Its also extremely taxing for your lower back stay healthy fam
I was looking for a telecaster since i love them. I saw the butterschotch one. Told my wife i bougth it. Didnt even ask permission haha. Cant wait to try it. I play mostly seated get sometimes pain in my rigth shoulder.
The first time I saw a strandberg, I felt like I wanted one just for that feature. Even though I don't like anything else about the guitar except maybe the pickups.
10000% agree. Whenever I pick up another guitar I try to position it like I would my Strandberg when I'm sitting down, and I can't, and it's so much less comfortable.
I've been enjoying your videos, attention to detail, and addressing the shortcomings of non-ergonomic designs. I've been using a strap, even on Nylon String/Classical Guitar for years. That significantly improves the position while sitting. Thanks
I started on nylon string classical, and totally agree on the superiority of the leg rest design! Most comfortable guitars to play that I own. I only wish the nuts on the jacks didn’t become loose so easily. Cheers, Daniel 🤙🏼
Thank god, someone finally said it, playing in the more “classical” seated position makes it feel more comfortable I had a guitar teacher who told me when we have lessons I can’t play in the 45 degree seated position because it’s not cool. I ended up succeeding him and left the lessons in a short time
With the sharp edges thing, and me hardcore looking after old Ibanez Radius's when I have a great RG already for at least 30% this reason (...mainly they just look super cool): I would love a strandberg style "front silhouette" that also had rounded edges like a good ol' strat
I like how you have a picture demonstrating the footstool only to have them using it with the wrong foot - I only point this out because I actually built a meme off the biggest online retailer's images demonstrating the footstool product because their model was doing the same thing. It's actually very common in ads and demo pictures to have it being misused (in my observations); it only jumped out at me because I already know how to use one, but if I didn't I might end up using it just as shown, hunched in a painful ball for a week until next lesson where the teacher shows me that I was using it wrong (or months if the kid is learning in isolation without external teachers/input). I'm not criticizing, it's just so commonly present that it's easy to miss instances of it and you ended up using one of them (that's just how prevalent it is).
That isn’t a typical shape bald man is playing. Looks like switching legs would make that particularly odd guitar very uncomfortable. Maybe he’s doing it right
@@davemenard5089 yeah I checked myself but even the audio advises to use your left leg to assume "classical" position, which is correct. Try it the way shown and you'll be helping a chiropractor with sailboat payments in no time flat.
when playing in a classical position youll have to sacrifice using the thumb over the neck technique to play more complex chords which is kind of a shame but i guess its worth ditching in favour of a healthy posture
Hi Andre! I'm guilty of putting my guitars on my lap in that bad position sometimes. I know exactly what you mean as far as how bad it is for your back. Whenever I do that, I hunch right over it. If I've been doing it for a while, I have to do stretches when I'm done. Sometimes I play lying down in the bed, or on a sofa. Sometimes I'll rest the guitar on my left leg instead of my right one depending on the furniture. If I'm sitting down though, that generally means that the amp isn't on. If I turn the amp on, I'll usually play standing. I see how the angle on the Strandberg helps. That's a good idea to shape the guitar that way and I think that does go over most people's heads. That wouldn't have occurred to me if you didn't point it out. It's an odd shape that most people, myself included, wouldn't know what to make of unless it's explained to them. Btw, I enjoyed your podcast from midweek. Cheers man!✌
Thanks :). Podcasts will now be every Wednesday! If you get a chance, try putting a pillow on your thigh to angle the neck to 45 degrees as an experiment. It will give you a good idea of if you like the Strandberg position. Damnit, I shoulda mentioned that in the video.
Becoming one of my favorite channels and daily watchers, keep up the good work man. I love the way you clearly explain things. (Also a D’Angelico fanboy here)
90 degrees. The perpendicular horizontal position is 90 degrees. I love the idea of 180 degrees though, literally swinging the neck down towards the floor! :D To actually touch on what you're talking about, one of my big annoyances with les pauls and some other old school guitar designs, has always been the butt-heavy build. If you try to get a good neck angle, they will dive off your leg! Getting a better angle without having to use a strap is something I miss.
@@andrefludd I like medium weight guitars the most. I've spoken to Ola Strandberg at NAMM and I've fondled all his models at his booth, and I honestly don't gel with any of them at all personally. It's too far down that road for what I'm after. I would like something a bit down that road. Strandberg's Voden design but with more solid hardware, no chambering, and a reversed asymmetric C shaped neck would be sick.
Liked..Watched your 1st video,when you posted it.Glad you 're doing the deep dive.Had a Steinberger back in the day.Some people will just never Accept a headless guitar.Have a Kiesel Osiris that I love the neck on.Going to go to the performaxe website today.I moved the input jack-to the control cavity cover on the back of the Osiris.That combo should put me in a classical position .Never had played in the Classical position before the Strandberg.Ola really thought out his guitars.Classical is the position I prefer, Now. Hope the performaxe will let me do that with my other guitars too. I Agree having the leg cutout makes a Huge differance for your comfort/and hand and arm fatigue.Body weight and balance and smaller size really work well together.Looking forward to your next videos..👍
Thank you for bringing light to this issue! I found your channel by trying to find something like the Performaxe, but I was looking for a homemade/cheap solution. But nope, I tried many things and it didn't work. When I seen your video on the Performaxe, I knew that would eventually fork out the money for one, and I did when preorders opened this week. *sigh* I'm so happy and thankful that there's that option. But guitar makers have the ability to create (almost) whatever they want at this point in time, we should be at a point where this cutout or even the Performaxe is more affordable and available. I guess I mean, it shouldn't be a "new" concept. I've thought a few times about taking a really cheap project guitar and cutting that corner off. Haha I'm sure I'm not the first, especially as a short person when playing bigger guitars. And as a massage therapist who loves music and is learning the guitar to help with hand dexterity and strength, I thank you and appreciate that you are shedding light on this important feature. Our posture is bad enough nowadays with more desk jobs and stress of the world. Posture while playing guitar is super important. It can make or break someone's ability and desire to keep playing. Also, thank you for offering different videos than the typical youtuber. I enjoy the deeper dives, sharing of why you have the select instruments you have, and free education, instead of being shown something new and shiny that we guitar nerds "need". (But it was so nice to see lots of YTs realize they needed to change it up, even with their corny videos.) Thanks Andre!!!
I’ve Been searching for a performaxe and it’s very difficult to find. Trying to get on a waiting list and you are making that guitar sound very inviting. Great video
I agree with all your points. I typically play classical style. But i have found that for certain jazz chords the 180° angle actually is a better fit and works for me. Which i was surprised by.
@@andrefludd CM7-Eb7-D-11-G9sus4. All played down by the nut. I can play them either way but it flows and feels better when the next is at the 180 angle. Just a weird thing for me.
I wonder if some sort of rubber or foam padding that fits around the leg rest could make it more comfortable. I’ve had some classical guitar supports and the only issue was after awhile my leg would go to sleep. Also that finish is awesome. I like green and that seems to be kind of an uncommon guitar color.
Yea, I tried a thick scarf and that worked fine, but I’m really nitpicking there. I didn’t think I’d like the color. I’m not a big green fan. But in person it has a lot more blue green look than forest green so I’ve come around to it for sure. I wanted the red-orange one but they are super hard to find.
Yess. The instant I saw the Strandberg shape I thought - wait, that would be really comfortable for playing in a sitting position and as it turns out I was right. But I'm a college student and, as all college students students should be, I'm broke. I would REALLY love some guitar company to make an affordable guitar with a shape like this as I'm sick and tired of not being able to play more than an hour a day basically. I don't care about the weird neck, I don't care about quality hardware and pickups (that would be nice, but I mostly play just for fun on my own), all I need is a comfy guitar to sit with for long hours and no company makes one that any non-professional can justifiably buy Some really nice deep dives into Strandbergs, btw. Never seen someone address this many small, but really important things about them
I own two Strandbergs plus an Eart W1, which is a copy of Strandberg's design, and I agree 100%. I play in that same position with the carved out corner on my right thigh, and it's by far the most comfortable. I don't understand why there are owners of Strandberg (and other brands with that same design) who choose to play in the typical position that's far worse ergonomically (looking at you, Plini). This feature is so important to me that when Ibanez came out with their headless models, I laughed and then groaned, because without that carve, they're pointless to me. Abasi guitars got it right because even with a headstock, having that carve is still far more ergonomic than a headless without the carve.
Ooooof on losing version 1 of the video. (Definite Like for re-doing it) How well do the facets of the EndurNeck work with the classic playing position vs a more horizontal one? (Or playing sitting vs standing really) Do you get the feeling yet that the shape was optimised for one over the other? Or is it one of those things where it magically improves wrist/hand position or reduces fatigue however you are playing? Plus I guess the lightness and balance also works to make playing in any position more pleasant.
I’m going to do a full endurneck video and that will answer these questions plus discuss 6 vs 7 string neck. I do think it feels decent in every position but def optimized for classical
I always sit like that with my Strandberg. Also, last video you mentioned they only do fanned frets. In 2017 (maybe another year here and there) actually had some custom shop true temperament Swedish made models that had straight frets due to TT not being made for fanned frets at that time. Very rare to find them, but I love mine and do wish to try the fanned fret Strandbergs as well
I'd love Strandberg to release a more affordable bass guitar line. They are amazing instruments but the Boden bass line is crazy expensive and very hard to find
I studied classical guitar when I was in my teens so for years I played the standard classical style with my footrest so when I picked up electrics I still played that way... I have a fender Stratocaster but I am seriously considering selling it and buying one of these the more I learn about him the more I like them, haven't played one yet so I need to do that
Def try to find a local shop to try it. I think you may like. Also, check out my performaxe video if you get a chance. I think it will help a lot since I discuss tools classical guitarists use. Cheaper options etc. Maybe you don’t have to sell your strat
Thanks for doing this series! Have you tried the strap the other way around? So that the padded part is more around your neck? I find it’s more comfortable. Helps justify the $55 price :)
Damn straight! The area from the treble-side horn to the bottom strap button is sacred leg space! I can't stand side jacks. Possibly worse is guitars that have the leg rest in the body and then shove a jack there showing they HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT DESIGN!!!!! I'm using a strat variant at the moment, but I keep wanting something shaped like a Rondo SX Liquid which has both a treble-side curve and a gentle curve on the entire bottom (sort of like a less-pointy Jackson Warrior).
would you recommend a strandberg guitar (particularly the essential 6) for a beginner guitarist? would the ergonomic features of the strandberg help or hinder a beginner's development? would I risk developing bad technique that works on a strandberg but would make it harder to play "normal" guitars?
That is my preferred playing position too. I also like the strap lock positions on it for playing standing up. My preference, if I had the money to buy a customised strandberg, would be 3-way toggle instead of 5-way selector with just bridge and neck humbuckers. I'd have a push pull on the volume to split the coils (though I wouldn't use it very often) and, like Chris Broderick, a push pull to turn the tone knob on or off because I hardly ever used the tone knob outside of experimenting. I would have a whammy bar like yours as well because I definitely make use of the Floyd Rose on my Jackson. I've never had the opportunity to try a strandberg but any time I see someone playing them they do look very ergonomic.
My Boden+ 8 TT has two Fluences and a 3-pos switch with both vol and tone pots push-pull to change the pickup voicings. No whammy tho (I'm not missing it tbh).
@@eamonahern7495 Yeah there's no option for a whammy on 8 string Strandbergs AFAIK. Check out Boden Prog series for 3-way PU selector guitars with whammies.
You've highlighted a common misunderstanding about posture, that it's a position, and thinking that will lead people to try and hold it. Posture is a balancing act, a *movement*. I prefer to use the word poise, more fluid. I'm not entirely convinced of ergonomics, it's more about behaviour. You certainly want to avoid any guitar with neck dive, that is poor design. I find a Strat style ergonomic enough, that said I'm still intrigued by the Strandberg and keep getting drawn to the idea of getting one. The fanned frets confuse me visually whenever I try one in a store though.
@@andrefludd my pleasure. I'm a professional Alexander Technique teacher, so posture/poise is a large part of my professional life. Hopefully having a book published on AT for guitarists in the next couple of months. Loving your deep dives and your channel in general, so thank you for the effort and detail you put into them.
I love that feature of the strandberg! Naturally I would play like that. Also, the link to your podcast in some of your videos doesn't work. It seems like it's incomplete with the three dots.
@andre love your videos more every time. I need your advice: huge Vigier fan here, mostly for the neck but also zero fret and bearing trem lover. I have a chance to trade a Jackson for An aristides 060 A standerberg Biden original 7 A Parker fly deluxe Which one would you recommend?
Wow, someone said it allowed. Let me say first, most would benefit from playing on the inside leg instead of the outside, problem solved neck at 45 degrees. This has bothered me since a young kid as I was taught classically where u use a stool and your inside leg to achieve that 45 degrees. Don't need a strand for that although I agree it's one of the plusses re them. Most of us can't play like slash with the guitar at our knees😂
I always thought it was weird when people don’t use the lower cut to play. I’m not a particularly great player, but it feels correct having it at a 45 degree angle, especially for sweeping and doing more complex chords.
That's funny... maybe no one talks about it, but it (and the lower weight) were the principal reasons I got a Boden! Ola really nailed the ergonomics on this one. Also, classical guitarists have known how to position a guitar properly for ages... not sure why this obvious position got lost in the rock/jazz world.
Can you show the Perform Axe on your left leg attached to your Strandberg without a guitar strap? Will that work to get a 45 degree fretboard angle please?
I’m absolutely blow with this series, I’m surprised Kiesel hasn’t added the “leg rest lower bout” to the Vader. Over the years I’ve had 4 strandberg 7 strings. My only gripe is I find the neck too thick on the 7’s. I really wish Ola and team would offer a thinner option.
Good Evening Mr. Flood, Is this the guitar with "fanned frets?" If so,... in the upcoming episodes could you please explain fanned frets and why would someone want this feature on their guitar. Thank you again.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #1 НАЧАЛО ПУТЕШЕСТВИЯ [Новый сезон] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/380Q7gLWGvk/mqdefault.jpg)
This is the best guitar channel on youtube. Even if I play pointy guitars and death metal I absolutely agree with you with neck positioning etc.
You have the best guitar analysis out there
If you get a chance, check out the crafting a guitarist series. I LOVE death metal :). Thanks for your comment and support
Will be a 100K subscriber channel in 2023
Speaking of pointy guitars, I like how a Rhoads V is to sit down and play. You naturally get the tilted angle (if you have the V straddling one leg) though you don't get the good _height_ that this has
Hallelujah. First time I've heard this discussed... Agree with every single word. Additionally with the Boden shape I can play sitting back completely relaxed on a sofa with a cushion behind me and eliminate any stress in the lumbar region. It's simply wonderful.
Oh I gotta try that one. Sounds comfy.
totally agree. the comfort of sitting in classical position and its weight was main reason for me to buy one.
Great reason!
This is great stuff, I don't think anyone else is making content quite like this
I’m doing my best. Thank you :)
Totally agree with your assessment. The feature I love the most of my Strandberg Boden Standard 7 is the body cut out which enables it to use it in the classical position: the one you mentioned.
As a bedroom guitarist who mostly noodles around while watching TV, the position is a game changer. Loved it so much that it is now my go to guitar ever since I bought it few months back. Out of the 6 guitars I own, I have used Strandberg the most, even ahead of ones which cost twice the Strandberg.
Yep. Me yoo
Spot-on. I don't have a Strandberg, but my low-cost Eart GW-2 headless, "inspired" by the Strandberg design, has a nearly-identical body, and since I virtually never play standing up, I discovered - really, it was a pleasant surprise - the thing about playing position, wrist strain, etc. long before I saw this video. I totally agree that it's a really important design feature, and makes playing far more comfortable, especially for extended periods.
That’s certainly the feature which drew me to the Strandberg. I still can’t wait to try one out. For now, I finally have a Performaxe on the way. As always, thanks for the great suggestions.
Thank you!
100% fact, after playing my strandy (appropriately named Sandy), this feature alone makes it the most comfortable guitar I've ever played. I've played more expensive guitars and they don't even come close in terms of comfort, and let's be honest, comfort is the most important part.
I agree comfort is everything
Being a long time SG player, and having struggled with left wrist pain battling with that damnable SG neck dive, I can really appreciate the benefits of the ideal Strandberg playing position.
Sounds like a winner so far. 👍🎶
Yep. Neck dive can really weigh on your left hand. That’s for sure
I can only join in the chorus and say how useful, informative and intelligently presented your videos are. Your approach is honest and genuinely insightful. Thank you!
Thank you very much!
Metal guitarists have been holding superstrat guitars in classical position for decades. It’s good for posture and like you said, ergonomics for technical playing.
100%
This is exactly why I'm eyeing a Strandberg and not another headless
Smart man
@@andrefludd Andre, could you comment on the 20" radius and whether it's too flat for barre chords etc? Thanks
This is why I bought mine. It's even more comfortable than I hoped. Standing, seated, reclining -- you can even sit it on a table and play.
The attachment you recommend for better, higher guitar positioning while seated, is a lot cheaper than the exorbitant cost of the Strandberg guitars.
It seems to me if simply repositioning the neck to be more ergonomic in your lap is the point, why not spend 100 bucks (or whatever- I think it's a bit less) on a tool that puts any guitar into just as good of a playing position.
Is that lower bout ergonomic cutaway really worth the extra grand?
@@wenjacklowI love flat fretboards and I think you really need to get out and try some flat fretboard guitars and A/B them against something like a Strat for yourself.
Also, big six string barr chords are done to death and vastly overrated imo; 4 note chords almost always sound way better to me; you don't need three octaves of the tonic to get the point across; and if you play a lot of the same old six note barr chords, I think you'll find that just by mostly ditching them, and getting rid of most of the doubled notes like the ridiculous three octaves of the root in every Ramones chord, you're going to instantly be a more interesting and individual sounding player. Why stick with the same old chords everyone has already worn out? Every single beginner learns and then plays those to death before they finally get around to learning some really interesting and cool chords that are going to be a far more individual expression, if they even get around to it.
Honestly, as a listener, I think the standard R&R over reliance (my opinion only, obviously-I won't be hurt if someone disagrees) on the same old major and minor triads with a note or two doubled or tripled is beyond stale. What's good for Kiss and the Ramones; every chord exactly like every other chord, just bores the crap out of anyone who has been exposed to more interesting harmony.
In my opinion, everything you can do on a curved fretboard, you can do as well or better on a flat one. But maybe Andre will tell you differently. The point is you might agree with me or you might agree with someone who says "oh no the 12 inch strats are much better", and you won't know until you simply feel it for yourself. It's kind of like someone who has never been stoned to ask what it's like and then decide they will love it or hate it based on someone else's experience; there's no way to convey it except to give you the opportunity to experience it for yourself.
Again, I understand that some will disagree, and some Kiss and Ramones fans might be mad at me, but I'm just a guy with my own opinion, not twisting arms, just saying my thoughts, so calm the eff down already 😱😁.
If someone is offended, it wasn't my intention, but having said that, I don't care either. People get way too attached to wanting everyone to agree with them; what a bore that would be; almost as boring as the ancient and worn out chords of Kiss and the Ramones. 😜
Couldn't'' agree more with this! Although I play budget guitars, my "Eart GW2" (Strandberg knockoff) is my go-to guitar for the very reasons you mention.
On a similar note, I really appreciate that Tosin Abasi includes this ergonomic design feature in his own concepts line (love the new Emi). I really wish other manufactures would take note; headless or not, we really need more of these lower bout cutouts available.
Thanks for covering this!
Agreed I hope I can try one!
Very interesting video, I never thought about posture and ergonomics playing guitar. Back in high school I would play 2-3 hours a day almost every day at the 180 degree position you showed, worked up to learning 6 string arpeggios and 15-18 note per second scale runs neo-classical style and never had any wrist and shoulder pain. But now as I approach 30, I take trying to take care of my body much more seriously. Never really thought about the 45 degree position for electric guitar until I watched this, always thought it was just some multiple hundred year old norm for classical guitar. Thanks man
These details that you cover, GLORIOUS!!!
OMG i just a Boden 6 and love it. Game changer! I only wish the forearm curve had more curve like a Jazzmaster or Strat. Up to this point was playing a '96 Parker Fly Classic which was the best sounding electric I've ever played BUT I can't stand that constant elbow in the chest so I'll probably sell the Fly which is in almost mint condition. Yes, that lap cutout is really nice which was another reason to buy this guitar because i spend most of my time in front of my PC learning and transcribing tunes so comfort is primary. Thanks Andre.
I love the tip of the hat to John Stowell, a real early pioneer of pointing the neck nearly vertically most of the time to facilitate a lot of the kind of stuff he likes to do, particularly playing challenging chords with close intervals requiring a serious hand stretch.
He explains in his clinics and articles that he doesn't have particularly large hands, and has found the neck elevated along with the willingness to fret notes with the sides of his fingers when needed rather than the tips, to be helpful in facilitating the grabbing of all the notes of cords spanning sometimes 5-7 frets.
John Stowell is one of the best, most interesting jazz guitarists on Earth, thanks in large part to his affinity for piano, and having developed a completely unique and wonderful approach to guitar harmony that owes more to piano than traditional jazz guitar. 🎸🎶❤️👏👏👏
I’ve always wanted a Strandberg but I’ve never considered this as a reason to buy one until now. Only makes me want one more as I tend to play in classical position. Definitely my next guitar purchase!
I think you’ll like this feature :)
I couldn't stretch to a Strandberg either - a bit much if you're not certain you'll like it.
I went for an Eart W2 which is a sorta Chinese knockoff albeit of very good basic quality. Even better (for me), it had a regular (ie non-slanted) frets; the neck is absolutely fabulous. 24 steel frets, 2 very good classic PAF humbuckers. Lovely low action. Bridge is a bit weird but very stable tuning. Don't bother with the tremelo version.
The body shape was later modified by Eart to the GW2 model, presumably due to copyright or patent threats, but it still featured "the chomp" and by all accounts is still a great-playing guitar.
Alternatively check out the Latitude headless which is very similar:
ua-cam.com/video/OzukZ00IHs4/v-deo.html
Good to see confirmation of my initial motivation to buy a stradberg. Very comfortable, I find my self practicing more and my guitar playing has come a long way because of this instrument.
When you talk about how it tucks away so you can do other tasks, it reminds me of how Jimi Hendrix used to talk around his house with his guitar so he could access it immediately when an idea struck him.
I never heard that particular talk but I do love being strapped at all time. It’s really comforting.
@@andrefludd I meant to write walk not talk, haha
Flying Vs are awesome to sit and play with. So comfortable
I’ll def have to try that
I found the number of people who reviewed Strandbergs but don't mention that lower rear carve puzzling. IMO, it's the Strandberg's most innovative feature and the thing that really sets it apart from other guitars.
It's making me nervous because once I shimmed the neck and got the action nice and low, I've lost the urge to pick up any of my other guitars.
Great video. The best guitar channel on youtube keeps getting better.
Thank you so much Mark. That means a lot. I’m curious as to why you needed to shim the neck. I’ve had no issue getting the action low without modding it.
@@andrefludd I had an issue with buzz despite fairly high action (low E .008" @ 12th). The nut was fine and the frets were level so when all else fails, the only thing left to do is shim it. It took a bit of work to sand down a shim from Stewmac to the necessary thickness but the action is now down to .005 without a hint of buzz. I really have no idea why this works -- it's just changing the neck angle slightly -- but it does. Just blind luck, perhaps?
Just got a Strandberg. This info is very helpful so I’m following it closely! Thanks, Dr Fludd.
Thanks for the support :)
You are 100% correct about this! This is the thing that many of the Chinese Strandberg knockoffs like Volgoa miss. Though they have the lower bout leg rest, they ruin it by putting the output jack there. It drives me crazy when someone recommends a headless guitar design and then when I go to look at it, I see that the output jack RUINS THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF AN ERGONOMIC GUITAR!!!
I like the Strandberg and would like to have one, but they are priced out of my budget. I did buy the Boya & Ziqi Lizard 6 headless which is a very good Strandberg double-humbucker knockoff that is affordable and I love it; but I would love it if someone would gift me a Salen Classic NX6. 🤞
The ability to sit in a classical position with the guitar is the reason I bought a V rather than a super strat or another vaguely classic design
I've been interested in a headless with the strandberg body design but they're all just too expensive to warrant the experiment
I’ve heard this a few times now! I really need to try a v
I agree 100% I have seen a few guitars with similar shapes where the jack is where you are sitting your guitar. Strandberg really made a great decision with this design choice.
They sure did!
I play modern metal (like intervals mixed with monuments) and i love the content. Had my strandberg standard for 2-3 years now and it just never gets old
I LOVE both of those bands. I'm also a big fan of bands like Volumes, Currents, Alpha Wolf, Knocked Loose, Silent Planet, Jesus Piece, omg and Vildhjarta. I'll shut up now. I need to make a video where I just list amazing bands.
@@andrefludd lol I love all those bands! Would be interesting to make a video showing your diverse music taste and some common threads between very different genres (like similarities between jazz music and Vildjharta)
I bought a Strandberg 3 years ago and I wish I had seen THIS video before. Not because of I regret purchasing it, but because of the details of ergonomic playing really means ✨
Klein nailed it, it's so oogly it's beautiful in an exotic way. I believe he took his design cues from the Ovation breadwinner.
I want to try a Klein so badly
Steinberg guitars had a plastic thingy coming out of the body to play in seating position, that you could pop back inside the body.
Yes, I've seen that but never tried it.
EXACTLY!! 100% Thank you for making a video on this 'leg rest' cut out as it definitly factors in when playing this guitar. I love my strandberg which I've had for about 18 months. When seated, this IS THE most comfortable position to play in...and yes, even lounging in a chair. I have other guitars and when playing in the 'normal' seated position for a while, maybe its just all in my head, I now notice how seated in the slightly twisted position starts being a distraction. You've made a great set of videos truly giving a real world in depth review of this guitar, great job! Subscribed.
Thanks :) more coming
There are a bunch of things that I really like about the Strandberg. The lower bout leg rest, light weight, recessed neck heel and the light weight. Never really liked the pickups, so I swapped them with EMG active pickups and now the guitar sounds awesome.
It’s crazy how things in life happen at certain times. I’ve been on the fence about getting a Strandberg for a while now. I’m a 38 year old plumber and have been playing guitar for 10+ years. So my hands/shoulders are pretty beat up. I’ve bought guitars in the past without trying them first. It’s scary for more traditional guitars, but terrifying for a design as extreme as a Strandberg. Randomly stumbling upon your channel has been extremely helpful. I look forward to future videos. Thanks Andre l!
Thanks for your comment :). If you go with a Strandberg please share the model you choose. I’d love to know
Absolutely, I’ll keep you posted. What do you think about the 20” radius? How does playing chords feel? I’ve never had a guitar with a board that flat. Thanks Andre!
@@mlite84 I LOVE IT. Chords as just as easier as ever but everything else is easier. I will def have a 20inch radius or even flatter on any custom build I do in the future.
You're definitely making me want one more and more.
Worth a try!
@@andrefludd Think it would be worth buying one of the kits but buy new hardware and electronics?
I'm a little more on the cost effective side of things lol
Interesting. I am 61 and grew up playing so called traditional guitars.. You should try a flying v standing up because you can put the V against your legs and really lock it in if you're playing fast scales, etc.. :-)
Just found you.. I would like to have a headless, but not sure what brand I want.. I'm considering the Ibanez for it's value..
Thanks for an interesting video!
Thanks for the support :). I do want to try a V
Guitarists are super valuable! I remember going to the doctor because of crippling back pain at the age of 21 (not good). Turns out it was from practicing classical guitar with one foot in the air for many hours a day. Switched to a rest and it solved my problems in a week.
I think it's cold to see companies using new ergonomic body shapes, rather than imitating an acoustic guitar or vuhuela which needed to be that shape for its tone.
This is the hardest thing to get across to students. They all start "sideways" and then I usually...USUALLY convince them that classical position is the way to go.
They want to look cool on stage. I get that! But you cannot play complex chords with the guitar hanging at your knees!
Personally, I do fine with the footstool/strap method. I get all of your points, from your other video, but this does work for me.
It’s such an individual thing. The strap method even works for me sometimes and it was my main method for most of my guitar playing history so I get it.
2:07 triggered my math OCD (nice job, math mistakes are better to generate comments, than a silly question in the video)
I thought people who are good at music are supposed to be good at maths …
Or maybe it’s the other way round ?
Totally agree. The best feature of these guitars.
good to hear you're enjoying the classical position leg rest! the design im working on at the moment combines both the classical position cutaway and the Klein guitars leg rest. as you mentioned being able to change up your position regularly is super important to minimise strain, so im hoping my design will work with getting me into the ergonomic playing position both in the classical position and electric guitar position.
That’s going to be some design. Keep in touch. I’d love to show it on the channel. You’ll see me featuring subscriber instruments pretty soon
@@andrefludd for sure yeah
its on hold a bit rn, due to financial issues. but im hoping to finish it in the next month or so.
Great Video, Andre! I love your deep dive content.
I prefer to play seated with my neck angled up at around a 45 degree angle, but most guitars are terrible in that position, even when I’m using a strap.
I love my Les Paul, but it slides down whenever I try to rest the lower bout on my leg.
This is one of the MAIN things that draws me to the strandberg.
The scale is on the shorter side, which I prefer, it’s very light, AND it has the lower bout leg cut.
Your series on this guitar only makes me want one of these even more haha! I can’t wait to find a good deal and pick one up.
Thanks for your comment :)
@@andrefludd update: I played a strandberg boden 7 for the first time today. Based on your videos so far and my experience playing it, I am 100% sold.
So true! Now that you mention it I realise I play in this position with my Sälen all the time. Comes so natural that one not even thinks about it. That's a sign of good design.
Agreed!
Love this video. Thanks for recording it twice. ;) I must say I love your way of explaining things. Detailed, logical, sensical. You THINK instead of simply regurgitating what others do. Keep up the awesomeness. We appreciate it!
Thank you :)
Perhaps I should add a "classical" position (45 degrees) for the leg bar on my builds. I started with a design that placed the neck at a 30 degree angle when seated, then later went to 25 degrees so it was a bit less "in your face".
you re so so so so gargantually right about the hunching iver and shoulder issues. I have a shoulder impingment and i cant sit and play like this at all now, i feel like me front delt screams when i play this way. Its also extremely taxing for your lower back
stay healthy fam
100% I’ve seen it a lot in some of my older teachers. Their body is twisted even when they aren’t playing
I was looking for a telecaster since i love them. I saw the butterschotch one. Told my wife i bougth it. Didnt even ask permission haha. Cant wait to try it. I play mostly seated get sometimes pain in my rigth shoulder.
I hope this helps your shoulder!
I noticed it within 5 minutes of playing how that contour helps with seated playing! You are 100% right that Ola nailed this design.
Yep!
The first time I saw a strandberg, I felt like I wanted one just for that feature. Even though I don't like anything else about the guitar except maybe the pickups.
Smart reason to get it imo
One of the best guitar channels on youtube for sure
Thank you :)
10000% agree. Whenever I pick up another guitar I try to position it like I would my Strandberg when I'm sitting down, and I can't, and it's so much less comfortable.
I've been enjoying your videos, attention to detail, and addressing the shortcomings of non-ergonomic designs. I've been using a strap, even on Nylon String/Classical Guitar for years. That significantly improves the position while sitting. Thanks
Thanks for the support :)
I started on nylon string classical, and totally agree on the superiority of the leg rest design! Most comfortable guitars to play that I own. I only wish the nuts on the jacks didn’t become loose so easily. Cheers, Daniel 🤙🏼
(i have a performaxe for my holdsworth carvin and have always coveted the kleins as well)
Thank god, someone finally said it, playing in the more “classical” seated position makes it feel more comfortable
I had a guitar teacher who told me when we have lessons I can’t play in the 45 degree seated position because it’s not cool. I ended up succeeding him and left the lessons in a short time
Smart move on your end
I have yet to own one or one like it, but that's always been something I've seen as a plus.
I agree!
With the sharp edges thing, and me hardcore looking after old Ibanez Radius's when I have a great RG already for at least 30% this reason (...mainly they just look super cool):
I would love a strandberg style "front silhouette" that also had rounded edges like a good ol' strat
Thanks for sharing!
I like how you have a picture demonstrating the footstool only to have them using it with the wrong foot - I only point this out because I actually built a meme off the biggest online retailer's images demonstrating the footstool product because their model was doing the same thing. It's actually very common in ads and demo pictures to have it being misused (in my observations); it only jumped out at me because I already know how to use one, but if I didn't I might end up using it just as shown, hunched in a painful ball for a week until next lesson where the teacher shows me that I was using it wrong (or months if the kid is learning in isolation without external teachers/input).
I'm not criticizing, it's just so commonly present that it's easy to miss instances of it and you ended up using one of them (that's just how prevalent it is).
Interesting point
That isn’t a typical shape bald man is playing. Looks like switching legs would make that particularly odd guitar very uncomfortable. Maybe he’s doing it right
@@davemenard5089 yeah I checked myself but even the audio advises to use your left leg to assume "classical" position, which is correct. Try it the way shown and you'll be helping a chiropractor with sailboat payments in no time flat.
Would like to get a comparison between Strandberg and Ormsby Goliath.
when playing in a classical position youll have to sacrifice using the thumb over the neck technique to play more complex chords which is kind of a shame but i guess its worth ditching in favour of a healthy posture
I can still do thumb over.
@@andrefludd i guess it might be because im using a 17" archtop...
Hi Andre! I'm guilty of putting my guitars on my lap in that bad position sometimes. I know exactly what you mean as far as how bad it is for your back. Whenever I do that, I hunch right over it. If I've been doing it for a while, I have to do stretches when I'm done. Sometimes I play lying down in the bed, or on a sofa. Sometimes I'll rest the guitar on my left leg instead of my right one depending on the furniture. If I'm sitting down though, that generally means that the amp isn't on. If I turn the amp on, I'll usually play standing.
I see how the angle on the Strandberg helps. That's a good idea to shape the guitar that way and I think that does go over most people's heads. That wouldn't have occurred to me if you didn't point it out. It's an odd shape that most people, myself included, wouldn't know what to make of unless it's explained to them.
Btw, I enjoyed your podcast from midweek. Cheers man!✌
Thanks :). Podcasts will now be every Wednesday! If you get a chance, try putting a pillow on your thigh to angle the neck to 45 degrees as an experiment. It will give you a good idea of if you like the Strandberg position. Damnit, I shoulda mentioned that in the video.
Becoming one of my favorite channels and daily watchers, keep up the good work man. I love the way you clearly explain things. (Also a D’Angelico fanboy here)
Thank you :)
Check out Chris Forshage's custom Orions!
90 degrees. The perpendicular horizontal position is 90 degrees. I love the idea of 180 degrees though, literally swinging the neck down towards the floor! :D
To actually touch on what you're talking about, one of my big annoyances with les pauls and some other old school guitar designs, has always been the butt-heavy build. If you try to get a good neck angle, they will dive off your leg! Getting a better angle without having to use a strap is something I miss.
Agreed. I'm not a fan of heavy guitars.
@@andrefludd I like medium weight guitars the most. I've spoken to Ola Strandberg at NAMM and I've fondled all his models at his booth, and I honestly don't gel with any of them at all personally. It's too far down that road for what I'm after. I would like something a bit down that road. Strandberg's Voden design but with more solid hardware, no chambering, and a reversed asymmetric C shaped neck would be sick.
This is great 💯 Im sold, just need to save 😅 Thanks for this!
Any time!
Liked..Watched your 1st video,when you posted it.Glad you 're doing the deep dive.Had a Steinberger back in the day.Some people will just never Accept a headless guitar.Have a Kiesel Osiris that I love the neck on.Going to go to the performaxe website today.I moved the input jack-to the control cavity cover on the back of the Osiris.That combo should put me in a classical position .Never had played in the Classical position before the Strandberg.Ola really thought out his guitars.Classical is the position I prefer, Now. Hope the performaxe will let me do that with my other guitars too. I Agree having the leg cutout makes a Huge differance for your comfort/and hand and arm fatigue.Body weight and balance and smaller size really work well together.Looking forward to your next videos..👍
Thanks for the support :)
Thank you for bringing light to this issue! I found your channel by trying to find something like the Performaxe, but I was looking for a homemade/cheap solution. But nope, I tried many things and it didn't work. When I seen your video on the Performaxe, I knew that would eventually fork out the money for one, and I did when preorders opened this week. *sigh* I'm so happy and thankful that there's that option.
But guitar makers have the ability to create (almost) whatever they want at this point in time, we should be at a point where this cutout or even the Performaxe is more affordable and available. I guess I mean, it shouldn't be a "new" concept. I've thought a few times about taking a really cheap project guitar and cutting that corner off. Haha I'm sure I'm not the first, especially as a short person when playing bigger guitars.
And as a massage therapist who loves music and is learning the guitar to help with hand dexterity and strength, I thank you and appreciate that you are shedding light on this important feature. Our posture is bad enough nowadays with more desk jobs and stress of the world. Posture while playing guitar is super important. It can make or break someone's ability and desire to keep playing. Also, thank you for offering different videos than the typical youtuber. I enjoy the deeper dives, sharing of why you have the select instruments you have, and free education, instead of being shown something new and shiny that we guitar nerds "need". (But it was so nice to see lots of YTs realize they needed to change it up, even with their corny videos.) Thanks Andre!!!
Thank you for your comment. I’m always happy to hear from professionals from different fields and I’m glad you are enjoying my videos.
I would never have considered this guitar until now. Not saying I will buy one but now it is a viable option.
Glad to help :)
I’ve Been searching for a performaxe and it’s very difficult to find. Trying to get on a waiting list and you are making that guitar sound very inviting. Great video
Thank you :)
I agree with all your points. I typically play classical style. But i have found that for certain jazz chords the 180° angle actually is a better fit and works for me. Which i was surprised by.
Hmmm which ones?
@@andrefludd CM7-Eb7-D-11-G9sus4. All played down by the nut. I can play them either way but it flows and feels better when the next is at the 180 angle. Just a weird thing for me.
I wonder if some sort of rubber or foam padding that fits around the leg rest could make it more comfortable. I’ve had some classical guitar supports and the only issue was after awhile my leg would go to sleep.
Also that finish is awesome. I like green and that seems to be kind of an uncommon guitar color.
Yea, I tried a thick scarf and that worked fine, but I’m really nitpicking there. I didn’t think I’d like the color. I’m not a big green fan. But in person it has a lot more blue green look than forest green so I’ve come around to it for sure. I wanted the red-orange one but they are super hard to find.
By the way, I can rest my Strandi in my 9 guitar stand quite alright, actually. Hard recommend: Gravity Vari-G 9.
They are def on the list. One of the most beautiful designs I’ve ever seen! I love that mix of classical instruments and modern technology
Yess. The instant I saw the Strandberg shape I thought - wait, that would be really comfortable for playing in a sitting position and as it turns out I was right. But I'm a college student and, as all college students students should be, I'm broke. I would REALLY love some guitar company to make an affordable guitar with a shape like this as I'm sick and tired of not being able to play more than an hour a day basically. I don't care about the weird neck, I don't care about quality hardware and pickups (that would be nice, but I mostly play just for fun on my own), all I need is a comfy guitar to sit with for long hours and no company makes one that any non-professional can justifiably buy
Some really nice deep dives into Strandbergs, btw. Never seen someone address this many small, but really important things about them
Thanks for your comment :)
I was FINALLY able to order a performaxe. My back can't wait
I ordered a second one too! I feel like I deserve a free one, I have to have sold a couple with my video 😅
I own two Strandbergs plus an Eart W1, which is a copy of Strandberg's design, and I agree 100%. I play in that same position with the carved out corner on my right thigh, and it's by far the most comfortable. I don't understand why there are owners of Strandberg (and other brands with that same design) who choose to play in the typical position that's far worse ergonomically (looking at you, Plini). This feature is so important to me that when Ibanez came out with their headless models, I laughed and then groaned, because without that carve, they're pointless to me. Abasi guitars got it right because even with a headstock, having that carve is still far more ergonomic than a headless without the carve.
Yeah man, there’s a used boden local to me that I really want. I love the seated playing positions you can get with it
The lucky thing is, even if you can’t afford it now, you can save up and get one later. There’s tons on the used market and there always is.
i was trying to decide between a kiesel lightspeed and a strandberg, im still trying to pick but this is another point for strandberg
good luck either way!
Ooooof on losing version 1 of the video. (Definite Like for re-doing it)
How well do the facets of the EndurNeck work with the classic playing position vs a more horizontal one?
(Or playing sitting vs standing really)
Do you get the feeling yet that the shape was optimised for one over the other?
Or is it one of those things where it magically improves wrist/hand position or reduces fatigue however you are playing?
Plus I guess the lightness and balance also works to make playing in any position more pleasant.
I’m going to do a full endurneck video and that will answer these questions plus discuss 6 vs 7 string neck. I do think it feels decent in every position but def optimized for classical
It looks super comfy.
It really is
I always sit like that with my Strandberg. Also, last video you mentioned they only do fanned frets. In 2017 (maybe another year here and there) actually had some custom shop true temperament Swedish made models that had straight frets due to TT not being made for fanned frets at that time. Very rare to find them, but I love mine and do wish to try the fanned fret Strandbergs as well
Oh wow that sounds awesome. I didn’t know that. Thanks for sharing
I'd love Strandberg to release a more affordable bass guitar line. They are amazing instruments but the Boden bass line is crazy expensive and very hard to find
Agreed. Bass players always have to deal with higher prices.
I studied classical guitar when I was in my teens so for years I played the standard classical style with my footrest so when I picked up electrics I still played that way... I have a fender Stratocaster but I am seriously considering selling it and buying one of these the more I learn about him the more I like them, haven't played one yet so I need to do that
Def try to find a local shop to try it. I think you may like. Also, check out my performaxe video if you get a chance. I think it will help a lot since I discuss tools classical guitarists use. Cheaper options etc. Maybe you don’t have to sell your strat
Thanks for doing this series! Have you tried the strap the other way around? So that the padded part is more around your neck? I find it’s more comfortable. Helps justify the $55 price :)
thanks! Yes, I've been changing the strap around everyday try to find the best way for when I do the review.
Damn straight! The area from the treble-side horn to the bottom strap button is sacred leg space! I can't stand side jacks. Possibly worse is guitars that have the leg rest in the body and then shove a jack there showing they HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT DESIGN!!!!! I'm using a strat variant at the moment, but I keep wanting something shaped like a Rondo SX Liquid which has both a treble-side curve and a gentle curve on the entire bottom (sort of like a less-pointy Jackson Warrior).
Good point
would you recommend a strandberg guitar (particularly the essential 6) for a beginner guitarist? would the ergonomic features of the strandberg help or hinder a beginner's development? would I risk developing bad technique that works on a strandberg but would make it harder to play "normal" guitars?
That is my preferred playing position too. I also like the strap lock positions on it for playing standing up. My preference, if I had the money to buy a customised strandberg, would be 3-way toggle instead of 5-way selector with just bridge and neck humbuckers. I'd have a push pull on the volume to split the coils (though I wouldn't use it very often) and, like Chris Broderick, a push pull to turn the tone knob on or off because I hardly ever used the tone knob outside of experimenting. I would have a whammy bar like yours as well because I definitely make use of the Floyd Rose on my Jackson. I've never had the opportunity to try a strandberg but any time I see someone playing them they do look very ergonomic.
They def are
My Boden+ 8 TT has two Fluences and a 3-pos switch with both vol and tone pots push-pull to change the pickup voicings. No whammy tho (I'm not missing it tbh).
@@EvilDragon666 sounds like a cool guitar. I'd take a whammy if there was the option because I would use it.
@@eamonahern7495 Yeah there's no option for a whammy on 8 string Strandbergs AFAIK. Check out Boden Prog series for 3-way PU selector guitars with whammies.
@EvilDragon666 6 strings would be enough for me. Simon Girard of Beyond Creation has an 8-string strandberg with a 3-way toggle and a whammy bar.
You've highlighted a common misunderstanding about posture, that it's a position, and thinking that will lead people to try and hold it. Posture is a balancing act, a *movement*. I prefer to use the word poise, more fluid.
I'm not entirely convinced of ergonomics, it's more about behaviour. You certainly want to avoid any guitar with neck dive, that is poor design. I find a Strat style ergonomic enough, that said I'm still intrigued by the Strandberg and keep getting drawn to the idea of getting one. The fanned frets confuse me visually whenever I try one in a store though.
That's a very smart way of putting it. Thanks for sharing!
@@andrefludd my pleasure. I'm a professional Alexander Technique teacher, so posture/poise is a large part of my professional life. Hopefully having a book published on AT for guitarists in the next couple of months.
Loving your deep dives and your channel in general, so thank you for the effort and detail you put into them.
Great video, as always. I have seen a similar cut on Gibson Explorer Xpl from the 80s. You might want to check it.
I’ll give that a look thanks!
I love that feature of the strandberg! Naturally I would play like that. Also, the link to your podcast in some of your videos doesn't work. It seems like it's incomplete with the three dots.
Thank you! I'll fix that
@andre love your videos more every time.
I need your advice: huge Vigier fan here, mostly for the neck but also zero fret and bearing trem lover.
I have a chance to trade a Jackson for
An aristides 060
A standerberg Biden original 7
A Parker fly deluxe
Which one would you recommend?
this guitar looks like it's cool enough to have its own secret condo
Wow, someone said it allowed. Let me say first, most would benefit from playing on the inside leg instead of the outside, problem solved neck at 45 degrees. This has bothered me since a young kid as I was taught classically where u use a stool and your inside leg to achieve that 45 degrees. Don't need a strand for that although I agree it's one of the plusses re them. Most of us can't play like slash with the guitar at our knees😂
Haha no we can’t. But it does look really cool
Oh hell ya it does😂
Great content! Any thoughts on the EART GW2?
that’s one of the main reasons i own a strandberg…
Nooo you'll make a whole new batch of Performaxes to disappear before I can get mine haha
They were already almost gone when I ordered a second one almost a week ago haha
Mystery Girl, we see and appreciate you. It can't be easy.
All support is appreciated :)
I always thought it was weird when people don’t use the lower cut to play. I’m not a particularly great player, but it feels correct having it at a 45 degree angle, especially for sweeping and doing more complex chords.
Yes! Sweeping is MUCH better with this angle
That's funny... maybe no one talks about it, but it (and the lower weight) were the principal reasons I got a Boden! Ola really nailed the ergonomics on this one.
Also, classical guitarists have known how to position a guitar properly for ages... not sure why this obvious position got lost in the rock/jazz world.
100% it’s an awesome design
Can you show the Perform Axe on your left leg attached to your Strandberg without a guitar strap? Will that work to get a 45 degree fretboard angle please?
Yes that would work!
I am looking for a look a like strandberg. The only thing i want is that shit😂
I’m absolutely blow with this series, I’m surprised Kiesel hasn’t added the “leg rest lower bout” to the Vader. Over the years I’ve had 4 strandberg 7 strings. My only gripe is I find the neck too thick on the 7’s. I really wish Ola and team would offer a thinner option.
A commenter said they will be on a sig model but I’m not sure if that’s just a rumor or not
Good Evening Mr. Flood,
Is this the guitar with "fanned frets?"
If so,... in the upcoming episodes could you please explain fanned frets and why would someone want this feature on their guitar.
Thank you again.
I will in the need video