I have both Kiesel and Strandberg guitars and I love them both 2 different animals. Like you said the Strandberg is very light which is what I love. I am a vet and have some back issues and the Strandberg is perfect for that.
Beautiful playing and tone from both guitars. I especially liked your playing on the intro. Great video though man and both guitars look and sound amazing. Subscribed!
I’m a Strandberg fan, saving up for one. Still have polishing of my skills to do before I pull that trigger. Jesus that semi hollow body ❤️❤️❤️ you made it sing ! Subscribed fun and all and info as well as your playing (: I’m a long lived drummer opening the doors to guitar and videos like this make me giddy about my future Strandberg purchase! Keep rocking bro🤘
both sounded good but when compared side by side (quickly listen to the first example back and forth) the Keisel wins out. It's clearer than the Strandberg. And for that style and pu selection, Keisel wins. They sound less different with higher gain but I still preferred the Keisel and it may be that extra tad of gain coming from the pickups. But if the tone is right, you can just add more gain at the amp. But they both sounded good to me.
Excellent comparison video!went into this thinking I would enjoy the salen pickups more after hearing all those reviews of the lithium calling them shrill, but those lithium just sounded nice and crisp through your amp :O
Yeah even I read how the Lithiums could be shrill, and I recalled testing my friend's Vader and it was bright and crisp. So I spec'd the guitar out to kind of counter the highs of the pickup; Mahogany body, no gloss, no SS frets and finally having the pickups covered.
I never understand people who don't like Lithiums lol, they are one of my favorite pick up sets, swiss army knife type pick ups that still have their own original mojo going!
Great video and two lovely guitars. I own two Strandbergs but I'm considering a Kiesel as Strandberg don't offer an 8 string with a trem. It'd have to be fanfret.
Did you live in a primarily english-speaking country ever? Your english is REALLY good, I was surprised to hear you live in Malaysia. I would never have guessed you don’t live in the USA. Great video! That part just surprised me haha
English is one of the main languages in Malaysia. Majority of us speak English growing up. And I personally grew up listening and watching to a tonne of American & British media.
If I were to buy one based on this review I would select the Strandberg. The sound was more distinct/clear. Even in high gain. But the stiff tuners and difficult string change makes me pause.
5:38 interesting point you make about SS frets. First time I hear something negative about it and I was waiting for it. I want to know more if you like sharing it with the public because all these stories about how great SS frets are are hard to swallow. I myself have had guitars with nickel frets and SS frets. I always felt (and heard) that something is a bit off with SS frets but I never could point my finger at it. So maybe you can help me clarify it. The vs video is well made btw. I really appreciate it when guitarists take their time to make a proper vs video and going into the details 👌🏻
I feel that SS has it's place in most modern guitars, especially guitars made by companies such as Aristides where no wood is used at all, therefore it makes sense to have SS frets on them as well as for people who find no issues with the tone that SS gives. Personally for me, I just don't like the ping (or whatever you want to call it) and the tones it delivers on certain guitar models. Especially Fender & Gibson guitars. SS definitely changes the tone and brightness of the note. It's probably the reason why you don't see much Fender/Gibson guitars not using SS. Most companies nowadays are just swapping to SS because it is a customer demand to use SS as a standard for guitars priced at a certain range. With that being said, I do have a few guitars with SS frets. Some of them I have no issues with such as my Aristides. But on my Ibanez AZ, Music Man JP15 and this Strandberg, I don't like them as much. Especially is they are narrow and tall type of fret size. All this of course, is just my humble opinion. Cheers
@@rhythmNbeard thanks for the reply, man. Yeah, it is a customer demand nowadays suprisingly. Monkey see monkey do kind of thing. Bit of a hype I suppose. I will definitely consider Evo Gold frets next time I buy/order a guitar 🙏
Ss frets are a must for me now, yea normal nickle is great on LPs, but actually ss frets are amazing on strats, totally adds to the spanky nature. Im sorry long lifetime frets with buttery smooth bends, and just better overall glassy vibrato makes SS almost a requirement for me now to consider a guitar, unless its vintage gear. PRS still not offering SS frets on a $5000.00 guitar is a travesty. But from what i know thats a paul thing all the way from the top, only area where PRS ignores what the players want.
@@rhythmNbeard Not you opinion sir, its objective fact, Strandbergs dont have as good of fretwork, less ridigity, and less heft to the bridge. I cannot speak for the bolt-on necked or trem types and I havn't knowlege of the different shapes, but i view Bodens and Vaders as direct compeditors, altho as I said theres really no compitition, they are in different leagues.
Awesome video and comparison. I am big Strandberg fan (particulary of the endurneck) but I must say that Kiesel sounds incredible. I wish that strandberg made a solid mahogany body model.. But even the DR is chambered.. I love these guitars but I'm really not a fan of the chambering effect on tone.
Waiting for my new Zeus about 16 weeks out Right around $3000 with my options If strandberg had more options like a 24.75 scale and the many custom coolness’s I would have thought twice, Also the standbergs I have played feel a bit odd That’s fine if I had a harem of them but switching between the twisty neck to one of my old school Charvel, Jems, Gibsons, fenders, ESP, just doesn’t feel organic to me I feel the same about multi scale necks Old school metal shredder here and to old to change
Just to be truly fair, Kiesels are custom level instruments and the equivalent Strandberg would be a Strandberg J6 of whatever kind if you REALLY want to go toe to toe. Japanese elves with Swedish Tech vs West Coast USA Californians.
I think the trade off of a ping on clean tones (which i have not noticed on my ss fret guitar) to much longer lasting frets is worth it. Besides, if or when guitarist are playing high gain tones, do they really notice a ping at all? I don't.
Yeah, for others it probably doesn't matter at all. But to me it's something that definitely bothers my ears, and nickel frets have always lasted a very long time. None of my guitars have needed to be levelled even after half a decade of use.
What do you mean by a ping? I’m not even hearing it. Is it the kind of stabby treble noise on the attack? Because that’s just the pickups and guitar/amp settings. I have an SS kiesel and would only hear that if I used the bridge pickup with full volume/tone and high presence on my amp. Using two guitars through the same settings for a comparison makes no sense because every guitar needs unique EQ settings to sound best. But yeah I agree, I seriously hate nickel frets with a passion. They get sooo worn out so fast
@@DingDongDaddyFromDumas It's a little hard to describe the ping. It's not a pickup or amp setting thing. Again this is just my opinion and the way I play. Those who love SS frets will never hear this. I'll still stick to nickel or EVO gold frets instead whenever possible.
I appreciate this video, but I hate how you keep comparing the Strandberg to a LP because it's nothing like it really. It's modeled after a thinline Tele and is chambered like one, whereas LPs are bricks of dense wood. It has a 25.5" (max) scale, not a 24.75". Mahogany isn't used on Teles but is used on many guitars in Strandberg's lineup, and that's about the only similarity.
I have both Kiesel and Strandberg guitars and I love them both 2 different animals. Like you said the Strandberg is very light which is what I love. I am a vet and have some back issues and the Strandberg is perfect for that.
Have both too .Love them both for what they are/do
Beautiful playing and tone from both guitars. I especially liked your playing on the intro. Great video though man and both guitars look and sound amazing. Subscribed!
that Strandberg has a more vintage softer sound when clean, also good playing by the way
I’m a Strandberg fan, saving up for one. Still have polishing of my skills to do before I pull that trigger. Jesus that semi hollow body ❤️❤️❤️ you made it sing ! Subscribed fun and all and info as well as your playing (: I’m a long lived drummer opening the doors to guitar and videos like this make me giddy about my future Strandberg purchase! Keep rocking bro🤘
A friend of mine has several Kiesels.
IMO they are the nicest looking, and playing guitars I have ever play😊ed.
Hello! Dave. Nice sharing. You have gifted fingers. Enjoyed your performance. 👍❤️🔥
both sounded good but when compared side by side (quickly listen to the first example back and forth) the Keisel wins out. It's clearer than the Strandberg. And for that style and pu selection, Keisel wins. They sound less different with higher gain but I still preferred the Keisel and it may be that extra tad of gain coming from the pickups. But if the tone is right, you can just add more gain at the amp. But they both sounded good to me.
Excellent video, very well done.
fantastic video!
Interesting takes on these guitars! Insanely tasteful playing as well.
Excellent comparison video!went into this thinking I would enjoy the salen pickups more after hearing all those reviews of the lithium calling them shrill, but those lithium just sounded nice and crisp through your amp :O
Yeah even I read how the Lithiums could be shrill, and I recalled testing my friend's Vader and it was bright and crisp. So I spec'd the guitar out to kind of counter the highs of the pickup; Mahogany body, no gloss, no SS frets and finally having the pickups covered.
I never understand people who don't like Lithiums lol, they are one of my favorite pick up sets, swiss army knife type pick ups that still have their own original mojo going!
Sick guitars man! They both sound awesome!
Great video and two lovely guitars. I own two Strandbergs but I'm considering a Kiesel as Strandberg don't offer an 8 string with a trem. It'd have to be fanfret.
Did you live in a primarily english-speaking country ever?
Your english is REALLY good, I was surprised to hear you live in Malaysia. I would never have guessed you don’t live in the USA.
Great video! That part just surprised me haha
English is one of the main languages in Malaysia. Majority of us speak English growing up. And I personally grew up listening and watching to a tonne of American & British media.
If I were to buy one based on this review I would select the Strandberg. The sound was more distinct/clear. Even in high gain. But the stiff tuners and difficult string change makes me pause.
Interesting that you chose the lithiums on the kiesel. The berylliums are closer to a Gibson style PAF for classic rock…
On paper they are, i have not been really impressed with my Beryllium set but maybe they will grow on me.
5:38 interesting point you make about SS frets. First time I hear something negative about it and I was waiting for it. I want to know more if you like sharing it with the public because all these stories about how great SS frets are are hard to swallow. I myself have had guitars with nickel frets and SS frets. I always felt (and heard) that something is a bit off with SS frets but I never could point my finger at it. So maybe you can help me clarify it.
The vs video is well made btw. I really appreciate it when guitarists take their time to make a proper vs video and going into the details 👌🏻
I feel that SS has it's place in most modern guitars, especially guitars made by companies such as Aristides where no wood is used at all, therefore it makes sense to have SS frets on them as well as for people who find no issues with the tone that SS gives.
Personally for me, I just don't like the ping (or whatever you want to call it) and the tones it delivers on certain guitar models. Especially Fender & Gibson guitars. SS definitely changes the tone and brightness of the note. It's probably the reason why you don't see much Fender/Gibson guitars not using SS. Most companies nowadays are just swapping to SS because it is a customer demand to use SS as a standard for guitars priced at a certain range.
With that being said, I do have a few guitars with SS frets. Some of them I have no issues with such as my Aristides. But on my Ibanez AZ, Music Man JP15 and this Strandberg, I don't like them as much. Especially is they are narrow and tall type of fret size.
All this of course, is just my humble opinion. Cheers
@@rhythmNbeard thanks for the reply, man. Yeah, it is a customer demand nowadays suprisingly. Monkey see monkey do kind of thing. Bit of a hype I suppose. I will definitely consider Evo Gold frets next time I buy/order a guitar 🙏
Ss frets are a must for me now, yea normal nickle is great on LPs, but actually ss frets are amazing on strats, totally adds to the spanky nature. Im sorry long lifetime frets with buttery smooth bends, and just better overall glassy vibrato makes SS almost a requirement for me now to consider a guitar, unless its vintage gear. PRS still not offering SS frets on a $5000.00 guitar is a travesty. But from what i know thats a paul thing all the way from the top, only area where PRS ignores what the players want.
great video!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
My Vader 8 is the best fiddle I have ever touched, the Claim that ANY maker is on par with Jeff IS groundless.
I’ve since sold the Strandberg. The Kiesel is still the superior guitar, just my opinion.
@@rhythmNbeard Not you opinion sir, its objective fact, Strandbergs dont have as good of fretwork, less ridigity, and less heft to the bridge. I cannot speak for the bolt-on necked or trem types and I havn't knowlege of the different shapes, but i view Bodens and Vaders as direct compeditors, altho as I said theres really no compitition, they are in different leagues.
salen hands down
Awesome video and comparison. I am big Strandberg fan (particulary of the endurneck) but I must say that Kiesel sounds incredible. I wish that strandberg made a solid mahogany body model.. But even the DR is chambered.. I love these guitars but I'm really not a fan of the chambering effect on tone.
Good taste on guitars for sure
Waiting for my new Zeus about 16 weeks out
Right around $3000 with my options
If strandberg had more options like a 24.75 scale and the many custom coolness’s I would have thought twice,
Also the standbergs I have played feel a bit odd
That’s fine if I had a harem of them but switching between the twisty neck to one of my old school
Charvel, Jems, Gibsons, fenders, ESP, just doesn’t feel organic to me
I feel the same about multi scale necks
Old school metal shredder here and to old to change
Just to be truly fair, Kiesels are custom level instruments and the equivalent Strandberg would be a Strandberg J6 of whatever kind if you REALLY want to go toe to toe. Japanese elves with Swedish Tech vs West Coast USA Californians.
If strandberg made a 6 string bass, I'd get one, but for now I'll just stay with Conklin I guess.
I think the trade off of a ping on clean tones (which i have not noticed on my ss fret guitar) to much longer lasting frets is worth it. Besides, if or when guitarist are playing high gain tones, do they really notice a ping at all? I don't.
Yeah, for others it probably doesn't matter at all. But to me it's something that definitely bothers my ears, and nickel frets have always lasted a very long time. None of my guitars have needed to be levelled even after half a decade of use.
What do you mean by a ping? I’m not even hearing it. Is it the kind of stabby treble noise on the attack?
Because that’s just the pickups and guitar/amp settings. I have an SS kiesel and would only hear that if I used the bridge pickup with full volume/tone and high presence on my amp. Using two guitars through the same settings for a comparison makes no sense because every guitar needs unique EQ settings to sound best.
But yeah I agree, I seriously hate nickel frets with a passion. They get sooo worn out so fast
@@DingDongDaddyFromDumas It's a little hard to describe the ping. It's not a pickup or amp setting thing. Again this is just my opinion and the way I play. Those who love SS frets will never hear this.
I'll still stick to nickel or EVO gold frets instead whenever possible.
The fine tuners are definitely stiffer.
I appreciate this video, but I hate how you keep comparing the Strandberg to a LP because it's nothing like it really. It's modeled after a thinline Tele and is chambered like one, whereas LPs are bricks of dense wood. It has a 25.5" (max) scale, not a 24.75". Mahogany isn't used on Teles but is used on many guitars in Strandberg's lineup, and that's about the only similarity.
I might like a kiesel but jeff k is a tool so would never give him my money