The BEST or WORST Guitar You've Ever Seen | .Strandberg* Sälen Classic NX 6 Tremolo Review
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- Опубліковано 15 лип 2024
- This T-Style is so modern that I'm sure you'll love it... or absolutely hate it. No in-between. It's the Strandberg Sälen Classic NX 6 Tremolo.
Learn the demo track here:
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Sick Legato Licks Vol.1 Available Here:
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The Strandberg Sälen is a hyper modern and playable take on one of the world's most iconic shapes; the telecaster. It's one of my favourite Strandberg models but there's no way that everyone will like this guitar. The Sälen Classic NX 6 Tremolo has a ton of features every guitar player should want from an electric guitar but will it be enough for you to love it? Let's take a look.
Chapters:
0:00 Love It Or Hate It?
0:24 Looks & Quality
4:01 Playability & Comfort
7:07 Demo & Solo
8:31 Pickups & Sound
9:54 Is It Right For You?
11:05 But...
And thank you for checking out the video mate, it means a ton. I hope you enjoy it! 🤘
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We (Strandberg Guitars) care 100% about your opinion! Thanks for your thoughtful review, and feel free reach out regarding your thoughts on how to fix it, or we'll just have to wait for your follow up video :)
Ola, I’ve got to say it’s a bit crazy that you’ve even seen my little video but thank you. It’s incredibly cool of you to comment.
I’m by no means qualified to give you any advice; I’m just a guy on the internet but the fact you’re interested means a lot. I’ll get my thoughts to you somehow. Tack så mycket 🙏
Damn... coolest guitar maker in the world. I love what you're doing, and I love how much you actually care. I think a lot of companies could learn how to be better if they took note of how you are growing your business, Ola Strandberg. Keep up the great work innovating, perfecting and actually giving a s*^t. I can't wait to join the Strandberg family.
Jack, you're awesome brother. I love your videos and your playing. Keep up the great work!!!
✌️❤️🤟
Hopefully I will be able to get one of this at some point.... They are backordered or out of stock everywhere... -_-
@howling_man You’re too good to me dude, thank you 🙇🏻♂️
@nunezkant Hey there ! I waited about a year to order one in Australia 🇦🇺 and I know what you're saying but I can assure you that once you do get one you'll love it ( or not because I'm not you )
Yoooo the solo was fire man!!!!
You’ve really stepped up your playing in these months, I just love the production behind demos, and your playing is just flawless
Julian from Italy 🇮🇹
Julian! Thank you so much my dude, that means a hell of a lot to me 🙇🏻♂️ Hope you're staying well bro!
Toast!! Ha love it. Good to hear strandbergs are helping your hands. I’m still fighting off tingling/pain from also being a desk jockey. Over i get that sorted i am definitely getting boden originally nx 7! Thing is beautiful to play.
It's just so accurate! 😂 Thank you mate, they really have made a massive difference. It's rubbish init but if you're having issues too then all I can say is, for me, they've been a huge help. Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it 🤘
Astounding video dude! Well done!
Thank you so much bro, I’m really glad you enjoyed it 🙇🏻♂️
Awesome video my dude! The toast comment had me laughing again. 🤣
It's so funny dude 😂 Thank you for checking it out man 🙇🏻♂️
Mate so good to see you back, hope you had a good break away. You’re the best reviewer by far and every bit of constructive advice you give to the manufactures are spot on and I really hope they notice the channel at some point to take note… don’t play yourself down you’re totally sick and have got all the skill and passion to become Strandberg endorsed.
Thank you so much mate, I did. A good opportunity to recharge and plan for what's coming next on the channel. That's too kind of you dude. I'm just happy to see where the channel goes! Thanks again 🙏
I just bought my first Strandberg and i absolutely love it. In my humble opinion, i dont feel intimidated or unworthy of playing these guitars. When you listen to guitarists like Vai, Satriani, EVH, Nuno Bettencourt and Zakk Wylde all your life you understand you may never hit their technical level but thats ok, you are on your own musical journey and play for the love of it. My only feedback to Strandberg is they need to branch out to more players outside of the metal and Prog worlds, the Boden Essential will help to expose the brand more to players eho have never considered Strandberg guitars or been able to afford them but the company could look at other music genres to expand the range of players using their instruments. As a lefty I'd love to see more left handed options like 7 string bodens, salens and Essentials introduced but thats just me. I hope Strandberg continue to keep growing. And Jack keep up the good work on your channel
Thanks for the thoughtful comment bro! Hope you’re getting along nicely with your Strandberg still, it definitely sounds like it! And I appreciate you watching and the kind words dude, thanks again 🤘
This is tempting me to try them out, knowing full well that I'll never be able to afford them any time soon. MUST. RESIST. THE. TEMPTATION!
That aside, welcome back, dude, hope you had a fantastic vacation. Nice to see a familiar shape but in a modern style and configuration.
😂 You’re stronger than I dude! And thank you, it was a welcome break but I’m excited to be back 🙇🏻♂️ Hope you’re well too!
Fantastic video. I have a new (actually used, but very little) Boden Standard NX6 and I love her, but I can relate to your point about the 'elitism' of the brand. It is the opposite of another brand I love, Solar, that is very down-to-earth and centered on having fun by playing.
Looking forward to your next video on the subject!
Thank so much my dude, I’m glad it’s not just me! The guitars are so good but I can’t quite shake the feeling I get from the brand itself. Everyone involved seems to be super cool so it’s a shame. Solar definitely give off the opposite vibe. I’ve yet to try one but they’re on my list. Thanks again dude! 🤘
i have been playing most stlyes for over 50 years, many guitar brands, lead guitar in 4 bands now that I'm retired and I love my older boden, (it came with a nice set of tools), and my beautiful red Salen. The true wonder of Strandberg for me, is the neck when enables you to place your hand around it more naturally than "normal" necks. You can play with you thumb and the rest of your hand in whatever classical, blues or lazy position you want and play for days rather than hours. The only other guitars I play have scalloped fretboards which are extremely easy to play also, in their own unique way. Thanks for honest review of a true guitar inovation.
Thanks so much for watching mate! I'm totally with you, these changed guitar playing for me too. Appreciate you dude, cheers 🤘
Very nice guitar! I think your point on the company and the insane players they have is legit. I also wouldn’t let that stop anyone from buying one if anyone is reading this. These things rock when playing at a desk too. Great video!!
Thanks my dude, it's good to know it's not just me! And absolutely, it shouldn't stop people from at least trying one but I felt like I needed to say it. Cheers bro! Hope you're having a blast with yours 🤘
I haven’t played this one yet but it’s my favorite strandberg visually and conceptually. Sounds like the pickups I’d also like. Side note: you are the king of b roll.
It’s also my favourite looking Strandberg too dude! It’s got so much I love but the pickups aren’t great for me. Based on your preferences though man I’m pretty sure they’d suit your style down to the ground! Ahh thanks man 🙏 Appreciate you checking the video out!
Gotta agree about the little tool. It’s neat but I bought metal replacements. That plastic just doesn’t hold up. They need to scrap that as it brings down the brand. That said, this is the most comfy guitar I ever played. Whether practicing on the couch, at the computer, or standing up. And it feels good to play. You can change the pups not a ton else. I don’t care who else plays this guitar. It helps me play better, more, longer.
Absolutely. Everything else is such high quality but the tool feels super cheap. The guitar itself though is incredible. Personally, I like to get invested in the bands I play and that's a lot about my personality. Playability comes first but I find it hard to back a brand that doesn't make me feel right. I don't know if that makes sense 😂 Thanks for watching the video anyway, I really appreciate it 🤘
Great playing and nice review! I was a little shocked when you said that people hate this T-Style shape, because its the first headless that i actually like. Ive never been into headless guitars and Strat Style guitars are not my favouites too, but when i saw that T-shape in Plinis Videos i got a little GAS. Hope to have a chance to check one out one day as these seem to be perfect for practicing, travelling and so on. But the prices are ridicoulos. Ok on the other hand, if im looking at Musicman pricing.......
Oh man for sure, it’s a great looking guitar. The Plini Sälen is beautiful too. Hard to believe some people could hate this but I’m sure of it! I hope you get to try one too mate. Thanks for checking out the video, I appreciate it 🤘
Great video! I appreciate your honest opinions. I am wading into the headless, multiscale world for the same reasons as you - ergonomics. I had to stop gigging almost 15 years ago due to joint and muscle issues. I bought a headless bass on a whim one day, and it was night-and-day. I was reluctant to try a headless guitar because of the looks. Strandberg, and now the many clones, have resolved that issue. These are great looking guitars. Now I just need to settle on brand and configuration. After that, many of my traditional shape guitars will be for sale.
Thanks so much man, I'm stoked it helped! Totally, when you're getting pain like that it can be super depressing but I'm glad you've found something that works for you. I am a fan boy so take my opinion for what you will but I don't think there are any other headless brands that are doing what strandberg does. There are some I'd like to try like Aristides and Kiesel but, for me, the Endurneck is a huge reason these are so good. That said, if it's mainly weight that's causing you a problem then that's a different matter. Thanks again man, I hope you find what you need! 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars I finally got to play a Strandberg Boden Metal NX 6 yesterday at a guitar store, and I was quite impressed. The sustain and resonance are top notch, and the pickups/electronics cover a lot of sonic territory. The most satisfying part was the exceptional balance of every note on the fret board. I didn't have to compensate for varying amounts of sustain or tonal quality throughout the neck. Really nice! The guitar sits quite naturally in the different playing positions that I tried as well.
I did find the neck to be too thin for me though, especially on the first few frets, and I fatigued more quickly than expected. It wasn't as comfortable to play open chords and associated licks (compared to further up the neck). What is the nut width on your Strandberg? The website quotes "string spacing 1.37 in". Is this the nut width or the distance from 1st-to-6th string? I ask because if that is the nut width, it would be very thin. On the other hand, if that is the distance from top-to-bottom string, that would be typical. Thanks!
What you mentioned about the unrelatability of Strandberg as a brand is something I had felt in the past, and since then I have owned seven Strandbergs over the years and currently still own a few. I think what they're striving for is aspirational, so in that context, it really works. Passionate creatives all aspire to excel at and master what they love, so aspiration plays a huge part in their motivation. Regardless if you will ever attain the knowledge and skill and artistic sensibility you desire, you'll keep striving to be better--that's just how creative people are by default.
I think you're on the money with that dude. Obviously, it's all subjective and I for sure don't think there's any intention to create a feeling of not being good enough in players but in a day and age where social media is already eroding people's self confidence, I'm not sure whether the branding is working. That's a big topic in itself and it's something I'm thinking about a lot. I'll almost certainly talk about it in depth in another video. Thanks for checking this one out man, I appreciate it! 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars If you do a video on it, I suggest you do it with a few guests who are at different phases of their guitar journey--from someone who's a beginner, to intermediate, to advanced, to accomplished professional, and get their takes on it during the conversation. It can be a longer video and cover several topics and this could be one of them.
That’s a great idea mate, thank you! I’ve got just the people in mind 😉
IS hard to imagine a true musician that would dislike this instrument, pickups can be replaced to taste
I dunno about that, it’s all taste isn’t it? I love it but there are some things I plan on changing to suit me. Otherwise I think it’s amazing! Thanks mate 🤘
Bro, your final thoughts are exactly how I feel. I own an older version of the Boden Standard and it's the best guitar I have, and I tried to learn Papelillo by Plini just to end up feeling extremely discouraged (I'm as self aware as you are, and I know it's not the guitar's fault). I even feel like I play better since I've corrected many posture and fretting mistakes (I no longer do the Jimi Hendrix thing of playing the bass note with my thumb) and it's way more comfortable to play both sitting down (because of the ergonomics) and standing up (because of the weight). The Boden literally made me sell half of my arsenal since it can do so much.
Everytime I see a Strandberg demo, its some polyrythmic, ultra proggy metal and it bums me out to feel like I don't deserve to have a guitar like that one. On the other hand, it's funny to sit and play some Metallica or Muse on it.
Thanks for watching bro and it’s a relief that it’s not just me. The guitars are fucking great but I struggled to escape the same feeling. That said, Strandberg are making big steps in the right direction so it’s not so bad anymore. Thanks again man 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars maybe if they endorsed more attainable styles of music haha I know that might not be what they aim for and at this point it is part of their identity as a brand, but feeling like the guitars are made with every kind of player in mind will help to brand perception and more people would consider making the switch (a very sensible switch, if I may say so). Buddy Blues' demo of the Boden Classic is a great example of what they could aim for.
This is a great take dude, I’m with you for sure!
I am on the waiting list for his exact model when it comes back into stock.Wont be my first Strandberg [9]
That's awesome dude, I'm sure you'll love it! Thanks for watching mate 🤘
Perfect size for small studio and double couch 😅🤘
Definitely! They're awesome for that kind of thing. Thanks for checking out all the videos mate, I really appreciate it 🤘
My next guitar. PERIOD!
It's great dude, I love it! Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy it when you get your hands on one! 🤘
I love the toast line 😅
😂 Thank you mate! Cheers for checking out the video 🤘
Thats my next guitar, being in the waiting list for more than 6 months ...
6 months dude?! That’s a long time! I’m confident you’ll like it though. Thanks for checking out the video mate 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitarshey Jack one question, the trem system goes both ways? Similar to a Floyd ? 🤔
hello! I've been eyeing this guitar myself for a few weeks and wanted to hear your opinion:
while you said the pickups weren't to your specific tastes, I am primarily drawn to fusion and mid-gain tones with the occasional venture into more intense metal territory. I love a pickup that feels touch responsive at middle gain tones ie, pick lightly and it cleans up, pick more intensely and it starts to get a bit grittier. Would you say the stock ones on this guitar fit that description? Thank you also for doing such a thorough review on this instrument, and I really dig your more metal-infused playing style. Cheers from the States!
Hey man! Thanks so much for checking out the video and the kind words, it means a lot! For sure, I think these pickups definitely fit what you're looking for. Cheers dude 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars for sure! I actually checked out your song playthrough video from your new ep later last night, really enjoyed that one too! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with over the rest of 2024
That’s awesome of you to say man, thanks so much. It means a ton that you enjoyed it! Happy to have you watching dude 🤘
You might still plan to replace the pickups for your style, they just don’t have as much clarity or character as boutique pickups
I love it. I'd swap for the brushed-metal Fluence aesthetic though
Yeah dude! That's a really good call. Fluence might be on the cards. Thanks for watching man 🤘
Welcome back, bro! Damn that guitar is gorgeous! 😮
It's exciting to see a Strandberg with a whammy bar woo!
😆 the Tele bread 🍞 joke has got me too.
For anyone wondering, Strandbergs are the best guitars I've ever played. Only next to Ibanez Quest and high-level Charvel and ESP guitars.
A lot of people have no idea how helpful an ergonomic guitar is for your body, and for me it has reduced most tension and keeps my back, shoulders and arms healthy. The EndurNeck is genius !
I hope your time off helped, man :)!
The Multitool is an absolute joke, damn it Ola 😂. They need to fix that. I hope they'll replace your tool.
Listening to your playing, and I can hear you've been practising your phrasing and composition !
Damn , that's some smooth and buttery soloing. Dude!! The main riff is awesome, too ! I love the sound of the guitar . Yes! I do love the Fishman pickups on my Strandberg but I'm keen to try the models without active pickups too . But I think I've become addicted to active pickups because they have a lot of output and they sound freaking awesome.
I can't stand how the brand Strandberg is so elitist and I agree with you 100 percemt bro. It gives me the shits that on Instagram, Strandberg is soley focused on insanely skilled guitarists. I mean, yeah, that's cool, but there's a lot of musicians who just don't want to be a virtuoso. I consider myself a decent guitarist but I do feel a bit unconnected to the Strandberg brand too.
And I actually do not like the social media presence of Strandberg and the fact that they do not send that many guitars to Australia. Also, the markup of their guitars in Australia 🇦🇺 is freaking ridiculous. They start at around 3,000 dollars, and that is totally unaffordable unless you're rich.
Anyway i just wanted to share that.
I Love my boden 7 string but I'm more likely to pickup another Ibanez Quest and spend a bit more on installing either bareknuckle pickups, fishman or something active. Ibanez quest are about 1,500 which is much more affordable. I mean, okay it doesn't have an EndurNeck, the pickups are awesome but not ideal . But all in all they are high quality guitars that actually feel like they should be well over 2,000 dollars to me.
Sorry about the essay 😂! I hope you have an awesome weekend dude ! 😊
Don't ever apologise dude, it's always nice to hear your thoughts! The time off was actually really good for me thanks mate. I think it's something I'll be doing a little more often in future, at least once or twice a year as needed.
Glad you liked the solo and the riff from the demo dude. I actually didn't like the solo at all when I wrote it but, after getting it down, I'm a bit more pleased with it now! And I'm also glad it's not just me that feels that way about Strandbergs branding/marketing. I mean, I understand it, but I think they can balance the virtuoso thing a little better imo. Though like I said, I don't know why they'd listen to me haha. But maybe that's how they want it? Who knows.
Thanks again man, I hope you do too!
I also would like to see more guitarists with disabilities promoted by Strandberg
Because their guitars are wonderful for anyone who has a chronic health condition or pain condition. Sadly they most likely cannot afford them , but I feel that it would be nice to see more people with disabilities getting some well deserved encouragement!
@JackTaylorGuitars Thanks dude, I appreciate it ! 🙏 😀
I'm really glad the time off helped you! It's much deserved
@JackTaylorGuitars Ah well that makes me realise that maybe I'm too harsh on my own conpositions ! I'll send you something I've been working on :) .
Ah I know I'm not quite a business but I think every musician deserves to have their voice heard. I do hope that in time your channel will get more positive attention :)
Interesting review. You could have played clean tones, demoing all the configurations....
Ah well, you know what you like.
I think I'll buy one!!!
Thanks for watching mate, I'm glad you found the video interesting! I'll bear it in mind for future videos dude, appreciate the feedback! If you buy one dude I think you'll love it, it's such a cool guitar. Thanks again 🤘
Mid heavy? I mean, for metal, its kinda the point? Cuts through the mix? It's fun to turn every dial up to 11 and scoop the mids but to me it goes against best practices for leaving plenty of room for bass and drums and vocals
Yeah man absolutely, I'm not a mid scooped kind of guy anyway. My preference is either a more balanced response from the pickup or a slight scoop to make mixing a little easier. Just something I thought I should point out in the video, people can make up their own minds after. Appreciate you watching mate 🤘
Not really into headless guitars but that one looks pretty good I'd have to play a stranberg before buying due to the neck never played one and id rather see if i like it or not first
I get it man, they're certainly a departure from the norm but, if you get a chance, give one a try! It might not be for you which is totally cool but you might also find something you're stoked on. Thanks for checking the video out mate 🤘
How are they at holding drop tunings?
I've only gone as low as drop C# but I'm having absolutely zero issues. I'd wager as stable at the very least as any floyd rose with the right setup. Maybe more so! Thanks for watching the video dude 🤘
I had to quit jits, wrecked my little fingers. Currently have a Q series and the ergonomics on headless guitars is second to none, can only imagine Strandbergg are even nicer!
Dude, it's rough init. I miss it every day! Training in the Gi ruined my hands, even when I taped up. But at least we can play still, right?
The Q series is awesome mate. The Strandbergs are great, there's nothing else like 'em but the Qs are more of a traditional feel which is awesome in itself. Cheers bro 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars I love my QX54QM, like a Strat gone modern wild. I miss the Gi, my wedding ring is now permanently on my ring finger much to my wife's liking! My pinkies also face every way but straight 🤣
@@TheRixstar Yeah man, they've got the start flavour but with loads of features. Killer guitars!
Gi was never my favourite. I loved the scramble too much. I can see how that would be of benefit to the Mrs dude 😂
@@JackTaylorGuitars No Gi is great for high pace scrambles for sure. Loved a bit of de la Riva leg locks 😅😂
I would have hated rolling with you bro in that case haha As soon as I was tangled up like that my game went out the window 🤣
for this kind of guitar design they should have tried 3-way instead of their typical 5-way switch
It’s an interesting thought, though it would limit the versatility a little. I wouldn’t be bothered if they did personally but that’s just me haha Thanks for watching mate! 🤘
Not a fan of Strandberg guitars. As i've said on a previous video i hate headless guitars but i'm happy you like them. Also i can totally sympathise with you injury situation. I spent the vast majority of my 20's learning Ju-Jitsu, Judo & Karate. Jean Claude Van Damme & Steven Segal movies have a lot to answer for lol but now that i'm in my 50's it's come back to haunt me. My neck & right shoulder & lower back are banjaxed & require careful management. Luckily the guitar strap goes on the left shoulder. I only recently started to learn to play despite it being something i've wanted to do since my teens, if you find that time machine could you drop me off in 1985 lol.
Ah man, as much as martial arts are such a great thing for your body and mind, they’re also terrible for your body 😂 I wish I could still train but you know how it is. Sorry you’ve ended up in a similar situation dude! Cheers for checking out the video too 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars A few years ago i started fencing. I found that it was less taxing on the body as long as i'm careful & really good fun. Maybe you could try that?
I've absolutely thought about it! Maybe if I get a little more spare time I'll give it a go 'cause it looks incredibly fun! Cheers dude 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars HEMA or Historical European Martial Arts as it's called is what i do. It's growing in popularity throughout the country, i'm assuming from the accent you're UK based, so depending on where you are you may have a single club or several in your area. It's a fairly relaxed environment in my experience that you can take things at a pace that suits yourself.
Oh sweet it's HEMA you're doing?! Man that's super cool. I think we do have a club local, yeah. I was looking into it a while back after I played the Witcher 3 for like the 16th time 😂 I know it's not quite the same thing but I had an itch to train with swords, I just never did it. Thanks man!
Strandbergs have no thumb access...for no reason...? I love mine, but think I'm gonna make a new SOLID body...move the vol too...and that horrible output jack. Feels too much like a strat body...no room, stings too high off face, ergonomic issues. No p/u rings, hit it all the time...silly stuff. Fixable though. Currently the options are weak, but if they just wanted to....
Sounds like an interesting job if you've got issues with yours mate! Thanks for watching 🤘