Short version: Strandberg Boden Standard NX 6 Tremolo Limited Edition Chameleon Burst finish.
Most of the time the edges match the back colour, but in the photos the light is reflecting off the white paper and flipping the colour. The lack of a cover over the springs is a bit surprising:
The ’standard’ gig bag is actually really high quality, with rubber seals covering the zips and plenty of space for ‘bits’:
With my other pet ‘Chameleon’, the GSSGT:
Long version: I’d been considering a Strandberg for a while, having always been interested in innovations in guitars, but put off by uncertainty about the unique neck profile (and unsure a quick try in a store would change/confirm that), and also finding I prefer the finishes on the 7 & 8 string models, but not wanting to jump into those extended ranges right now. So I've held off.
Seeing money off at GG led me to looking at the Strandberg site again, and I spotted this limited run, only available direct, and just one left in stock. I almost grabbed it on impulse, but thought I might regret it if I’d only bought it for the finish, and perhaps there were models I’d prefer - especially the HSS ones. So I spent time going through all the model and various options (there's a lot!), and basically realised that the switching arrangement on the HH would likely suit me better than HSS, and also the Standard offered a lower cost with it’s solid body design. But, a 6-string Standard HH with trem wasn’t in the range, apart from this LE model, so this was the perfect model, but now out of stock!
I signed up for email notifications in the hope that more were coming. But I was never contacted, instead, by chance I noticed two more were in stock a few days later, so I immediately ordered one (the other soon sold, but there are two more in today).
First impressions: I’m pretty amazed by it! By far the lightest guitar I’ve ever played, really comfortable, including the neck (and I do a lot of thumb over playing). The fanned frets haven’t phased me, though I’d say I’m still adjusting to them, they just haven’t been a challenge. The simple 5 way selector gives 5 very different and usable settings; what it loses in versatility is made up for in simplicity and speed of use. Overall finish is excellent - I’d been a bit concerned about that, as the ‘influencers’ all rave about the perfect fret finishing, but several online reviews tell a very different story… But I’ve no complaints at all, perhaps I was just lucky and got one intended for an influencer.
I’ll add a few more thoughts when I’ve spent a bit more time with it… so far, very happy.
Comments
I can't help about the shape I'm in, I can't sing I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to
How is the trem?
The way Strandberg describe their Endurneck profile encourages some people to object on the grounds that they "don't want a guitar neck to be telling my thumb/hand/wrist what to do..." But my impression so far is that it would be better to describe it as 'the neck knows what your thumb/hand/wrist wants to do and cooperates fully, so your brain doesn't have to force them to do anything' (using equally nonsensical terms).
One of the things that got me interested was the fact that I've been getting some pains in my left hand - and quite a lot of people have described the Endurneck as having really helped alleviate pain issues in hands, arms, & shoulders.
(Note: If you click the UK/£ sign on the Strandberg site prices switch to £ without VAT. At some points you may then see a VAT figure, but ignore it, it won't be on the payment page)
One Q: with a Steinberger-licensed system (on a headless Hohner) I found the stiffness of the tuners and their proximity a bit annoying. Often I kept a screwdriver to hand rather than using the knurled part by hand.
This arrangement fares better?
(Also, hope your recovery goes well.)
Fanned frets and neck felt great from the start. Time to sell the baritone and a couple of toys to pay for it.
I agree with your comments about the. Pickup selector options. All sounded great and useable.
I'd love to try one, maybe even a 7 string
I Hope your recovery goes well!