Ryan's Gig Guide - August 2018

28 rgg Aug 2018 www.ryansgigguide.com What is your perfect guitar? There is one more you need to try before you answer. Solid body electric guitars have been made up of the same anatomy since they were first introduced. People pay a pretty penny to get models as close to the specifications of early Gibsons or Fend- ers.They undeniably carry a certain magic but is it naive to think they per- fected the science of guitar build- ing so early on? It is a contro- versial battle of opinion in the world of self proclaimed gear nerds. Many new guitar designs have tried and failed over the years but very recently there has been an innovative com- pany that has already gained the attention of many pro players and continues to rapidly gain traction with the guitar player community. Strand- berg! Being presented with the grey fabric soft case, the first thing that strikes you is its size. How can a fully fledged tool of har- monic creation live in such a compact sleeve? Unzipping the case and removing the guitar, it soon becomes clear that this is not a conventional piece of equipment. No headstock and with a body shape not seen before, it is a provocative con- cept to players who are content with the norm of guitar design. It gets better, these interesting features have not been implemented for the sake of being in- teresting.The shape of the body enables multiple seated positions making this one of the most comfortable guitars to lounge around and practise with.The removal of the headstock is the first step towards a weight reduction pro- cess that has resulted in one of the lightest and well-balanced guitars on the market. Further aided by its chambered Swamp Ash body, the average weight comes in at around 5lb.You will have to pick one up to believe it! The next thing you will no- tice after wrapping your hands around it is the playability. Playability boils down to many factors, perhaps too many to cover in this article.Arguably the most apparent development on a Strand- berg is its EndurNeck.The EndurNeck claims to reduce fatigue by promoting a better playing position.After playing multi- ple guitars you will normally find a neck profile that you prefer and with this being so far out of whack to what most players have been exposed to, it can look a little REVIEW: By Adam Roberts Strandberg Boden Original