Guitar World Verdict
You might look at a guitar like this and think it’s too far evolved from the Strats and Les Pauls that made history in the 1950s. But that could prove to be regrettable – the Boden Essential may be a modern classic, but it’s a classic nonetheless.
Pros
- +
Groundbreaking ergonomics made affordable.
- +
This is a super-versatile instrument.
- +
Well-balanced.
- +
Great neck.
- +
The price.
Cons
- -
Might be too futuristic for some players.
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Any discussions around forward-thinking brands fixated on evolving the design of the electric guitar will almost alwaysinclude a mention of Strandberg – and with good reason.
Though founded in 1982, the Swedish company have risen to prominence over the last decadewith an impressive list ofendorsees, from Australian instrumental mastermind Pliniand Scar Symmetry’s Per Nilsson to American YouTuber Sarah Longfield and Haken’s CharlieGriffiths.
Up to this point, however, their headless guitars had been aimed at the higher end of the market, typically catering to more advanced players with the budget to accommodate for more of a custom shop feel.
And though they partnered with PT Cort in Indonesia back in 2017 – a factory who have also been entrusted to oversee the PRS SE line with unprecedented levels ofsuccess – it’s only now that they’ve delivered a Strandberg atunder agrand.
Given the names associated with the brand and the aesthetic of their lines, it would be all too easy to write off the Boden Essential as a tool for modern metallic types ona search for futuristic shred machines.
Far from it, in fact, when you start experimenting with the different humbucker and single-coil variations on offer, which can takeyou all the way from aStrat-y spank to a much thicker mid-focused roar.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the innovation atthe core of this design. The headless construction and ergonomic cuts at every corner of the body dramatically reduce the weight, with this review model sitting atlittle over four pounds.
Those dramatic curves also ensure it’s a comfortable fit whether you’re stood up or sat down. Make no mistake, this is asuser-friendly as a guitar can get.
Then there’s the patented EndurNeck, which Strandberg claim provides a more restful thumb grip that guarantees players keep a straighter wrist, andsuch promises seem to ring true. It may take a short while toget used to, of course, but it’s aneck that can make the most ambitious of stretches and convoluted of chords feel like abreeze – making the player feel like they’re capable ofalmost anything.
The EGS Arcbridge andstring locks are alsogeared towards creative excellence, providing a tuning stability that doesn’t seem to falter, with micro adjustments done at the base as per famous headless models of thepast.
You might look at a guitar like this and think it’s too far evolved from the Strats and Les Pauls thatmade history in the 1950s. But that could prove to be regrettable – the Boden Essential may beamodern classic, but it’s aclassicnonetheless.
Specs
- PRICE: $/£999
- BODY: Meranti
- NECK: Roasted Maple
- FINGERBOARD: Rosewood
- FRETS: 24
- PICKUPS: Strandberg custom OEM neck and bridge humbuckers
- CONTROLS: 5-Way Pickup Selector, Volume,Tone
- HARDWARE: Strandberg EGS Arc Cast Zinc Fixed Bridge and String Locks
- LEFT-HANDED: No
- FINISH: Elemental Blue [as reviewed], Black Granite, Astro Dust
- CASE: Strandberg Essential gig bag
- CONTACT: Strandberg
Amit Sharma
Amit has been writing for titles likeTotal Guitar,MusicRadarandGuitar Worldfor over a decade and counts Richie Kotzen, Guthrie Govan and Jeff Beck among his primary influences as a guitar player. He's worked for magazines likeKerrang!,Metal Hammer,Classic Rock,Prog,Record Collector,Planet Rock,RhythmandBass Player, as well as newspapers likeMetroandThe Independent, interviewing everyone from Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy to Slash and Jimmy Page, and once even traded solos with a member of Slayer on a track released internationally. As a session guitarist, he's played alongside members of Judas Priest and Uriah Heep in London ensemble Metalworks, as well as handled lead guitars for legends like Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols, The Faces) and Stu Hamm (Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, G3).
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