The Strandberg Boden is a revolutionary electric guitar that redefines ergonomics, playability, and innovation. Developed by Ola Strandberg, this guitar is known for its headless design, lightweight construction, and multi-scale fanned frets. Since its introduction, the Boden series has become a favorite among progressive metal, jazz, and experimental musicians, offering unparalleled comfort and precision.
Origins and Development
Ola Strandberg’s Vision
Strandberg Guitars started as a boutique company founded by Ola Strandberg in Sweden. His mission was to optimize guitar design by improving weight distribution, comfort, and playability while maintaining sonic versatility. The Boden series, first introduced in 2012, has since become one of the most innovative modern guitar designs.
Why “Boden”?
The name “Boden” comes from Boden, Sweden, the hometown of Ola Strandberg. This model embodies Swedish precision engineering, with a minimalist aesthetic and high-performance features.
Construction and Features
Headless Design
The Boden’s most recognizable feature is its headless construction, which offers:
- Better Balance – Removes excess weight from the neck, preventing neck dive.
- Increased Tuning Stability – The bridge tuners keep the strings in tune longer.
- More Ergonomic Playing Position – The shorter overall length makes the guitar easier to maneuver.
Body Shape and Materials
The Boden features an asymmetrical, contoured body, designed for maximum comfort whether standing or sitting.
- Body Wood Options:
- Alder or Basswood (Standard Models) – Balanced tone with even mids.
- Swamp Ash (Metal Models) – Brighter, more resonant tone.
- Mahogany (Fusion Models) – Warmer tone with richer mids.
- Chambered Construction – Reduces weight while enhancing resonance.
- Weight:
- Typically 4–5 lbs (1.8–2.3 kg), making it one of the lightest guitars available.
- Ideal for extended playing sessions without fatigue.
Neck and Fingerboard
One of the most innovative aspects of the Boden is its EndurNeck™ profile, a patented neck shape designed for ergonomic efficiency.
- Neck Shape: EndurNeck™ – A uniquely sloped trapezoidal profile that reduces hand strain.
- Fingerboard Radius: 20 inches, allowing for smooth bends and effortless legato.
- Multi-Scale (Fanned Fret) Design:
- Shorter scale on high strings (25″ or 25.5″) for easy bending.
- Longer scale on lower strings (26.25″ to 27″) for better tension and clarity.
- Frets: Stainless Steel, ensuring durability and smooth playability.
- Fingerboard Wood Options:
- Ebony – Fast attack and crisp response.
- Maple – Bright, clear articulation.
- Richlite – Eco-friendly alternative with similar tonal properties.
Pickups and Electronics
Strandberg offers various pickup configurations, catering to different genres.
H-H (Humbucker-Humbucker) Configuration
- Found in Boden Metal, Fusion, and Prog models.
- Typically uses Fishman Fluence, Seymour Duncan, or Suhr pickups.
- Best for high-gain clarity and sustain.
H-S-H (Humbucker-Single-Humbucker) Configuration
- Found in Boden Standard and Fusion models.
- Allows for greater tonal versatility, blending humbucker power with single-coil clarity.
Single-Coil Models (HSS or P90s)
- Some custom models feature Strandberg-designed pickups for vintage warmth.
- Ideal for jazz, blues, and fusion players.
Bridge and Tuning System
- Custom Strandberg EGS Bridge System
- Fully adjustable for intonation and action.
- Uses individual string tuners located at the bridge.
- Allows drop tunings without additional hardware.
- Fixed and Tremolo Versions Available
- Tremolo models offer smooth vibrato while maintaining tuning stability.
Sound and Tonal Characteristics
The Strandberg Boden is known for its clarity, sustain, and dynamic response, making it a favorite among modern guitarists.
Clean Tones
- Crystal-clear articulation – Works well for complex chord voicings.
- Balanced resonance – The chambered body adds warmth without muddiness.
- Tight low-end response – Great for percussive funk or ambient textures.
Overdriven & High-Gain Tones
- Focused midrange attack – Perfect for progressive rock and metal.
- Tight, percussive low end – Extended scale length prevents flubby bass notes.
- Long sustain – Enhances lead playing with fluidity.
Multi-Scale Advantages
- Better String Tension – Keeps lower strings tight while allowing easy bends on higher strings.
- Improved Intonation – Reduces tuning discrepancies across the fretboard.
Notable Players and Influence
The Boden has gained a cult following among modern guitarists across multiple genres:
Progressive Metal & Djent
- Plini – Uses a custom Boden for melodic and technical compositions.
- Per Nilsson (Scar Symmetry, Meshuggah) – Boden signature artist known for fast, intricate solos.
- Sarah Longfield – Blends technical metal and experimental tapping techniques.
Fusion & Jazz
- Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders) – Frequently seen with Boden models due to their ergonomic design and tonal versatility.
- Tom Quayle – Uses a Boden for fusion improvisation and legato-heavy playing.
Experimental & Alternative Rock
- Aaron Marshall (Intervals) – Uses a Boden for progressive rock and melodic metal.
- Misha Mansoor (Periphery) – Helped popularize multi-scale guitars in the djent community.
Strandberg Boden Variants
| Model | Body Wood | Pickups | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boden Standard | Basswood | H-S-H or H-H | Most versatile model, lightweight |
| Boden Metal | Swamp Ash | Fishman Fluence H-H | Designed for high-gain clarity |
| Boden Prog | Chambered Alder | Suhr or Seymour Duncan H-H | Balanced for metal and jazz fusion |
| Boden Fusion | Mahogany | H-S-H | Warmer tone with coil-splitting options |
| Boden NX | Varies | Varies | Next-generation ergonomic improvements |
Why the Strandberg Boden Stands Out
- Revolutionary Ergonomic Design – Lightweight, headless, and contoured for ultimate comfort.
- Multi-Scale Fretting – Optimized for clarity, sustain, and playability.
- High-Quality Construction – Premium tonewoods, stainless steel frets, and modern hardware.
- Versatile Pickup Options – Suited for clean, overdriven, and high-gain tones.
- Custom Hardware – Proprietary bridge system enhances tuning stability.