I put the jack out in the tone pot's hole: th-cam.com/video/OkmNaBG2UHQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=VqdtwUxrn5edvfXT - and I may drill another hole for the Tone pot itself or put it in the jack's original hole with some push-pull trick.
@@andrefludd Thank you, Andre, I love your approach on guitars, find them useful, as I have very similar ideas about what and how a guitar should be made in general.
This was going to be my comment also. Strandberg have looked at the entire guitar and looked at how it could be reimagined. The jack position on the Ibanez is a dealbreaker for me (and I loathe the colour of the particular guitar featured in the video but I know there other colours)
for me, this Ibanez is more ergonomic than the Strandberg shape. I have both, and I had to add a prosthetic implant to the missing part of the Strandy's shape to be able to lean against the guitar my thigh.
I don't understand this gripe, the headless design is an ergonomic improvement on the guitar, so now any guitar that goes headless is more ergonomic. You're just saying the guitar isn't ergo focused as a whole maybe?
Does anyone know how to get the people at Ibanez to watch this video? cuz it would be such a cool guitar if it wasn't for that moronic (2+2=5 stupid) jack location.
I've owned two Strandberg 7 strings, a GOC 7 string, and I currently own an Ibanez Q54 and Q547. I think you did an excellent job comparing the Ibanez and Strandberg features. I wanted to expand on the body shape comments you made from the perspective of someone who has always struggled to play standing up. When I started playing shows with my band, I found that most guitars (including the Strandbergs) were easier for me to play sitting vs standing. The Ibanez Q's are the first guitar I've played that really minimizes this difference. The thin body and contours of the Ibanez really help the guitar sit where I want it to when I stand up, and this has been a game changer when it comes to playing live. The Ibanez jack location is a little annoying while sitting, but because the guitar is so light and hangs so well from a strap I'll often just wear it with the strap while sitting. You can also rest it on your leg at an even more vertical angle with the jack between your legs, which I find quite comfortable. When it comes to the neck profiles I don't mind the Endurneck or the necks on my Ibanez Q's, but neither is perfect for me. I love a thin Jackson/Carvin neck and wish the Q's were more like those. As for electronics I find the Ibanez superior in most aspects, but I mostly play modern metal, and the bridge pickup could have a little more "oomph" imo. I do miss the slight fan fret of the Strandbergs. I found the GOC's fan to be too extreme for my needs, but the Strandberg fan is great for drop A on a 7 string without requiring a beefy low string. In Standard tuning I dont think a fan is necessary at all though. Overall the Ibanez Q features (and value for money) beat the Strandberg for me, which is why I no longer own my Bergs but have two Quests.
Oh hey, I’m about to join ya in having a Q54 & Q547. I got a seafoam green 54 a few months back, and I’ve got the color-shift 547 on the way. The 54 just blew me away that much
The comfiest guitar for playing standing up for me is the Music Man Majesty. Strandberg is hands down the best when you're sitting but man, it's almost like Majesty was made to be played on stage first and foremost. On second thought, it most definitely was, haha.
Had 3 Strandbergs over the years.Have a Essential now.Love the straight frets.I asked for them years ago. I have a multi- position switch,in a parts drawer.That's going into the Strandberg. Agree 1/4 in.plug placement,can be a Real Pain. Great comparison video,as always..
I'm not in the market for any new gear but...well, you've sold me on the Strandberg being the better choice (for my preferences). Your sound is more detailed since you changed over, it's noticeable. As ever, and excellent video that goes into enough detail to help people make an informed choice.
I just sold my Ichika Quest three weeks ago. I liked it, but I didn’t *love* it like I had originally. My gripes were essentially yours too. The jack is in a very inconvenient location and I just wanted a thicker neck. The more I played it the more I realized the single coils on that particular guitar weren’t for me and that I’m a humbucker guy. I would happily buy another if I could get a thicker neck and a different jack location.
Nicely done review on the Ibanez. Wish you could have included a QX model with the parallel slanted frets, because they are unique to Ibanez like the endure neck is to Strandberg. Given your dislike of fan frets it would have been interesting to hear your opinion, but all the same it could have severely hampered the positives you did find. All together well done, as we've come to expect.
This is the comparison I needed to see! Great overview of both instruments. Think I'll go with the Ibanez model but I'll pick a QX one cause I like thinner necks... but actually, I think I'll wait to see if they release a prestige one during NAMM this year.
I'm digging the haircut, dude. Looks good on you. As a 43 year old who still has his long hair, I have been debating the 'grownup chop' for the last decade...but still haven't found the courage to do it yet. I salute you. When people say, 'it will just grow back', they don't understand how long it takes to grow your hair back.
I bought an Ibanez q a month or so ago and I love it. It's my first headless guitar. I remember before buying it I checked to see if you'd made this exact video hahaha. It won't be of much use to me anymore but excited to hear how you like the guitar :)
I also have a Q52PB and like it a lot! If I'd have to guess, I'd say that the name can be deciphered as follows: Q = Quest, 5 = 5 way switch, 2 = 2 Humbucker, PB = Poplar Burl. Cheers, Lukas
I enjoy your reviews on headless guitars. I hope you consider doing reviews on the HILS Next guitars which have been popping up as a decently good affordable headless guitar. Also, a small company called Bootlegger have a couple of headless models that caught my interest as well. Would be great to hear your opinions on those models if you ever had the chance to do so.
You can always ask your luthier to do an upside down angled jack hole, with a strat-like thing on the back of the guitar, just like on the Leduc U-bass, then your jack will even have the perfect angle to go over the strap. The only issue is for reselling purposes as you definitively slash the resell price by 40% doing so...
I own two Ibanez Q series (q547 and ichi10) and two Strandberg Boden Standard guitars (6 with tremolo and 8 with no tremolo) . If we don't consider that the Strandberg is one and a half times more expensive, based on my experience with a small sample of 4 guitars, I can say that Ibanez is generally worse: the pickups are fizzy, while the stock Strandberg pickups are better-more balanced and versatile. Additionally, the Ibanez doesn't hold tuning as well-I don't know if it's due to the exotic wood types or poor and/or quicker drying. I don't mention thing you've already said like jack location etc. I'm not saying that Ibanez is bad, but Strandberg is a bit better (although slightly overpriced as well).
Great comparison! I'm not a fan of chunky necks in general and the endure neck takes some getting used to but its hard to argue with the sounds. Your tone definitely sounds like an upgrade to me.
I really love their ichika nito signature Q series because of it's clean white color and a pretty unique sounding single coil. Also for some reason here the ichika nito signature is $200 cheaper than the other ibanez Q available
I have a seven string with straight frets. I love it. I was pleased that the neck wasn't too thin. My biggest complaint is that the low b & e bridge saddles don't move forward enough to get the intonation right.
This is a useful comparison. I think your point about the superior ergonomics of the Strandberg body is valid: so is the point about the location of the Ibanez jack socket. Each company might benefit from incorporating aspects of the other's design. However, I would bet on Ibanez responding faster to constructive criticism: they have the resources to do so. At some point, a major manufacturer will bring together all the best aspects of contemporary headless design in an affordable instrument. Will that be Ibanez? They are so close.
30s in to the video and I spot the HILS guitar. Give us the comparison! Just bought a Boden Essential and am feeling ok about it, not super amazing. Thinking of switching to the HILS because of the conventional neck profile.
13:20 - I agree with your conclusions! I really want either /strandberg and/or Ibanez to take this feedback on board for their 2026 model revisions. Until then I will abstain from both.
As the owner of an Eart headless, I am 100% on board with you when it comes to the output jack. Come on Ibanez, small unheard-of Eart Guitars got it right, you should too! #movethejack
I think you could possibly be mistaken on the neck profile. To my knowledge, all straight fret versions (Q) are the “Modern C” more Strat like profile. All the slanted fret versions (QX) are the Wizard C. Let me know if I’m incorrect on this model, but I’m pretty sure they have not done a crossover from those parameters yet.
you probably notice a huge difference in the room with your new monitors but after yourtubes compression, the difference will be less noticeable on our end. IMO when people talk about "tone" they're either talking about it as a listener enjoying a mixed and mastered production or as a player talking about it in the room. for the player, tone is about amplitude and natural compression (i.e. "feel") whereas the listener hears the tone more as the overall mix (i.e. master bus compression, eq, panning, and other techniques to glue the instruments together in a track.)
My Strandberg is always out of tune! I have the classic 6 Tremolo Rosewood. I was in Sweden 2 weeks ago and there was a Swedish guitarist I met and he also confirmed that he had the same problem. the tremolo bridge is horrible. I've got two Steinberger's the $499 ones and they are a much better value. they play, sound and feel very good. quite frankly I'm thinking about using my Strandberg as firewood to keep me warm this winter.
Did you play Ichi10?? I played one at a local GC and liked it, but didn’t really think much of it. But I went back and ended up playing it a second time thru some actual amps, and now I’m seriously GASing for one. Wish there were more 24f SSS guitars out there.
Professor, what is the story with the grub screws at 4:43 ? They look like they would chew into your muting hand pretty badly. I have a Strandberg Salen Jazz. It's a great guitar but I wish it had straight frets. I have been looking for a Boden essential, but have doubts that it'll be the same without the Suhr pickups.
Turn the angled cable around... route it through your leg... the common spot for the guitar is gonna be there. it also is not only a problem for headless guitars so it should be changed for every guitar not just headless. I dont disagree that it could be changed, but all the work when you can just route the cable through your leg is crazy. i did it with headless, i did it with normal, it feels fine either way
@@andrefludd OH i just realized its in this video too. When you're using the Oasist soft ergo cushion (not the performaxe one). really looking forward to putting the Oasis cushion through its paces. so far it feels great. Would love to see a comparison of all your ergo tools in the future. cheers. Edit. Went to watch the performaxe video just now and you're right. That was probably where I saw you talk about it. Thank you! ❤
I kind of want to see another review of a ormsby. Let's say the goliath. I think this might hit home for you, especially cause i think these are great in my own opinion. I think they can resolve the here mentioned issues. Except the fanned frets of course.
Okay, now review the GOC Illumina behind you! My opinion is that for the money, that GOC is better than both the strandberg and Ibanez. I sold all three of my Strandberg guitars after buying my first GOC!
Hey that's a simple name, Q - Qust 5 way 2 - dual humbuckers PB - poplar burl. I didn't even have to look up whether that guitar was poplar burl or not because I just knew from the name.
Just get it to Your tech/luthier to change the jack location and problem solved for You and You will greatly enjoy this Ibby 🙂 Aaaand I second Your opinion about the importance of jack location. Cheers.
Do you have any video on that Hils guitar? I'm very intrigued as Strandbergs are quite expensive, but the Hils guitar doesn't appear to have a great ergonomic shape.
Try one of the new Hils headless guitars next! Stainless steel frets and roasted maple neck for $499! I’m really interested in them but I’ve yet to see a proper deep dive quality review.
You're not being nitpicky! The channel has always been about practical features of guitar and ergonomics. I know your old videos and you point out things bigger channels don't even see.
Hello, Andre! I really love your honest reviews of headless gutars. May I ask you about comfortability of strandberg jack: It angled toward the player body and it clearlly seen (for example on andertons videos) that a jack on strandberg is pushing against the leg or belly too. Could you please tell your opinion about that? Thank you!
Fancy new speakers won’t improve your tone. But they will give you a less colored presentation. Allowing you to make more accurate adjustments. Which can lead to improve tone. I always felt like your tone was a little dark. But never bad. This is more like something I would try to dial-in. So I like it more. Great stuff as always! Thanks! 🙂
Yes! Thats basically what I meant but I didn’t want to write a paragraph long explanation on the screen. I think this topic goes even deeper though. Maybe a podcast episode will come.
Hi Andre, I tried a .strandberg* Boden Metal at a Guitar Center. I had a few issues you may want to comment on: 1) with a slippery nylon strap and standing up, there was lots of neck dive. I could not play at a 45-degree angle without having to hold the guitar up with my fretting/left hand which became tiring; 2) the fanned frets made it kind of difficult to line up the side dots with the frets, especially at the higher frets, when I looked down at the neck. I didn't reallt try sitting with the guitar since I did not have a footrest like I have at home, but if I purchased a headless guitar, I would like to use it for live performances, in which case I would be using a strap; 3) the EndurNeck did seem to cause me some discomfort or mild soreness in the wrist by trying to force the angle of my left hand a little, but I think I could get used to it. It could have been caused by neck dive, though. "Cowboy"-type chords and power chord riffing seemed to be a little uncomfortable. I'm used to Jackson/Charvel necks.
Nah stick with the Strandberg. The Ibanez wasn't bad, but at least after picking it up at guitar center, it wasnt all that feel-wise. The pickup features were cool, but balance-wise, it didn't feel as great as good as the Strandberg. It feels like Strandberg still has the formula down to a T.
@ Thanks, your words are much appreciated haha😂. I tried a Ibanez Q5something in a shop, i liked the pickups and the bridge but I didn’t really felt the response I wanted from the wood. So I hope that the Strandberg will be more resonant😊
I play with my guitar on my left leg so the position of the jack is not a problem for me at all, my AZ has the jack at a different spot that is beter for what you are saying, but for my playing with it on my left leg and the way I am sitting in my chair, it can actually be worse, so I actually do care about the jack being moved.
I have the Ibanez ICHI10 the white 3 single coil quest, and it's amazing, but the biggest gripe is the body shape ergonomics, I just end up going back to my boden
Really wish the guitar had the output jack in a better position for a headless. Also wish it had an ergo cut for your leg. Tones are a big improvement imo. Your tones before sounded a bit dead to me. These tones have much more life in them
I had an Ibanez Q52 in laser blue shortly after release; very good, versatile sounding guitar with 10 pickup settings. All it needed is a floating trem. I finally sold it. If they make a 6-string with floating trem and two humbuckers with 10 settings, that isn't some shade of brown, I'll buy one again.
I know you have said it before, but what is the brand of that "cushion" to get the angle, and will it work on your left leg for a more classical position? Thanks. Good review. Same issues that I have with this guitar.
Just a genuine question? Why didn't you compare it with the GOC Ilumina in the background? (PS: I'm a GOC artist but also owning strandbergs, so I might be biased).
Yeah, I have never been interested in that ibenz because they kinda don't do the extra cut-out. The only thing it doe sis eliminate the headstock and don't go all the way with the extra adjustements.
Actually, pick all the nits all the time because the only reason I'm saving up for a Strandberg instead of one of these Ibanez Q guitars is for the seating position.
The speaker is the single most important thing to your sound if you're playing an electric guitar. All the sounds are coming from the speaker. If they aren't good, no amount of great gear will make it suddenly awesome.
(I just took a closer look at that bootlegger guitar - The body has the correct contours for sitting, but it has the *worst* possible jack location what were they thinking? )
Ibanez naming schemes are not difficult. Q = Quest series, 52 = Model (if it was the 54 it would have HSS pick ups because the 2 indicates HH), PB = Poplar burl top
My QX527PB doesn't hold in tune somehow, the neck changes by itself, it seems very sensitive to temperature and moisture, I spent most of time adjusting the guitar instead of playing, and QC is really bad on mine, flaws everywhere, it leads me to buy a more premium headless guitar like strandberg, I'm happy with my classic 6 now thankfully
Agree about tuning stability. It's no awful in my case, but it could be better. I bet it is these exotic wood types Ibanez uses for Indonesian-made guitars like Nyatoh etc, or too quick drying of a wood. Also, it might get better over time as the wood ages..
I find it peculiar that the 7 string version uses angled frets (not multiscale, but just angled). They at least got rid of the Evo Gold frets from the initial release. They didn't match, and didn't make much sense.
You like that bridge hardware, eh, Doc? I'm going to see if Ibanez sells it, as I want to use Richard James' (a/k/a "The Blad Shredder") suggestion to hire IYV (Inyen Vina, Vietnam) to make two guitar bodies and a headless neck for me. One guitar will be a headless, one not, with a floating trem. I will spend 2025 making these come to life.
I put the jack out in the tone pot's hole: th-cam.com/video/OkmNaBG2UHQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=VqdtwUxrn5edvfXT - and I may drill another hole for the Tone pot itself or put it in the jack's original hole with some push-pull trick.
Very smart solution! I’ll pin this so others can see!
@@andrefludd Thank you, Andre, I love your approach on guitars, find them useful, as I have very similar ideas about what and how a guitar should be made in general.
Drilling an angled one from the backside seems a no-brainer. That's how I'm spec'ing my Inyen Vinas.
@jprestonian u may not want to do visible/inreversable mod on a 1k usd guitar. I have IYVs too, serious mod on them is ok, bc they are cheap, I did
@jprestonian my modded Inyen (IYV) th-cam.com/video/BO5xAdI-zLo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=suIcqK0E9r7mE-2F
The missing thing with the Ibanez is the ergonomic design of the Strandberg. The Ibanez is just a normal guitar without a headstock.
Exactly. Strandberg is headless because of the design philosophy. Ibanez Qs are just headless for the sake of being headless.
Exactly. So many more companies need to consider ergonomics as standard. We’re not in the 50s anymore.
This was going to be my comment also. Strandberg have looked at the entire guitar and looked at how it could be reimagined. The jack position on the Ibanez is a dealbreaker for me (and I loathe the colour of the particular guitar featured in the video but I know there other colours)
for me, this Ibanez is more ergonomic than the Strandberg shape. I have both, and I had to add a prosthetic implant to the missing part of the Strandy's shape to be able to lean against the guitar my thigh.
I don't understand this gripe, the headless design is an ergonomic improvement on the guitar, so now any guitar that goes headless is more ergonomic. You're just saying the guitar isn't ergo focused as a whole maybe?
I'm with you 110% on the jack relocation. This has bothered me for decades!
+1
+1 too
Does anyone know how to get the people at Ibanez to watch this video? cuz it would be such a cool guitar if it wasn't for that moronic (2+2=5 stupid) jack location.
I've owned two Strandberg 7 strings, a GOC 7 string, and I currently own an Ibanez Q54 and Q547. I think you did an excellent job comparing the Ibanez and Strandberg features. I wanted to expand on the body shape comments you made from the perspective of someone who has always struggled to play standing up. When I started playing shows with my band, I found that most guitars (including the Strandbergs) were easier for me to play sitting vs standing. The Ibanez Q's are the first guitar I've played that really minimizes this difference. The thin body and contours of the Ibanez really help the guitar sit where I want it to when I stand up, and this has been a game changer when it comes to playing live. The Ibanez jack location is a little annoying while sitting, but because the guitar is so light and hangs so well from a strap I'll often just wear it with the strap while sitting. You can also rest it on your leg at an even more vertical angle with the jack between your legs, which I find quite comfortable.
When it comes to the neck profiles I don't mind the Endurneck or the necks on my Ibanez Q's, but neither is perfect for me. I love a thin Jackson/Carvin neck and wish the Q's were more like those.
As for electronics I find the Ibanez superior in most aspects, but I mostly play modern metal, and the bridge pickup could have a little more "oomph" imo.
I do miss the slight fan fret of the Strandbergs. I found the GOC's fan to be too extreme for my needs, but the Strandberg fan is great for drop A on a 7 string without requiring a beefy low string. In Standard tuning I dont think a fan is necessary at all though.
Overall the Ibanez Q features (and value for money) beat the Strandberg for me, which is why I no longer own my Bergs but have two Quests.
Oh hey, I’m about to join ya in having a Q54 & Q547. I got a seafoam green 54 a few months back, and I’ve got the color-shift 547 on the way. The 54 just blew me away that much
Mine are the same two colors 👍@@EclipseAtDusk
The comfiest guitar for playing standing up for me is the Music Man Majesty. Strandberg is hands down the best when you're sitting but man, it's almost like Majesty was made to be played on stage first and foremost. On second thought, it most definitely was, haha.
Looking forward to your review on the HILS!!
I'm digging mine so far. I had to get the neck straightened and fretwork done to lower it to a low action, but everything else has been flawless
Had 3 Strandbergs over the years.Have a Essential now.Love the straight frets.I asked for them years ago. I have a multi- position switch,in a parts drawer.That's going into the Strandberg. Agree 1/4 in.plug placement,can be a Real Pain. Great comparison video,as always..
Been waiting for this
I'm not in the market for any new gear but...well, you've sold me on the Strandberg being the better choice (for my preferences). Your sound is more detailed since you changed over, it's noticeable. As ever, and excellent video that goes into enough detail to help people make an informed choice.
Been watching for quite some time now and I love the new tones!
All the best from Germany ❤
This was a really comprehensive and thoughtful review of the guitar, thank you for this !
Jack placement matters!!! Meanwhile, my favorite thing about the extra strap button is you can just unscrew the damn thing.
I just sold my Ichika Quest three weeks ago. I liked it, but I didn’t *love* it like I had originally. My gripes were essentially yours too. The jack is in a very inconvenient location and I just wanted a thicker neck. The more I played it the more I realized the single coils on that particular guitar weren’t for me and that I’m a humbucker guy. I would happily buy another if I could get a thicker neck and a different jack location.
Glad to see you finally got to try one out! Great video.
Nicely done review on the Ibanez. Wish you could have included a QX model with the parallel slanted frets, because they are unique to Ibanez like the endure neck is to Strandberg. Given your dislike of fan frets it would have been interesting to hear your opinion, but all the same it could have severely hampered the positives you did find. All together well done, as we've come to expect.
I'm a huge advocate of rear mounted output jacks. The strandberg's jack placement is great aswell
Strandberg is just as iconic to me now as Ibanez fender or Gibson
While I doubt I'd ever buy one of these, that wiring setup is slick (8:14).
Great work on this review.
This is the comparison I needed to see! Great overview of both instruments. Think I'll go with the Ibanez model but I'll pick a QX one cause I like thinner necks... but actually, I think I'll wait to see if they release a prestige one during NAMM this year.
I'm digging the haircut, dude. Looks good on you. As a 43 year old who still has his long hair, I have been debating the 'grownup chop' for the last decade...but still haven't found the courage to do it yet. I salute you. When people say, 'it will just grow back', they don't understand how long it takes to grow your hair back.
41 here. bro, it doesnt grow back. it just retreats towards your neck and back while abandoning the former hairline. keep it until you cant.
@@ilikelittlebikes I concur, sadly.
Glad you did this, I have the Ibanez , I bought it before the Strandberg price drop, I was wondering if I was missing something in the Berg.
I bought an Ibanez q a month or so ago and I love it. It's my first headless guitar. I remember before buying it I checked to see if you'd made this exact video hahaha. It won't be of much use to me anymore but excited to hear how you like the guitar :)
Also you're so right. The guitar reminds me of my brother's ibanez S type BUT with my ibanez az's neck slapped on it. I love it.
I also have a Q52PB and like it a lot! If I'd have to guess, I'd say that the name can be deciphered as follows: Q = Quest, 5 = 5 way switch, 2 = 2 Humbucker, PB = Poplar Burl.
Cheers, Lukas
I enjoy your reviews on headless guitars. I hope you consider doing reviews on the HILS Next guitars which have been popping up as a decently good affordable headless guitar. Also, a small company called Bootlegger have a couple of headless models that caught my interest as well. Would be great to hear your opinions on those models if you ever had the chance to do so.
You can always ask your luthier to do an upside down angled jack hole, with a strat-like thing on the back of the guitar, just like on the Leduc U-bass, then your jack will even have the perfect angle to go over the strap.
The only issue is for reselling purposes as you definitively slash the resell price by 40% doing so...
very nice review!
is that a blue GOC in the back? cant wait for the review!
i have the blue goc,u can watch my cover video,yet review takes time,maybe 2 month❤
I love my materia!
5:30 ah ! Same problem for me too. That's why I moved the output jack on my Sire M2 bass.
I own two Ibanez Q series (q547 and ichi10) and two Strandberg Boden Standard guitars (6 with tremolo and 8 with no tremolo) . If we don't consider that the Strandberg is one and a half times more expensive, based on my experience with a small sample of 4 guitars, I can say that Ibanez is generally worse: the pickups are fizzy, while the stock Strandberg pickups are better-more balanced and versatile. Additionally, the Ibanez doesn't hold tuning as well-I don't know if it's due to the exotic wood types or poor and/or quicker drying. I don't mention thing you've already said like jack location etc. I'm not saying that Ibanez is bad, but Strandberg is a bit better (although slightly overpriced as well).
tuning is not too good , right. The neck is multiwood. It must be strong enough. The tuners?
I hear you. My Q547 feels kinda soft and flexible and sometimes all strings are sharp or flat when I pick it up.
@@michaelpilgrim8131 neck not stable enough in neck pocket??
Great comparison! I'm not a fan of chunky necks in general and the endure neck takes some getting used to but its hard to argue with the sounds. Your tone definitely sounds like an upgrade to me.
I really love their ichika nito signature Q series because of it's clean white color and a pretty unique sounding single coil. Also for some reason here the ichika nito signature is $200 cheaper than the other ibanez Q available
I spy the hils next in the background....Im curious on your take and how it compares?
I have a seven string with straight frets. I love it. I was pleased that the neck wasn't too thin. My biggest complaint is that the low b & e bridge saddles don't move forward enough to get the intonation right.
This is a useful comparison. I think your point about the superior ergonomics of the Strandberg body is valid: so is the point about the location of the Ibanez jack socket. Each company might benefit from incorporating aspects of the other's design. However, I would bet on Ibanez responding faster to constructive criticism: they have the resources to do so.
At some point, a major manufacturer will bring together all the best aspects of contemporary headless design in an affordable instrument. Will that be Ibanez? They are so close.
30s in to the video and I spot the HILS guitar. Give us the comparison!
Just bought a Boden Essential and am feeling ok about it, not super amazing. Thinking of switching to the HILS because of the conventional neck profile.
13:20 - I agree with your conclusions! I really want either /strandberg and/or Ibanez to take this feedback on board for their 2026 model revisions. Until then I will abstain from both.
Is that a blue GOC on the right? Waiting for that revieeewww
Yeah. The Illumina+
As the owner of an Eart headless, I am 100% on board with you when it comes to the output jack. Come on Ibanez, small unheard-of Eart Guitars got it right, you should too! #movethejack
I think you could possibly be mistaken on the neck profile. To my knowledge, all straight fret versions (Q) are the “Modern C” more Strat like profile. All the slanted fret versions (QX) are the Wizard C. Let me know if I’m incorrect on this model, but I’m pretty sure they have not done a crossover from those parameters yet.
you probably notice a huge difference in the room with your new monitors but after yourtubes compression, the difference will be less noticeable on our end. IMO when people talk about "tone" they're either talking about it as a listener enjoying a mixed and mastered production or as a player talking about it in the room. for the player, tone is about amplitude and natural compression (i.e. "feel") whereas the listener hears the tone more as the overall mix (i.e. master bus compression, eq, panning, and other techniques to glue the instruments together in a track.)
My Strandberg is always out of tune! I have the classic 6 Tremolo Rosewood. I was in Sweden 2 weeks ago and there was a Swedish guitarist I met and he also confirmed that he had the same problem. the tremolo bridge is horrible. I've got two Steinberger's the $499 ones and they are a much better value. they play, sound and feel very good. quite frankly I'm thinking about using my Strandberg as firewood to keep me warm this winter.
Did you play Ichi10??
I played one at a local GC and liked it, but didn’t really think much of it. But I went back and ended up playing it a second time thru some actual amps, and now I’m seriously GASing for one.
Wish there were more 24f SSS guitars out there.
Professor, what is the story with the grub screws at 4:43 ? They look like they would chew into your muting hand pretty badly. I have a Strandberg Salen Jazz. It's a great guitar but I wish it had straight frets. I have been looking for a Boden essential, but have doubts that it'll be the same without the Suhr pickups.
I sold the exact Q52 for a essential. Don’t regret it at all
Turn the angled cable around... route it through your leg... the common spot for the guitar is gonna be there. it also is not only a problem for headless guitars so it should be changed for every guitar not just headless. I dont disagree that it could be changed, but all the work when you can just route the cable through your leg is crazy. i did it with headless, i did it with normal, it feels fine either way
The QX has the lean neck neck that most Ibanez players kinda expect.
Andre you have a video where you showed off the Oasis ergo leg cushion. Do you recall thr video? I love it. Just got it in. Love the ergonomic tips
It’s the performaxe video I believe. But I’ll be an updated ergonomics video
@@andrefludd OH i just realized its in this video too. When you're using the Oasist soft ergo cushion (not the performaxe one). really looking forward to putting the Oasis cushion through its paces. so far it feels great. Would love to see a comparison of all your ergo tools in the future. cheers.
Edit. Went to watch the performaxe video just now and you're right. That was probably where I saw you talk about it. Thank you! ❤
The tone has more definition and there's no some kind of blanket over it. Just it sounds more refined with intention to fit the mix
Is that a GOC in the background?
I kind of want to see another review of a ormsby. Let's say the goliath. I think this might hit home for you, especially cause i think these are great in my own opinion. I think they can resolve the here mentioned issues. Except the fanned frets of course.
Okay, now review the GOC Illumina behind you! My opinion is that for the money, that GOC is better than both the strandberg and Ibanez. I sold all three of my Strandberg guitars after buying my first GOC!
Hey that's a simple name, Q - Qust 5 way 2 - dual humbuckers PB - poplar burl. I didn't even have to look up whether that guitar was poplar burl or not because I just knew from the name.
With that burl veneer it looks so much like a slightly fancier $300 Eart headless.
I like the look and sound of these, I just wish they had a trem version.
I have gibsons and fenders, but I always play my strandberg bodin essential. This is nice looking too, but wish it had a trem on it.
Just get it to Your tech/luthier to change the jack location and problem solved for You and You will greatly enjoy this Ibby 🙂
Aaaand I second Your opinion about the importance of jack location. Cheers.
This came at the perfect time, as I am trying to debating on getting either of these (or giving up more money for the Boden Standard).
Keep in mind the QC, which has the typical Ibanez shredder neck and it's multi scale
Do you have any video on that Hils guitar? I'm very intrigued as Strandbergs are quite expensive, but the Hils guitar doesn't appear to have a great ergonomic shape.
Try one of the new Hils headless guitars next! Stainless steel frets and roasted maple neck for $499! I’m really interested in them but I’ve yet to see a proper deep dive quality review.
You're not being nitpicky! The channel has always been about practical features of guitar and ergonomics. I know your old videos and you point out things bigger channels don't even see.
Hello, Andre!
I really love your honest reviews of headless gutars.
May I ask you about comfortability of strandberg jack: It angled toward the player body and it clearlly seen (for example on andertons videos) that a jack on strandberg is pushing against the leg or belly too. Could you please tell your opinion about that?
Thank you!
Fancy new speakers won’t improve your tone. But they will give you a less colored presentation. Allowing you to make more accurate adjustments. Which can lead to improve tone.
I always felt like your tone was a little dark. But never bad. This is more like something I would try to dial-in. So I like it more.
Great stuff as always! Thanks! 🙂
Yes! Thats basically what I meant but I didn’t want to write a paragraph long explanation on the screen. I think this topic goes even deeper though. Maybe a podcast episode will come.
The Quests that come with Slanted (not fanned) frets have the Wizard thin neck (19 mm thin from nut to 24th fret)
And a flatter radius too, 508 mm instead of 305 mm.
Dude, you are looking fresh! Nice haircut
First off, haircut looks great. Secondly, I do hear a difference, the tone in this video is excellent!
Thanks man, I’m liking it too!
Hi Andre, I tried a .strandberg* Boden Metal at a Guitar Center. I had a few issues you may want to comment on: 1) with a slippery nylon strap and standing up, there was lots of neck dive. I could not play at a 45-degree angle without having to hold the guitar up with my fretting/left hand which became tiring; 2) the fanned frets made it kind of difficult to line up the side dots with the frets, especially at the higher frets, when I looked down at the neck. I didn't reallt try sitting with the guitar since I did not have a footrest like I have at home, but if I purchased a headless guitar, I would like to use it for live performances, in which case I would be using a strap; 3) the EndurNeck did seem to cause me some discomfort or mild soreness in the wrist by trying to force the angle of my left hand a little, but I think I could get used to it. It could have been caused by neck dive, though. "Cowboy"-type chords and power chord riffing seemed to be a little uncomfortable. I'm used to Jackson/Charvel necks.
Tried this guitar myself. I thought it was really good as well.
Man, I litterally ordered a Strandberd Boden Essential 20 minute ago... Now you're messing with my head...
Nah stick with the Strandberg. The Ibanez wasn't bad, but at least after picking it up at guitar center, it wasnt all that feel-wise. The pickup features were cool, but balance-wise, it didn't feel as great as good as the Strandberg. It feels like Strandberg still has the formula down to a T.
@ Thanks, your words are much appreciated haha😂. I tried a Ibanez Q5something in a shop, i liked the pickups and the bridge but I didn’t really felt the response I wanted from the wood. So I hope that the Strandberg will be more resonant😊
I play with my guitar on my left leg so the position of the jack is not a problem for me at all, my AZ has the jack at a different spot that is beter for what you are saying, but for my playing with it on my left leg and the way I am sitting in my chair, it can actually be worse, so I actually do care about the jack being moved.
I have the Ibanez ICHI10 the white 3 single coil quest, and it's amazing, but the biggest gripe is the body shape ergonomics, I just end up going back to my boden
Really wish the guitar had the output jack in a better position for a headless. Also wish it had an ergo cut for your leg.
Tones are a big improvement imo. Your tones before sounded a bit dead to me. These tones have much more life in them
I had an Ibanez Q52 in laser blue shortly after release; very good, versatile sounding guitar with 10 pickup settings. All it needed is a floating trem.
I finally sold it.
If they make a 6-string with floating trem and two humbuckers with 10 settings, that isn't some shade of brown, I'll buy one again.
A wild GOC Guitar has been spotted :)
Is that a GOC Illumina+ in the background? If so - review upcoming?
Yup. Illumina
If you do like thin necks, the Ibanez QX with slanted frets has a way thinner flatter neck for some reason. Q = chunky QX = more like a wizard
I know you have said it before, but what is the brand of that "cushion" to get the angle, and will it work on your left leg for a more classical position? Thanks. Good review. Same issues that I have with this guitar.
Dynarette maybe.
On my ibanez the pickup selector tip fell off so I used a knife to widen the prongs of the selector put the tip back on no issues since
I use a pancake style angled plug normally used for pedals.
Just a genuine question? Why didn't you compare it with the GOC Ilumina in the background? (PS: I'm a GOC artist but also owning strandbergs, so I might be biased).
That’s all coming too
@@andrefludd Looking forward to it!
Yeah, I have never been interested in that ibenz because they kinda don't do the extra cut-out. The only thing it doe sis eliminate the headstock and don't go all the way with the extra adjustements.
Thank you
GOC and HILS in the back🧐
That is indeed a nice Ilumina :)
QX527PE stays in tune and sounds great
Actually, pick all the nits all the time because the only reason I'm saving up for a Strandberg instead of one of these Ibanez Q guitars is for the seating position.
The speaker is the single most important thing to your sound if you're playing an electric guitar. All the sounds are coming from the speaker. If they aren't good, no amount of great gear will make it suddenly awesome.
Yeah, if it weren't for the output jack placement, I'd be seriously considering the 7-string.
oooo i wanted this vid
I can see the same problem about jack position with Mayones Hydra guitars ... and they are much more expensive 🙄.
(sorry my english)
(I just took a closer look at that bootlegger guitar - The body has the correct contours for sitting, but it has the *worst* possible jack location what were they thinking? )
Ibanez naming schemes are not difficult. Q = Quest series, 52 = Model (if it was the 54 it would have HSS pick ups because the 2 indicates HH), PB = Poplar burl top
My QX527PB doesn't hold in tune somehow, the neck changes by itself, it seems very sensitive to temperature and moisture, I spent most of time adjusting the guitar instead of playing, and QC is really bad on mine, flaws everywhere, it leads me to buy a more premium headless guitar like strandberg, I'm happy with my classic 6 now thankfully
Agree about tuning stability. It's no awful in my case, but it could be better. I bet it is these exotic wood types Ibanez uses for Indonesian-made guitars like Nyatoh etc, or too quick drying of a wood. Also, it might get better over time as the wood ages..
you should check out NK guitars i've been gigging one for the last two years, pretty good guitars and cheap too
I find it peculiar that the 7 string version uses angled frets (not multiscale, but just angled). They at least got rid of the Evo Gold frets from the initial release. They didn't match, and didn't make much sense.
You like that bridge hardware, eh, Doc? I'm going to see if Ibanez sells it, as I want to use Richard James' (a/k/a "The Blad Shredder") suggestion to hire IYV (Inyen Vina, Vietnam) to make two guitar bodies and a headless neck for me. One guitar will be a headless, one not, with a floating trem. I will spend 2025 making these come to life.
Hils guitar review please
damn i want one of those salen trems so bad
Where did U get that little guitar pillow thing??
They sell them everywhere just search “guitar support”
BTW, any ideas of saddles that are compatible Floyd Rose where you just have a kind of hook so you can easily replace the strings?
gonna be REALLY HONEST. the HILS headless blows the ibanez headless away.
I think headless guitar shine the most when you play santnding bc of the weight
can you m ake a review of the Hils Next headless guitar?