Hahah as a 'prog' guitarist I def felt the most at home on the Prog...but it's also a reflection of how much harder I've been working on improving the quality of my demo's and improving the quality of my reviews. Got ten new review videos in the works, hope you'll stop back again!
I have a PROG 7 and just got the classic you have. I’m absolutely blown away by how awesome their “budget” guitar is. If you cannot afford to go past a classic strandberg do not fret, you will not be disappointed. Incredible company and incredible guitars.
Thanks for watching and commenting, I def agree! The Classic is a solid entry level instrument, just the pickups are a little meh and could use an upgrade. If you haven't already consider giving the channel a sub too! Loads of guitar content coming soon.
The other day, I tried a Strandberg Fusion and to put it simply, I was amazed. The position 4 on the Fusion almost sounded like a Strat. Very strat-like for a 24-fret guitar. I’m “converted” and can definitely say Strandberg is on my dream guitar wishlist, if not “end all” guitar.
Thanks for watching and commenting, the Fusion really is a great instrument. I've been impatiently waiting for Strandberg to come out with a 7 string neck through model...and really wish they'd ditch the Fishman thing in all of their 7 string tremolo models. Time to get saving or sell off some other gear lol
Thanks for watching and commenting, appreciate the support! I've got a full length cover album in the works to support 11 new guitar reviews. Hope you'll stop back n' check them out. Have a good weekend!
Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words! I've got new videos going live every Monday at 9am EST, hope you'll stop back n check em out. You can also find my original music on Spotify, you might really like it. Rock on! open.spotify.com/artist/7Ijy3f0QODs7qwo7NeoCNA?si=nWmT2cc5Rtql5IOqd-qRWA
Thanks for watching and the comment, it's on my list of guitars to check out actually! I've got two more 'berg reviews coming this summer/fall but then it'll be onto checking out an NX. Those Suhr pups in the strandy tone wood/build is just such a perfect match. The Prog 6 I reviewed had the Suhr's in it, as did the fusion neck through and they're just absolutely amazing.
@@aminorerror awesome looking forward to the vids! Lol yeah the fusion and progs with the ssh/v pups sound amazing. The fusion sounds very holdsworth, which is never bad :)
Another great video! I personally have the Classic 6 in Burgandy Mist as well. I think if I were to get another 6 string, it would be the neck through Prog 6. I don't really care for single coils these days, even though I tried really hard to like them in the Classic 6. I definitely agree that the pickups are very lackluster, especially the bridge in the Classic. My only complaint about the 6 string Strandbergs though is actually the fan. I feel it's a bit cramped in the upper register. Maybe if they went with a 25.5 - 26" it wouldn't be as bad, especially if they moved the neutral fret to maybe the 5th or 7th fret. As far as the fret sprout goes, I don't remember if you mentioned it in other videos or not, but did you buy from Strandberg directly or through someone like Sweetwater? From what I've seen, people that had the fret inconsistencies, regardless of where they live, bought from either Musician's Friend/Guitar Center or Strandberg directly, while Sweetwater had no issues. Just a thought!
Thanks for coming back and checking out my newest video! The neck through prog 6 looks amazing, but if I'm not mistaken I think they're switching away from Suhr pickups to Strandberg branded ones. I haven't had a chance to play the new ones yet but I'm worried they won't be quite as good as those Suhr's...which were pretty much PERFECT. Unfortunately you're right, I've talked to a bunch of people who have experienced inconsistencies with the fret edges/fret sprout. I've gotten all my guitars through Musicians Friend and some have been perfect (Fusion and Classic) and then others have been poor like my Metal 8 I still own and the Prog 6 I recently tested. It's def a concern and something to keep in mind when shopping for a Strandy. That's interesting about the fan, I didn't feel cramped in the upper range personally! I think that goes to Ola's 'made to measure' concept early on with the company. I would LOVE to have a made to measure Prog 7 neck through if they still made em that way. But then again...who's got $5,000 for a guitar lol
From what I’ve seen it’s more recent production models, I have a 2018 prog 6 with zero issues zero complaints with it but ordered a refurb direct from strandberg myself (2020 prog 7) that had horrible crack on fb, unseated fret end with 2mm gap bass side 9th fret. So I sent that one back and am really hesitant to buy another prog 7 now... From what I’ve seen in the Fb group for strandberg it’s mostly people buying more recent production 2020 models. Yea Sweetwater is the better place to buy from in most cases but my prog 6 from 2018 was from musicians friend and it was and still is in better shape than the prog 7 I got direct from strandberg with a very recent “QC” check date as well when I received it (less than 2 months prior to buying it). But it’s definitely on the more recent production models regardless of where you get them from what I’ve seen or heard, although Sweetwater does a better job than most online retailers competitively. Who knows what the deal with their QC or whatever currently is, who knows if they are being stored incorrectly, but it’s still disappointing on a guitar with the price points these are at. 🤷♂️ I get ebony can crack as well but it’s odd to me I have other guitars with ebony boards (4) including my prog 6 and one guitar is over 20 yrs old and in better shape than the prog 7 I got and never had cracks or shrinkage on any of my ebony boards. So again who knows 🤷♂️ I’m happy with my one I have for now.
Do you think in the HSH configuration of this Fusion guitar the 2 and 4 position is really good? I own a strandberg classic and I am thinking to upgrade for the Fusion but I use a lot the 2 and 4 position
Thanks for watching! I think the fusion sounded amazing across all of the different pickup combos but I'm not much of a single coil guy so it's hard for me to say how they compare to single coils. They sounded amazing compared to all of my other hum bucker guitars though, hope that helps!
This was late in the run, just before they changed to NX spec upgraded hardware. The current Prog 6 has the same pickups as this guitar though, still Suhr SSV and SSH+. The NX spec guitars have better hardware too, the nut is redesigned and the bridge has some slight improvements too so I'd recommend just going with the current Prog 6 NX over the older generation. Thanks for watching and giving the channel a sub, appreciate the support!
Just curious, no one addresses how these guitars sit when a guitar strap is on and standing...does it tilt similarly to a Gibson Sg because of where the button is located? Not being located on the end of the "horn"?
Thanks for watching! There's no comparison to an SG with how the strandy design works standing. It's without a doubt the most comfortable guitar to play standing up, since its a super strat body and headless there's no neck dive and the balance is legit perfect where the strap pins are mounted. I'd never gig any other brand ever again, the Strandy design wins hands down for live/standing. Rock on!
Nope, they work great for all different types of genres and they've got the Tele and Jazz models if an extra bright or mellow tone is your thing besides a regular solid body tone. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching and commenting! Yep you're right with the neck thru models, but the bolt on models are still Suhr pickups....which is the model I've got here. Not sure if I made that clear enough so the review/model isn't outdated. OR: Neck thru prog = Michael Frank Bolt on Prog = Suhr I'm surprised they switched pickups honestly the Suhr's are basically a perfect pairing for the Prog, I'm def interested in checking out the new neck thru model and see how those different pups sound...Ola if you see this pretty pretty puhlease?! lol
Sadly, the Neck thru fusion line and several others has been discontinued... I've been waiting 5 F'n months on order from Sweetwater for my 2020 with the new MF pickups... Strandberg just notified EVERYONE TODAY..."sorry...no mas...discontinuing a bunch of our super cool neck-thru and others!" Why the F didnt you let us all know earlier??? Spent the day scrambling to grab a lesser MF fusion...got one of the last ones! BAD STRANDBERG...NO COMMUNICATIONS with a bunch of folks who've been PATIENTLY waiting. I have 3 Strandies already...but kinda pissed at this oblique behaviour
@@aminorerror gig bag is there I accept but manufacturers such as Ibanez, Sire and PRS produce their own hardware. Chapman even have stainless steel frets and everything else that you described. They might outsource their manufacture but that's what Strandberg is also doing. Basically the only thing extra that you said is the gig bag which is max just $70. Not more than that it is worth.
Unfortunately, I don't agree. Firstly, Chapman guitars are total crap; there's no comparison between a Chapman and a Strandberg. Secondly Ibanez, Suhr and PRS do have models that rival or beat Strandberg's but not for the price you think. Ibanez is especially guilty of putting crappy hardware on their intermediate level guitars. The bridges they put on most of the Premium line is not a legit Edge Pro tremolo, it's a cheaper model and trust me from experience, the tone suffers. Also, you're incorrect about Ibanez manufacturing their own bridges, they don't. The edge pro is manufactured by Gotoh, not in house. As someone who has over 20 years experience recording, gigging and has built a channel around reviewing guitars, there's nothing out there that has what a Strandberg does for cheaper. Kiesel is probably the closest, but only by about $100 with absolutely no options.
![[TH] 2024 PMSL SEA W2D5 | Fall | พลาดวันนี้ จะต้องเสียใจ](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/A5-Cuo12p6A/mqdefault.jpg)
Classic: 40 second demo
Fusion: 50 second demo
Prog: 3 minute full song including double tracking
Which one could possibly be your favorite 🤔
Hahah as a 'prog' guitarist I def felt the most at home on the Prog...but it's also a reflection of how much harder I've been working on improving the quality of my demo's and improving the quality of my reviews. Got ten new review videos in the works, hope you'll stop back again!
I have a PROG 7 and just got the classic you have. I’m absolutely blown away by how awesome their “budget” guitar is. If you cannot afford to go past a classic strandberg do not fret, you will not be disappointed. Incredible company and incredible guitars.
Thanks for watching and commenting, I def agree! The Classic is a solid entry level instrument, just the pickups are a little meh and could use an upgrade. If you haven't already consider giving the channel a sub too! Loads of guitar content coming soon.
$2200 now for the budget guitar?
Thanks for this awesome comparison! Now I'm really stumped on which one to buy😅 Subscribed👍
Thanks for watching and thanks for the sub! Really appreciate the kind words and the support.
The other day, I tried a Strandberg Fusion and to put it simply, I was amazed. The position 4 on the Fusion almost sounded like a Strat. Very strat-like for a 24-fret guitar. I’m “converted” and can definitely say Strandberg is on my dream guitar wishlist, if not “end all” guitar.
Thanks for watching and commenting, the Fusion really is a great instrument. I've been impatiently waiting for Strandberg to come out with a 7 string neck through model...and really wish they'd ditch the Fishman thing in all of their 7 string tremolo models. Time to get saving or sell off some other gear lol
Awesome playing style very clean.
Thanks for watching and commenting, appreciate the support! I've got a full length cover album in the works to support 11 new guitar reviews. Hope you'll stop back n' check them out. Have a good weekend!
You’re an absolute killer musician!
Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words! I've got new videos going live every Monday at 9am EST, hope you'll stop back n check em out. You can also find my original music on Spotify, you might really like it. Rock on!
open.spotify.com/artist/7Ijy3f0QODs7qwo7NeoCNA?si=nWmT2cc5Rtql5IOqd-qRWA
You should revisit this with the new NX series. The Classic NX now has Suhr pickups and sounds incredible
Thanks for watching and the comment, it's on my list of guitars to check out actually! I've got two more 'berg reviews coming this summer/fall but then it'll be onto checking out an NX. Those Suhr pups in the strandy tone wood/build is just such a perfect match. The Prog 6 I reviewed had the Suhr's in it, as did the fusion neck through and they're just absolutely amazing.
@@aminorerror awesome looking forward to the vids! Lol yeah the fusion and progs with the ssh/v pups sound amazing. The fusion sounds very holdsworth, which is never bad :)
Hey Philly, found this. It helped a bit.
Haha happy it helped a little. If you haven't already consider giving the channel a sub.
@@aminorerror I have
Another great video! I personally have the Classic 6 in Burgandy Mist as well. I think if I were to get another 6 string, it would be the neck through Prog 6. I don't really care for single coils these days, even though I tried really hard to like them in the Classic 6. I definitely agree that the pickups are very lackluster, especially the bridge in the Classic. My only complaint about the 6 string Strandbergs though is actually the fan. I feel it's a bit cramped in the upper register. Maybe if they went with a 25.5 - 26" it wouldn't be as bad, especially if they moved the neutral fret to maybe the 5th or 7th fret. As far as the fret sprout goes, I don't remember if you mentioned it in other videos or not, but did you buy from Strandberg directly or through someone like Sweetwater? From what I've seen, people that had the fret inconsistencies, regardless of where they live, bought from either Musician's Friend/Guitar Center or Strandberg directly, while Sweetwater had no issues. Just a thought!
Thanks for coming back and checking out my newest video! The neck through prog 6 looks amazing, but if I'm not mistaken I think they're switching away from Suhr pickups to Strandberg branded ones. I haven't had a chance to play the new ones yet but I'm worried they won't be quite as good as those Suhr's...which were pretty much PERFECT.
Unfortunately you're right, I've talked to a bunch of people who have experienced inconsistencies with the fret edges/fret sprout. I've gotten all my guitars through Musicians Friend and some have been perfect (Fusion and Classic) and then others have been poor like my Metal 8 I still own and the Prog 6 I recently tested. It's def a concern and something to keep in mind when shopping for a Strandy.
That's interesting about the fan, I didn't feel cramped in the upper range personally! I think that goes to Ola's 'made to measure' concept early on with the company. I would LOVE to have a made to measure Prog 7 neck through if they still made em that way. But then again...who's got $5,000 for a guitar lol
From what I’ve seen it’s more recent production models, I have a 2018 prog 6 with zero issues zero complaints with it but ordered a refurb direct from strandberg myself (2020 prog 7) that had horrible crack on fb, unseated fret end with 2mm gap bass side 9th fret. So I sent that one back and am really hesitant to buy another prog 7 now... From what I’ve seen in the Fb group for strandberg it’s mostly people buying more recent production 2020 models. Yea Sweetwater is the better place to buy from in most cases but my prog 6 from 2018 was from musicians friend and it was and still is in better shape than the prog 7 I got direct from strandberg with a very recent “QC” check date as well when I received it (less than 2 months prior to buying it). But it’s definitely on the more recent production models regardless of where you get them from what I’ve seen or heard, although Sweetwater does a better job than most online retailers competitively. Who knows what the deal with their QC or whatever currently is, who knows if they are being stored incorrectly, but it’s still disappointing on a guitar with the price points these are at. 🤷♂️ I get ebony can crack as well but it’s odd to me I have other guitars with ebony boards (4) including my prog 6 and one guitar is over 20 yrs old and in better shape than the prog 7 I got and never had cracks or shrinkage on any of my ebony boards. So again who knows 🤷♂️ I’m happy with my one I have for now.
Kinda be nice if they were tone-demo'd with something besides a heavily effected sound. Clean, blues, grit, then rock and metal...
That’s a fair point! I’ve got more varied tones in my more recent reviews and newer content on the way. Thanks for watching 🤘🏻
Yes, this. Anything other than a simple cable connection makes it useless.
Do you think in the HSH configuration of this Fusion guitar the 2 and 4 position is really good? I own a strandberg classic and I am thinking to upgrade for the Fusion but I use a lot the 2 and 4 position
Thanks for watching! I think the fusion sounded amazing across all of the different pickup combos but I'm not much of a single coil guy so it's hard for me to say how they compare to single coils. They sounded amazing compared to all of my other hum bucker guitars though, hope that helps!
What year is the prog? Trying to find one right now with suhr pickups
This was late in the run, just before they changed to NX spec upgraded hardware. The current Prog 6 has the same pickups as this guitar though, still Suhr SSV and SSH+. The NX spec guitars have better hardware too, the nut is redesigned and the bridge has some slight improvements too so I'd recommend just going with the current Prog 6 NX over the older generation. Thanks for watching and giving the channel a sub, appreciate the support!
Just curious, no one addresses how these guitars sit when a guitar strap is on and standing...does it tilt similarly to a Gibson Sg because of where the button is located? Not being located on the end of the "horn"?
Thanks for watching! There's no comparison to an SG with how the strandy design works standing. It's without a doubt the most comfortable guitar to play standing up, since its a super strat body and headless there's no neck dive and the balance is legit perfect where the strap pins are mounted. I'd never gig any other brand ever again, the Strandy design wins hands down for live/standing. Rock on!
I would love to try one of these, but I don't play metal. Are they strictly designed for progressive players and shredders??
Nope, they work great for all different types of genres and they've got the Tele and Jazz models if an extra bright or mellow tone is your thing besides a regular solid body tone. Thanks for watching!
Old pickups... The 2020 neck thru has Michael Frank pickups... Your vid is new but using outdated stuff... SUR no longer used!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Yep you're right with the neck thru models, but the bolt on models are still Suhr pickups....which is the model I've got here. Not sure if I made that clear enough so the review/model isn't outdated.
OR:
Neck thru prog = Michael Frank
Bolt on Prog = Suhr
I'm surprised they switched pickups honestly the Suhr's are basically a perfect pairing for the Prog, I'm def interested in checking out the new neck thru model and see how those different pups sound...Ola if you see this pretty pretty puhlease?! lol
Sadly, the Neck thru fusion line and several others has been discontinued... I've been waiting 5 F'n months on order from Sweetwater for my 2020 with the new MF pickups... Strandberg just notified EVERYONE TODAY..."sorry...no mas...discontinuing a bunch of our super cool neck-thru and others!" Why the F didnt you let us all know earlier??? Spent the day scrambling to grab a lesser MF fusion...got one of the last ones! BAD STRANDBERG...NO COMMUNICATIONS with a bunch of folks who've been PATIENTLY waiting. I have 3 Strandies already...but kinda pissed at this oblique behaviour
Overpriced and quality control. Everything else is best.
Disagree but thanks for watching!
@@aminorerror it is overpriced isn't it? Similarly featured instruments from Sire, Ibanez, PRS and all are less than $1000.
No, any guitar that features that companies high end hardware, stainless steel frets and a case is def not under 1k. Not even close.
@@aminorerror gig bag is there I accept but manufacturers such as Ibanez, Sire and PRS produce their own hardware. Chapman even have stainless steel frets and everything else that you described. They might outsource their manufacture but that's what Strandberg is also doing. Basically the only thing extra that you said is the gig bag which is max just $70. Not more than that it is worth.
Unfortunately, I don't agree. Firstly, Chapman guitars are total crap; there's no comparison between a Chapman and a Strandberg. Secondly Ibanez, Suhr and PRS do have models that rival or beat Strandberg's but not for the price you think. Ibanez is especially guilty of putting crappy hardware on their intermediate level guitars. The bridges they put on most of the Premium line is not a legit Edge Pro tremolo, it's a cheaper model and trust me from experience, the tone suffers. Also, you're incorrect about Ibanez manufacturing their own bridges, they don't. The edge pro is manufactured by Gotoh, not in house. As someone who has over 20 years experience recording, gigging and has built a channel around reviewing guitars, there's nothing out there that has what a Strandberg does for cheaper. Kiesel is probably the closest, but only by about $100 with absolutely no options.