Boden Essential launched at $999 their cheapest 6-string yet
Super affordable new Strandberg Boden Essential models announced
4,5 / 5,0 | 
$999 Boden Essential models have been revealed at NAMM. These affordable 6-string models are the most affordable Strandbergs yet.
$999 Boden Essential
At $999 these new Boden Essential models are the cheapest Strandberg 6-strings. They come with specially designed hardware, specific to these models, and include many key Strandberg features including the body shape, EndurNeck, and the headless design.
The Boden Essential finish options include Black Granite, Astro Dust, and Elemental Blue Satin.
Key Differences
The standard carbon-reinforced multi-laminate neck used on more expensive Strandberg models has been swapped out for a more affordable one-piece roasted maple neck. Though they still come with a set of stainless steel frets, glow-in-the-dark inlays, and dots, plus rosewood on the fretboard. They also have standard fret layouts, so no fanned frets here.
Instead of the standard mahogany body, these Essential models use a nice lightweight Indonesian Meranti. A good choice and tonally similar to mahogany, just a lot cheaper to use.
They also come factory-fitted with a set of uncovered OEM humbucker pickups, controlled by volume, tone, and a 5-way pickup selector switch. This offers both humbucking and single coil tones.
- 1. Bridge Series Humbucking
- 2. Bridge Series Humbucking + Neck Outer Coil
- 3. (Bridge Series Humbucking + Neck Outer Coil in parallel) in series with Neck Inner Coil
- 4. Neck Inner Coil
- 5. Neck Series Humbucking
EGS Hardware
The new hardware I mentioned earlier includes the EGS Arc bridge and nut system. These use new tuning housings and string locks, and housings and base plates made of zinc. Aluminium or stainless steel is then used for any key wear components. Strandberg has stated that these parts are replaceable and it plans to offer optional upgrades including brass, steel, aluminum, and bronze saddles.
Availability
They are due out in March this year and at only $999 each I think Strandberg will sell a lot of them. Especially, as there are these optional upgrade options.
Verdict
On paper, these sound like great modern guitars. Ideally, we may see more than just 6-string versions at some point. The pricepoint is very appealing and as I mentioned above, the potential for upgrades is also a winner. Plus, some good colour choices on launch as well.
More Information
- NAMM 2024 sponsors: REMISE 3
- boden-essential-family: Strandberg
- strandberg-boden-essential-astro-dust: Strandberg
- Strandberg Boden Essential: Strandberg
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