Bought a strandberg OS7 and carvin holdsworth

**jzucker** · 02-25-2016, 07:57 AM

I do like tone of the ash/maple combination and the weight. I'm thinking the 6 string version would fix two of my biggest issues which are the neck heavyness along with the string tension so I may try one if I get a chance.

**petermelton** · 02-25-2016, 10:52 AM

That's interesting. Are EMG's particularly light weight? I noticed a pretty significant weight and balance difference when I put the DiMarzios in mine. I didn't realize how light Lace pickups were. I guess every little bit makes that much more of a difference when your guitar is floating around the 5 lb range.

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 02-25-2016, 11:04 AM

Have you tried a Klein guitar, Jack? It seems that Strandberg guitars have an unavoidable amount of shredder DNA in them.

**Double V** · 02-25-2016, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by jzucker

I do like tone of the ash/maple combination and the weight. I'm thinking the 6 string version would fix two of my biggest issues which are the neck heavyness along with the string tension so I may try one if I get a chance.

I've also been very curious about these guitars. Cool to hear your thoughts about them.
I have a 6 string with Lace pickups on the way.
There's a two week free return which is very attractive, something to consider if you're interested in trying out a 6.

from their site:
"If you are not entirely happy with your Boden OS, you may return it for free within 2 weeks, as long as it is in the exact condition you received it in and you use the original packaging. (The offer for free return is available for the continental US only.) "

**jzucker** · 02-25-2016, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by petermelton

That's interesting. Are EMG's particularly light weight? I noticed a pretty significant weight and balance difference when I put the DiMarzios in mine. I didn't realize how light Lace pickups were. I guess every little bit makes that much more of a difference when your guitar is floating around the 5 lb range.

I think they are slightly lighter than a standard pickup but yes, I think you're right about every ounce counting. My guess is that putting the strap button on the neck heel would solve the problem but with the thin body and 5 screws at that point in the body, I'd feel uncomfortable about drilling another hole. If I was keeping it, I'd probably put a strap button on one of the neck mounting screws.

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles

Have you tried a Klein guitar, Jack? It seems that Strandberg guitars have an unavoidable amount of shredder DNA in them.

I have tried them and I did like them but a friend of mine had one and the neck bowed. He sent it back for repair and because it had no truss rod, the repair was to install lighter set of strings on it. That turned me off forever about klein.

Originally Posted by Double V

I've also been very curious about these guitars. Cool to hear your thoughts about them.
I have a 6 string with Lace pickups on the way.
There's a two week free return which is very attractive, something to consider if you're interested in trying out a 6.

from their site:
"If you are not entirely happy with your Boden OS, you may return it for free within 2 weeks, as long as it is in the exact condition you received it in and you use the original packaging. (The offer for free return is available for the continental US only.) "

I've thought about that but for me, I'd have to add $200 for pickups on top of the list price. I'm pretty happy with the Holdsworth so I'll probably just stick with that because I don't see the strandberg as being significantly different at this point now that I've tried it. I do think it has more character than the carvin but the build quality is a couple steps below the carvin...

Also, where would I have to return it to? Seems like shipping might be an issue on a return. And then there are customs/import fees...

**jzucker** · 02-25-2016, 09:23 PM

well, I figured I'd keep playing the strandberg until I sell it. One thing I discovered is that if I wear it up really high and tuck it into the crook of my arm it balances better. I do like the way it sounds....

**jzucker** · 02-26-2016, 09:54 AM

Peter,

When you put your dimarzio pickups in your strandberg, how did you mount them? Were you able to use the existing screw holes or did you have to do something else?

If it doesn't sell quickly I may buy a set of the dimarzio PAF 7s like you did or maybe a set of EMG 57/66-7 soapbars...

Although ultimately, I think I might be happier with the 6.

(I heard that Holdsworth recently picked up an 8 string Kiesel !)

**Bosko** · 02-26-2016, 10:27 AM

Strandberg OS7 - looks like someone took a bite out of the bottom third of the body. Not surprising it is neck heavy.

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 02-26-2016, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by jzucker

well, I figured I'd keep playing the strandberg until I sell it. One thing I discovered is that if I wear it up really high and tuck it into the crook of my arm it balances better. I do like the way it sounds....

I bet that looks nerdy

**Double V** · 02-26-2016, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by jzucker

Also, where would I have to return it to? Seems like shipping might be an issue on a return. And then there are customs/import fees...

it ships from Murrieta,California.

**jzucker** · 02-26-2016, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by Double V

it ships from Murrieta,California.

Ahhh...Didn't know that... Thanks for the info!

**petermelton** · 02-26-2016, 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by jzucker

Peter,

When you put your dimarzio pickups in your strandberg, how did you mount them? Were you able to use the existing screw holes or did you have to do something else?

If it doesn't sell quickly I may buy a set of the dimarzio PAF 7s like you did or maybe a set of EMG 57/66-7 soapbars...

Although ultimately, I think I might be happier with the 6.

(I heard that Holdsworth recently picked up an 8 string Kiesel !)

I had to modify the guitar a little bit to make it work. I used a dremel tool to carve out and expand the pickup cavity to accommodate for the little tabs on the sides of the pickups. Then I just drilled new some holes for the mounting screws. It was pretty quick and easy. You can see cut outs in this photo if you look closely.

Bought a strandberg OS7 and carvin holdsworth-strandberg-jpg

Bought a strandberg OS7 and carvin holdsworth-strandberg-jpg

**jzucker** · 02-26-2016, 02:05 PM

Thanks for the reply peter. I'm afraid I'd slip and run the dremel across the top. Yours looks very professionally done. If I keep mine, I may just opt for the EMG 57/66 soapbar set

**petermelton** · 02-26-2016, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by jzucker

Thanks for the reply peter. I'm afraid I'd slip and run the dremel across the top. Yours looks very professionally done. If I keep mine, I may just opt for the EMG 57/66 soapbar set

Thanks Jack! I was terrified of that but it turned out not too bad. If you end up curious and want to try just start at the deepest point of the cavity and sort of make a groove there the dremel naturally wants to sit in the groove you made. Use painters tape on the top with and cut into the tape how deep you want to go into the body and work your way from the bottom of the pickup cavity to the top.

One more annoying thing, full size CTS pots don't fit in the control cavity. You have to use mini pots with whatever pickups you end up using.

**jzucker** · 02-26-2016, 04:16 PM

Thanks Peter. What bit did you use?

**petermelton** · 02-26-2016, 05:01 PM

I used a sanding drum. Not sure what size.

**jzucker** · 02-29-2016, 10:43 PM

well, i think it's growing on me. I took it off reverb.com and removed the listing from the forsale section here. Considering the EMG 57/66 pickups. The emgs it comes with are not bad though.