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Description

The Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless is an exceptional instrument for bassists seeking both innovation and craftsmanship. This 5-string fretless bass combines a lightweight chambered swamp ash body with a sleek, reduced-body design, ensuring both stunning aesthetics and ergonomic comfort. Its book-matched flame maple top resonates with elegance, making it not just an instrument, but a visual masterpiece.

The heart of the Boden Bass lies in its proprietary EndurNeck design, a 12-ply roasted maple neck that offers unparalleled playability. The trapezoid back softens as you move up the neck, providing a comfortable thumb placement for seamless transitions across the fretless fingerboard. This neck, matched with a roasted maple fingerboard, is designed for those who enjoy exploring the higher registers with ease.

Tonally versatile, the Boden Bass is equipped with Custom Nordstrand Audio Zen Blade soapbar, single-coil, noiseless pickups, allowing for a wide range of sonic textures. The Nordstrand 3-band preamp/EQ, combined with intuitive controls like push/pull for active and passive modes, bass and treble adjustments, and a pickup blend control, provides a dizzying array of tone-shaping options. Whether you're diving into the depths of jazz, the groove of funk, or the drive of rock, this bass will meet your every demand.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight chambered swamp ash body with a book-matched flame maple top
  • 12-ply roasted maple neck with Strandberg's proprietary EndurNeck design
  • Custom Nordstrand Audio Zen Blade soapbar, single-coil, noiseless pickups
  • Nordstrand 3-band preamp/EQ with versatile tone-shaping controls
  • Signature reduced-body shape for a comfortable playing experience

Product specs

Brand Strandberg Guitars
Model Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless
Year 2020 - 2021
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses, Fretless Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Natural, Tan
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 20"
Frets Fretless
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 5-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless?

The Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless features a unique EndurNeck profile designed for ergonomic comfort and reduced strain, making it ideal for extended playing sessions.

What kind of tones can I expect from the passive pickups on this fretless bass?

The passive pickups on the Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless deliver a warm, natural tone with clarity and definition, making it versatile for various genres such as jazz, fusion, and progressive rock.

Is the Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless suitable for beginners?

While the Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless offers advanced features that may appeal more to experienced players, its ergonomic design and playability can also benefit dedicated beginners who are serious about fretless bass playing.

How does the active preamp enhance the sound of the Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless?

The active preamp on the Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless provides enhanced tonal control and flexibility, allowing you to shape your sound with precision, which is particularly useful in live and studio settings.

What is the body material of the Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless, and how does it affect the sound?

The body of the Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless is made from ash, which contributes to a bright and resonant sound with excellent sustain, complementing the fretless design for smooth, expressive playing.

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5! [Demo]

Video thumbnail for Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5! [Demo] by Patrick Hunter

Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5! [Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Boden Bass Original 5 Reference by Strandberg Guitars

Boden Bass Original 5 Reference

Strandberg Guitars

Strandberg Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5 Fretless.

Comparisons

  • The Ibanez EHB series is often preferred over the Strandberg for its playability and price, despite mixed opinions on its distinctive sound.

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  • The Ibanez EHB1505MS is noted for a more traditional bass feel compared to the Strandberg's unique neck shape, which requires adjustment for some players.

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  • The Ibanez EHB1005MS has a tighter B string compared to the Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5.

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  • The Strandberg Boden Bass Original 5 is noted for its lightweight design compared to heavier models like the Stingray 5H, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.

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User experience

  • Some players are deterred by the back slot jack location, feeling it should be perfect given the $2500 price point.

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  • Some owners experience neck dive with the 5-string model, an unusual trait for headless basses, indicating possible design issues.

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  • Owners appreciate the lightweight and ergonomic design, allowing for extended play sessions without fatigue, especially beneficial for those with physical challenges.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Concerns about the fanned fret layout potentially requiring more effort to span lower strings, though some find the adaptation period brief.

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  • Dead spots are noted on the 12th fret G string and low B string, with resonance issues when the bass is close to the body.

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Use cases and applications

  • The placement of potentiometers can interfere with slapping techniques, making the bass less ideal for slap styles.

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  • The bass is praised for rock and pop contexts but deemed less suitable for metal or jazz, contrasting with brands like Dingwall.

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Features and functionality

  • The jack is positioned in a slot on the back, which some find convenient for both standard and classical playing positions.

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  • The neck ridge is polarizing; some users find it non-beneficial, while others grow to miss it on other basses.

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  • The bass features Fishman pickups with a "passive voicing" option and coil split, offering versatility in tone from jazz bass-like sounds to richer active tones.

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Build quality

  • Some users report scratchy stacked potentiometers, likening their quality to those on $400 basses.

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Other

  • The bass comes with D'Addario NYXL strings, offering a bright tone that can be adapted with other string types for different tonal warmth.

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Value and pricing

  • Purchasing as B Stock from Strandberg's official store can save over $500, with many not finding any noticeable cosmetic flaws.

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