Digital evolution of the guitar: Ola Strandberg overcomes midlife crisis to pioneer headless guitar innovation, hints at potential future advancements
In the world of guitar manufacturing, one name stands out for its innovative approach and commitment to ergonomics - Strandberg. Founded by Ola Strandberg in 2012, after a career in mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and IT, this brand has revolutionized instrument design with a focus on physical health.
Ola Strandberg's journey into guitar building began in 2007 when he completed work on his first electric guitar. His inspiration came from Steinberger hardware and a community of ergonomic guitar builders. Recognizing the need for an ergonomic guitar that was lightweight and designed to prevent repetitive stress injuries, Strandberg set out to create a guitar that would inspire musicians without causing harm.
Before delving into guitar building, Strandberg honed his skills in a professional workshop where he learned metalwork, CAD drawing, and other relevant techniques. After a period of burnout in IT, he returned to guitar building as a mental comeback and creative outlet. An article on Allan Holdsworth, which suggested unconventional materials and methods could be used to build guitars, further fueled his passion.
Mass-production of Strandberg guitars began in late 2014. Unlike other brands that are making headless guitars, Strandberg's approach is unique. Everything is designed to work as a whole, creating a cohesive and innovative instrument. One of Strandberg's most significant contributions to guitar design is the EndurNeck, which he invented in 2012.
Strandberg's guitars forgo traditional elements like headstocks and feature a game-changing neck profile. These design choices, coupled with their lightweight construction, have made Strandberg guitars a favourite among musicians seeking a more comfortable playing experience.
In 2023, an early prototype of Strandberg's acoustic guitar was shown, marking another step forward in the brand's evolution. Strandberg also believes in the potential evolution of the electric guitar's signal chain, suggesting new terminology and ways to tweak sounds. He envisions the electric guitar becoming more digital in the future, evolving into a hybrid-type instrument.
Despite the digital advancements, Strandberg's guitars remain grounded in their commitment to ergonomics. With a focus on innovation and a dedication to creating tools that inspire, Strandberg's guitars continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of music.
[1] For more information on Strandberg's journey, refer to this article.
- Strandberg, known for its innovative approach and commitment to ergonomics in guitar manufacturing, has revolutionized instrument design, focusing on physical health.
- Ola Strandberg, the founder of Strandberg, first delved into guitar building in 2007, inspired by Steinberger hardware and a community of ergonomic guitar builders.
- In Strandberg's professional workshop, Ola honed his metalwork, CAD drawing, and other relevant techniques before returning to guitar building as a mental comeback and creative outlet.
- Strandberg's EndurNeck, invented in 2012, is one of his significant contributions to guitar design, featuring a game-changing neck profile and lightweight construction.
- In the future, Strandberg sees the evolution of electric guitars into more digital hybrid-type instruments, imagining new terminology and ways to tweak sounds.
- Strandberg's guitars, with their emphasis on innovation and dedication to creating tools that inspire, continue to push the boundaries of music, merging technology with entertainment and music.
