.strandberg* Multiverse Featuring Sumon Saikia

Sumon Saikia, hailing from Guwahati, is a versatile guitarist known for his work with bands like Eclipse, Ecstasy, Wonder Sisters, and Violina Music. In addition to his roles as a live and studio guitarist, Summon is an entrepreneur and music producer with a passion for innovation. Outside of music, he enjoys gaming, adding another layer to his dynamic and creative lifestyle.

Let’s delve into why Sumon opted for Strandberg guitars as his preferred instrument for musical expression.

Q. Tell us about your Strandberg guitar.

Sumon: So, Yes I am currently using a Strandberg Boden NX6 Prog in the Earth Green colour variant which let me tell you looks amazingly beautiful. It’s one of my first headless guitars which absolutely sounds incredible and feels so serene, especially the endure neck profile. Lastly, the finishing of the guitar is just the eye candy I wanted.

Q. Can you share any specific features or innovations of Strandberg guitars that have had a significant impact on your playing experience and performance?

Sumon: For me, Strandberg Guitars are an example of futuristic musical instruments and some of the best benchmarks are the fanned frets which make it so easier for me to play highly stretched guitar arpeggios, not to mention the comfortable light weight of the body and of course crystal clear sounding pickups which really helps me sound so clear and smooth.

Q. As a musician, how do you feel Strandberg guitars contribute to your creativity and musical expression, particularly in terms of tone and playability?

Sumon: I feel that Strandberg guitars as a brand have a unique character in terms of sound, tonality & build quality which is very interesting, to be honest. I’m currently exploring rich crispy cleans to aggressive rock/metal guitar playing in a whole new dimension, and I was always keen on searching modern tones which my Boden NX6 prog gave me everything I needed. Now my songwriting process has become more agile.

Q. Could you describe a memorable moment or performance where your Strandberg guitar played a pivotal role in achieving the desired sound or feel?

Sumon: Yes, I recently played a Classic Rock tribute night using my Strandberg guitar. The show was fully up to the mark and some songs were from one of my favourite influential bands which is none other than Pink Floyd, I was so surprised that my guitar tones were sounding so aesthetical, and the same even from a double humbucker modern guitar which I initially thought of using it only for metal genres, and thus the versatility of Strandberg guitars are unbelievable.

Q. How do you navigate the versatility of Strandberg guitars to accommodate different musical genres and playing techniques in your repertoire?

Sumon: To navigate the versatility of Strandberg guitars is to use their ergonomic design for comfort in various playing styles. Switching between pickups to match genre-specific tones and also benefit from improved intonation for technical playing.

Q. Can you share any insights or anecdotes from your personal journey with Strandberg guitars that highlight their significance in your musical career and development as an artist?

Sumon: Personally for me, transitioning from a traditional guitar to a Strandberg had a real transformative impact on my playing. My Strandberg guitar significantly reduced hand fatigue during long sessions and tours. This allowed me to explore new techniques and styles more comfortably, ultimately expanding my musical versatility. Overall, my Strandberg not only enhanced my technical skills but has also inspired creative breakthroughs in my musical career.

Q. As someone who values tone and sonic experimentation, how do you utilize the tonal flexibility and range of Strandberg guitars to explore new sounds and textures in your music?

Sumon: I definitely like exploring pickups and I showcase my mojo by switching a lot. The guitar that I own now comes with a variety of pickup configurations and switching options. For instance, combining single-coil pickups with humbuckers can yield a range of sounds from bright and crisp to warm and full. I also take a lot of leverage by combining various effects & amplifiers which allows me a more nuanced sound design.

Q. What role do you see Strandberg guitars playing in shaping the future of guitar design and construction, especially in terms of sustainability and innovation?

Sumon: Strandberg guitars are at the forefront of shaping the future of guitar design and construction in several key ways, advanced materials, modular design, and their finger-licking good precise engineering.

Q. How do you balance preserving the traditional aspects of guitar playing while embracing the modern advancements and forward-thinking features of Strandberg guitars?

Sumon: Keeping classic techniques, introducing new features gradually, blending old and new styles, and understanding how features affect playability.

Q. How do you perceive Strandberg guitars’ impact on the broader music community and their potential to inspire innovation and creativity among fellow musicians?

Sumon: Yes, I truly believe the brand significantly influences the community. Their avant-garde design elements, their badass headless construction, and multi-scale fanned fretboards challenge traditional paradigms, prompting musicians to re-evaluate and expand their technical approaches and tonal explorations. Furthermore, their commitment to sustainability through the use of eco-conscious materials underscores a shift towards environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, setting a precedent for industry-wide change. The incorporation of these pioneering features not only enhances playability and versatility but also inspires a reimagining of conventional guitar aesthetics and functionalities, thereby driving a broader evolution in musical expression and craftsmanship.