Join us on an exclusive tour of the best headless guitars on the market. Sleek, modern, and boasting a unique, compact aesthetic that’s becoming increasingly popular among contemporary players from all walks of music. These masterfully crafted instruments are not only easy on the eyes but also pack a punch sonically and offer remarkable ease of playability. This article will serve as your compass, guiding you through the meticulously curated selection of top-tier headless guitars. So whether you’re a metal aficionado seeking to reduce neck dive or an avid traveler needing a compact companion, stay tuned as we unravel the details, pros, and cons of each guitar, helping you find the perfect match for your unique needs and preferences.
As we step into the future, the world of guitars is not far behind. Who needs a head when going headless offers such a myriad of benefits? Welcome to the era of headless guitars, the perfect blend of innovation, comfort, and portability. This article unveils the best headless guitars of 2023, guiding you through each model’s distinct features, pricing, and pros & cons. So whether you’re a gigging musician looking for portability, or a home player seeking comfort and a modern aesthetic, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into this edge-cutting world and find your perfect headless companion.
Strandberg Boden Plini Edition Natural
Overview
The Strandberg Boden Plini Edition Natural is a remarkable signature model that was conceived in collaboration with Australian prog virtuoso, Plini. This guitar is an embodiment of Plini’s artistic vision and is tailored to meet his sophisticated musical style. The guitar is manufactured by PT Cort in Surabaya, Indonesia and features a chambered swamp ash body topped with maple, a roasted maple neck with an ebony fretboard, and Plini’s signature moon inlay at the 12th fret. What sets this guitar apart is its refurbishment. It’s a B-stock model, which means it might have slight cosmetic imperfections but is otherwise in mint condition.
Key Benefits
- Offers a versatile and balanced sound, perfect for complex and sophisticated musical styles.
- Combines simplicity with understated sophistication, delivering a broad tonal range.
- Maximum comfort and playability thanks to its lightweight and ergonomic design.
- Ideal for both recording and live performances.
- Equipped with Suhr SSV and SSH+ pickups.
- Features the advanced EGS 5 Pro tremolo system.
Pricing
The Strandberg Boden Plini Edition Natural is a premium guitar, reflecting both the quality of materials used and the artist’s collaboration behind it. The price tag for this signature model is $2,995. While it might seem steep, it’s worth noting that this price is in line with other high-end, artist-specific models. Currently, this model is sold out but interested customers can sign up for updates on its availability.
Pros & Cons
From our experience, there’s a lot to love about the Strandberg Boden Plini Edition Natural. The guitar offers exceptional playability and upper fret access, which is a huge plus for any serious player. Its lightweight and ergonomic build makes it extremely comfortable to handle, even during long practice sessions or performances.
Furthermore, the Suhr SSV and SSH+ pickups, along with the 3-way pickup selector and single volume control, offer a broad tonal range. This is ideal for anyone looking to add some versatility to their playing. In addition, the EGS 5 Pro tremolo system is a solid feature, offering stability and precision.
The only drawback that we’ve noticed with the Strandberg Boden Plini Edition Natural is its availability. This model is currently sold out, but hopefully, there will be restocks soon for those keen on acquiring one.
Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10
Overview
The Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10 is a remarkable headless solid-body electric guitar that was launched in 2021 as a part of the renowned ICHI series by Ibanez. This impressive musical instrument marks the first signature model for the gifted guitarist Ichika Nito, who has the honor of being Ibanez’s first Japanese signature artist. Adorned with a vintage white matte finish, the ICHI10 boasts a nyatoh body and a bolt-on roasted maple/bubinga neck. The instrument features a 24-fret roasted birdseye maple fretboard characterized by luminescent side dots and mother of pearl step off-set dot inlays.
Key Benefits
- Versatility: The ICHI10 is suitable for various genres including blues, jazz, and rock.
- Sound Variations: The dyna-MIX8 switching system provides eight sound variations and the ability to switch between humbucker and single coil modes.
- Unique Design: The ICHI10 is equipped with three R1 single-coil pickups, a 5-way pickup selector switch, a volume knob, and a tone knob.
- Easy String Changes: The guitar has a custom string lock that facilitates easy string changes.
- Compact yet Resonant: Despite its compact and lightweight design, the guitar boasts a resonant body.
Pricing
We recommend checking official retailers for exact pricing. This guitar is considered to be a high-quality instrument for its price range. Potential buyers should remember that the recommended case, the MR350C, is sold separately.
Pros & Cons
From a personal perspective, the Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10 has plenty to offer. The guitar’s ergonomic body design, its compact and lightweight yet resonant body, and its custom string lock allowing for easy string changes are all significant advantages. Its versatility across various genres and the dyna-MIX8 switching system, which offers eight sound variations and can switch between humbucker and single coil modes, adds to its appeal.
However, there is one minor drawback: the guitar’s recommended case, the MR350C, is not included in the package and has to be purchased separately. Despite this, the ICHI10 has received positive reviews for its playability, sound, and build quality, which certainly make it a worthwhile investment.
Boden Original 8 Black
Overview
The Boden Original 8 Black is a uniquely designed guitar that sets itself apart from standard models. Its standout feature is its headless design, making it lightweight and enhancing its balance. The shape of the body allows the player multiple positions for maximum comfort and versatility. Its scale lengths have been adapted to facilitate a relaxed wrist position and better tone.
The guitar also features the patented EndurNeck™ profile that promotes correct playing position and prevents injury. With its construction of space-age materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum and carbon fiber, performance is optimized.
The Sonic Profile of the Boden Original 8 Black includes a H-H pickup configuration with Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico and Ceramic pickups. This guitar offers a 3-way pickup selector, a master volume with push-pull for split coil, and a master tone with push-pull for voice 1/2. Accessories include a standard lightweight gig bag and an Allen Key Kit. There are also optional accessories available for purchase.
Key Benefits
- Lightweight and well-balanced due to headless design
- Multiple playing positions for maximum comfort and versatility
- Patented EndurNeck™ profile for correct playing position and injury prevention
- Space-age construction materials for optimal performance
- Sonic Profile offers a variety of sound options
- Comes with a standard lightweight gig bag and an Allen Key Kit
Pricing
We recommend checking with official retailers for the exact price of the Boden Original 8 Black.
Pros & Cons
From my personal experience, the Boden Original 8 Black offers numerous strengths. The build quality is commendable, with no sharp edges or high frets and minimal buzzing. The bridge is comfortable and fairly easy to set up, making for a positive playing experience. This guitar feels good to handle, well-balanced, and is easy to play. The Fishman Fluence pickups provide a clear, tight sound and the guitar itself is acoustically loud and bright. The EndurNeck feature, though initially distracting, became comfortable over time.
In terms of drawbacks, the initial setup was a bit challenging, particularly the intonation. The tuners were finicky at first but improved with use. However, the threaded insert in the tuner did cause some issues. The alignment of the individual bridge pieces was not perfect, which was a minor annoyance. The fretwork was a point of concern, with minor fretsprout and slightly high frets, although it did not significantly affect playability.
Boss V-BDN VG-Strandberg
Overview
The Boss V-BDN VG-Strandberg is an extraordinary electric guitar that was born from the collaboration between BOSS and the Swedish guitar manufacturer, Strandberg. It’s a limited-production model that draws its inspiration from Strandberg’s Boden J Standard model, known for its distinct design elements that appeal to contemporary players.
Crafted meticulously in Japan, the V-BDN VG-Strandberg is a distinctive and inspiring musical instrument made exclusively for audacious musicians. The guitar is presented in a Trans Blue finish, with black hardware and original Luminlay blue side dots and inlays, and its body is carved from Basswood, ensuring a robust and resonant base for the guitar.
Key Benefits
- Combines the cutting-edge designs of Strandberg with the state-of-the-art technologies of BOSS, providing a fresh, new sound and unlimited artistic liberty.
- Designed for comfort and ease of playability, featuring fanned frets, an ergonomic body, and the patented EndurNeck neck profile.
- Allows for an exploration of diverse sounds, from traditional pickups to synth voices, with instant access to different tunings.
- Light and resonant, thanks to the careful selection of materials that produce versatile tones for all types of music.
- Suitable for a wide range of music genres, from rock and jazz to pop and metal, offering opportunities to explore and create new sounds.
Pricing
Unfortunately, we do not have specific information about the pricing of this guitar at present.
Pros & Cons
From our experience, the Boss V-BDN VG-Strandberg has many rewarding attributes. It features BOSS’s V-Guitar technologies, which include a mode selector and a 5-way switch, allowing access to various pickups, bass sounds, acoustic guitars, and synth tones. Additionally, the V-BDN includes three variations of Roland’s classic GR-300 analog guitar synth from the 80s. A tuning knob offers instant virtual instrument re-tuning, with options such as semitone down, whole-step down, drop D, drop C#, and drop C.
This guitar operates on four AA-size batteries, providing up to nine hours of playtime. It also comes with a padded instrument bag for protection and is equipped with an EGS pro 4 tremolo bridge and string locks, ensuring stability and precise tuning control. However, the requirement for batteries might be viewed as a downside by some, as they will need to be replaced regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Ibanez QX54
Overview
The Ibanez Q series guitars are a head-turning innovation in the world of music. With an unusual headless design and tuners mounted behind the bridge, they defy the conventional guitar profile. The Ibanez QX54 is a standout model in this cutting-edge product line. This instrument combines traditional and slanted frets, with a humbucker in the bridge and a single coil in the middle and neck positions.
The neck of the QX54 is crafted from a unique blend of roasted three-piece maple, bubinga, and maple, and features a roasted maple fingerboard. The body is quilted maple top on a nyatoh body, available in an aesthetically pleasing Blue Sphere Burst matte finish.
Key Benefits
- The QX54 model offers various coil engagement options.
- The instrument comes with a five-way pickup selector, volume and tone knobs, and an innovative Alter switch to change the coil configuration in each pickup selector position.
- The QX54QM model is designed for a more comfortable playing position.
- The guitar produces a bright and open sound due to the unique wood used.
- Ideal for players who prefer metal or two-handed tapping techniques.
- The QX54QM model offers an extensive range of tonal options with its humbucker and single coil pickups.
Pricing
The Ibanez QX54 sits at a higher price point than the QX52, attributed to the quilted maple cap and its unique finish. This model is only available in a stunning Blue Sphere Burst matte finish, which adds to its appeal and justifies its price tag.
Pros & Cons
From personal experience with this guitar, we can say that it provides an array of tonal options. The Alter switch enhances the customization abilities, allowing for a wider range of tones and styles. This makes the QX54QM model a versatile choice for players who want to explore different genres and techniques.
The QX54QM model, unlike its counterpart the QX52, does not have any binding issues with the volume knob, a significant improvement. However, it should be noted that, similar to the QX52, rolling off the tone knob completely might lead to a somewhat muddy sound. Nonetheless, the QX54QM, with its brighter tone and more comfortable playing position, is a guitar that simply compels you to play.
EART Headless
Overview
EART, an esteemed guitar manufacturer from China, presents the EART GW-2, a headless guitar model with unique and high-quality features. The GW-2 stands out with its compound radius fingerboard, stainless steel frets, a visually striking roasted Padauk body, burled maple veneer, and a robust 5-piece neck. It’s designed to deliver a bright, articulate, and well-balanced tone with its EART Classic 57 Alnico V humbuckers. The GW-2 is an affordable yet quality alternative to more expensive guitar models, demonstrating EART’s commitment to providing quality instruments without breaking the bank.
Key Benefits
- Excellent playability and comfort due to its well-balanced design
- Superior tuning stability for accurate and consistent performances
- A versatile sound that can accommodate various styles of music, from blues to metal
- A beautiful roasted Padauk body with a poplar burl veneer
- A neck profile that transitions from a narrow, rounded feel at the first fret to a flatter, wider feel at the higher frets
Pricing
The EART GW-2 is an affordable alternative in the high-performance, headless guitar market. It showcases the potential of a budget-friendly brand that prioritizes instrument finishing and quality. This makes it a highly recommended option for those seeking a high-performance headless guitar at a reasonable price.
Pros & Cons
As with any product, the GW-2 has its pros and cons. On the plus side, the GW-2 features excellent playability and superior tuning stability thanks to its well-balanced design. The neck profile is comfortable and transitions nicely to accommodate different playing styles. The stainless steel frets are hand-polished and expertly dressed, ensuring a smooth playing surface. Furthermore, the guitar is visually striking due to the roasted Padauk body with a poplar burl veneer.
However, one potential downside is the key system used for tuning each string on the GW-2’s bridge. This system can be a bit impractical in certain situations. Despite this minor con, the GW-2 is a versatile, high-quality, and affordable guitar.
Asmuse Leaf
Overview
The Asmuse Leaf is a headless electric guitar, designed with both travel and performance in mind. Compact at just 32 inches in length and weighing 5.6 lbs, it offers a small, full-scale body that is not only lightweight but also extremely portable. It’s built with a one-piece maple neck complemented by a tightly-grained rosewood fretboard. Furthermore, it’s decked out with a well-designed assortment of hardware and electronics, including an innovative “Licensed by KD” bridge that allows for individual height and intonation adjustments for each string.
Key Benefits
- Lightweight and portable design, making it ideal for travel and performances
- High-quality one-piece maple neck with a rosewood fretboard
- Customizable string height and intonation due to the “Licensed by KD” bridge
- Dependable connection with a Pure Tone multi-contact output jack
- Convenient slide-out tray for storing guitar picks
Pricing
The Asmuse Leaf is a budget-friendly guitar, offering excellent build quality and playability at a reasonable price. This makes it a great option for beginners or those who need a reliable, portable instrument without breaking the bank.
Pros & Cons
The Asmuse Leaf has a lot to love. Its build quality, fretwork, and finish are impressive for the price. The alignment of the neck, pickups, and bridge is commendable, making for good action and intonation. The instrument also comes with a decent gig bag, a pick holder tray, and strap locks which are nice extras. The guitar’s ’59/60 PAF Alnico pickups are a standout feature, offering a bright tone and versatility in sound options.
That being said, the guitar does have some downsides. Some customers have reported quality issues upon receiving the guitar, such as loose or exposed wires, or lack of output to the amp. Additionally, the shortness of the first few frets has been a concern for some, as it can cause the strings to pop off the fret ends. However, these issues seem to be exceptions rather than the rule, and with some initial setup and adjustments, the Asmuse Leaf really shines in terms of comfort, sound, and overall playing experience.
Legator Ghost Performance 7
Overview
The Legator G7FP Ghost Performance is a 7-string, multi-scale electric guitar that’s a marvel in the world of music. This beauty is crafted in Korea and features an ash body with a five-piece mahogany/maple neck. What makes it stand out truly is the ergonomic headless design complemented by a sleek satin finish.
Key Benefits
- Ergonomic Design: The Ghost Performance 7 is designed to make your performance effortless. With a fanned fret layout, it enables comfortable play along the complete ebony fretboard. It’s easy to slide, sweep, and bend, making your performance smooth and mesmerizing.
- Versatile Tones: The guitar is equipped with Legator Hive passive humbuckers, which can produce a wide spectrum of tones. Whether you want to play rock, jazz, or blues, you can easily adapt the guitar to your style.
- Stage Friendly: The guitar features luminlay side dots. These glowing markers provide easy visibility on stage, making it ideal for live performances.
Pricing
We encourage interested buyers to check the official Legator website or authorized dealers for accurate and current price details.
Pros & Cons
From our experience, the Legator Ghost Performance 7 has many rewarding attributes. It features Legator’s Hive passive humbuckers, which offer a wide range of tones suitable for various genres. The ergonomic design and fanned fret layout make it a joy to play, allowing for effortless sliding, sweeping, and bending. The luminary side dots are a practical feature for live performances, ensuring easy visibility on stage.
However, it’s important to note that the Legator Ghost Performance 7 may not appeal to traditionalists due to its headless design and modern aesthetic. Additionally, the lack of specific pricing information may make it difficult for potential buyers to determine if it fits within their budget. Nonetheless, for those seeking a versatile and ergonomic 7-string guitar, the Legator Ghost Performance 7 is definitely worth considering.
What Is A Headless Guitar?
A headless guitar, as the name suggests, is a guitar that does not have a traditional headstock and tuning machines. The design of these guitars is not just for aesthetics, but it also serves practical purposes. The unique configuration of the headless guitar allows for a more balanced and ergonomic playing experience. It reduces the risk of neck dive, a common issue with traditional guitars where the headstock tends to tilt towards the ground when playing standing up.
This modern design of the headless guitar makes it more compact and easier to travel with. Stringing a headless guitar is also quite straightforward, with the strings being threaded through the bridge and locked down at the nut. This simple process provides an additional advantage of improved tuning stability. Over the years, the hardware for headless guitars has evolved significantly, with advancements in design and functionality, enhancing the overall playing experience.
However, it’s worth noting that the aesthetic of headless guitars might not appeal to everyone. They have a unique, often futuristic look that deviates from the traditional guitar form. But many players appreciate their sleek and modern appearance. The choice to go headless is ultimately a matter of personal preference, and players must weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.
Headless guitars have found favor among contemporary metal players but are not limited to this genre. Their ergonomic design and unique sound characteristics make them suitable for various music styles. They offer benefits such as improved balance, compact size, lighter weight, and ease of stringing. Some headless guitars also feature a zero fret, which can further improve intonation and tuning stability.
The Benefits Of Going Headless
Whether you’re a gigging musician looking for a more portable instrument, a player seeking improved balance and comfort, or simply someone drawn to their modern aesthetic, headless guitars offer compelling advantages that are worth considering.
Going headless provides a myriad of benefits to guitarists, especially those who value portability and ergonomics. The headless design, which omits the traditional headstock, results in a lighter and more balanced instrument. This can significantly reduce instances of neck dive, a common issue where the guitar’s headstock tends to tilt towards the ground when played standing up. This improved balance not only enhances playing comfort but also contributes to a more nuanced control over the instrument.
The compact nature of headless guitars also makes them an ideal choice for travelling musicians. The absence of the headstock shaves off a few extra inches, resulting in a more portable instrument that is easier to carry around. Despite their smaller stature, these guitars still maintain full-scale lengths, ensuring no compromise on playability or sound quality.
Moreover, headless guitars feature a simplified stringing process, with the strings being fed through the bridge and secured at the nut. This design innovation leads to improved tuning stability, enabling the guitar to stay in tune for longer periods and under differing playing conditions. This is a significant advantage for performers who need their instruments to maintain consistent sound quality throughout their performance.
Headless guitars are not only functional but they are also visually appealing, with a modern, often futuristic aesthetic. However, this unique look may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer the traditional guitar form. But for players who appreciate innovation in design and functionality, headless guitars make a compelling case.
In terms of sound, headless guitars offer unique tonal characteristics that are suitable for a wide range of music styles. They are particularly favored in contemporary metal genres but are not limited to them. The design and construction of these guitars contribute to their sonic versatility, producing a broad tonal range that can be tailored to various musical expressions.
Despite the many benefits of going headless, it’s important for potential buyers to understand that they are a departure from the traditional guitar design and might require some getting used to. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a novice player, the decision to go headless should be made after considering the potential advantages and drawbacks. But given their ergonomic design, portability, and remarkable sound quality, it’s no surprise that headless guitars have found favor among many musicians around the world.
Conclusion
Admittedly, choosing to venture into the world of headless guitars may feel a bit like stepping into uncharted territory for some. It’s undoubtedly a deviation from the traditional guitar blueprint we’ve grown accustomed to. Yet, as we’ve explored, their unique design and features present a host of distinct advantages that simply can’t be overlooked.
Their compact, lightweight build and superior balance offer unrivalled comfort and portability, while the simplified stringing process and enhanced tuning stability contribute to a hassle-free playing experience. And, of course, their unique aesthetic, though perhaps not to everyone’s taste, certainly adds a modern and avant-garde touch to your musical ensemble.
From versatile sound options suitable for a range of genres to additional features that heighten playability, headless guitars convincingly address the demands of today’s musicians. Yes, they might require a period of adjustment and getting a feel of it, but the reward often outweighs the initial unfamiliarity.
So whether you’re a gigging musician constantly on the move, a home studio enthusiast looking for a new sound, or simply a guitar lover with an eye for innovation, headless guitars may just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
Remember, at the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to create and enjoy music. So why not do so with an instrument that combines function, convenience, and style? Go ahead, future-proof your musical journey with a headless guitar!
