My 2 favorite things about headless guitars: not bumping into stuff when moving around and easily fits in the overhead storage bin on an airplane. My Strandberg Boden is 4.5lbs.
EVH loved his Steinberger, but I think a huge part of that was the TransTrem. It allowed him to use the bar but keep all the notes in tune. I don’t know if he’d pick up a headless guitar without that bridge. I might though.
Great job covering the many aspects of headless guitars without pushing in any particular direction! I honestly hadn’t considered a headless guitar before watching this video but your explanation has got me tweaking my wish list! Thanks for all you do to keep us GASsers in the know!
I used to think they were weird and ugly. Then I tried one after my friend kept raving about his Strandberg. Now I am in the middle of converting into a headless guy lol. I have gotten rid of the guitars that I dont have the strongest attachment to and have bought 2 headless guitars and Im planning to get a custom Kiesel hopefully soon. The look has grown on me too. I have kind of become more openminded when it comes to guitar aesthetics.
I have a little Steinberger named Ichabod Gain. I love being able to toss it in a car with my little fly 3 BT and not miss any practice when I road trip.
I would try one but I'm a Gretsch Streamliner and a PRS SE player and Jackson Dinky comes in at a even 3 love the headstocks on em all as well a headless guitar may work in the studio but I need a Headstock on stage Rock On Guys 😎💯👍
Always loved the idea of a headless since the Hohner headless guitars in JG Windows back in t'day (now Steinbergers). Hah at the tuning brick-a-brack reference which makes so much sense
Are you going to do one on headless basses too? I bought a headless shortscale bass (Ibanez EHB1000S) as a travel bass. It fits in a guitar case (with a bit of modding for the upper horn). But it’s good as a regular “take it to a gig” bass too. Like you say - it is easy to play. My sons prefer it to my other basses. It looks great too - short scale, roasted birdseye maple neck in Seafoam green. What’s not to like? Although I still use my G&L L2000 as my number 1 - I think if shortscale headless had always been around, the majority of us would play them.
Thanks. Purchased my first 2 headless guitars to try both out soon. I deal with fibromayalgia so was interested in trying something lighter and more ergonomic for my body. So, more for medical reasons really.
I am considering buying that HSS hardtail black model. A few questions for any owners out there: 1) Is tuning stability as good as it seems to be? I'm a Les Paul owner and, for the love of Padme Amidala's G-string, am I sick of retuning every seven minutes. 2) About the neck and bridge pickups, will they work for Hendrix / SRV sound?
hendrix and SRV’s iconic sounds are SSS. you could pull it off with some EQ maybe, but it would be better to go with a full single coil set. however, in my personal opinion you’d be best going with any good SSS body (doesn’t have to be fancy) and replacing the pickups with a vintage style set (it really makes a difference when you want to get the glassy, smooth sound.)
Tuning stability is excellent, i dont have to tune often even after heavy use. Regarding pickups, you have endless options with that alter switch but you might want to try them out for yourself in person.
on the tuning stability, yes headless guitars have amazing tuning stability in general. That being said, the Ibanez tuning stability is not the best compared to other headless guitars. Still better than most regular guitars I would wager. My QX54QM has much much better tuning stability than my epiphone standard, but thats not saying that much lol. It has worse tuning stability than my NK (my other headless).
Truthfully I’m not a big fan of headless guitars, but those design look pretty radical. I do like the blue finish on one of them. I can kinda understand why they’re gaining popularity, but honestly it’s not for me.
The Ibanez and Strandberg headless (pretty sure most modern headless guitars does this nowadays) uses conventional single ball end strings, you feed the the string through the hole of the tuning barrel on the bridge, lock the string on the other end of the neck and tune it up. There're plenty of videos of Strandberg users and some from Ibanez users showing how to restring these guitars.
@@WailingRaven yep, I found it easier to change strings on headless. The only thing that annoys me is there is never room to cut the strings without risking marking the headstock of the guitar with the clipper.
@@ImInYourBrains One thing I noticed one could do, is by measuring the string. Pull it tight, lay it on top of the locking mechanism and cut it with just enough left to grab with a pair of pliers, then lock it down after. Though, I've yet own a headless a guitar, and I'm still working my ass off on trying to save up for an Ibanez Q54, so my suggestion might not be as good as I thought it would be, but definitely what I would try once I get my hands on one.
@@WailingRaven yeah that's a good idea actually. You can mark with a dry erase marker and you don't even need to pull the string all the way out. You can just pull the string out from the locking headpiece, cut it at the mark, then put it back in. I feel stupid lol.
Idk when I played headless guitar at my local shop I instinctively pulled my hand to tune but my hand went through invisible headstock. It felt uncomfortable and I thought for millisecond that the headstock must’ve fallen of!
I was with you until the environmental bit, dont buy rubbish cheap guitars you discard and get a really good one you keep for life would be better advice
Headless is so much easier to play behind a computer screen. When recording or doing whatever else. The headstock is a pointless piece of the guitar. And once you realize it is there for no purpose, it also becomes ugly.
I mean...if you're performing live, part of the performance is how you look on stage doing it. No matter how good you play, you might alienate some fans with your headless guitar if you're in a classic rock band. That said they have an edgy look that goes well for prog or even metal. If you're in the studio though who cares play whatever sounds the best.
I myselfe care😂 Its just not my type of thing but i get why people might like it so maybe rephrasing it to how cool you feel playing it might have been better
then attach a fake headstock. you can probably 3d print the craziest headstock designs and change them venue to venue. you are not stuck with one headstock.
Why are you closing the Southend shop? Romford is no good to musicians in South East Essex. Open another store in Southend otherwise the box shifters like Anderson's and GAK will just take more of your business...
One of the locals said it's relocating in a comment on a local newspaper article. But that might fit with their rebrand into "experience centres", like their Bristol(?) store moved to bigger premises. I don't have any info, just stumbled into that news article and it started me thinking.
Tuning stability is killer without having a break angle especially compared to a 3x3 headstock
My 2 favorite things about headless guitars: not bumping into stuff when moving around and easily fits in the overhead storage bin on an airplane. My Strandberg Boden is 4.5lbs.
EVH loved his Steinberger, but I think a huge part of that was the TransTrem. It allowed him to use the bar but keep all the notes in tune. I don’t know if he’d pick up a headless guitar without that bridge. I might though.
I'd love to get one as I have a bad back. I've stopped using my Les Paul's as they are too heavy. I mainly use Fenders now.
get one and free yourself
I'm kinda getting very intrigued, thanks man
Great job covering the many aspects of headless guitars without pushing in any particular direction! I honestly hadn’t considered a headless guitar before watching this video but your explanation has got me tweaking my wish list! Thanks for all you do to keep us GASsers in the know!
I bought a Harlem headless guitar from Gear4Music awhile back and I love it. So does my 70-year old back after a 4 hour gig.
I used to think they were weird and ugly. Then I tried one after my friend kept raving about his Strandberg. Now I am in the middle of converting into a headless guy lol. I have gotten rid of the guitars that I dont have the strongest attachment to and have bought 2 headless guitars and Im planning to get a custom Kiesel hopefully soon.
The look has grown on me too. I have kind of become more openminded when it comes to guitar aesthetics.
I have a little Steinberger named Ichabod Gain. I love being able to toss it in a car with my little fly 3 BT and not miss any practice when I road trip.
Ichabod Gain? Nice 👌
I would try one but I'm a Gretsch Streamliner and a PRS SE player and Jackson Dinky comes in at a even 3 love the headstocks on em all as well a headless guitar may work in the studio but I need a Headstock on stage Rock On Guys 😎💯👍
Always loved the idea of a headless since the Hohner headless guitars in JG Windows back in t'day (now Steinbergers). Hah at the tuning brick-a-brack reference which makes so much sense
I got the quest x52 and it is just so damn FUN to play gets me in a good groove everytime I pick it up
is tricky to change string and tuning..? i never try one, looks a well build guitar .
Are you going to do one on headless basses too? I bought a headless shortscale bass (Ibanez EHB1000S) as a travel bass. It fits in a guitar case (with a bit of modding for the upper horn). But it’s good as a regular “take it to a gig” bass too. Like you say - it is easy to play. My sons prefer it to my other basses. It looks great too - short scale, roasted birdseye maple neck in Seafoam green. What’s not to like? Although I still use my G&L L2000 as my number 1 - I think if shortscale headless had always been around, the majority of us would play them.
I’ve heard you need to turn the gain up for these pickups to shine. Is this true? I’m interested in the 7 string HH model
One of each !
Repairers could lose a lot of business if Gibson removed the headstock from their Les Paul. 🤓
How did your set go man? All good I hope 🤘
Thanks. Purchased my first 2 headless guitars to try both out soon. I deal with fibromayalgia so was interested in trying something lighter and more ergonomic for my body. So, more for medical reasons really.
Does these Headless headstock guitars Djent? I wonder if you do that in 6 string low drop tunings.
Two Words: Tin Machine. Reeves Gabrels used his Steinberger like he was kind of industrial scientist with a death wish.
I am considering buying that HSS hardtail black model. A few questions for any owners out there:
1) Is tuning stability as good as it seems to be? I'm a Les Paul owner and, for the love of Padme Amidala's G-string, am I sick of retuning every seven minutes.
2) About the neck and bridge pickups, will they work for Hendrix / SRV sound?
hendrix and SRV’s iconic sounds are SSS. you could pull it off with some EQ maybe, but it would be better to go with a full single coil set. however, in my personal opinion you’d be best going with any good SSS body (doesn’t have to be fancy) and replacing the pickups with a vintage style set (it really makes a difference when you want to get the glassy, smooth sound.)
Tuning stability is excellent, i dont have to tune often even after heavy use. Regarding pickups, you have endless options with that alter switch but you might want to try them out for yourself in person.
on the tuning stability, yes headless guitars have amazing tuning stability in general. That being said, the Ibanez tuning stability is not the best compared to other headless guitars. Still better than most regular guitars I would wager. My QX54QM has much much better tuning stability than my epiphone standard, but thats not saying that much lol. It has worse tuning stability than my NK (my other headless).
Is it possible to put a full Floyd Rose and locking nut on a headless guitar?
Truthfully I’m not a big fan of headless guitars, but those design look pretty radical. I do like the blue finish on one of them. I can kinda understand why they’re gaining popularity, but honestly it’s not for me.
The original style was based on the first cigar box models.
Cool looking guitar, but... I'm terrified of the thought of re-stringing one... I hated 'double ball' Steinberger strings back in the day...
The Ibanez and Strandberg headless (pretty sure most modern headless guitars does this nowadays) uses conventional single ball end strings, you feed the the string through the hole of the tuning barrel on the bridge, lock the string on the other end of the neck and tune it up. There're plenty of videos of Strandberg users and some from Ibanez users showing how to restring these guitars.
@@WailingRaven yep, I found it easier to change strings on headless. The only thing that annoys me is there is never room to cut the strings without risking marking the headstock of the guitar with the clipper.
@@ImInYourBrains One thing I noticed one could do, is by measuring the string. Pull it tight, lay it on top of the locking mechanism and cut it with just enough left to grab with a pair of pliers, then lock it down after.
Though, I've yet own a headless a guitar, and I'm still working my ass off on trying to save up for an Ibanez Q54, so my suggestion might not be as good as I thought it would be, but definitely what I would try once I get my hands on one.
@@WailingRaven yeah that's a good idea actually. You can mark with a dry erase marker and you don't even need to pull the string all the way out. You can just pull the string out from the locking headpiece, cut it at the mark, then put it back in. I feel stupid lol.
man i want these so bad
Ok they are good guitars but they aren't so beautiful without the head and also it's very hard to find one with floyd rose
As a headless horseman, a headless guitar is a no brainer.
I saw Leslie West in early 2000’s and he came out with a headless guitar and I have never been more heart broken in my life!!!!😢
One down fall you can really have a whammy bar
Headless guitars also feature prominently in the video game Cyberpunk 2077.
if only they did a reverse headless.
I had to get a headless guitar because of Vito Bratta
Not for me
Lmao, where do I put the clip on?
I think the Strandbergs and Kiesels are ugly. Give me a Steinberger GM2T like Vito Bratta from White Lion used.
They look weird but cool I guess
Thanks, but no thanks.
ok?
No matter how good these guitars might be ima stick with my Kramer assults, dean MLs, exsplorers, and my wild floyd/khalers.
Idk when I played headless guitar at my local shop I instinctively pulled my hand to tune but my hand went through invisible headstock. It felt uncomfortable and I thought for millisecond that the headstock must’ve fallen of!
Bill and Ted. That's all I think of.
Even though it's just the difference of a few inches headless guitars just look...small and puny to me
I was with you until the environmental bit, dont buy rubbish cheap guitars you discard and get a really good one you keep for life would be better advice
Hey now, some of us are well attached to our trashy cheapo guitars 😂
But it looks like they are all "shredders."
Headless is so much easier to play behind a computer screen. When recording or doing whatever else. The headstock is a pointless piece of the guitar. And once you realize it is there for no purpose, it also becomes ugly.
i hate those. Guitars shouldnt be amputated
How easy a guitar is to play doesnt matter it just matters how cool you look playing it
I mean...if you're performing live, part of the performance is how you look on stage doing it. No matter how good you play, you might alienate some fans with your headless guitar if you're in a classic rock band. That said they have an edgy look that goes well for prog or even metal. If you're in the studio though who cares play whatever sounds the best.
I myselfe care😂
Its just not my type of thing but i get why people might like it so maybe rephrasing it to how cool you feel playing it might have been better
then attach a fake headstock. you can probably 3d print the craziest headstock designs and change them venue to venue. you are not stuck with one headstock.
@@ImInYourBrains holy shity bro you just unlocked a monster in my brain!!!!
I don’t get the hype but I must say that first one is waaaay too small for ya! Looks like a toy
A lot of closed minded musicians…people hate them and haven’t played them
first
Why are you closing the Southend shop? Romford is no good to musicians in South East Essex. Open another store in Southend otherwise the box shifters like Anderson's and GAK will just take more of your business...
He’s not doing it personally come on man lol
One of the locals said it's relocating in a comment on a local newspaper article.
But that might fit with their rebrand into "experience centres", like their Bristol(?) store moved to bigger premises.
I don't have any info, just stumbled into that news article and it started me thinking.
still i feel this is gimmicky..ill stick to my headstock gats for now!
These are crap. I'm gettinga Les Paul!@
I get it, they're easy to play... but ugly as hell