The Best Headless Guitars: For All Budgets

In the ever-evolving realm of guitars, the rise of headless designs has attracted many players due to their compact size, enhanced stability, and unique aesthetics. But with the market expanding, discerning which ones are the best can be a labyrinthine task.

Dive deep with us as we explore the crests and troughs of the world of headless guitars in 2023.

• Understanding Headless Guitars: Learn about the evolution of headless designs and why they have become the go-to choice over traditional guitars for many contemporary players.
• Technical Features & Benefits: Delve into the intricate components that make these guitars stand out and the advantages they offer over traditional designs.
• Spotlight on the Best: Get an exhaustive look at the top headless guitars this year, detailing their features, benefits, and what sets each one apart.

What Are the Best Headless Guitars ?

1. EART Headless Electric Guitar
2. Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10
3. EART GW2
4. Traveler Guitar LTD EC-1
5. Ibanez QX52
6. Traveler Guitar Ultra Light
7. Ibanez Q52
8. Ibanez Bass Workshop EHB1505MS
9. Bootlegger Spade

1. EART Headless Electric Guitar

Why someone should buy: The EART Headless Electric Guitar is a perfect blend of visual elegance and functional superiority. Its construction and features cater to both professional performances and studio recordings, ensuring versatility and reliability.

Technical Features:

• Roasted Padauk body
• Poplar Burl
• 5-Piece Roasted Maple/Padauk neck
• Stainless steel frets
• Eart Custom Classic 57 Alnico-V Set pickups

Review:

This EART headless guitar is a marvel in modern guitar engineering. Its unique headless design not only contributes to its striking appearance but also reduces the instrument’s weight, making it more comfortable when you’re playing guitar for extended sessions.

The use of roasted padauk and poplar burl gives this electric guitar a warm and rich tone, while the stainless steel frets ensure a smooth playing experience. The pickup configuration offers a versatile range of tones suitable for various musical genres. Furthermore, the U to C compound neck profile combined with a 9.5” to 14” compound fingerboard radius ensures excellent playability for both chording and soloing.

Verdict:

This headless guitar is an exceptional choice for guitarists seeking a blend of aesthetic appeal, playing comfort, and tonal versatility. Whether you’re on the go or in the studio, the guitar sounds excellent.

This Guitar is Perfect For:

• Professional musicians who require a reliable and versatile instrument.
• Studio recording, given its wide tonal range and stable tuning.

2. Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10

Why someone should buy: The Ibanez Ichika Signature offers a unique combination of elegance and functionality. Its ergonomic design promises maximum playing comfort without compromising on sound quality.

Technical Features:

• Nyatoh guitar body
• Wizard C 3pc Roasted Maple/Bubinga neck
• Roasted birdseye maple fretboard
• Jumbo Jescar EVOgold™ frets
• Ibanez Mono-Tune bridge

Review:

The Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10 stands out as a headless guitar that offers both beauty and functionality. It is designed with precision and meticulousness, ensuring every chord struck is defined and audible. The roasted birdseye maple fretboard gives it an exotic appearance, while the Jescar EVOgold™ frets are known to enhance its bright tone. The ergonomic design guarantees comfort, making it perfect for long gigs or sessions.

Verdict:

A perfect blend of art and functionality, this headless guitar is an instrument that every musician would want to add to their collection. Its sound quality, design, and ergonomic build make it stand out in the crowd.

This Guitar is Perfect For:

• Musicians who love ergonomic designs
• Those who value clarity and precision in sound
• Players looking for a unique and exotic appearance

3. EART GW2

Why someone should buy: The EART GW2 is an ideal companion for traveling musicians, offering full-scale playability in a compact form. Despite its size, it does not compromise on sound quality, making it suitable for both practice and performance.

Technical Features:

• Roasted Padauk and Poplar Burl body
• 5-Piece Roasted Maple/Padauk neck
• Indian rosewood fretboard
• Eart Custom Classic 57 Alnico-V Set pickup

Review:

The EART GW2 excels as a travel guitar. Its compact size and lightweight design make it extremely portable without sacrificing playability or sound quality. The roasted padauk and poplar burl construction not only give it a sophisticated look but also contribute to a warm and full-bodied tone.

The neck and fretboard are designed for comfort, which means you can play this headless guitar for hours. This guitar is a great choice for musicians looking for a reliable and high-quality instrument they can take anywhere.

Verdict:

A top pick for traveling musicians seeking a compact yet fully functional guitar.

This Guitar is Perfect For:

• Musicians who travel frequently and need a dependable, portable instrument.
• Anyone looking for a space-saving guitar that still offers a full-scale experience.

4. Traveler Guitar LTD EC-1

Why someone should buy: For the traveling musician, the LTD EC-1 offers uncompromised sound and playability. Its compact size doesn’t mean a compromise on quality or sound, making it a rare gem.

Technical Features:

• Resonant mahogany construction
• Quilted maple top
• Mahogany neck with a bolt-on joint
• Indian Laurel fingerboard with ESP Pearloid Flags inlay
• Adjusto-Matic bridge/tailpiece

Review:

The Traveler Guitar LTD EC-1 is an exquisite guitar for musicians on the move. Its mahogany body promises a robust and resonant sound. Coupled with the active humbucker pickups, the guitar is set to deliver aggressive tones regardless of its compact size. The inclusion of a headphone amplifier with onboard distortion is a thoughtful addition, perfect for silent practice sessions during travels.

Verdict:

This headless electric guitar is the quintessential traveler’s companion, guaranteeing a full guitar experience without the burden of size.

This Guitar is Perfect For:

• Traveling musicians
• Players who seek quality in compact designs
• Guitarists who require silent practice options

5. Ibanez QX52

Why someone should buy: The QX52 is a masterpiece designed for the innovative guitarist who seeks both style and substance. Its technical features and unique design make it an essential tool for modern guitarists.

Technical Features:

• Compact nyatoh body with Satin Polyurethane finish
• 3-piece roasted maple neck with parallel wizard profile
• Roasted Birdseye maple fretboard with mother-of-pearl offset dots
• Q58 Humbucking pickups
• Ibanez mono tune bridge with easy adjustments
• Master volume and tone knob

Review:

The Ibanez QX52 is more than just a guitar; it’s a statement. The headless design, while compact, does not sacrifice sound quality or performance. Its unique slanted frets and dyna-MIX10 switching system showcase Ibanez’s commitment to innovation and player preference. This guitar caters to the intricate player, giving them a tool to execute complex maneuvers with ease.

Verdict:

A technical marvel in the world of headless guitars, the Ibanez QX52 is for the guitar player who refuses to compromise on sound, style, or playability.

This Guitar is Perfect For:

• Technical guitarists
• Players seeking tonal versatility
• Musicians who appreciate the fusion of innovation and tradition

6. Traveler Guitar Ultra Light

Why someone should buy: For musicians on the go, the Ultra Light offers unmatched portability without trading off playability. Its full-scale length ensures familiar play while its compact design ensures it goes wherever you do.

Technical Features:

• Eastern American hard maple construction
• Black walnut fretboard with dot inlays
• Full 24.75-inch scale length

Review:

Despite its compact size, this guitar delivers in every aspect a guitarist could hope for. It is resonant, durable, and most importantly, extremely portable. The Piezo Pickup ensures that even when amplified, the guitar’s acoustic integrity remains intact.

For those who travel often, this lightweight guitar eliminates the need to decide between carrying a guitar and luggage.

Verdict:

This is the quintessential guitar for the nomadic musician. Compact yet powerful, it’s a beacon of quality in the world of travel guitars.

This Guitar is Perfect For:

• Traveling musicians and touring artists
• Those who need a compact backup guitar
• Players who won’t compromise on sound quality, regardless of size

7. Ibanez Q52

Why someone should buy: If an amalgamation of beauty and functionality is what you seek, the Q52 is your guitar. Its plethora of guitar features guarantees a top-notch musical experience without compromising aesthetics.

Technical Features:

• Nyatoh body
• 3pc Roasted maple/bubinga neck
• Q58 H-H pickups
• Ibanez Mono-Tune bridge with wide intonation range

Review:

The Ibanez Q52, with its compact and lightweight build, is not just easy on the hands but is also a feast for the eyes. Its guitar features, especially the dyna-MIX10 switching system, offer the guitarist an extensive palette of tonal colors. With the Q58 H-H pickups, you get a balanced sound.

Whether you play jazz, rock, or anything in between, the Q52 will not disappoint.

Verdict:

The Ibanez Q52 stands tall as a marriage of craftsmanship and technical brilliance. It’s an investment in musical versatility and beauty.

This Guitar is Perfect For:

• Versatile players spanning multiple genres
• Those who value aesthetics as much as functionality
• Guitarists seeking ergonomic design for comfort

8. Ibanez Bass Workshop EHB1505MS

Why someone should buy: For bassists who want an instrument that perfectly melds form and function, the EHB1505MS is the ideal pick. Its features are carefully curated to deliver top-tier sound quality and playing ease.

Technical Features:

• Lightweight African Mahogany body
• 9pc panga /walnut neck
• Nordstrand™ Big Split custom pickups
• MR5HS mono rail bridge with adjustable string spacing

Review:

Ibanez’s EHB1505MS stands out in the world of bass guitars with its headless design and ergonomic features. The thoughtfully designed body, combined with top-tier pickups and electronics, make it a pleasure to play. Every element, from the luminescent side dot inlays to the Vari-mid 3-band EQ, speaks of Ibanez’s commitment to quality.

Verdict:

The Ibanez Bass Workshop EHB1505MS is not just a bass guitar; it’s an experience. This model is a must-have for bassists looking to elevate their playing and stage presence.

This Guitar is Perfect For:

• Bassists looking for an ergonomic design
• Musicians in need of versatile tonal capabilities
• Players who prioritize both aesthetics and functionality

9. Bootlegger Spade

Why someone should buy: For guitarists on the move, the Bootlegger Spade offers an uncompromised musical experience without the bulk. It’s not merely a travel companion; it’s a performance powerhouse, making it one of the best headless guitars on the market.

Technical Features:

• Primarily maple body
• H pickup configuration
• Maple 3 piece set neck

Review:

The Bootlegger Spade is a gem for those who need to move around yet don’t want to compromise on their sound quality.

Its maple construction ensures a tonal clarity and resonance that is unmatched in most travel guitars, and the unique monorail bridge system is a testament to Bootlegger’s commitment to innovation. This guitar may be lighweight, but it’s strong and durable, and its H pickup configuration ensures versatile tonal options.

The guitar’s inclusion of a custom form-fitted hard case further accentuates its travel-friendly nature.

Verdict:

The Bootlegger Spade is a traveler’s dream without skimping on the characteristics of a performance guitar. It’s well-built, looks fantastic, and sounds even better.

This Guitar is Perfect For:

• Traveling musicians who require robustness and quality
• Players who value innovative bridge systems
• Guitarists looking for a compact solution without sacrificing tonal richness

Buyer’s Guide: Navigating the World of Headless Guitars

If you’re delving into the realm of headless guitars, you might be inundated with a barrage of new terminologies and design concepts. This guide aims to clear the fog and provide a deep understanding to help you make an informed choice.

What is a Headless Guitar?

Headless guitars, as the name suggests, are guitars without the traditional headstock. In most headless guitars, the tuners for these guitars are found either at the bridge or the bottom of the body. This design has been around for several decades but has seen a surge in popularity recently due to its unique aesthetics and functional advantages.

Headless guitar models first emerged in the 1980s, notably with brands like Steinberger pushing the envelope of guitar design. They sought to innovate and challenge traditional designs for better functionality.

The primary intent behind the headless design is to eliminate the headstock’s weight, which can lead to enhanced balance, especially when playing while standing. By repositioning the tuners, the guitar can offer a more streamlined appearance and feel.

The Pros of Buying a Headless Guitar

Opting for a headless design can offer a plethora of benefits:

Portability: Without the added length of a headstock, these guitars are more compact, making them an excellent choice for traveling musicians over a full scale guitar.

Balance and Comfort: By eliminating the headstock, the guitar’s center of gravity shifts, often resulting in better balance. This can reduce shoulder and back strain for players, especially during prolonged sessions – something that those playing both electric and acoustic guitars have trouble navigating.

Tuning Stability: The reduced string tension and innovative bridge designs can lead to better-tuning stability. The strings undergo less stress, especially when bending or using the tremolo.

Modern Aesthetics: For those seeking a contemporary look, headless guitars offer a sleek, futuristic design that stands out from traditional guitars.

How to Choose the Right Headless Guitar for You

Embarking on the journey to select the right headless guitar is both thrilling and challenging. Since the market has blossomed with various brands and models, potential buyers might feel a tad overwhelmed.

It’s important to think about what features you’d prefer. From models with a tremolo bridge to a maple neck or alder body, there’s a lot to choose from.

Here are some essential tips to help you navigate through your choices:

Identify Your Musical Preferences:

Genre and Style: Different guitars can favor certain genres. For instance, a guitar with hot pickups and a fast neck might cater to metal players, whereas a guitar with warm tonality could be apt for jazz or blues musicians.

Techniques: Do you frequently use a tremolo? Are you more of a fingerstyle player or a shredder? The type of techniques you employ can determine the kind of bridge, neck profile, or pickups you might prefer.

Dive Deep into Brands and Models:

Historical Reputation: Some brands have established their names in the headless market, while others are new entrants. Familiarize yourself with the reputation of these brands to ensure reliability. Going for well-known brands such as Fender, Strandberg Boden, Gibson, and others may help put your mind at ease.

Model Varieties: Even within a single brand, various models cater to diverse needs. You may wish for a short-scale or full-scale guitar. Some might be minimalist, while others could be packed with features.

Prioritize Build Quality and Materials:

Wood Choices: Different woods produce distinct tonal properties. For instance, mahogany typically produces a warm, rich sound, while maple can be bright and punchy. Your desired tone should influence your wood choice.

Neck Construction: The construction method of the neck (e.g., bolt-on, set-neck, neck-through) can affect both the guitar’s tone and sustain.

Pickups: A guitar’s voice is significantly influenced by its pickups. Check if the guitar comes with stock pickups or if they’re from renowned brands, and what tonal characteristics they possess.

Consider the Budget, But Don’t Skimp on Quality:

Price Ranges: While it’s tempting to go for a cheaper model, especially if you’re new to headless guitars, it’s crucial to understand that price often reflects quality. It doesn’t mean the most expensive one is the best headless guitar, but it’s good to be wary of models that seem too cheap. Some models also come in bundles, with additional gear such as tuners, guitar picks, or even a gig bag.

Long-Term Investment: A guitar should ideally last for years. Consider it a long-term investment and prioritize durability and build quality.

Ergonomics and Playability:

Balance: One of the advantages of headless guitars is their balance. However, not all headless guitars are the same. Check reviews or test it to see if it feels right, both sitting and standing.

Fret Access: For those who play higher up the fretboard, easy access to upper frets can be crucial. Some guitars offer contoured bodies for this purpose.

Hands-On Experience:

In-Person Trials: Nothing beats the experience of playing the guitar yourself. If possible, visit a store and try out a few models. Even if you plan to buy online, a hands-on trial can offer invaluable insights.

Online Communities: If you can’t test a guitar personally, online communities, forums, and review sites can be beneficial. Engage with other users, ask questions, and gather as much feedback as possible.

Ultimately, the right headless guitar is the one that feels, sounds, and looks perfect to you. It’s a personal choice, and while guidance can help, trust your instincts and musical ear.

Frequently Asked Questions: Unraveling the Mystique of the Best Headless Guitars

Are headless guitars better?

The term “better” is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences. However, many advocates of the best headless guitars claim they offer enhanced stability, reduced weight, and better balance compared to their headed counterparts.

Their compact design is especially beneficial for traveling musicians. While they may not necessarily be “better” for everyone, they certainly present advantages that can be beneficial depending on one’s needs.

Why do people get headless guitars?

People opt for the best headless guitars for several reasons:

Portability and Compactness: Their reduced size and weight make them ideal for musicians on the go.

Tuning Stability: The absence of a headstock can mean less string tension variance, leading to better tuning stability in some models.better-tuning

Ergonomics: Some players find headless guitars more comfortable and better balanced, especially when playing while standing.

Aesthetic Appeal: The modern and unique design of headless guitars can be a visual draw for many.

Do you need to tune a headless guitar?

Yes, like all guitars, headless guitars need to be tuned. The key difference is the location and design of the tuning mechanisms. Instead of tuning pegs located on a headstock, headless guitars have tuners located at the bridge or the bottom of the body. These are designed to be easily accessible and efficient, and they often offer better tuning stability due to the reduced string tension across the instrument. However, the fundamental concept of tuning remains the same, and regular tuning is essential to ensure the guitar sounds its best.

Final Thoughts

The realm of headless guitars is vast, innovative and continues to captivate both seasoned musicians and newcomers alike. As they weave their way into the mainstream, the allure of these instruments is not merely their futuristic aesthetics but also their impeccable functionality and ergonomic design.

Remember, the “best headless guitar” is not a one-size-fits-all notion—it’s the one that seamlessly aligns with your musical aspirations, playing style, and comfort requirements. Whether you’re venturing into this world for the first time or are a seasoned aficionado looking to add another masterpiece to your collection, the journey promises to be as enriching as the destination.

Here’s to the timeless art of music and the ever-evolving tools that help us craft it. Play on!