Guitarists are always looking for new ways to express themselves through their music, and the instrument they choose to play is a big part of that. One type of guitar design that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the headless guitar.
Unlike traditional guitars, headless guitars don’t have a headstock, which can make them lighter and more compact, making them a perfect traveler guitar. They also have a unique, modern look that many guitarists find appealing.
When it comes to buying a specialized guitar, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the sound you’re looking for. Different types of wood and pickups can have a big impact on the tone of the guitar. You’ll also want to think about the type of music you’ll be playing and what features you need to make that happen.
After researching and testing various headless guitars on the market, I’ve identified the top options for guitarists looking to make the switch to a headless guitar. Each has some unique guitar features and styles to suit different playing styles and preferences.
Best Headless Guitars
I have compiled a list of the best headless guitars 2023. Headless guitars are becoming increasingly popular among musicians due to their compact size, lightweight design, and unique appearance. They are perfect for musicians who travel frequently or have limited storage space.
To my knowledge, there are very few if any acoustic guitars made in this style, so acoustic fans might want to stick with 3/4 or smaller-sized acoustics.
These are headless guitars available on major websites, with great shipping deals. This will make it easy to find a guitar that will suit your playing style and preferences. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list of the best headless guitar models.
EART GW2 Headless Electric Guitar
EART Headless Electric Guitar GW2
If you’re looking for an affordable headless electric guitar that doesn’t compromise on quality, the EART GW2 might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The roasted padauk body with burled maple veneer not only looks stunning but also provides a punchy tone.
- The 5-piece roasted maple neck ensures excellent stability for lower tunings and heavier gauge strings.
- The hand-polished stainless steel frets provide unrivaled durability and a smooth playing surface for nice and easy big bends.
Cons
- The fixed hardtail bridge might not be suitable for players who prefer a tremolo system.
- The blue color option might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
- The lack of a gig bag or case might be inconvenient for those who travel frequently with their guitar.
As soon as I picked up the EART GW2, I was impressed by its build quality. The roasted padauk body with burled maple veneer not only looks stunning but also feels solid and well-crafted. The 5-piece roasted maple/padauk neck is smooth and comfortable to play, and the hand-polished stainless steel frets offer a smooth playing surface for effortless bends and vibratos.
One thing that sets the EART GW2 apart from other guitars in its price range is its unique U to C compound neck profile with a thicker shoulder on the lower frets, which slowly tapers down to a slimmer C on higher frets. Along with a 9.5” to 14” compound fingerboard radius, the GW2 provides excellent playability for both chording and soloing.
The H pickup configuration delivers a versatile range of tones, from warm and mellow to bright and cutting. The fixed hardtail bridge offers excellent tuning stability, but might not be suitable for players who prefer a tremolo system. Overall, the EART GW2 is an excellent choice for guitar players who want a high-quality headless electric guitar without breaking the bank.
Volgoa GTWT-05 6-String Headless Electric Guitar
Volgoa GTWT-01 6-String Headless Electric Guitar
If you’re looking for a versatile and unique guitar, the Volgoa GTWT-05 guitar is going to be highly recommended!
Pros
- The headless design not only gives the guitar a modern look, but also improves balance, making it perfect for stage performances and travel.
- The custom Volgoa pickups offer a unique and versatile sound, suitable for a wide range of music genres.
- The burl maple top adds a touch of elegance and character to the guitar, making it stand out in any collection.
Cons
- The fixed bridge system
- The color options may not be to everyone’s taste.
- The guitar may be on the heavier side for some players, weighing in at 8.14 pounds.
I was impressed with the Volgoa GTWT-05’s warm and rich tone, thanks to the mahogany body. I love the way playing this guitar sounds and It’s perfect for rhythm playing and soloing. The rosewood-reinforced neck also ensures stability and durability, making it suitable for players of all levels.
The guitar’s H-H pickup configuration allows for a wide range of tones, and the HPL fretboard material is both durable and easy to play. I also appreciated the included gig bag for easy transportation.
Overall, if you’re looking for a unique and versatile guitar with a warm and rich tone, the Volgoa GTWT-05 is definitely worth considering.
Donner HUSH-I Guitar For Travel
Donner HUSH-I Guitar For Travel
If you’re looking for a travel guitar that’s lightweight and ultra-quiet, the Donner HUSH-I Guitar For Travel is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design
- Ultra-quiet performance with natural-sounding acoustic tone
- Anti-phase bottom for noise reduction and feedback elimination
Cons
- Tuning key may not be suitable for some users
- Action may be a bit high for some players
- Limited customization options
The Donner HUSH-I Guitar For Travel lives up to its name as a great guitar for travel. This guitar really is incredibly lightweight and portable, making it the perfect partner for traveling musicians. The gig bag provided is also a nice touch, as it can fit in the airplane overhead bin.
One of the standout features of this guitar is its ultra-quiet performance. Equipped with a preamp system, the HUSH-I delivers a natural-sounding acoustic tone through headphones or the 6.35 port output. Powered by an outfitted 9v battery attached, it provides 50 hours of headphone usage or 30 days of 6.35 speaker usage. This means you can enjoy your performance on stage or practice quietly at home without worrying about running out of battery or noise nuisance anymore.
The HUSH-I is also equipped with an anti-phase bottom for noise reduction, feedback elimination, and a purer sound. The 2-stage EQ and volume knobs allow for customizable tones whether strumming chords or playing solos. The asymmetrical guitar neck helps players perform better both in higher and lower neck positions while reducing wrist fatigue during long practice sessions. HUSH-I’s customized round frets are beginner-friendly and help prevent finger cuts during practice.
While the hidden storage, anti-drop magnet design tuning key is suitable for neck tuning, bottom tuners, and frame screw installation, it may not be suitable for some users. The action may also be a bit high for some players, but this can be adjusted. Additionally, there are limited customization options available.
Overall, I would definitely recommend the Donner HUSH-I Guitar For Travel to anyone in need of a lightweight and ultra-quiet travel guitar. It’s perfect for practicing on the go or playing quietly at home.
Leo Jaymz Headless Guitar
Leo Jaymz 6 Strings Headless Electric Guitar
If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight guitar that doesn’t compromise on sound quality, the Leo Jaymz Headless Guitar is one of the best headless models we could find under $200.
Pros
- The alder body and flame maple veneer make for a great-looking guitar with a solid sound.
- The 5-piece maple/mahogany neck provides excellent stability and is comfortable to play.
- The small size and ergonomic design make it easy to take this guitar with you anywhere.
Cons
- The nut width of 41.6mm may not be ideal for players with larger hands.
- The fingerboard radius of 15” may not be suitable for players who prefer a flatter radius.
- The pickups may not be to everyone’s liking and could benefit from an upgrade.
As someone who has been playing guitar for over 10 years, I was pleasantly surprised by the Leo Jaymz Headless Guitar. Cheap guitars tend to come with a lot of problems, but not this one.
Despite its compact size, this guitar packs a punch with its sound and is perfect for playing on the go. The alder body and flame maple veneer give it a unique and eye-catching look, while the 5-piece maple/mahogany neck provides excellent stability and is comfortable to play.
One thing to note is that the nut width of 41.6mm may not be ideal for players with larger hands. Additionally, the fingerboard radius of 15” may not be suitable for players who prefer a flatter radius. However, these are minor issues that can easily be overlooked if you’re looking for a portable guitar that still delivers on sound quality.
Overall, the Leo Jaymz Headless Guitar is the best budget guitar I tried out while writing this article. If you want to dive into the headless world without splashing a lot of cash, this is your instrument!
Headless Guitar Buying Guide
When buying a headless guitar, what should you look for? As someone who has researched and tried out various headless guitars, I can confidently say that the following features should be looked at:
NOTE: If you are a professional or higher-level player, you probably noticed I’ve left off Strandberg Boden headless lineup off this list. While there is little doubt about the quality of these instruments, the average reader of StringVibe doesn’t need an instrument of Strandberg Boden quality!
Body Material
The body material of the guitar is an important factor to consider. It can affect the tone, sustain, and overall feel of the instrument. Some common materials used for headless guitar bodies include:
- Mahogany: Provides a warm, rich tone with good sustain.
- Alder: Offers a balanced tone with good clarity and sustain.
- Basswood: Provides a light and resonant tone with good sustain.
- Maple: Offers a bright and punchy tone with good sustain.
Neck Material
The neck material can also affect the tone and feel of the guitar. The neck heavily weighs in on the guitar feel, so it’s important to find one you like and suits you.
Some common materials used for headless guitar necks include:
- Maple: Provides a bright and snappy tone with good sustain.
- Mahogany: Offers a warm and rich tone with good sustain.
- Ebony: Provides a smooth and fast playing surface with good sustain.
- Rosewood: Offers a warm and mellow tone with good sustain.
Scale Length
Headless guitars often have a shorter scale length than traditional guitars. This can affect the feel and playability of the instrument. It’s important to consider your playing style and preferences when choosing a scale length. Some common scale lengths for headless guitars include:
- 25.5 inches: Offers a standard scale length similar to traditional guitars.
- 24.75 inches: Provides a shorter scale length for easier playability.
- 23 inches: Offers an even shorter scale length for players with smaller hands.
Bridge Type
The bridge type can affect the tuning stability and overall sound of the guitar. Some common bridge types for headless guitars include:
- Fixed bridge: Provides good tuning stability and sustain.
- Tremolo bridge: Offers the ability to bend notes and create vibrato.
- Hybrid bridge: Combines elements of fixed and tremolo bridges for a versatile sound.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best headless guitar for your needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular headless guitar brands?
Some popular headless guitar brands include Strandberg, Steinberger, Kiesel, and Ormsby. Each brand has its unique features, and it’s essential to research and try out different models to find the one that suits your playing style.
Can you recommend a good headless guitar kit?
Yes, there are many good headless guitar kits available in the market. Some popular options include Warmoth, Solo Guitars, and BYOGuitar. These kits come with all the necessary components, including the body, neck, hardware, and pickups, allowing you to customize your guitar to your liking.
How do you tune a headless guitar?
Tuning a headless guitar is similar to tuning a regular guitar. However, instead of turning the tuning pegs, you adjust the tuning knobs located at the bridge. Some headless guitars come with a specialized tuning tool that makes the process easier.
What are the benefits of using a headless guitar?
Headless guitars have several benefits, including their compact size, lightweight, and ergonomic design. They are also easier to transport and store, making them ideal for musicians on the go. Additionally, headless guitars often have better tuning stability and sustain due to their fixed bridge design.
Are headless guitars suitable for playing metal music?
Yes, headless guitars are suitable for playing metal music. Many metal guitarists prefer headless guitars for their fast, shredding playing style and the ability to achieve high-gain tones.
Who are some famous musicians known for using headless guitars?
Some famous musicians who have used headless guitars include Allan Holdsworth, Eddie Van Halen, John McLaughlin, and Tosin Abasi. Each of these guitarists has a unique playing style and has used headless guitars to achieve their signature sound.
A ukulele player pretty much from birth, Edward has gone on to play banjo, lead guitar, and bass for a number of bands and solo projects! Edward loves talking, teaching and writing about music!
Last update on 2024-09-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
