Headless guitars have their own unique vibe. Without a bulky headstock and with a lighter, balanced body, they feel totally different from “normal” guitars. They are easier to carry, easier on your back, and often more comfortable to play for hours. If you love modern progressive metal or smooth, clean tones or if you just want something sleek and travel-ready, headless guitars can provide a fresh perspective and a unique feel.
There are so many cool models out there, from classic designs to wild modern shapes and extended-range necks. So here’s the question: which headless guitar is the best overall in your opinion? Vote for your favorite below, and tell us why you like it. Maybe it’s the comfort, the tone, or just how futuristic it looks. Don’t forget to leave a comment, your experience can help others choose their next instrument!
1. Strandberg Boden Original NX 6
The Original Series represents the modern version of the first .strandberg* design that was released as a serial-production guitar. Its chambered Swamp Ash body produces a lively resonance that players can feel physically and hear through the rich overtones of each note. The Boden Original NX 6 combines several key features: the EndurNeck profile for comfort, a multi-scale layout for improved playability, EGS Rev7 hardware for reliability, and Suhr pickups made in the USA for excellent tone. With its very light weight and ergonomic body, this guitar stands out as the ultimate chambered-body hardtail model in the .strandberg* lineup, built for today’s demanding musicians.
2. Kiesel Osiris
The Kiesel Osiris is built with an alder body and a Hipshot headless fixed bridge featuring .4125" (10.5mm) string spacing. Its bolt-on construction includes a radiused neck heel for smooth access to higher frets. The ebony fingerboard has a 20" radius and holds 24 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets, each measuring .103" wide by .048" tall. The tung-oiled maple neck is reinforced with a 2-way adjustable truss rod and dual carbon-fiber rods, giving extra strength and stability. Direct-mount passive Kiesel Lithium humbuckers provide powerful tone, while the 25.5" scale length ensures familiar playability. Altogether, this design delivers durability, precision, and excellent sound for modern guitarists.
3. Strandberg Boden Prog NX 6
The Prog series guitars have been part of the .strandberg* family since 2017 and are still very popular today. They stand out with their stylish design and advanced tremolo systems. The chambered Swamp Ash body gives clear sound and lively resonance, whether you play chords or single notes. The jet-black Ebonol fretboard provides a smooth surface and dependable performance. Important features include the EndurNeck neck shape, multi-scale layout, EGS Rev7 tremolo, and Suhr pickups made in the USA. With its very light weight and ergonomic build, the Boden Prog NX 6 has become the key .strandberg* tremolo guitar for modern, expressive players.
4. Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10
Ichika Nito is one of today’s most popular online guitarists, known for short but impressive YouTube videos that showcase his incredible skill and technique. The Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10 brings players closer to his style with a carefully designed 6-string headless guitar. It features a nyatoh body and a 3-piece roasted maple/bubinga neck topped with roasted birdseye maple, combining classic Strat-like feel with modern updates. Three R-1 pickups provide a wide range of single-coil tones, enhanced by the dyna-MIX8 switching system for extra versatility. Stainless steel frets and glowing side dots add durability and visibility, making the ICHI10 a favorite choice among players.
5. Kiesel Leia
This Kiesel Leia features an alder body paired with a Hipshot headless fixed bridge that offers .4125" (10.5mm) string spacing. Built with a neck-through design, it ensures excellent sustain and smooth playability. The ebony fingerboard has a 20" radius and holds 24 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets, each measuring .103" wide by .048" tall. Its tung-oiled maple neck includes a 2-way adjustable truss rod and dual carbon-fiber rods, providing extra strength and stability. Direct-mount passive Kiesel Lithium humbuckers deliver powerful tone, while master volume and tone controls with a 3-way pickup selector add versatility. With a 25.5" scale length, this instrument balances durability, precision, and modern performance.
6. Kiesel Zeus
The Kiesel Zeus features an alder body paired with a Hipshot headless fixed bridge offering .4125" (10.5mm) string spacing. Its bolt-on construction with a radiused neck heel ensures smooth upper-fret access and comfortable playability. The ebony fingerboard has a 20" radius and holds 24 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets, each measuring .103" wide by .048" tall. A tung-oiled maple neck provides a natural feel and is reinforced with a 2-way adjustable truss rod plus dual carbon-fiber rods for added strength and stability. Direct-mount passive Kiesel Lithium humbuckers deliver powerful tone, while master volume and tone controls with a 5-way blade-style selector add versatility. With a 25.5" scale length, this instrument balances durability, precision, and modern performance.
7. Ibanez QX52
The Ibanez QX52 is part of the forward-thinking Quest series and features a headless design built to improve tone, comfort, and performance. Despite being very lightweight, its ergonomic nyatoh body produces warm, woody resonance that feels bigger than its compact size. Players will enjoy the smooth Parallel Wizard neck, while the slanted frets make advanced techniques like tapping, fingerstyle, and slapping easy to perform. Custom pickups deliver clear articulation, supported by the versatile dyna-MIX10 switching system. Hardware such as the custom string lock and Mono Tune bridge ensures quick string changes and reliable stage use. Stainless steel frets complete the QX52, offering endless creative potential for modern musicians.
8. Ibanez Q54 Quest Series
The Ibanez Q54 is part of the innovative Quest series and features a headless design made to improve tone, comfort, and performance. This solidbody guitar is very lightweight, with an ergonomic nyatoh body that produces warm, woody resonance despite its compact size. Players will appreciate the smooth feel of the Wizard “C” neck and the heat-treated bird’s-eye maple fingerboard, which is both easy to play and visually striking. Custom pickups deliver clear articulation with an HSS setup, enhanced by the dyna-MIX9 switching system. Reliable hardware, including a custom string lock and Mono Tune bridge, makes string changes simple. Stainless steel frets complete the Q54, offering endless creative potential.
9. Kiesel K-Series
The Kiesel K-Series features a 3-piece swamp ash body topped with a 7A master grade flamed maple, finished in custom black denim with deep body binding for a striking look. Its neck-through construction with a sculpted heel ensures smooth playability and excellent sustain. The ebony fingerboard has a 14" radius and 24 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets (.103" wide x .048" tall). A 7-piece tung-oiled neck is reinforced with a 2-way adjustable truss rod and dual carbon-fiber rods for added strength and stability. Electronics include a pull-up volume kill switch and 5-way blade-style selector. Direct-mount passive Kiesel Lithium humbuckers deliver powerful tone, while the Hipshot headless fixed bridge (.4125"/10.5mm spacing) completes the design. Scale length: 25.5".
10. Kiesel Vader
The Kiesel Vader is built with an alder body and a Hipshot fixed bridge featuring .4125" (10.5mm) string spacing. Its neck-through construction includes a sculpted heel for smooth access to higher frets. The ebony fingerboard has a 20" radius and holds 24 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets, each measuring .103" wide by .048" tall. The tung-oiled maple neck is reinforced with a 2-way adjustable truss rod and dual carbon-fiber rods, adding strength and stability. Direct-mount passive Kiesel Lithium humbuckers provide powerful tone, while the 25.5" scale length ensures familiar playability. Altogether, this design delivers durability, precision, and excellent sound for demanding players.
11. Hils Next HN3
The Hils NEXT HN3, finished in satin, is a modern headless guitar built for inspiration and performance. Its mahogany body delivers warm, balanced tone, while the roasted hard maple neck with a Slim “C” profile offers smooth, fast playability. A spoke nut double-action truss rod makes adjustments easy, and the Indian rosewood fingerboard with a 12"-16" compound radius and 24 stainless steel frets ensures effortless bends and comfortable chords. Features include a bone nut, titanium locking headpiece, and understated 4mm dot inlays. Ceramic humbuckers in HH configuration provide versatile tones, with coil-splitting and a 3-way toggle for flexibility. A custom hardtail 6-saddle bridge enhances sustain, and the guitar ships with uncut D’Addario EXL110 strings and a deluxe gigbag.
12. Kiesel Lightspeed
The Kiesel Lightspeed features an alder body with a Hipshot headless fixed bridge offering .4125" (10.5mm) string spacing. Its neck-through construction ensures excellent sustain and smooth playability. The ebony fingerboard has a 20" radius and is fitted with 24 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets, each measuring .103" wide by .048" tall. A tung-oiled maple neck provides a natural feel and is reinforced with a 2-way adjustable truss rod plus dual carbon-fiber rods for added strength and stability. Direct-mount passive Kiesel Lithium humbuckers deliver powerful tone, while master volume controls and a 3-way pickup selector add versatility. With a 25.5" scale length, this instrument balances durability, precision, and modern performance.
13. Strandberg Boden Classic NX 6
Over ten years ago, Strandberg introduced the Boden model, and its headless design quickly reshaped the guitar world. Today, the Boden remains stronger than ever, with many versions available to suit different players. The Boden Classic NX 6 Tremolo continues this tradition, adding upgraded hardware, refined electronics, and eco-friendly materials for a boutique feel. It features an alder body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard, offering both familiarity and comfort. Three Strandberg OEM pickups in HSS configuration provide versatile tones: a tight midrange humbucker at the bridge and balanced single coils in the middle and neck. With the expressive EGS Rev 7 Tremolo and stainless-steel frets, this model stands among Strandberg’s top-performing guitars.
14. Hils Next HN4
This sleek headless guitar blends modern design with classic inspiration. Its mahogany body delivers warm resonance, while the set-in roasted maple neck ensures stability and sustain. A slim C profile and 25.5" scale length make it comfortable for most players, with a dual-action truss rod and wheel for easy adjustments. The Indian rosewood fingerboard features a 12"-16" compound radius and 24 frets, offering smooth chording and effortless bends. Hot rail passive humbuckers provide versatile tone, controlled by volume, tone with coil-split, and a 3-way toggle. The Alchemy tremolo adds expressive vibrato, and the bone nut enhances sustain. Strung with uncut D’Addario EXL110 strings, it comes with a deluxe gigbag for convenience.
15. Hils Next HN5
The HILS Guitars NEXT HN5 is a headless electric guitar built to deliver modern performance, quality, and value. Its mahogany body, roasted maple neck, and Indian rosewood fretboard create a durable and resonant foundation. A slim “C” neck profile ensures comfort, while 24 medium jumbo stainless steel frets provide smooth playability and long-lasting reliability. The proprietary Alchemy tremolo system allows precise pitch modulation, and active humbuckers with a push/pull coil-split deliver versatile tones from powerful humbucker drive to crisp single-coil clarity. Unlike many headless designs, the NEXT HN5 accommodates standard, uncut full-length strings, offering convenience and flexibility. Altogether, it’s a versatile instrument designed for expressive, modern musicians.
16. Kiesel Type-X
The Kiesel Type-X features an alder body with a Hipshot headless fixed bridge offering .4125" (10.5mm) string spacing. Its neck-through construction ensures excellent sustain and smooth playability. The ebony fingerboard has a 20" radius and is fitted with 24 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets, each measuring .103" wide by .048" tall. A tung-oiled maple neck provides a natural feel and is reinforced with a 2-way adjustable truss rod plus dual carbon-fiber rods for added strength and stability. Direct-mount passive Kiesel Lithium humbuckers deliver powerful tone, while master volume controls and a 3-way pickup selector add versatility. With a 25.5" scale length, this instrument balances durability, precision, and modern performance.
17. Solar Guitars H2.6
The Type H “Guillotine” Headless Guitar is built for players who need a stage- and studio-ready instrument that’s easy to take anywhere. Comfort is the first impression—this guitar feels natural whether standing or sitting, at any angle. Its lightweight basswood body pairs with a 24.75–25.5" multiscale maple neck and purpleheart fretboard, offering smooth playability across 24 jumbo frets. Solar Modern High Output Alnico V pickups deliver powerful tone, controlled by volume, tone, and a 3-way selector. Designed for travel, the H2.6C comes in a premium gigbag with a large accessory pocket, making it a reliable companion that’s ready to board at a moment’s notice.
18. Strandberg Boden Metal NX 6
Since 2017, many guitarists have chosen the Metal series as their main tool for musical expression. Even though these instruments are highly praised, there is always room for improvement. A major request from players has been the return of Roasted Maple necks, which are now included in the 2024 Metal models along with jet-black Ebonol fretboards. The chambered Basswood body, EGS Rev7 hardware, and Suhr pickups made in the USA remain the same because of their strong reputation. Together, these features create the Boden Metal NX 6, offering the familiar qualities players love while adding greater stability and reliability for modern performance.
19. Kiesel Delos
The Kiesel Delos is built with an alder body and a Hipshot headless fixed bridge offering .4125" (10.5mm) string spacing. Its bolt-on construction with a radiused neck heel provides smooth upper-fret access and comfortable playability. The ebony fingerboard has a 14" radius and holds 24 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets, each measuring .103" wide by .048" tall. A tung-oiled maple neck adds a natural feel and is reinforced with a 2-way adjustable truss rod plus dual carbon-fiber rods for extra strength and stability. Kiesel Beryllium humbuckers are direct-mounted for powerful tone, while master volume and tone controls with a 5-way blade-style selector deliver versatile sound options. With a 25.5" scale length, this instrument balances precision, durability, and modern performance.
20. Kiesel Type-V
The Kiesel Type-V is built with an alder body and a Hipshot headless fixed bridge offering .4125" (10.5mm) string spacing. Its neck-through construction enhances sustain and playability, while the ebony fingerboard with a 20" radius features 24 stainless steel medium-jumbo frets (.103" wide x .048" tall). A tung-oiled maple neck provides a smooth feel and is reinforced with a 2-way adjustable truss rod and dual carbon-fiber rods for added stability. Direct-mount passive Kiesel Lithium humbuckers deliver powerful tone, controlled by master volume and a 3-way pickup selector. With a 25.5" scale length, the Type-X combines durability, precision, and modern performance in a sleek headless design.
21. Legator Ghost G6FSS
This guitar features a bolt-on 3-piece Canadian hard maple neck paired with a 25.5–26.5" multi-scale design across six strings. Its 12"–16" compound radius RICHLITE composite fingerboard offers smooth playability, with neck thickness measuring 17.5mm at the first fret and 18.5mm at the twelfth. Offset circle aluminum inlays and 3mm jumbo stainless steel frets add durability and style. The lightweight mahogany body, just 38mm thick, is topped with quilted maple, while the Death Valley version includes Buckeye Burl. Equipped with Legator AfterShock active humbuckers, master volume, tone, and a 3-way blade switch, it also features a reinforced carbon fiber truss rod, exclusive Ghost locking headpiece and bridge, and a satin finish.
22. Mooer GTRS Guitars Wing 900
The Mooer GTRS Guitars Wing 900 adds to Mooer’s lineup of instruments with built-in DSP systems, designed especially for hard rock and heavy metal players. This headless guitar features a striking Aurora Green finish and is built for modern techniques. With two humbuckers on top, it delivers a powerful and versatile metal tone. Beyond the pickups, the “GTRS Intelligent Process System” provides digital tone-shaping options, plus extras like a drum machine and looper for creative freedom. An integrated wireless transmitter makes it easy to connect to an amp, and the matching receiver is included, ensuring smooth, cable-free performance on stage or in practice.
23. Strandberg Sälen Jazz NX
The .strandberg* Sälen Jazz combines the classic feel of solid-body guitars with modern design, creating an instrument that brings tradition into today’s music world. Its chambered Mahogany body, topped with Maple and Mahogany, delivers a strong midrange tone. Paired with a Mahogany neck and Rosewood fretboard, the guitar produces a warm, vocal-like sound with excellent sustain. Key features include the EndurNeck profile for comfort, a multi-scale design for precision, EGS Rev7 hardware for reliability, and Suhr pickups made in the USA for rich tone. Lightweight and ergonomic, the Sälen Jazz NX 6 is ideal for players seeking pure aesthetics and a warmer, expressive sound.
24. Sire Larry Carlton X6
The Sire X6 marks the brand’s bold entry into headless guitars, combining sleek modern design with lightweight comfort at just 6–7 lbs. Available in 6- and 7-string versions, it features a mahogany body with a maple top, crafted specifically for the Sire headless series to deliver excellent tone and playability while reducing fatigue. The custom bridge system places tuners beneath the bridge plate, ensuring precise tuning and enhanced sustain. Equipped with humbuckers designed with Larry Carlton’s preferences in mind, the X6 offers warm, powerful sound with minimal noise. A gig bag is included, making this versatile instrument convenient for musicians seeking contemporary style and reliable performance.
25. Strandberg Boden Standard NX 6
The Standard Series was created as the solid-body counterpart to earlier chambered guitars and basses. Unlike chambered designs, which have a more open and resonant sound, the solid-body construction delivers a tighter, more controlled tone. The Boden Standard NX 6 features a Basswood core body, giving it a balanced foundation for modern playing. Its multi-scale design improves comfort and intonation, while the EGS Rev7 hardware ensures durability and precision. Equipped with .strandberg* Custom pickups, this guitar offers versatile tones suited for demanding musicians. Altogether, the Boden Standard NX 6 stands as the ultimate solid-body hardtail guitar in the .strandberg* lineup.
26. Strandberg Sälen Classic NX 6
The Strandberg Sälen Classic NX 6 Tremolo blends vintage inspiration with modern ergonomic design, making it a great fit for any guitarist’s collection. Its okoume body delivers a bright, clear sound, and when combined with Strandberg humbuckers, it offers fast response and a smooth, rich double-coil tone. Players can choose from five pickup positions and enjoy satisfying coil splitting for versatile sounds. Like other Strandberg headless models, it features the EndurNeck profile, ensuring easy playability across 24 frets on the bird’s-eye maple fingerboard. Finished with the expressive EGS Tremolo Rev 7 bridge, the Sälen Classic NX 6 Tremolo elevates the classic T-style guitar design with modern performance.
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A headless guitar is simply an electric guitar without the traditional headstock. Instead, the tuning hardware is moved to the bridge end. That change brings a few big advantages:
– Light weight & better balance: Without a heavy headstock, the guitar is usually lighter and less top-heavy. That means no “neck dive” when you play standing, and it’s easier on your shoulders and back.
– Ergonomics & comfort: Many headless guitars also use ergonomic neck shapes or body contours, making them more comfortable for long sessions.
– Portability: Because of their compact size and lack of headstock, they pack easier for travel or practice on the go.
– Easy string changes and stable tuning: The bridge-based tuning system often makes string changes simpler, and many headless guitars stay in tune well even after transport or heavy playing.
Because of all that, headless guitars are popular in genres that value precision, speed and comfort – think progressive metal, fusion, technical rock, or just everyday comfort-friendly playing.
What to Watch Out For
Headless guitars aren’t perfect for everyone, but if you know what to expect, the tradeoffs can be worth it.
– Different feel: Because of the lack of headstock and the different balance, a headless guitar may feel odd at first if you’re used to a classic guitar. It can take a bit to adjust.
– Tuning system and strings: Tuning is done at the bridge, which feels different. Some headless models use special strings or locking mechanisms. That also means string changes work differently, sometimes needing tools or adapters.
– Style matters: Headless guitars often have modern or unconventional shapes, that’s part of the appeal, but also a bit of a “look” that isn’t for everyone.
– Setup can be important: Like with any guitar, quality of build, fret-work, action and setup affect playability. With certain headless guitars, a good setup makes a big difference.
Who Headless Guitars Are Good For
Players who value comfort and ergonomic feel: If you do long sessions – playing at home, rehearsals, gigs, a headless guitar’s balance and lightness can reduce fatigue.
Travelers or commuting musicians: Because they’re compact and easier to carry, headless guitars are great for travel, flights, or cramped practise spaces.
Technical players, metal, fusion, progressive rock: The precision, stability, and often modern hardware make headless guitars ideal for fast, technical playing styles and extended-range tuning.
Anyone curious about a different guitar experience: Even if you mainly play traditional styles: blues, rock, pop, a headless can offer a fresh perspective and sometimes surprisingly versatile tones.
Tips If You Try or Buy a Headless Guitar
Allow some adjustment time: going from a normal guitar to a headless one may feel strange at first, give yourself a few sessions to get comfortable.
Learn the tuning system: tuning at the bridge is different, but once you get used to it, many people find it fast and stable.
Consider string type and string changes: make sure you know whether your guitar needs special strings (some use double-ball ends) or adapters.
Evaluate neck feel and body ergonomics: different headless guitars vary a lot in neck shape, fretboard radius, body size. Try a few if possible.
Think about your music style: for metal, progressive or technical playing, headless can shine; for traditional blues or vintage rock, consider whether the feel matches your style.
Final Thoughts
Headless guitars bring something different, lighter weight, better balance, often more comfort, and a “modern” playing experience that many guitarists find refreshing and freeing. They’re not for everyone, but if you value ergonomics, travel-friendliness, versatility, or want a guitar that feels novel and efficient, they’re absolutely worth exploring.
At the end of the day, the “best” headless guitar is the one that feels right in your hands, gives you the tone you want, and makes you want to play more.


