Sleek, modern, and built for performance, headless guitars are taking the guitar world by storm. Known for their lightweight designs, incredible balance, and rock-solid tuning stability, they’ve become favorites for players in prog, metal, fusion, and beyond. We’ve rounded up the most popular headless models, and the choice is now yours to make! So cast your vote, compare it with others’ votes, and share your experiences with these innovative instruments.
1. Strandberg Boden Original NX 6
Chambered body: Swamp ash.
Top: Maple with flamed maple veneer.
Neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Birdseye maple.
Pickups: Suhr SSH+ (bridge) and Suhr SSV (neck) humbuckers.
Bridge: Strandberg EGS Fixed Bridge Rev 7.
2. Strandberg Boden Classic NX 6
Body: Swamp Ash.
Neck: Quartersawn Maple.
Fretboard: Maple.
Pickups: Suhr Thornbucker+ (bridge), Suhr V60LP (middle) and Suhr V60LP (neck).
Bridge: Strandberg EGS 7 Tremolo.
3. Ibanez Q54 Quest Series
Body: Nyatoh.
Neck: 3-Piece Roasted Maple/Bubinga.
Fretboard: roasted birdseye maple.
Pickups: Q58 humbucker (bridge) and 2 R1 single coils (middle, neck).
Bridge: Ibanez Mono-Tune.
4. Kiesel Osiris
Body: Alder.
Neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Pickups: Direct-Mount Passive Kiesel Lithium Humbuckers.
Bridge: Hipshot™ Fixed Bridge.
5. Strandberg Boden Prog NX 6
Chambered body: Swamp ash.
Top: Maple with flamed maple veneer.
Neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Richlite.
Pickups: Suhr SSH+ (bridge) and Suhr SSV (neck).
Bridge: .strandberg EGS Rev 7 Tremolo.
6. Strandberg Boden Metal NX 6
Chambered body: Basswood.
Top: Maple.
Neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Richlite.
Pickups: 2 Suhr Aldrich humbuckers.
Bridge: Strandberg EGS Fixed Bridge Rev 7.
7. Kiesel Leia
Body: Alder.
Neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Pickups: Direct-Mount Passive Kiesel Lithium Humbuckers.
Bridge: Hipshot™ Fixed Bridge.
8. Kiesel Zeus
Body: Alder.
Neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Pickups: Direct-Mount Passive Kiesel Lithium Humbuckers.
Bridge: Hipshot™ Fixed Bridge.
9. Legator Ghost G6FSS
Body: Mahogany.
Top: Flamed maple.
Bolt-on neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Richlite.
Pickup: Legator Active Aftershock Humbucker (neck and bridge).
Legator Ghost Exclusive bridge.
10. Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10
Body: Nyatoh.
Neck: 3-Piece Roasted Maple/Bubinga.
Fretboard: Roasted Birdseye Maple.
Pickups: 3 R1 single coils.
Bridge: Ibanez Mono-Tune.
11. Ibanez QX52
Body: Nyatoh.
Neck: 3-Piece Roasted Maple/Bubinga.
Fretboard: roasted birdseye maple.
Pickups: 2 Q58 humbuckers.
Bridge: Ibanez Mono-Tune.
12. Kiesel Delos
Body: Alder.
Neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Pickups: Kiesel Beryllium Humbuckers.
Bridge: Hipshot™ Fixed Bridge.
13. Kiesel K-Series
Body: 3-Piece Swamp Ash.
Neck: 7-Piece.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Pickups: Direct-Mount Passive Kiesel Lithium Humbuckers.
Bridge: Hipshot™ Fixed Bridge.
14. Kiesel Lightspeed
Body: Alder.
Neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Pickups: Direct-Mount Passive Kiesel Lithium Humbuckers.
Bridge: Hipshot™ Fixed Bridge.
15. Kiesel Type-X
Body: Alder.
Neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Pickups: Direct-Mount Passive Kiesel Lithium Humbuckers.
Bridge: Hipshot™ Fixed Bridge.
16. Kiesel Vader
Body: Alder.
Neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Pickups: Direct-Mount Passive Kiesel Lithium Humbuckers.
Bridge: Hipshot™ Fixed Bridge.
17. Strandberg Boden Standard NX 6
Body: American Basswood.
Top: Flamed Maple veneer.
Neck: Quartersawn Maple.
Fretboard: Quartersawn Maple.
Pickups: 2 .strandberg* OEM 6 Humbuckers.
Bridge: .strandberg EGS Fixed Rev 7.
18. Kiesel Type-V
Body: Alder.
Neck: Maple.
Fretboard: Ebony.
Pickups: Direct-Mount Passive Kiesel Lithium Humbuckers.
Bridge: Hipshot™ Fixed Bridge.
19. Mooer GTRS Guitars Wing 900
Headless multiscale guitar with advanced digital sound design capabilities.
American alder body.
Bolt-on 5-piece neck: roasted, flamed maple/rosewood.
Fretboard: Rosewood.
Pickups: Custom GTRS HM-2N (neck) and Custom GTRS HM-2B humbucker (bridge).
GTRS HL-l bridge system.
20. Strandberg Sälen Classic NX 6
Body: Okoume.
Neck: Quartersawn Maple.
Fretboard: 3A Birdseye Maple.
Pickups: 2 Strandberg Humbuckers
Bridge: .strandberg EGS Tremolo Rev 7.
21. Strandberg Sälen Jazz NX
Style: Semi hollowbody with f-hole.
Chambered body: Mahogany.
Top: Maple with mahagony veneer.
Neck: Mahogany.
Fretboard: Indian Rosewood.
Pickups: Suhr Thornbucker (neck), Suhr Thornbucker II (bridge).
Bridge: Strandberg EGS 7.
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Headless Guitars: A Guide to Modern Design and Playability.
Headless guitars remove the traditional headstock, relocating the tuning hardware to the bridge. While they may look unconventional, they’re ergonomic, lightweight, and incredibly practical—qualities that have made them increasingly popular with touring and studio musicians.
Advantages of headless guitars:
Improved balance – With no headstock weight, these guitars are less prone to neck dive.
Lightweight comfort – Great for long gigs, rehearsals, or practice sessions.
Tuning stability – Many headless designs feature precision bridge tuners and locking mechanisms, helping them stay in tune through aggressive playing.
Portability – Compact designs make them easier to transport, especially for traveling musicians.
Cutting-edge looks – Their futuristic designs stand out on stage and reflect modern innovation.
Key design features:
Bridge tuners – Fine-tuning at the bridge allows for quick and precise adjustments.
Multi-scale options – Many headless guitars incorporate fanned frets for improved intonation and playability across tunings.
Ergonomic body shapes – Designed for both seated and standing comfort.
Pickup configurations – Often equipped with high-output humbuckers, versatile coil-splits, or active pickups for metal and prog tones.
Why players are switching to headless guitars:
Headless guitars appeal to progressive and modern players who value ergonomics and innovation. They shine in extended-range formats (7- and 8-string models) where weight and balance become even more important. With excellent tuning stability and advanced construction, they’re equally at home in the studio, on stage, or in travel situations where traditional guitars can be cumbersome.
Choosing the right headless guitar depends on:
Your style of music – Djent, prog, and metal players may want extended range and high-output pickups, while jazz or fusion players might prefer more versatile electronics.
Budget – Entry-level models from Ibanez or Harley Benton are affordable, while Strandberg and Kiesel offer premium craftsmanship.
Features – Decide whether you need multi-scale frets, coil-splitting, or exotic woods for aesthetics and tone.
Headless guitars are no longer just niche instruments, they’re a practical, forward-thinking option for modern guitarists who want comfort, innovation, and rock-solid performance.
This list will help you discover which headless guitars players trust the most, making it easier to find the one that matches your playing style and inspires your creativity.
