9 Best Headless Guitars 2023

The headless guitar is perhaps the most futuristic and modern guitar design that exists today. These guitars often look far different than the traditional guitar model designs, with unique stylings enhancing this modern look.

Headless guitars are starting to become fairly popular in today’s market. If you’ve been thinking of getting one for yourself, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are some of the best headless guitars you can find on the market today. 

Strandberg Boden Metal NX 6 – Best Overall

Are you a metal guitarist looking for an instrument that can deliver punishing tones? You’ll want to check out the Strandberg Boden Metal NX 6 (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center).

This headless guitar features a chambered Basswood body with a Maple top. It comes in a black granite color to perfectly match any heavy music style's aesthetic.

The Boden Metal NX 6’s neck is crafted from Maple and has a multi-scale length of 25”-25.5”. This neck features Strandberg's EndurNeck contour, designed for comfort, playability, and reduction of injury.

Richlite is used for this guitar’s fretboard, which has a flat 20” radius with 24 frets. These frets are slanted in the higher ranges for easier playability and are outlined by offset dot inlays.

For pickups, the Boden Metal NX 6 is stocked with a pair of Aldrich Humbuckers made by Suhr. These are designed for extremely high output but do not lack the pristine definition you want in a guitar’s tone.

To control the tone, this guitar is equipped with a 5-way switch and a master volume and tone knob.

Other hardware featured on the Boden Metal NX 6 includes:

• String lock tuners
• Plastic nut
• EGS fixed bridge designed by Strandberg

If you do purchase this guitar, you’ll be pleased to know that it comes with a gig bag. This ensures you’ll be able to take it to the stage directly out of the box.

Overall, the Boden Metal NX 6 is definitely a guitar that is likely more expensive than most budgets can afford. However, it truly is the best headless guitar available for those who play more aggressive styles of music.

Item Weight: 8 pounds

Package Dimensions: 37 x 16 x 4 inches

Strandberg Sälen Jazz NX – Best Premium

If you have no budgetary concerns and are looking for a truly unique headless guitar, you’re in luck. The Strandberg Sälen Jazz NX (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center) is one of the best premium guitars available.

It might seem a little mind-blowing, but this guitar is a semi-hollow featuring a Mahogany body with a Maple top. You can be sure that this guitar can serve up deliciously warm tones suitable for any jazz player.

The neck is crafted from Mahogany and features Strandberg’s EndurNeck contour profile and a 25”-25.5” multi-scale length. Indian Rosewood is used for the fretboard, featuring a 20” radius and 24 frets that slant in the upper regions.

An area where this guitar shines is in the tones it can serve up. The pair of Strandberg MF Classic humbuckers provide rich tones suitable for nearly any style of music.

For tone control, you’ll have a 5-way switch as well as a volume and tone knob.

Other hardware on the Sälen Jazz NX includes:

• Plastic nut
• Strandberg EGS 7 bridge and tuners

These tuners work similarly to other headless guitars, featuring a turnable dial for each string. The bridge’s saddles feature a rolling design for decreased string breakage. 

Also included with the Sälen Jazz NX is a gig bag, which is a welcome sight, especially at this price.

Overall, the Sälen Jazz NX shows that you can have a modern guitar with traditional elements. It has an f-shaped sound hole to provide that extra bit of resonant sustain typically found in semi-hollow guitars.

Some have claimed that this guitar is one of the fastest-playing instruments to ever grace their hands.

Item Weight: 6.5 pounds

Package Dimensions: 37 x 16 x 4 inches

EART GW2 – Best Budget

On a serious budget, but looking for a competent headless guitar? You should not overlook the EART GW2.

This guitar has received acclaim from a wide range of YouTube guitarists. Despite its low price, it is well made and certainly doesn’t lack aesthetic value.

The GW2 features a body made of roasted Padauk to provide a guitar with vintage resonant qualities. An attractive burled Maple top is also featured here, which is showcased in the colors of:

• Black
• Blue
• Purple
• Natural
• Black (flat, non-transparent)

EART has used a 5-piece combination of roasted Maple and Padauk for the GW2’s neck. This has a traditional 25.5” scale length with a compound contour ranging from a U to C-shape.

The fretboard is crafted from Indian Rosewood with a compound radius of 9.5” to 14”. 24 frets offer a 2-octave range that is easily accessible due to the guitar’s unique body design. 

For pickups, the GW2 features a pair of EART Alnico V humbuckers with a classy chrome cover. These pickups are suitable for nearly any style of music, rather than being tailored to a specific genre.

A 3-way switch, as well as a volume and tone knob, are provided for tone control. 

Other hardware featured here include:

• Bone nut
• Fixed hardtail bridge

Overall, the EART GW2 is a prime example of an affordable guitar that plays like an expensive instrument. Time and again, guitarists are blown away and surprised by just how well-built this instrument is.

If you like the Strandberg models but lack the budget, the GW2 makes for an appropriate alternative. You’ll reap the benefits of a headless guitar, have color choices, and save some serious cash in the process.

Item Weight: 8.18 pounds

Package Dimensions: 33.5 x 15.1 x 3 inches

Strandberg Boden Classic NX 6

Looking for a headless guitar that has a bit of a traditional flare? Be sure to check out the Strandberg Boden Classic NX 6 (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center).

This guitar is the perfect blend between modernity and the traditional look of a Stratocaster. Its body is made of Alder and comes in the color options of:

• Viridian green
• Malta blue

The neck is crafted from Maple and features Strandberg’s EndurNeck contour with a multi-scale length of 25”-25.5”. This neck is joined to the body in a modular bolt-on neck joint, providing a familiar feel during play.

Maple is also featured for the fretboard, which has a 20” radius with 24 stainless steel frets. These frets fan out at an angle in the upper ranges for extremely accessible playability.

An SSH pickup configuration is featured here, with a pair of Suhr V60LP single-coils and a Suhr Thornbucker Plus humbucker. These will deliver those classic tones you are quite familiar with, with a little extra punch if you need it.

For tone control, this guitar has a 5-way switch, as well as a master volume and tone knob. 

Other hardware featured on the Boden Classic NX 6 include:

• String lock tuners
• Graphite nut
• EGS Tremolo Rev 7 bridge

The addition of a tremolo here is a welcomed sight for those wanting the Stratocaster’s abilities on a headless guitar.

A gig bag is included with the purchase of this guitar, ensuring portability right out of the box.

Item Weight: 8 pounds

Package Dimensions: 37 x 16 x 4 inches

Strandberg Sälen Classic NX 

Do you love Telecasters but find yourself leaning toward a headless guitar instead? The Strandberg Sälen Classic NX (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center) is the perfect solution.

This guitar features a body made of Swamp Ash and is decked out in the iconic butterscotch blonde color. It might be a headless guitar, but no doubt, it has the look of a Telecaster.

The neck is crafted from quartersawn Maple with Strandberg’s EndurNeck contour for extreme playability and comfort. This neck has a multi-scale length of 25”-25.5”.

Birdseye Maple is used for the fretboard, which has a 20” radius with 24 Jescar stainless steel frets. These frets fan out at an angle in the upper regions for easier accessibility during play.

You can be sure the Sälen Classic NX is capable of cranking out true Telecaster tones. It features a pair of Suhr Classic T single-coil pickups which are wired to provide that iconic vintage tone.

A 3-way switch, as well as a volume and tone knob, are provided for tone control.

Other hardware to be found on the Sälen Classic NX includes:

• Plastic nut
• Strandberg EGS 7 bridge and tuners

You’ll get a gig bag with the Sälen Classic NX, ensuring that you’ll be able to use it at any of your gigs.

This guitar proves just how iconic the Telecaster’s style truly is. It shows that the Telecaster’s style is just as effective in a modernized design.

Item Weight: 8 pounds

Package Dimensions: 37 x 16 x 4 inches

Ibanez QX527PB

In search of a 7-string headless guitar to call your main ax? The Ibanez QX527PB is one of the best available on the market.

This guitar features a Nyatoh body with a Poplar Burl top. An antique brown stain truly amplifies the burled top in an eye-catching manner.

The neck of the QX527PB is crafted from 5 pieces of Bubinga and roasted Maple at a 25.5” scale length. You’ll find this neck to be quite stable and appropriate for lower tunings if desired.

Roasted Birdseye Maple is featured for the fretboard, which has a 20” radius with 24 Jescar gold frets. These frets are consistently angled over the entire fretboard for increased technical prowess.

A pair of Q58-7 humbucker pickups are featured in the QX527PB. You’re going to love how pristine these sound, especially with the tonal options available to you.

As you might expect, a volume and tone knob, as well as a 5-way switch, are featured for tone control. Ibanez takes it a few steps further, offering a dyna-mix10 via an alter switch for double the tonal options.

For hardware, the QX527PB features a Mono Tune bridge with bridge tuners and a plastic nut. These are nearly indestructible and should stand well against the rigors of the road.

A gig bag comes included with the QX527PB, which is always a nice addition that can save some extra money. 

This is a prime example of a guitar that offers serious playability matching its serious aesthetic. You won’t have a hard time finding things to love about this specific guitar.

Item Weight: 11 pounds

Package Dimensions: 44 x 16 x 6 inches

Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10

Ichika Nito has shaken the guitar community with his astonishing virtuosity on the guitar. His videos often find him playing otherworldly melodies that are loaded with accurate precision.

If you’ve seen his videos, you’ve no doubt seen his iconic guitar. With the Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10 (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center), you can have your own.

The ICHI10 is crafted from Nyatoh to have a lightweight profile. This model comes in a vintage white color for a more traditional aesthetic on this modern design.

2 pieces of roasted Maple and a slab of Bubinga are used to craft the 25.5” scale length neck. Roasted Birdseye Maple is used for the fretboard, featuring a 12” radius and 24 frets outlined by offset dot inlays.

For pickups, the ICHI10 is stocked with 3 x R-1 single-coil pickups, which provide a truly classic sound. All of your favorite single-coil tones will be on tap here, with some extra features for expanded tonal options.

A 5-way switch, as well as a master volume and tone knob, are provided for basic tone control. Ibanez has also included an alter switch, which features a dyna-MIX8 system for even more tones.

For hardware, the ICHI10 features a Mono Tune bridge with bridge tuners and a nut with custom string locks.

A gig bag is included with the ICHI10, making this a gig-worthy instrument for the frequent performer.

This guitar might not make you play like Ichika, but it can at least get you one step closer. Despite having a modern design, it has vintage aesthetics that are truly pleasing to the eye. 

Item Weight: 9 pounds

Package Dimensions: 44 x 16 x 6 inches

Ibanez Q54

Looking for a headless guitar featuring Ibanez’s critical eye for detail and packed with features? You might want to consider taking a look at the Ibanez Q54 (compare price at Sweetwater, Amazon, Guitar Center).

This guitar features a body crafted from Nyatoh and comes in the color options of:

• Sea foam green
• Flat black

The 25.5” scale length neck is crafted from 2 pieces of roasted Maple and a slab of Bubinga. Ibanez’s famed Wizard C-shape contour is featured here, providing a high degree of smooth playability and comfort.

Roasted Birdseye Maple is featured for the fretboard, which has a 12” radius with 24 frets. These frets are outlined by Mother-of-Pearl offset dot inlays for a sleek aesthetic effect.

Where this guitar really shines is in its offering of pickups, configured in an SSH configuration. These include a pair of R1 single-coil pickups (neck, middle) and a Q58 humbucker at the bridge. 

To make the most of these pickups, knobs for volume and tone, as well as a 5-way switch, are provided. An alter switch is also included, which makes use of a dyna-MIX9 system, expanding the tonal options significantly.

For hardware, the Q54 features a Mono Tune bridge with bridge tuners and a plastic nut. 

A gig bag is also included with the purchase of the Ibanez Q54.

Overall, the Q54 is a solid offering for somebody that wants a well-made headless guitar without taking out a loan. Its features ensure you’ll find a tone for just about any style of music you might ever find yourself playing.

Item Weight: 13 pounds

Package Dimensions: 44 x 16 x 6 inches

Traveler Guitar LTD EC-1

Looking for a headless guitar that does not deviate too far outside the bounds of tradition? The Traveler Guitar LTD EC-1 (compare price at Sweetwater, Amazon, Guitar Center) might be a great fit for you.

This guitar is very reminiscent of the LP-style guitars from ESP. You’ll find that the body design and aesthetics are very similar.

The LTD EC-1 is crafted from Mahogany and comes in the color options of:

• Vintage black (with gold binding)
• Snow white (with black binding)
• Violet shadow (featuring a quilted Maple top)

Mahogany is used to craft the neck, which has a 24.75” scale length. Black Walnut is used for the fretboard, featuring a 15.75” radius and 22 frets outlined by ESP Pearloid flag inlays.

This guitar comes with a single pickup, which is an ALH-2008 active humbucker designed by ESP. You will need a 9V battery for this, but it will produce large outputs of volume for excessively tasteful distortion.

You’ll be able to control your tone with the provided volume and tone knobs. 

An interesting thing to note is that the LTD EC-1 comes with a headphone output and an AUX-IN port. Plug a device into the guitar to play along, and use the headphone jack for silent play.

Even the tone knob has different tone channels to affect the guitar’s tone during headphone use. These include:

• Clean
• Distortion
• Overdrive
• Boost

Providing portability, Traveler Guitar has included a gig bag with this instrument.

Overall, this is an excellent offering that is priced well for just about any budget. Opt for this if you’re looking for a more traditional headless guitar for the stage or in the practice room.

Item Weight: 5.25 pounds

Package Dimensions: 31.5 x 2.75 x 10.5 inches

What To Look For When Buying A Headless Guitar

It might be confusing to know what you should be looking for in the process of purchasing a headless guitar. After all, these aren’t your ordinary run-of-the-mill types of guitars.

When thinking like this, it’s understandable that you might think there are specific things you need to look for. However, the reality is that the research necessary is not much different from the process of buying a traditional guitar.

Headless guitars are still guitars on a fundamental level, with a few slight changes. Knowing this can put any potential headless guitar owner’s mind at ease.

If you’ve never purchased a guitar and aren’t sure what you should be looking for, there’s no need to worry. Keeping the following points in mind will guide you to finding the right guitar for you.

Style

When it comes to headless guitars, the style of the guitar is going to matter a bit more than normal. There aren’t as many manufacturers making headless guitars, so your options are a bit limited.

In fact, much of the traditional guitars are not offered in a headless variety. However, there are some models that do retain a sort of traditional body design.

You’ll likely find that, more often than not, headless guitars have unique designs that are well beyond traditional styles. Not having a headstock is certainly futuristic in its own way, but these designs amplify that look.

Of course, the guitar’s style is going to really depend on your own personal taste preferences. Some people absolutely love these modern guitar shapes, while others think that they are not cool in any manner.

Leave the opinions of others at the door and opt for what really calls out to you. Chances are, you’ll be far more inspired by an instrument that is at least visually appealing to you.

Manufacturers do produce models that seem to be a perfect blend between tradition and modernity. These models can be a great choice if you want the best of both worlds without sacrificing historical heritage. 

String Offerings

Are you looking for a traditional 6-string guitar experience or something with 7 or 8 strings? Headless varieties tend to offer far more for the guitarist looking to play with extra strings.

In fact, the ratio of headless guitars available with extra strings far outweighs traditional guitars with the same offerings. Of course, this is greatly due to the number of headless guitars available versus the traditional headstock-equipped guitars available today.

As you’ve likely guessed by now, these headless guitars are by no means limited in their designs. These models opt to push the boundaries and capabilities of the instrument rather than reproducing something from 70 years ago.

Again, the number of strings your guitar will have is greatly dependent upon your own specific needs as a guitarist. Only you can really know what exactly would be the most ideal for your situation.

If you’re unsure, take a moment to think about the styles of music that you are most inspired by. What kinds of music do you aspire to make? 

7 and 8-stringed guitars tend to be used in heavier music as well as genres requiring highly technical playing. That certainly doesn’t mean you’re limited to these genres if you do opt for one of these guitars.

Quite often, the standards of music (and what people should use to create it) are constantly tested. Don’t be afraid to try something new, especially if it isn’t traditionally used in a specific genre.

You might just be the one person to revolutionize how a certain style of music gets played. It can only happen when the traditional boundaries are confronted, ultimately setting a new trend for what is possible.

Pickups

As with any guitar, the pickups in a headless guitar are going to be extremely important to the guitar’s sound. In a broad generalization, there are 2 different types of pickups available on the market:

• Single-coil
• Humbucker

Single-coil pickups are some of the most widely recognizable pickups, due to their round and quacky sound. These produce a sound that is somewhat thin, but present in the mid and high EQ ranges.

Humbuckers, on the other hand, produce a much thicker sound in comparison, often with much more warmth and sustain. These pickups were actually designed to remedy some of the problems guitarists experience with single-coil pickups. 

Single-coil pickups are actually prone to electromagnetic interference and can introduce noise into a guitar’s signal. The humbucker (as its name suggests) completely eliminates this possibility of interference. 

Of course, by opting for a humbucker, you won’t be able to dial in your favorite single-coil sounds. The same can be said in the opposite manner, as well.

The pickups you opt for are going to depend on what your ideal guitar tone sounds like. If your mind hears one specific style, go with the pickups that can produce that sound.

As a general rule of thumb, those playing heavier styles of music generally opt for humbucker pickups. These are able to produce a tone with much more presence than the airy and trebly single-coils. 

If you want both, there are certain guitars that have pickup configurations featuring both. Some experimentation on your part is necessary to determine what the ideal configuration is for you.

The position of the pickup itself goes a long way in determining that position’s tone. A unique pickup configuration really does allow you to tailor the guitar’s usable tones.

Accessibility

Another area to keep in mind in relation to the headless guitar is the amount of accessibility it has. This is a criterion applied to more than one general area of the guitar.

The first area of accessibility has to do with the actual frets of the guitar itself. What kind of experience are you looking to have?

Headless guitars are offered in a traditional scale, which will feel much like a traditional guitar. The frets here will be aligned straight across the neck in an orderly fashion.

However, your options are not limited to traditional scale guitars as there are multi-scale guitars available. This is a fairly new concept to emerge in the market over the last few decades.

Multi-scale guitars essentially feature a different neck scale length at different areas of the guitar’s neck. The reason behind this is that the frets are angled in an ergonomic manner for increased efficiency and comfort. 

With these guitars, the lower frets angle up (toward the nut) while the higher frets angle toward the bridge. You could think of this as having an overall shape similar to that of a hand fan. 

Some guitarists, especially the technically-apt varieties, love these styles of guitars for their accessibility. Other guitarists shy away from them as it might not be exactly suitable for their style of play. 

If you’ve never played a multi-scale guitar, it will take some getting used to. Be sure to try it out before you buy one to make sure it aligns with your unique style. 

The other area of accessibility relates to the tuning pegs themselves. Your options here are limited, so there might not be much you can do here.

However, if you can, find a guitar that will allow you to tune while playing the string simultaneously. 

Budget

When buying any guitar-related gear, be sure to always keep your budget in mind. Headless guitars can be extremely pricey and beyond an average budget. 

Do not discount more inexpensive offerings, as they may have what you’re looking for. Also, don’t shy away from the used market, as you could find the same guitar for much cheaper. 

Best Brands For Headless Guitars

Unsure of what brands are best-known for creating headless guitars? The following companies have some of the best reputations in the industry.

Strandberg

Strandberg is a Swedish company that was founded in 2007. The company continually innovates the design of the guitar to suit the needs of the modern player.

Ibanez

Ibanez is a well-known company that produces guitars of all kinds, including headless varieties. This is a company not afraid to take chances, producing instruments that many virtuosos openly endorse.

Best Headless Guitars, Final Thoughts

Headless guitars might just be the way of the future, as more and more players are seeking these out. Whether or not guitars with headstocks will continue to enjoy their popularity remains to be seen. 

Today presents an excellent opportunity to get a headless guitar for yourself. Be sure to try these out and you’ll likely find an experience you never thought was possible.