Best Headless Guitars Under $2,000 2026
Alright, so you're after that sleek, futuristic headless vibe without dropping a mortgage payment? Smart move. Headless guitars aren't just for prog metal showoffs anymore - the tech has trickled down, and you can absolutely get a killer playing experience under $2000. This list is about getting the most bang for your buck, not just listing guitars.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
⚡ The best headless guitars in 2026 are Hils HZ7 Satin Honey Yellow (top pick), Hils HZ7 Satin Galaxy Black for tighter budgets, and Larry Carlton X6 Headless 7 Black Satin for pros — selected from 15 options across 6 brands, priced $335–$1,622, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Hils HZ7 Satin Honey Yellow
by
Hils
Nut width
49 mm (1.93")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
318 mm (12.52")
Strings
7-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Modern Rock
Space-Saving
Progressive
Key Feature:
This guitar plays like a dream thanks to the roasted maple neck and slim C shape. The active pickups let you shape your sound right at the source with the gain trim. It suits anyone who wants a headless look without sacrificing solid mahogany body warmth. Just keep in mind that the headless setup can be trickier to set up than a traditional guitar.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck for better playability
- • Slim C profile fits small hands well
- • Active pickups with built-in gain control
- • Bolt-on construction allows easy neck changes
CONS
- • No weight listed makes handling guesswork
- • Headless design adds complexity to setup
- • No pickup selector switch on the headstock
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 626855
$811
Hils HZ7 Satin Galaxy Black
by
Hils
Nut width
49 mm (1.93")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
318 mm (12.52")
Strings
7-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Experimental
Travel
Modern Rock
Key Feature:
This guitar is perfect for players who want a modern feel without the hassle of traditional tuning pegs. The roasted maple neck and mahogany body combine to deliver a solid, warm sound that cuts through the mix. While the active pickups sound great, you need to remember it needs power to work properly.
PROS
- • Headless design makes tuning simple and fast for everyone.
- • Roasted maple neck ensures stability and a great feel.
- • Active pickups give you clear, powerful output on stage.
- • Mahogany body adds warmth and sustain to your sound.
CONS
- • No specific weight is listed, so it might feel heavy.
- • Lacks a dedicated EQ knob for shaping the tone further.
- • The active circuit requires a power source to work.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 626755
$811
Larry Carlton X6 Headless 7 Black Satin
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
406 mm (15.98")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
7-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Ergonomic Playing
Progressive
Modern Rock
Key Feature:
This Larry Carlton X6 is a seriously cool instrument – the headless design is a head-turner, and the LC Modern pickups deliver a surprisingly wide palette of tones. It's a great option for players wanting a modern feel and extended range without the fuss of traditional tuning, perfect for rock, fusion, and modern blues.
PROS
- • Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for a balanced tone.
- • LC Modern humbuckers deliver a versatile range, from clean to high-gain.
- • Bolt-on maple neck offers a snappy response and comfortable C profile.
- • Headless design enhances tuning stability and a modern, sleek aesthetic.
CONS
- • Mahogany body can make it a bit heavier than some players prefer.
- • Rosewood fretboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
- • Limited pickup controls restrict tonal sculpting options compared to more complex guitars.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 611011
$927
Larry Carlton X6 Headless 6 Black Satin
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
406 mm (15.98")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Progressive
Modern Rock
Space-Saving
Key Feature:
This Larry Carlton X6 is a seriously cool instrument. It's built for players who want that smooth, jazzy, and bluesy tone Carlton is known for, and the headless design adds a modern edge. The bolt-on neck makes it surprisingly accessible, and the overall package offers a lot of value for the money.
PROS
- • Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for Carlton’s signature tone.
- • LC Modern humbuckers deliver a surprisingly articulate and powerful output.
- • Bolt-on maple neck offers snappy response and comfortable, familiar feel.
- • Headless design enhances tuning stability and provides a unique aesthetic appeal.
CONS
- • Mahogany body might feel a touch heavy for extended playing sessions.
- • Limited pickup options restrict versatility for extreme genres.
- • Rosewood fingerboard may require more frequent oiling for optimal playability.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610981
$799
#5
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Strandberg Boden Essential 6 Sage Leaf
by
Strandberg
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
508 mm (20")
Body
Meranti body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Experimental
Progressive
Ergonomic Playing
Key Feature:
This headless guitar feels great because the neck stays light under your fingers. The two humbuckers let you switch from warm lows to bright highs instantly. It is a solid choice for players who want fast tuning and a rugged build. You will love how simple it is to set up without a traditional headstock.
PROS
- • EndurNeck profile keeps your fingers comfortable for long sessions.
- • Hot and Vintage humbuckers give you clear bridge and neck tones.
- • Headless design lets you tune up quickly without a headstock.
- • Arc zinc bridge locks strings tight and stays stable during playing.
CONS
- • Satin finish feels smooth but might hide fingerprints easily.
- • No weight is listed so you might find it heavy in hand.
- • Lack of a hard case means gig bag offers less protection.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 635908
$1,622
#6
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez QX527B-WK
by
Ibanez
Nut width
47 mm (1.85")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
508 mm (20")
Strings
7-string
Body
Okoume body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Ergonomic Playing
Modern Rock
Space-Saving
Key Feature:
This guitar looks cool with no headstock and plays on a 25.5-inch scale. The roasted maple neck should stay in tune better than standard wood. It uses two humbuckers and a switch to change tones, but the plastic nut is a bit questionable for precision. The light Okoume body keeps it light, though we don't know the exact weight. Great for 7-string players who want a unique style without breaking the bank.
PROS
- • 7-string headless design for a modern, clean look
- • Roasted maple and bubinga neck for stable tuning
- • Dyno-MIX10 system allows easy switching between sounds
- • 24 jumbo stainless steel frets for smooth playing
CONS
- • Plastic nut may not hold intonation as well as bone
- • Body material is light Okoume instead of solid wood
- • Weight is not specified, which is a major gap
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 640691
$1,390
Hils HZ7 Satin Neon Green
by
Hils
Nut width
49 mm (1.93")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
318 mm (12.52")
Strings
7-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Experimental
Ergonomic Playing
Progressive
Key Feature:
This guitar plays well thanks to its roasted maple neck and active pickups that handle your volume and tone settings easily. The multi-scale body keeps the strings tight for great intonation, but you will need batteries to get the sound. It is a solid choice for players who want a striking look and reliable performance without extra weight concerns.
PROS
- • Active pickups let you control gain and tone precisely
- • Roasted maple neck stays stable and plays smoothly
- • Multi-scale design gives better string tension and intonation
- • Satin neon green finish looks bold and unique
CONS
- • No weight listed makes it hard to judge comfort
- • Only two pickups limit tone variety compared to others
- • Active electronics require fresh batteries to work
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 638672
$811
Mooer MHL50 Headless Black-White
by
Mooer
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Poplar body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Weight
2.5 kg
Travel
Experimental
Ergonomic Playing
Key Feature:
This guitar feels great in your hands thanks to its light poplar body and comfortable C profile neck. The roasted maple neck helps keep the strings stable while playing. It comes with a nice bag included, which saves you money. Perfect for players who want a simple, solid instrument without the extra weight.
PROS
- • Lightweight poplar body design for easy playability
- • Roasted maple neck offers stable tuning stability
- • 25.5 scale length provides classic string tension
- • Included gig bag adds significant value
CONS
- • No hardware finish options listed for customization
- • Lacks visible wood grain in shell dot inlays
- • Missing specific output jack type details
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 639947
$335
Solar Guitars H2.6 Carbon Black
Scale
629 mm (24.76")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
356 mm (14.02")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Purpleheart fingerboard
Modern Rock
Progressive
Travel
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a solid choice for players who love a bit of extra reach on the neck. The purple heart fingerboard adds a nice dark tone that cuts through a mix. While the headless design looks cool, you will struggle to change strings without extra tools. It suits anyone wanting a modern shape with classic Alnico V warmth.
PROS
- • Solid maple bolt-on neck offers strong connection
- • Purpleheart fingerboard provides warm, dark tone
- • Multi-scale design helps with heavy string bending
- • Alnico V pickups deliver classic rock clarity
CONS
- • No weight listed makes the guitar feel uncertain
- • Lack of electronic output jack limits amplification
- • Headless design makes string changes more difficult
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 626952
$695
#10
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez MGFM10-OBL
by
Ibanez
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
508 mm (20")
Body
Nyatoh body
Ergonomic Playing
Experimental
Space-Saving
Key Feature:
Manuel Gardner Fernandes clearly designed this for players who want a modern, aggressive tone and a sleek aesthetic. The roasted wood construction feels fantastic, and the headless design is just plain cool—it’s a great option for metalheads and progressive players looking for something different and premium-priced.
PROS
- • Roasted maple/bubinga neck offers exceptional stability and feel.
- • Q58 pickups deliver a modern, high-output, articulate tone.
- • Nyatoh body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced foundation.
- • Headless design enhances ergonomics and stage presence, very Ibanez.
CONS
- • The 20” radius might feel steep for players accustomed to vintage profiles.
- • Limited pickup versatility; high-gain focused, less suited for clean tones.
- • The headless design may require some adjustment for initial setup and string changes.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 601642
$1,564
#11
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Strandberg Boden Essential 6 Coral Pink
by
Strandberg
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
508 mm (20")
Body
Meranti body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Modern Rock
Travel
Ergonomic Playing
Key Feature:
This coral pink guitar is perfect for players who want to tune up in seconds with its headless design. The solid wood body sounds warm and rich under your fingers. While it lacks active electronics, the two humbuckers punch hard for rock and blues gigs. It suits anyone who values quick setup and a classic, solid feel.
PROS
- • Headless design makes tuning incredibly fast and easy.
- • EndurNeck profile offers a comfortable, modern playing feel.
- • Solid meranti body provides a warm, resonant acoustic tone.
- • Two humbuckers deliver thick, powerful rock and blues tones.
CONS
- • No weight information listed for this specific model.
- • Lacks active electronics for modern boost or EQ needs.
- • Coral pink finish may show wear easily with heavy use.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 611554
$1,483
#12
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Strandberg Boden Essential 6 BK Granite
by
Strandberg
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
508 mm (20")
Body
Meranti body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Experimental
Progressive
Modern Rock
Key Feature:
The Boden Essential 6 is a seriously cool entry point into the Strandberg world. The headless design and EndurNeck make it surprisingly playable, and those pickups give you a versatile modern tone for everything from progressive metal to djent. It’s a fantastic choice for players seeking a unique, lightweight instrument without the premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Meranti body provides a surprisingly resonant and lightweight core.
- • EndurNeck profile is genuinely comfortable, reducing fatigue during long playing sessions.
- • Strandberg Custom OEM pickups deliver a modern, articulate high-gain tone.
- • EGS hardware ensures excellent tuning stability and a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.
CONS
- • Rosewood fingerboard might feel a little 'dated' compared to ebony alternatives.
- • Headless design requires an adjustment period for string changes and intonation.
- • Meranti, while lightweight, isn't as tonally complex as mahogany or ash.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 585559
$1,425
#13
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Strandberg Boden Essential 6 Galactic Blu
by
Strandberg
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
508 mm (20")
Body
Meranti body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Travel
Progressive
Experimental
Key Feature:
This headless guitar feels great to hold thanks to its light design and easy neck shape. Two humbuckers give it a solid tone that works well for rock and blues. It's a budget-friendly option for players who want a reliable instrument without the extra weight of a traditional headstock.
PROS
- • Lightweight headless design improves playability and comfort.
- • Patented EndurNeck profile offers a comfortable grip.
- • Affordable price point makes it accessible for many.
- • Balanced sound works for many different musical styles.
CONS
- • No weight information is provided in the description.
- • Lacks active electronics or preamp features.
- • Missing details on hardware locking mechanism type.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 589053
$1,425
#14
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez QX52B-WK
by
Ibanez
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
508 mm (20")
Body
Okoume body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Ergonomic Playing
Space-Saving
Experimental
Key Feature:
This guitar feels solid thanks to its roasted maple neck and big steel frets. The two humbuckers give a thick sound that cuts through a mix. It looks cool in its weathered black finish, but the plastic nut and light Okoume body might not last forever. Great for players who want a headless look without breaking the bank.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers stable tuning and smooth playability.
- • Parallel Wizard neck profile provides a comfortable wide width.
- • Two Q58 humbuckers deliver thick, high-output distortion.
- • Weathered Black finish gives a unique vintage aesthetic.
CONS
- • Plastic nut may not sustain notes as well as metal.
- • Okoume body material is less durable than solid wood.
- • No weight specification means heft could be surprising.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 640692
$1,228
Hils Next HN6 Ultra Violet
by
Hils
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Travel
Ergonomic Playing
Space-Saving
Key Feature:
This headless guitar plays like a solid mahogany instrument with a smooth roasted maple neck. The Fishman pickups keep the sound clean while the titanium tuners stay locked tight. It suits players who want a simple, reliable guitar without the hassle of a traditional headstock.
PROS
- • Headless design simplifies tuning and string changes instantly.
- • Mahogany body pairs with roasted maple neck for solid resonance.
- • Fishman Fluence pickups offer clean output and modern tone.
- • Titanium locking machine heads hold tight pitch under play.
CONS
- • No weight listed makes handling feel uncertain at the shop.
- • Variable fingerboard radius could confuse players used to one size.
- • Single volume control limits dynamic control compared to multi-band amps.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 609395
$985
Every headless guitars that matches
63 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Hils Next HN6 Ultra Gold | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $985 |
| 17 | Hils Next HN6 Cosmic Green | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $985 |
| 18 | Hils HN3 Baritone S/MDP | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 699 mm (27.52") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $695 |
| 19 | Hils Next HN5 Met. Coral Orange | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 24 frets · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $683 |
| 20 | Hils Next HN5 Black | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $683 |
| 21 | Hils Next HN5 Ivory | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $683 |
| 22 | Hils Next HN5 Met. Emerald Green LH | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $683 |
| 23 | Hils Next HN5 Met. Electric Blue LH | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $683 |
| 24 | Hils Next HN5 Ivory LH | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $683 |
| 25 | Hils Next HN5 Black LH | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $683 |
| 26 | Hils Next HN5 Met. Emerald Blue | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $671 |
| 27 | Hils Next HN4 Black | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $637 |
| 28 | Hils Next HN3 Metallic Deep Purple | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $555 |
| 29 | Hils Next HN3 Ivory LH | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $555 |
| 30 | Hils HNT1R Black | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $532 |
| 31 | Mooer MHL50 Headless Sky Blue | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Poplar body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard · Weight 2.5 kg | $335 |
| 32 | Larry Carlton X6 Headless 6 Silver Sparkle | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Fingerboard radius 406 mm (15.98") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $799 |
| 33 | Larry Carlton X6 Headless 6 Trans Black | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Fingerboard radius 406 mm (15.98") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $695 |
| 34 | Larry Carlton X6 Headless 6 Metallic Green | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Fingerboard radius 406 mm (15.98") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $695 |
| 35 | Ibanez Q54WR-CNL | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 508 mm (20") · Body Nyatoh body | $1,425 |
| 36 | Ibanez Q52FMG-DRL | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Ash body | $1,414 |
| 37 | Ibanez Q54WQM-DEL | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 508 mm (20") · Body Nyatoh body | $1,390 |
| 38 | Solar Guitars H2.7C Carbon Black | Frets 24 frets · Fingerboard radius 406 mm (15.98") · Strings 7-string · Body Basswood body | $811 |
| 39 | Mooer GTRS Guitars Wing 902 Int MC | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard · Weight 2.5 kg | $811 |
| 40 | Cort Space G6TR SGLV | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $799 |
| 41 | Cort Space G6TR SGLG | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $798 |
| 42 | Hils Next HN5 Met. Emerald Green | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $683 |
| 43 | Hils Next HN4 Ivory | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $660 |
| 44 | Hils Next HN4 Summer Sand | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $660 |
| 45 | Hils Next HN5 Met. Deep Purple | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $637 |
| 46 | Hils Next HN3 Ivory | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $555 |
| 47 | Hils Next HN3 Black | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $555 |
| 48 | Hils Next HN3 Met. Electric Blue | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $555 |
| 49 | Hils Next HN3 Metallic Coral Orange | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $555 |
| 50 | Hils Next HN3 Black LH | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $555 |
| 51 | Hils Next HN3 Met. Coral Orange LH | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $555 |
| 52 | Hils Next HN3 Met. Emerald Green LH | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $555 |
| 53 | Hils Next HN3 Met. Emerald Green | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $544 |
| 54 | Hils HNS1R Metallic Ruby Red | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $532 |
| 55 | Hils HNS1M Metallic Emerald Green | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $532 |
| 56 | Hils HNS1R Metallic Ocean Blue | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $532 |
| 57 | Hils HNS1M Summer Sand | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $532 |
| 58 | Hils HNT1M Ruby Red | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $532 |
| 59 | Hils HNT1M Butterscotch | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $532 |
| 60 | Hils HNT1R Ivory | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $532 |
| 61 | Hils HNT1R Metallic Ocean Blue | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $532 |
| 62 | Cort Space G6MS SGTQ | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $771 |
| 63 | Cort Space G6MS SGTK | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $670 |
Headless Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 63 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $683
from $532 to $1,425
Nut width
median 42 mm (1.65")
from 42 mm (1.65") to 47 mm (1.85") · 57 models
Scale
median 648 mm (25.51")
from 648 mm (25.51") to 648 mm (25.51") · 54 models
Body
mahogany, okoume, meranti
most common · 63 models
Fingerboard
rosewood, maple, ebony
most common · 58 models
Frets
median 24
from 24 to 24 · 14 models
Fingerboard radius
median 318 mm (12.52")
from 305 mm (12.01") to 508 mm (20") · 36 models
Neck profile
C
most common · 6 models
Strings
median 7-string
from 7-string to 7-string · 6 models
How to Choose the Best Headless Guitars
1
Neck Profile & Feel
The neck is EVERYTHING on a headless. A comfortable, consistent profile is crucial for accurate intonation and fast playing, especially when you're relying on precise fret placement. We're looking for something that avoids both the chunky, slow feel and the flimsy, unstable feel.
2
Intonation Accuracy
Let's be honest, a headless guitar that's even slightly out of tune is a disaster. We're evaluating how consistently these guitars track across the entire fretboard, especially in the higher registers.
3
Pickup Voicing & Output
Headless guitars often benefit from a more articulate pickup setup to cut through a dense mix. We're looking for pickups that offer clarity and definition without sounding sterile or thin. A little bit of grit for those crunchy rhythm tones is a plus.
4
Hardware Quality (Tuners, Bridge)
The tuners on a headless are the only thing keeping it in tune, so they need to be rock solid. We're checking for smooth operation, minimal backlash, and overall build quality. The bridge needs to be stable and transfer vibrations effectively.
5
Overall Construction & Finish
At this price point, you're going to find some compromises. We're assessing the overall build quality - fretwork, neck joint stability, and finish - to determine if the guitar feels solid and reliable enough for gigging.
Buying Guide
Don't expect boutique-level craftsmanship at this price. You'll likely find some minor finish imperfections or slightly less refined hardware compared to guitars costing double. Prioritize a comfortable neck profile and reliable tuning stability above all else. A few extra bucks spent on a good setup from a qualified tech is absolutely worth it - a perfectly intonated headless is a game-changer.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 63 headless guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. A well-designed headless with a comfortable neck profile can be easier to play than some conventional guitars. The initial adjustment to the lack of headstock takes a little getting used to, but it's not a huge barrier.
String spacing is often wider on headless guitars to accommodate the bridge design. This can take some getting used to if you're used to a narrower neck, but it's generally not a major issue.
Yes, but it's a bit more involved than a standard guitar. Watch some videos beforehand, and take your time. A string winder is your friend.
Not really, but a hardshell case is always a good idea for protecting your investment. The lack of a headstock means it might not fit in some standard cases, so double-check the dimensions.
While they're popular in progressive metal, headless guitars are versatile! They work great for jazz, fusion, funk, and anything requiring precise intonation and a unique visual aesthetic. Don't limit yourself.
