Top 25 Headless Guitars You Can Buy In All Price Ranges

If you are looking to get yourself a new guitar, and you want something a bit different, headless guitar might be a perfect solution. As you can guess from the name, these guitars don’t have a headstock. Instead, the strings are attached to the top of the neck on one side, and the guitar body on the other. 

Tuning machines are on the opposite end since there is no headstock. And all of it will take some time to get used to. But this doesn’t mean that you won’t enjoy the journey. Of course, there are people who dislike the headless design, and it won’t be easy changing their minds. 

But if you are interested in trying something unique, you can check out some of the best models you can find on the market. Naturally, your budget will play an important role in the decision, which is why I will include all price ranges. 

Harley Benton Dullahan-FT

• Body: Alder
• Neck: Roasted Canadian flame maple (modern C)
• Fingerboard Radius: 13.78” (350 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24
• Pickups: Roswell HAF-B-BK AlNiCo-5 (bridge) and Roswell HAF-N-BK AlNiCo-5 (neck)
• Color: Ice Blue Gloss

In the past couple of years, Harley Benton showed that it is one of the biggest names when it comes to budget guitar equipment. You can use many different types of guitars designed by this German brand. And the quality is surprisingly good. Here, we have a model from the Dullahan series. 

There are many different colors and models you can find with the same name (Dullahan), and this one is Ice Blue Gloss. The model has two humbuckers, a three-way switch, two knobs, and of course, it is headless. The guitar is comfortable, easy to play, and it looks quite good. As with other Harley Benton guitars, the price is perfect for all beginners and those with a tighter budget. In fact, you will have a hard time finding any other brand with a better price to quality ratio. So, if you dislike the color of the guitar, you can easily find other options. 

NK Headless

• Body: Wood with satin finish
• Neck: Roasted Maple Wood with flame maple fretboard
• Fretboard radius: 16” (406.4 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 
• Pickups: Artecsound humbuckers
• Color: Blue burst

For those that are still looking for something more, the NK brand has a few interesting things to offer. The model here is a seven-string guitar, and it looks incredible. There are a couple of features you can only find on modern guitars like an asymmetric neck and seven strings. One of the first things you will notice is that there are two humbuckers, and they are angled which isn’t something you normally see. 

Overall, the design of guitar is quite good, and the headless design makes it even more special. Of course, since it isn’t made by a huge brand, the price is significantly lower. Getting something similar by a well-known brand would probably cost a couple of thousand instead. 

Ibanez Q52-LBM

• Body: Nyatoh
• Neck: Roasted maple/bubinga
• Fretboard radius: 12” (305 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 
• Pickups: Q58 humbuckers
• Color: Laser blue matte

Ibanez has been one of the biggest names in the world of guitar equipment for decades. And the popularity of the brand keeps growing. If you are looking for a modern guitar with a different approach, there is a high chance that Ibanez is what you’re after. The model here is Q52, and it is a headless guitar. It has two Q58 humbuckers, two knobs, and a pickup selector. 

The price is a bit higher, and it might not be an excellent choice for beginners. But at the same time, you know you will be getting a guitar with beautiful sound and quality. For those that can spend a bit more money on the guitar, this can be a great option. Moreover, you know that you will be getting a wonderful instrument if you go for Ibanez. And two humbuckers make it perfect for genres that require high gain. 

GOC Materia +

• Body: Northern Ash
• Neck: Carbonized Canadian maple
• Fretboard radius: 16” (406.4 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 MJ stainless steel  
• Pickups: Paragon Alnico calibrated set
• Color: Worn Thin-skin

Another great example of modern guitars with multiple features is GOC Materia+. The guitar has a larger body compared to other models, and it has seven strings. One of the first things you will notice is the intricate pattern on the body, and it looks gorgeous. It has two humbuckers, a single potentiometer, and a switch. 

GOC Materia+ also has different options if you want to go for eight-string or six-string models. It is an excellent choice for all those looking to experiment a bit more. Needless to say, if you’ve never played the guitar with more than six strings, it might take you a bit to get used to it. If you decide to go for this model, you won’t need to worry about a gig bag since it is included in the package. 

Strandberg Boden Original NX 6 Autumn

• Body: Swamp ash
• Neck: Maple with birdseye maple fretboard 
• Fretboard Radius: 20” (508 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 stainless steel
• Pickups: Suhr SSH+ (bridge) and Suhr SSV (neck) humbuckers
• Color: Autumn Red

Strandberg is what many brands copy when they go for the headless design, and here, you can get the original one. It has a larger body, six strings, and a beautiful design. The guitar has fanned frets, paired with Suhr pickups in a HH combination. Two humbuckers are SSH+ and SSV, and the sound is amazing. 

The Autumn Red is just one of many versions, and you can find other models as well. They all have Suhr pickups, which will make the sound exceptional. Naturally, the HH configuration makes it perfect for heavier genres, but you can still play anything you like on this guitar. 

EART Electric Guitar GW2

• Body: Roasted padauk with burled maple veneer
• Neck: 5-piece roasted maple with Indian rosewood fretboard
• Fingerboard Radius: 9.5” to 14” (U to C) (241.3 mm to 355.6 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24
• Pickups: Alnico5 humbuckers
• Color: Same Blue

EART is not a well-known brand, but the guitar is quite good. And it comes with many advantages. Firstly, you will have a hard time finding a cheaper headless guitar. If you are looking to experiment with new models without spending too much money, EART GW2 might be a perfect choice. 

The design of the guitar is rather unique besides the lack of the headstock. The design of the guitar is unlike anything else you can find on the market, and it looks futuristic. Of course, since the guitar is so cheap, you won’t get the best possible pickups. This is an additional investment you’ll have to make if you want to upgrade the sound. The neck has a compound radius, and it goes from the U profile to C. All things considered, it is worth checking out if you are into headless guitars. Keep in mind that with a good amplifier, Eart GW2 will still sound incredible. 

Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe

• Body: Poplar 
• Neck: 3-strip maple 
• Fingerboard: Satinwood fretboard
• Number of Frets: 24
• Pickups: Steinberger HB-1 Humbucker (bridge), Steinberger SC-1 Single Coil (middle), Steinberger HB-2 Humbucker (neck)
• Color: Hot Rod Yellow

If you think about a headless guitar, there is a high chance that you are thinking about Steinberger. This model is classic, and one of the first guitars with a headless design. The model has twenty-four frets, tuning machines are behind the bridge, and it has an HSH combination of pickups. 

All three pickups are designed by Steinberger, and the guitar sounds quite good. The smaller body makes it perfect for traveling, and it looks incredible. Steinberger also has a locking tremolo bridge with a whammy bar you can use. The model here is Hot Rod Yellow, but you can find other colors as well. So, if you are looking for the original model of the headless guitar, this is the one. It is also quite affordable. What is unique about this model is that you get two holes for the whammy bar, two strap buttons, so you can easily use the guitar regardless of whether you are left-handed or right-handed. 

Kiesel Delos Headless

• Body: Ash
• Neck: Walnut
• Fretboard: Bloodwood
• Number of Frets: 24 medium-jumbo 
• Pickups: Kiesel Beryllium humbuckers
• Color: Sapphire Blue

Kiesel Delos is a series inspired by Stratocasters, but with a headless design. But don’t let this fool you. Kiesel Delos is not another Strat version. Almost everything about this guitar is different, and it is rather unique. Which is one of many reasons behind the price tag. The guitar has two Kiesel Beryllium humbuckers, a tremolo with a whammy bar, two knobs, and a switch. It’s quite comfortable to play thanks to the Strat-like shape, and it sounds great. 

What is special about it is its design. The color of the body and neck are gorgeous, and you can see from the start why the guitar is so expensive. The body is also slightly smaller compared to standard guitars, which is something many players will love. If you like the idea behind Delos models, you should know that the guitar is available in both six and seven strings versions, and you can find models with different pickup configurations as well. 

Mayones Hydra 6

• Body: American ash with eye poplar top
• Neck: Wenge purpleheart 
• Fretboard Radius: 16” (406.4 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 stainless steel
• Pickups: Bare Knuckle TKO Red
• Color: Trans Black Gloss

While we are on the subject of Mayones, here is the Hydra 6 model. It has a shape like a Super Stratocaster with sharper edges, making it quite comfortable to play. The guitar has two humbuckers, and both are Bare Knuckle TKO Red. The model is great for those that dislike smaller bodies and want something a bit more traditional. 

As for the sound, the humbuckers here are quite versatile. You can play any music genre you like. Moreover, it has six strings which makes it more acceptable for players across the globe. Since six-stringed guitars are something we all started playing, you won’t need to get used to a whole new system. The model here is Trans Black Gloss, but you can find other colors as well. 

Cort Headless Guitar

• Body: Solid body
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Rosewood 
• Number of Frets: 22
• Pickups: Two humbuckers
• Color: Black

This is the model from the eighties, and if you are looking for a vintage instrument, you might like this Cort. The guitar is based on the original Steinberger, and every part of the guitar is licensed. This means that you won’t be getting a cheap knock-off, but the original version of the guitar. 

Back in the day, Steinberger decided to partner with Cort to design a budget version of the headless guitar, and it can be yours now. Needless to say, you won’t be able to find a new model of this guitar since the production stopped decades ago. One of the main qualities of this model besides the authenticity is the price. And it is more than affordable for all the guitarists out there regardless of their skill level. 

Furthermore, you will be saving a lot of money if you decide to go for Cort instead of trying to find the original Steinberger. 

Traveler Guitar EG-1

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany 
• Fingerboard: Black walnut
• Number of Frets: 21 jumbo nickel silver
• Pickups: 1 Full-size Seymour Duncan designed “Devastator” high-gain humbucker
• Color: Matte black

If you like what Traveler Guitar has to offer but are looking for a more traditional approach, EG-1 might be something you will enjoy. It looks similar to Les Paul, but with the headless design. The tuning machines are still on the body, located in the middle of it as with the other Traveler Guitar models. 

There is a single humbucker pickup, and it is designed by Seymour Duncan. This means that you will get a decent sound from it, and there will be little to no need to upgrade it in the future. It is worth mentioning that EG-1 has active electronics and that you can use the guitar with headphones. Moreover, it also means that you will need batteries. 

Zivix Jamstik Studio

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Bolt-on maple with rosewood fretboard
• Fretboard radius: 9.84” (250 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 
• Pickups: Lightning LH humbuckers
• Color: Black

Back to more traditional designs. Here, we have Zivix Jamstik Studio, which is a headless guitar with many exciting features. It has two humbucker pickups, a single knob, and a switch (or pickup selector). But where the fun starts is with connections. You can plug in your USB C port or even connect your guitar via Bluetooth. 

Zivix Jamstik Studio has several MIDI outputs, which is perfect for those that have their own mini studio at home. This also means that the guitar has a MIDI pickup you can use, and it sounds quite good. The rest of the guitar is fairly standard. There is a bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and it has a locking mechanism on the nut for better tuning stability. With the MIDI output, you’ll be able to experiment with many different sounds and styles. 

Traveler Guitar Speedster Deluxe

• Body: East American maple
• Neck: East American maple
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Number of Frets: 22 medium
• Pickups: Dual-rail humbucker
• Color: Carrera Gray

As we go up the price range, we can notice many different and unique designs. Traveler Guitar just shows how versatile the company is, and even though the majority of the models are headless, they each offer something a bit different. The Speedster Deluxe model is inspired by racing cars, which is why it has pinstripes on it. The color combination is gray and red, and it’s appropriately named Carrera Gray. 

There is one dual-ray humbucker, which is a humbucker the size of a single coil. Furthermore, it has active electronics, meaning that you will need to get batteries as well. One of the most impressive things about the guitar is the shape, and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. And of course, if you dislike the spoiler on the instrument, you can easily remove it.

Asmuse Foldable Travel Headless Electric

• Body: Aluminum alloy
• Neck: Maple
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Number of Frets: 24 
• Pickups: HSS
• Color: Black and silver

Asmuse might have designed one of the best traveling guitars you can find. The guitar is lightweight due to the fact that it doesn’t have a lot of wood on it. Instead, there is a curved bar that outlines the shape, leaving the rest completely empty. One of the first things I should mention is that this model is foldable, and it doesn’t have a headstock. 

This means that you will be able to fit it almost anywhere. As for the sound, there is an HSS combination, which allows you to experiment and play even with higher gain. All things considered, this is an interesting model with a unique design. And if you are looking for something different that you can use while traveling, this might be it. 

Acepro Headless Electric Guitar

• Body: Ash
• Neck: Roast maple
• Fingerboard Radius: 
• Number of Frets: 24
• Pickups: Two single-coil pickups
• Color: Natural

Now, you might be someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money but still wishes to have a headless guitar. Acepro is a brand you might want to check out. The model of the guitar is quite impressive considering the price. It has a unique design, ash body, and roasted maple neck.  

It comes in a variety of colors, and it is surprisingly good. Of course, the quality of the model is not exceptional, and you won’t get an equivalent of a high-end guitar. But it can be a nice addition to your collection for the lowest possible price. 

Legator G7FX-GLX Galaxy

• Body: Mahogany with grained horse chestnut burl top
• Neck: Wenge/maple with ebony fretboard 
• Fretboard Radius: 18” (457 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 stainless steel medium jumbo
• Pickups: Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers
• Color: Galaxy

Legator G7FX is a seven-string guitar, and it looks astonishing. Every single part of this guitar looks unique. It has a five-piece maple neck, with a modern C profile. There is a single volume control and a three-way switch for selecting pickups. If you enjoy experimenting with your playing, you will love the fact that Legator G7FX also offers an LED killswitch. The color of the model is appropriately named Galaxy, and it goes well with the black hardware. 

The pickups are Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, and they are powerful. You can play any genre on them, but they really shine when you add more gain. All things considered, the guitar is incredible. Especially if you plan on turning the gain all the way up. Furthermore, it works well with pedals, so you can experiment even further.

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric

• Body: East American maple
• Neck: East American maple (neck-thru) 
• Fingerboard: Black walnut
• Number of Frets: 22 medium nickel silver
• Pickups: Dual Rail humbucker
• Color: Matte black

Traveler is another brand that specializes in unusual guitars. This model is quite light, and it’s perfect for traveling. At the same time, it is rather unique that the designer managed to still include standard tuning machines, but they are located on the body of the guitar. There is also a single dual-rail humbucker, and the guitar is as simple as it can be. 

What is interesting is that the guitar has a metal bar you can use to play the guitar while sitting. The traditional series of headless guitars can be tricky to play while sitting, and those that dislike playing the guitar while standing will adore this change. 

The construction of the Ultra-Light model is neck-thru, where it goes all the way through the body of the instrument. All things considered, Traveler Guitar is a decent model with incredible price. If you are looking for something a bit different, this might be it. And the size will make it a lot easier if you plan on carrying it with you.

Ibanez Ichika Signature ICHI10

• Body: Nyatoh
• Neck: Roasted maple/bubinga
• Fretboard radius: 12” (305 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 
• Pickups: R-1 Single-coil pickups
• Color: Vintage White

While Ibanez mostly makes Super Strat guitars and models that pack a punch, you can still find guitars that are a bit calmer. A perfect example is Ichika Signature Ibanez. It has three single-coil pickups and a fairly standard design. The quality of the guitar is exceptional, and the sound is incredible. Single-coil pickups are known to be highly versatile, and you’ll be able to play any genre with the right equipment. 

The body is slightly smaller than what you’d expect from an electric guitar, and the headless design adds something a bit different to it. And if you are wondering about the name of the guitar, it is a signature model designed for Ichika Nito, who is an incredible guitar player. He is known for her mind-blowing technique, tappings, and lightning-fast playing. If you are a fan of his (and who isn’t?) you can get the Ibanez model made just for him. 

Traveler Guitar LTD EC-1 Snow White

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany 
• Fretboard: Black walnut
• Number of Frets: 22 jumbo 
• Pickups: Active Full-Size ALH 200B humbucker designed by ESP
• Color: Snow White gloss

If you are a fan of LTD guitars, this model might be a perfect choice for you. The guitar is designed by Traveler Guitar and LTD. And this is why it has the well-known shape of the LTD guitars. It is a perfect blend of these two brands, which means that it will still have tuning machines in the body and the headless design while keeping the shape of LTD models. 

It is a nice combination that offers something new and unexplored. The pickups are designed by ESP, and it has active electronics meaning you will need to get batteries. What is different from other models by Traveler Guitar is that this one does not look like a foldable travel guitar. It looks like a real model, which is something many players will enjoy. 

Legator Spectre 7

• Body: Ash
• Neck: Roasted maple
• Fretboard radius: 14” (356 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 nickel jumbo 
• Pickups: Legator Hive Humbuckers
• Color: Stealth Black

If you are a fan of metal music, you might be looking for something wilder, something that isn’t based on a Stratocaster or Steinberger. And Legator Spectre 7 might be just the thing for you. The guitar bears similarity to Explorer and other “pointy” guitars, which is a perfect choice for a metal player. Of course, the edges here are sharper, but the idea is the same. 

You must have noticed the number 7 in the title, and this is because Legator Spectre is a seven-string guitar. It has two Legator Hive humbuckers, fanned frets, and locking tuners. Legator Spectre comes in many different colors, and you can even get an 8-string model if you are looking for more strings. Naturally, the neck will be a bit thicker since there is an extra string (or two), and it will take you some time to get used to it. What is cool is that all models come with a battery cavity even though the guitar has passive electronics. This way, if you want to upgrade pickups, you won’t need to drill additional holes. 

Steinberger ZT3 TransTrem

• Body: Maple
• Neck: Maple with phenolic resin
• Fretboard Radius: 14” (356 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 
• Pickups: Custom-made 91T USA Humbucker (bridge) and Custom-made 90R USA Humbucker (neck)
• Color: TransRed

Steinberger is known for its headless models, and this time, we have something new. The ZT3 TransTrem model is a new way of approaching the situation. It offers a more traditional body shape, and it is incredible. Many players dislike the standard Steinberger body, which is why this is something worth checking out. The body of the guitar is made of maple with a flamed maple top, and the neck has a phenolic resin fretboard. 

It also offers a PAF TransTrem3 Transposing Tremolo System which is ideal for those that enjoy having a whammy bar. What is different here is that TrasnTrem3 allows you to bend all strings half-step up or down. And it applies to all strings equally. There are two knobs on the body and both offer a push-pull option. The master volume activates parallel neck pickup, while the master tone is in charge of parallel bridge. There is also a plastic bar you can use to make playing while sitting a bit more comfortable, as with many other Steinberger guitars. 

Legator G8FX-GLX Galaxy

• Body: Mahogany with grained horse chestnut burl top
• Neck: Wenge/maple with ebony fretboard 
• Fretboard Radius: 18” (457 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 stainless steel medium jumbo
• Pickups: Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers
• Color: Galaxy

If the idea behind Legator is something you like, but you still want something more, the G8FX might be to your liking. As you can probably guess from the name, the guitar has eight strings. It is rather similar to the Legator G7FX, and even the specifications are nearly identical. Naturally, the neck is even wider, and it is not easy to play on. Especially for those that are used to six-string guitars. 

The Galaxy version is just one of many options you can find. You can go for different colors, and find something you will enjoy. Legator G8FX is an excellent guitar, and it is perfect for heavier genres. If you plan on playing something with a lot of gain, this will be a perfect addition to your collection. 

Strandberg Boden Original NX 8

• Body: Sassafras
• Neck: Maple with birdseye maple fretboard 
• Fretboard Radius: 20” (508 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 medium jumbo stainless steel
• Pickups: Fishman Fluence Modern 8 Alnico Humbucker and Fishman Fluence Modern 8 Ceramic Humbucker
• Color: Earth Green

While we are on the subject of Strandberg, there are other models in the Boden series. This particular one has eight strings, and it looks stunning. The guitar has a similar shape as other Boden models, but with improved hardware and new colors. Furthermore, you can choose between different pickup combinations as well. This specific model has two humbuckers, and both are designed by Fishman. 

Needless to say, the eight-string model might not be to everyone’s taste. The larger neck profile might be problematic with those with smaller hands, but it is something you will overcome with enough practice. The popularity of eight-string guitars has been quite high in the past couple of years, which is why you might want to get your hands on one of the best models on the market. 

Mayones Hydra Elite 7

• Body: Ash top with mahogany back
• Neck: Wenge purpleheart 
• Fretboard Radius: 16” (406.4 mm)
• Number of Frets: 24 stainless steel
• Pickups: BKP Nailbomb and cold sweat black battleworn
• Color: Antique Blue Matt

Mayones is a company from Poland, and it specializes in making custom handcrafted guitars and basses. The company was founded in 1982, and it quickly became one of the most popular brands of luxury guitars. This model, Hydra Elite 7, is a seven-string guitar with an ash top and mahogany back. The design is beautiful, and the sound is unique. 

It is a nice way to try out something a bit different. At least if you can afford it. Mayones guitars aren’t known for being cheap, but their popularity comes from their quality. As you can probably guess, the double humbucker combination means that it works great on high gain, and it’s perfect for heavier genres. And if seven-strings is not something you want, you can also check out the Hydra Elite 6 or Hydra Elite 8 versions. 

Claas Guitars 9

• Body: Ash
• Neck: Maple  
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Number of Frets: 24 stainless steel
• Pickups: Claas Carbonite Pickups made by Häussel
• Color: Blue silver gold splatter high gloss finish

If you are interested in pushing your skills even further, you can go for a 9-string guitar. This model is designed by Claas, which is a German company designing custom guitars. Those that enjoy having something exclusive and don’t mind spending a lot of money will enjoy this one. It has Claas Carbonite Pickups made by Häussel pickups, 24 frets, and a master volume with push/pull function. 

There is also a three-way switch allowing you to choose between two humbuckers (or using them at the same time). The guitar is comfortable, and it looks amazing thanks to its gorgeous finish. Needless to say, both the body and neck are larger than other guitars due to the number of strings. 

Conclusion

If you are looking to buy yourself a new guitar, and are a fan of unusual designs, you might want to check out headless guitars. These models are growing in popularity in the past couple of years, and there are many different models you can find on the market. 

Needless to say, the most important factor will be your budget. Some of these models can get quite pricey, but at the same time, there are those you can find for a ridiculously cheap price. It all comes down to your preferences and your budget, but fortunately, there are many different models that will satisfy all price ranges.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API