Anyone surprised by the return of headless popularity?

[MAJOR METAL]

Anyone surprised by the return of headless popularity?

After of 20 years on TB I feel like there is a commonality between clothing fashion trends and instrument trends, things come and go in cycles. So in that regard, the return of headless popularity really isn't that surprising to me.

 

[spade2you]

They can be practical. Unlike Steinberger and Kubicki, a modern headless bass doesn't necessarily have any particular tone. My Cliff Bordwell 6 string has TI Jazz Flats, active/passive electronics, passive tone, and P/Big Man pickups by Nordstrand. Very capable of vintagey goodness and can fit in some guitar gig bags. This allows me to throw it in a bag with my Rob Allen Mouse 30.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

There are only so many things luthier can do in designing an instrument. Inevitably, ideas get recycled.

 

[ctmullins]

For me, headless has nothing to do with fashion, and everything to do with ergonomics. Far better balance, far more stable tuning, decreased overall weight (especially when using the aluminum Nova hardware) and better manageability on a cramped stage are big wins for me.

They don’t have to be ugly either.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Not surprised at all. The only two I haven't tried are the Keisel and Ibanez.

Riis

 

[FRoss6788]

Not at all.

With more emphasis on weight and ergonomics it was inevitable.
The tuner/bridge likely doesn't weigh much more than a standard high mass bridge (G&L), and you remove the headstock and tuners from the equation and you have an instrument that has the potential to have great ergonomics at a reasonable weight.

 

[FRoss6788]

For me, headless has nothing to do with fashion, and everything to do with ergonomics. Far better balance, far more stable tuning, decreased overall weight (especially when using the aluminum Nova hardware) and better manageability on a cramped stage are big wins for me.

Beat me to it!

 

[Hot Rats]

My Time Is At Hand! I Have Returned!! MWHAHHAHAAAHAAAA!!!!!!!

 

[mongo2]

It's very possible that my next diy project will be the headless I've been thinking about for the last 30+ years but I just haven't gotten around to it. My current iteration of the idea involves a Danelectro like hollowbody type of construction but with an offset body design.

Then again, maybe not, but I do need a project for the winter and I already have everything I need.

 

[ShawnG]

Still not seeing lots of offerings, especially by the non-boutique manufacturers (Ibanez is the exception), so not sure if I’d call them “trendy, or “popular”, yet.
The only experience I have with a headless bass is with my Traveler TB-4P. Based on that, I’d love to find a more traditional headless bass. I love not having a headstock to worry about banging into stuff and love the balance of the bass on a strap. The looks take a little getting used to, but the pluses noted above would seem to outweigh the negatives, for me.

 

[spade2you]

Not at all.

With more emphasis on weight and ergonomics it was inevitable.
The tuner/bridge likely doesn't weigh much more than a standard high mass bridge (G&L), and you remove the headstock and tuners from the equation and you have an instrument that has the potential to have great ergonomics at a reasonable weight.

Technically speaking, Hipshot's system is heavier than an equivalent bridge+tuners. I knew this when I ordered the Cliff Bordwell bass. The priority size. I picked Hipshot since they should hopefully be around for the long haul. Steinberger and Kubicki (RIP) make it much more difficult to source parts in the next 20-30 years.

 

[perfektspace6]

The idea appeals to me now but not sure I would buy one. I would never have considered this in the past but I like the ergonomic advantages.

 

[FRoss6788]

Technically speaking, Hipshot's system is heavier than an equivalent bridge+tuners. I knew this when I ordered the Cliff Bordwell bass. The priority size. I picked Hipshot since they should hopefully be around for the long haul. Steinberger and Kubicki (RIP) make it much more difficult to source parts in the next 20-30 years.

Agreed, but the weight is not hanging out there on the end of a lever.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

You'll know headless has truly arrived when a model is made by Fender.

 

[logdrum]

Every time I visit the Kiesel showroom in Escondido CA, I get to sample headless guitars and basses, even teles and hollow bodies. Awesome in my opinion. Just no budget right now. I am definitely open to them. Fan fret and headless

 

[Lenny JG]

Not surprised at all.

 

[mikewalker]

I jumped on the headless bandwagon back in 1988, and currently half the fleet is headless!

 

[VoodooJazz]

I have never played a headless bass. And I'm not particularly attracted to them, visually, but that may just be a matter of familiarity and history. As I think about it more these days, I think the ergonomic difference just has to be significant, particularly as one gets to 5 and especially 6 strings. I don't mind weight so much as neckdive, which really bugs me. The one thing that really keeps me away is the way the strings are terminated at the nut end. Once you get away from Steinberger's brilliant double ball end design, it really gets sketchy up there. I still can't abide an otherwise beautiful-looking instrument with an end that looks like an open wound. I'm waiting for the innovation to clean that area up.

 

[Killing Floor]

I don't have a headless currently. But it is a superior design in every mechanical way. I have had headless basses and Kubicki which is a gateway drug, wouldn't call it headless. I'd play a headless. I confess the only reason I don't play headless is my head being stuck in traditional aesthetic. Hey, at least I admit it.

 

[Killing Floor]

For me, headless has nothing to do with fashion, and everything to do with ergonomics. Far better balance, far more stable tuning, decreased overall weight (especially when using the aluminum Nova hardware) and better manageability on a cramped stage are big wins for me.

They don’t have to be ugly either.

Love that marble. Forgive my dumbness, what is it? Great finish.