Passinwind
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- Dec 3, 2003
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I haven't seen a hint of that yet in what passes for real life, so no. But I'm all for anything that shakes up the staus quo.
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Anyone surprised by the return of headless popularity?
- Thread starter MAJOR METAL
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I haven't seen a hint of that yet in what passes for real life, so no. But I'm all for anything that shakes up the staus quo.
- Apr 18, 2008
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- I'm highly opinionated and extremely self-assured
The ergonomic difference is huge. And if you're at all interested in the ergonomic benefits, then I think you're doing yourself a disservice by "waiting for the innovation" about the string termination. Yeah, the single-ball clamping mechanisms aren't the most elegant, and that doesn't thrill me much either, but the ergonomics easily outstrip that small aesthetic issue. And I personally mitigate it by leaving a small stub of a headstock, so that the clipped string ends aren't completely exposed.
Not really. A lot of 80's trends came back. What's old is new again in the 21st century.
- Apr 18, 2008
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Thanks! It’s an 80s Peavey Foundation with a homemade neck.
I'm mostly surprised they haven't caught on sooner. I hate absolutely everything about the '80s and I'm sure the sci-fi looks of most offerings (or the early ones at least) is what kept me away from them.
I've had one made for me with a more traditional body shape, and the balance has to be experienced to be believed. Quicker to re-string and tuning is more stable, 34'' scale bass fits in a guitar bag which is great when you walk or use public transit to get to rehearsal or gigs, etc. There are only advantages to this design, in my opinion.
I've had one made for me with a more traditional body shape, and the balance has to be experienced to be believed. Quicker to re-string and tuning is more stable, 34'' scale bass fits in a guitar bag which is great when you walk or use public transit to get to rehearsal or gigs, etc. There are only advantages to this design, in my opinion.
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I sure miss my Statii. And now with Rob retired, Status has sadly gone the way of Steinberger and Kubicki.
The ergonomic difference is huge. And if you're at all interested in the ergonomic benefits, then I think you're doing yourself a disservice by "waiting for the innovation" about the string termination. Yeah, the single-ball clamping mechanisms aren't the most elegant, and that doesn't thrill me much either, but the ergonomics easily outstrip that small aesthetic issue. And I personally mitigate it by leaving a small stub of a headstock, so that the clipped string ends aren't completely exposed.
nice!
back in 1988, I mitigated it by putting the ball-ends at the headstock:
Mind you, the scarcity of headless hardware back then probably had a lot to do with it.
The same strategy worked for the Kramer Duke, and Fleishman - among others...
- Apr 18, 2008
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For me, the mullet has nothing to do with fashion, and everything to do with ergonomics. Far better balance, far more attitude, lighter overall weight, and better manageability on a cramped dance floor are big wins for me.
If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am about headless basses. In just the last week I became aware of Status basses and went their site and was surprised by the headless options, and by the fact that I have apparently missed the boat on being able to build any of their basses to my specs. I really like the KingBass Mk-II and the Wolstenholme, but unless fortune shines on me in the classifieds or Reverb it looks like that is not to be.
I am balding, and basically done for in the looks department, but still couldn't rock a headless bass, or wear white socks with boat shoes and shorts. I am just that vain.
I am balding, and basically done for in the looks department, but still couldn't rock a headless bass, or wear white socks with boat shoes and shorts. I am just that vain.
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If indeed there is such a return to popularity for headless basses, I am not surprised, but neither am I happy about it. You see I rather cherish the feeling of smug superiority afforded me by my persisting with a clearly superior instrument despite shifts in style and the inclination to conformity that drive them. My commitment to function over fashion will be no less real, but it will be a bit less apparent.
Your mullet has better ergonomics than a more balanced haircut?
It really is funny to read the ctmullins comment as if referring to a mullet. It works quite well.
Among the large-scale manufacturers the only companies making them are Ibanez and Gibson (Steinberger Spirit). NS Designs is holding down the small-scale manufacturing front. And that's about it -- the only other options I'm aware of are from custom builders.
So I'd say they're more popular than they have been but that's not the same thing as saying they're popular. There are seven- and eight-string guitars and multiscale instruments available to try at my local guitar shops, but no headless basses. And I don't think Guitar Center and Sam Ash would hold back on displaying them if they thought they'd sell.
Actually, I'm surprised it ever went away.
Not surprised. I’ve been looking at the headless offerings and I can’t just go for the Ibanez because I dislike the very thin neck and poor color choices.
Custom made is just way to expensive.
The hunt continues….
Custom made is just way to expensive.
The hunt continues….
A majority of my basses are headless so I’m not surprised. The reduction of weight from the headstock is a game changer, especially on 5+ string basses. Tuning at the bridge is far more stable and just easier than traditional headstock tuners.
If you keep the options simple a Kiesel is a great value for what you receive.
The Ibanez offerings all have slightly wider and deeper necks than their Soundgear series. Apologies if you are already aware of that and I agree on the lack of color choices. The slanted back is a real turn off for me as well.
If you keep the options simple a Kiesel is a great value for what you receive.
The Ibanez offerings all have slightly wider and deeper necks than their Soundgear series. Apologies if you are already aware of that and I agree on the lack of color choices. The slanted back is a real turn off for me as well.
