Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Anyone surprised by the return of headless popularity?
- Thread starter MAJOR METAL
- Start date
I’m definitely a big 80s music fan and always liked the Steinberger basses. Of course, as a teenager at that time I certainly couldn’t afford one! Wish they had these back then! Would have been super fun building it in Woodshop class!
Anyone build one of these DIY headless kits? If so, how did it work out?
I really like this yin/yang paint scheme on this current Spirit model and the back of the neck has it as well!
Here for the pics.
There’s a Riverhead Unicorn sitting in my stepfathers barn back home. I’d rock that in a heartbeat.
Ditto a Steiny or ‘bishky X Factor.
Weir guitars make a beastie I’d like to try, too…
There’s a Riverhead Unicorn sitting in my stepfathers barn back home. I’d rock that in a heartbeat.
Ditto a Steiny or ‘bishky X Factor.
Weir guitars make a beastie I’d like to try, too…
I’ve always loved Steinberger and Status headless basses, so I’m happy if the choice gets wider.
Graphite headless = vastly superior balance and rigidity, with the added bonus of being compact.
Graphite headless = vastly superior balance and rigidity, with the added bonus of being compact.
I don't have a photo, but a loooong time ago I used the same concept to salvage an EB-0 that had a broken off headstock.nice!
back in 1988, I mitigated it by putting the ball-ends at the headstock:
View attachment 4851777 View attachment 4851778 View attachment 4851779 View attachment 4851780
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...
I have been pretty much a Steinberger, Hohner guy for decades. Got a new Kiesel just before covid hit. I really like it. It's a Vader 5 string, short scale 
I can't wrap my arms around headless. I feel like something is missing.....
I can't wrap my arms around headless. I feel like something is missing.....
Last guy on the assembly line is a Mohel....l'chaim!!
Riis
Definitely a thing. A lot more companies are offering them. He’ll, Ibanez has just launched a new line of headless guitars and has a line of headless basses that have been out for a few years.
Been a reality in my life for over 30y.
I will say if you look at the Carvin Kiesel thread I’m not entirely thrilled with the ergonomics of my Kiesel VB6 Vader bass. It’s just not comfy on me but I’m working on solutions. But the weight reduction, portability, and small size make it a win over other basses…
I’m up to 3 now. Steinberger, Kiesel and a Westone Quantum. I like headless for various reasons. I’ve said this before but when you’re north of 50 and playing 3-4 hour gigs your back appreciates EVERY ounce it doesn’t have to support.
thinking back, some nights even north of 40 :-(
thinking back, some nights even north of 40 :-(
I'm surprised . I purchased a Steinberger XL2 35 years ago and just never bonded with the instrument. I've played a Roscoe headless in recent years and still felt the same way. The sudden surge in them again has really surprised me. Maybe some of the younger players are more open to playing them. They just feel strange to me, particularly when playing in the lower positions.
To each his own though.
Since the topic has arisen, I'll ask: years ago I played a Steinberger and hated it because of how it hung WAY too far to my left, causing me to have to reach like 2-3 frets further. Has this changed? Are headless basses a whole different beast by now?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.
Yes most are pretty different. The reason that hung so far to the left is that the top horn was not close to the 12th fret, that’s the issue, not that it was headless.
The longer the upper horn, the better the balance and easier to reach frets closer to the nut.
Last edited:
