Disadvantages to headless basses?

[Herrick]

I have a Kiesel VB5 and it feels awkward to fret the lower notes (the ones closer to the non-existent headstock).

 

[foothilla]

good point. the clamp systems i have had were definitely not tapewound or flatwound friendly.

Does the bridge/clamp on that Marusczcyk look like it would struggle with flats/tapewounds? Because I would be using flats/tapewounds exclusively on this bass. That would be an issue for me.

And yea,...I like those clip on tuners too. I didn't consider that, but it is kind of a bummer not to be able to just keep those clipped on the headstock (which I commonly do on a fretless, so that I can easily reference my intonation).

 

[yodedude2]

bridge end is fine. that part pulls on the 'ball' end. the clamp end is usually at the nut. the blunt bolts that clamp the strings can compress outer windings. it's bad for tapewounds for sure. i couldn't see the nut end clearly on the bass in the video.

edit: ask the builder about using tapes/flats and let us know what he says...

 

[saltydude]

A straight non twist inducing pull on the strings are an advantage. Can’t think off any real diss. As someone mentioned they have a dated look.
I’ve had zero issues with my Kubicki’s. The bridge is an engineering marvel.

 

[foothilla]

bridge end is fine. that part pulls on the 'ball' end. the clamp end is usually at the nut. the blunt bolts that clamp the strings can compress outer windings. it's bad for tapewounds for sure. i couldn't see the nut end clearly on the bass in the video.

edit: ask the builder about using tapes/flats and let us know what he says...

I will,...I am actually typing an email to Adrian right now, with my wanted specs, woods, and needs. This thread is helping me think of things I need to ask Adrian,....such as it accommodating heavy gauge flats/tapewounds.

I appreciate all the feedback.

 

[pkstone]

bridge end is fine. that part pulls on the 'ball' end. the clamp end is usually at the nut. the blunt bolts that clamp the strings can compress outer windings. it's bad for tapewounds for sure. i couldn't see the nut end clearly on the bass in the video.

edit: ask the builder about using tapes/flats and let us know what he says...

I've been fighting this battle with a Kiesel VB5. I tried to put LaBella tapewounds on it, and the sharp point of the anchor cut through the tape and started it unraveling. Expensive strings to ruin like that!

I'm mulling over ideas to use epoxy or something to keep the tape from unraveling, but not sure it will work (and again, it's an expensive experiment).

 

[foothilla]

I've been fighting this battle with a Kiesel VB5. I tried to put LaBella tapewounds on it, and the sharp point of the anchor cut through the tape and started it unraveling. Expensive strings to ruin like that!

I'm mulling over ideas to use epoxy or something to keep the tape from unraveling, but not sure it will work (and again, it's an expensive experiment).

Oh wow. That is a serious bummer. Definitely something I need to ask Adrian about.

 

[DrDAV14]

Wow, My 2 cents. Not every headless is the same. I've owned and own a bunch. I currently have 2 Kiesel short scale Vaders and a Steinberger. I've owned 14 Status basses, all headlesses, Zon Vinny, Kramer Duke, 4 Kubicki Ex-Factors. Never had an issue with a dead spot on any of them. Have used them all in recording situations where dead spots stick out....no issues. Double ball strings for me are most desirable. I can change strings in 2 minutes. I carry Rounds, flats and tapes in my case and change to fit the gig.
I believe your 4G custom bass will not disappoint. he is a above avg. builder and won't let a dog leave his presence. I would not even be remotely afraid. Great thing is I think you'll dig the form factor once you start using it.

 

[DrDAV14]

You can get tape wound double balls from Status.

 

[shaggy45]

I have a status streamline. It’s in the 6 pound range and sounds wonderful. It’s the most comfortable bass I’ve ever played. Other than people poking fun at the looks or not being able to hang it, I have no downsides with it. It fits fine in my guitar rack.

I had a modulus funk unlimited when I got it and sold it. To me they sounded the same but the streamline was so much more comfortable.

 

[yodedude2]

You can get tape wound double balls from Status.

do they have 32" scale with a high 'c'? i assume they would, but you know...

 

[cchorney]

Some clip on tuners will fit over the end of a headless bass. My Steinberger Spirit XZ-2 will allow it. With some though, not all tuners.

 

[foothilla]

A Status Streamline was actually one of the headless basses that I first considered. I thought it would be fun because it would enable me to take my motorcycle to gigs when I was using a backline cab. I have a little D class amp, and I could have taken that and the Streamline, and motorcycled to gigs/rehearsals. In los Angeles a motorcycle is a MAJOR traffic advantage.

But, I'll be honest. I am generally a "I don't care what other people think" kinda guy. But I just couldn't get past the constant ribbing I would take over the look of the Streamline. With every day I age, I get less vain. So maybe the Streamline will be in my future, when I get even less vain.

 

[foothilla]

do they have 32" scale with a high 'c'? i assume they would, but you know...

Super good point!

 

[yodedude2]

A Status Streamline was actually one of the headless basses that I first considered.

i'd love to get my paws on a medium-scale streamline. someday...

 

[Odinbass]

Sometimes my fretting hand went flying off the top of the bass. No headstock to stop you.

 

[ThudThudThud]

The only issue I ever had was finding double ball end strings.
And once you did, there was a premium price on them. This was late 80s, early 90s, so one didn't just 'go online.'

But....they were quick to install, and rarely went out of tune!

 

[Gaolee]

No headstock to keep singers and drummers in line.

 

[Muttleybass]

My XL-2 sounded amazing and was always a conversation piece. No real disadvantages, except for maybe more expensive strings, sometimes if you're not paying attention you can slide off the end.

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

I know that the look of a headless bass is a turnoff to many people. Regardless, I am considering buying one (a very expensive one). I have owned 800 billion basses in my life, but never a headless.

The claimed advantages are many (less weight, better weight distribution, no dead spots, better tuning, etc.). But to those of you that have played them extensively, are there any disadvantages with a headless bass? Anything that drove you crazy that I might be missing?

And just to be clear, the headless I'd be buying would be able to accommodate any strings. It wouldn't require double ball ends. So that wouldn't be a disadvantage.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Every time I slide down, I miss the note, my hand goes off the end of the neck, my balance changes, I fall over and my car keys dig into my leg causing me to bleed profusely.

Headless basses are dangerous!