Great headless basses?

[D.A.R.K.]

Here's the Kiesel I had built- was truly precision made, excellent work, beautiful instrument- but had no life to it sonically, whatsoever. It was to be a replacement for another, vintage instrument I play (scale and string gage/tuning specific, non standard), but fell so short sonically I let it go (and still play the original). Only custom build I've ever done.

 

[Nephilymbass]

Pickguard. Ramp is fine, my main player has one ex factory and I've seen no reason to remove it yet.

Yeah it’s more of a playability thing. I do like to swap out guards just to go with a fresh look on the same bass here and there or to make it my own but it’s more so playability. I’d have to actually get a Zeus to see what the distance from the strings to the body is like though. I wouldn’t do it if the strings are already close to the body and it would make it difficult to get under the strings. I honestly wish standgerg would have put guards on their bodin series basses. Their guitars with guards look very nice imo.

 

[A9X]

Any guitars/basses with guards don't look very nice imo.

 

[murph7489]

I do wish they’d at least put a pickgaurd on it.

Yeah, usually Kiesel builds are made with really nicely figured wood or tops that I guess people don't want covered up with a pickguard..but then again anything is possible if you want to put one on I guess it would be a one off design and have some vendor make you a pickguard for it..

 

[Barticus]

OP - If you’re truly looking for a “traditional” style, the Bacchus Woodline headless is the closest that I’ve seen/played.

Very well made, looks like a Jazz, plays and sounds great and is headless. They come up used from time to time.

here’s an old thread (no affiliation) but gives you an idea of style/description.

For Sale - Bacchus Handmade Japan - WOODLINE 4 - HL 24 - 4 string active headless bass - Limited Edition

 

[sonojono]

NS Design but you’re looking at $3k for one...

Used market are around $1500 so it’s best to keep an eye out

 

[D.A.R.K.]

NS Design but you’re looking at $3k for one...

Used market are around $1500 so it’s best to keep an eye out

The NXTA (no piezo electronics, vol/ vol/ tone same pickups) is the same as the CR4 otherwise, a 4 string is under $1,800.00 new

 

[Ric5]

 

[whero]

Yet another +1 for NS Design. Played one of these in my local music shop and really liked it:

 

[roller]

The Troutberger, walking away.

 

[selowitch]

FWIW, like the OP I love my Traveler TB-4P. Definitely a headless bass that punches way above its weight.

 

[bararan]

Basslab Soul (headless is offered as an option, along with a plethora of options for electronics and finishes).

 

[ghunter]

This is the factory pic of my headless ACG bass (I also own a 2+2 headstock ACG fretless). It now has the upgraded pickups and preamp, so has the Uber designation.

I also own this ACG headless guitar:

Amazing instruments, Alan is a true master.

 

[Raman]

I’m pretty much a FSO P&J-type guy, but have a Traveler TB-4P bass that I really enjoy playing around the house and in hotels during my travels.
One of the things I’ve grown to like about the Traveller is it’s headless design, I just don’t miss the big headstock’s effect on strap balance and I enjoy the “freedom of movement” I gain not worrying about the occasional knock on something as I move about without the extended headstock.
It’s got me wondering re: what options are out there for a more “traditional”-type bass in a headless design? I know Keisel makes some nice headless basses and Ibanez has its headless, fanned-fret option (not exactly traditional). Who else offers (offered, used is good) well-made headless designs?

Your thread just reminded me of this bass, which I too often leave in its case: an Ibanez Axstar. My 1st bass! My father bought it for my 16th birthday.

Got it out of its case and plugged it in after I saw your thread. Been jamming with it since! It sounds fantastic as always. Very potent pups and controls. The tuners are super tight and precise. Sustain is crazy. Lightweight and comfortable, sitting or standing. And of course, no neck dive!

I'd never sell this bass, if only for sentimental reasons. But every time I grab it back, I'm reminded that it's one heck of a well-built and awesome-sounding instrument!

 

[57pbass]

 

[bigswifty1]

I haven’t seen one in years, but I thought the Westone Rail I tried in a shop years ago worked really well. I’d probably need some liquid paper or something to mark my preferred positions......

 

[A9X]

I haven’t seen one in years, but I thought the Westone Rail I tried in a shop years ago worked really well. I’d probably need some liquid paper or something to mark my preferred positions......

View attachment 4183167

There was one of these on Oz ebay about a year back. I don't think it sold as he was asking something like $A850 which was too much for me as I already had 5 4 string headless and it would only be a collector's item, not a player. When I move mid year, that might change though if one were to become available. I can just see the sign out the front of my house: Headless Museum.

I've never played a Westone that I recall.

 

[Hummergeist]

Seems there are more and more options out there, The Maruszczyk basses are great for the price.

I had a custom headless built by a local luthier. using the ETS hardware that I got from Adrian at public peace.View attachment 4182431

Yes! I remember you posting about this one before. That bass pushes ALL of my buttons. It is so beautiful.

 

[cnltb]

Lefay.

 

[A9X]

Lefay.

Very nice. Then I downloaded the pricelist and I can barely read my screen as my eyes are watering so much.