Headless hardware

[Dark Horse]

I've gone crazy and am thinking about perhaps planning a headless 5 string project. Yep, "Mr Vintage" has lost his mind.

My budget will definitely be limited … what have you found to be the best "bang for the buck" hardware available ?

 

[RonC72]

I used ETS on my headless. Very good quality, great service and handmade from Germany. Because it's all handmade per order you have to wait some months.
The price is not that expensive, ofcourse it's not as cheap as the Chinese stuff like Guyker but a lot cheaper as Hipshot.
I think I payed around €200 for all parts in total. (Bridge, tuners and headpiece).

 

[Gilmourisgod]

The Nova headless hardware has been pretty well reviewed on TB, though I havent used it myself. The "Overlords of Music" parts available on Ebay and Amazon have had some bad reviews on TB, it's cheap, but maybe you get what you pay for. You have a choice between a single bridge block with all the tuners integrated, or the single tuners. The singles potentially give you more control over string spacing, and more easily available than an integrated five string bridge, but require a lot more precision to place properly. If you are doing multi-scale, that may be your only option. Some of them require precision routing for recessed parts too. If your neck will have a headstock adjust truss rod, you have to make sure it works with the head piece string retainer you get, so some careful planning in order, or go with heel adjust to avoid the whole issue. A TB builder @MPU just recently did a headless build and found some good quality tuners, maybe he'll see this and weigh in on what he used.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

I'll just say what I've posted before. I've used Nova bridges and headpieces on 2 basses and a guitar and they work just fine. The price has gone up a bit. I believe they also ship from Brazil so I'm not sure how that affects the price nowadays. If @Passini has any in his Reverb store that was the least expensive place to get them last time I bought. There's also a Reverb store out of Colorado maybe that has Nova hardware but they're a little more although since they ship from the US that might even things out a little.

 

[MPU]

Riviera is my number 1 choice for headless. Expensive, but still.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Bass Bridge

SHOP NOW INFO FAQ CONTACT US Introducing the RIVIERA Headless Bass Bridge, a revolutionary advancement in the world of headless bass guitars. This innovative bridge, featuring a patented tuning system…

rivieragear.com

 

[2saddleslab]

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Hipshot would be my suggestion.
5 String Bass Headless

 

[Matt Liebenau]

View attachment 7474147

Don't call me Shirley!

 

[Zooberwerx]

I'll just say what I've posted before. I've used Nova bridges and headpieces on 2 basses and a guitar and they work just fine. The price has gone up a bit. I believe they also ship from Brazil so I'm not sure how that affects the price nowadays. If @Passini has any in his Reverb store that was the least expensive place to get them last time I bought. There's also a Reverb store out of Colorado maybe that has Nova hardware but they're a little more although since they ship from the US that might even things out a little.

The newer Nova tuners are a vast improvement as intonation is now adjustable via dedicated saddle "slugs" which move back 'n forth in a channel. The originals required string removal, loosening of 2 lock-down screws, etc....tedious and largely hit-or-miss.

Riis

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Ouch! Those Hipshot bridges are a mite pricey

 

[pingvuiini]

Another vote for Riviera even though they are on the pricey side. Their innovative top mounted bridge tuners mean you don't have to alter the body shape to accommodate the older style headless bridges that hang over the edge of the body. The trade off is that advanced woodworking/routing skills are required to install the bridge tuners.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Ouch! Those Hipshot bridges are a mite pricey

Hipshot has a factory outlet on eBay. The prices are somewhat discounted. I've bought a couple of things from there and either I couldn't see whatever the issue was supposed to be or it was so minor it didn't bother me. The down side is that it's only the products listed and headless hardware doesn't seem to come up very often.

 

[ardgedee]

I keep a file with notes on what's current in headless hardware, on the off chance I do a headless build. Here are a few, some are redundant (or old info) considering what people have said above. Prices for most of these will be badly out-of-date since I don't bother updating old entries -- I've added dates for when I got the prices, odds are extremely good that anything more than a couple months old (nearly everything here) is more expensive now.

Some of them, like the T4M, Egilgor, Nova and Guyker systems have previously been discussed on Talkbass.

Baboomin Q-River Bridge
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
All-in-one unit, bridge has integrated tailpiece
Prices shipped (for 5-string model):
Bridge only: $240 (April 2026)
Bridge and headpiece set: $270 (April 2026)

Baboomin Q-River 5 String Headless Bridge Tuning System

Discover Baboomin's headless bass guitars, designed for portability, versatility, and rich vintage tones. Our lightweight basses, weighing under 3.5kg, offer customizable features, including adjustable string height and active electronics. Perfect for musicians of all levels, crafted with...

baboomin.com

WSC
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Monorail. I can't find much info about it and it only seems to be available through Public Peace's online store. Is it a Public Peace house brand?
Prices from Germany for 4-string set:
US$114 (€108) for bridge assembly (2023)
US$42 (€40) for headpiece (2023)

WSC Headless Individual Bass Bridge

• Sold individually (one piece) • Material: zinc die-cast • Finish: chrome, black or gold

www.public-peace.de

WSC 4-string Headless Headpiece

• Nut width: 1.496’’ / 38 mm • Material: zinc die-cast • Finish: chrome, black or gold

www.public-peace.de

ETS
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
ETS's catalog offers both monorail bridge assemblies and multistring tailpiece tuner blocks with separate bridges.
Prices from Germany:
? for bridge assembly
? for headpiece
? for set
They must be contacted for a quote.

Products

www.ets-hardware.com

ABM
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
ABM's online catalog clearly shows a five-string tailpiece tuner block (without bridge), but the only items available for sale are monorail bridge assemblies. Similarly, the catalog shows a five-string headpiece designed to cap the end of the neck (similar to Steinberger headpiece), but the only items available are single string clamps.
Prices from Germany for 4-string set:
US$227 (€215) for bridge assembly (2023)
US$67 (€63) for headpiece (2023)

ABM Headless Guitar Parts

We offer high-end headless bridges, tuners and headpieces for professional instruments.

abm-guitarpartsshop.com

Overlord of Music
Head: n/a (depending on vendor)
Tailpiece: Ball end
A staple of low-end headless guitars and basses available through Ebay and many Chinese commerce websites, as well as some DIY kit suppliers. Designed to look like the original Steinberger bridge, with "OVERLORD OF MUSIC" where the Steinberger logo would go.
Price for 4-string:
US$35 for set (reseller picked at random on Ebay, 2023)

Solo Guitars
Head: n/a
Tailpiece: Ball end
A house-brand monorail tuner for a Canadian music supplier. Solo does not seem to offer a corresponding string clamp for the head. These appear very similar to WSC components.
Price from Canada for 4-string:
US$152 for bridge assembly (2023)
Headpiece not available?

Shop Solo Pro Headless Individual Saddle Bass Bridge Online

Buy the top-notch best selection of Solo Pro Headless Individual Saddle Bass Bridge online at SOLO Music Gear. Order now for great deals!

www.solomusicgear.com

Mera Guitars
Head: String clamp or ball end
Tailpiece: String clamp
A variety of monorail bridge designs for bass and guitar. Unlike most headless tuning systems the the string is clamped at the tuner with a set screw, and can also be clamped at the head. Mera claims that this system can use strings with one ball or no ball.
Price from Ukraine for 4-string:
US$220 for bridge assembly (2023)
US$40-60 for headpiece (2023)

http://meraguitars.com/eng/parts.html

T4M (Technology for Musicians)
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Monorail bridges. This might be the only headless bridge assembly available with integrated piezo saddles as an option.
Prices from Italy for 4-string:
US$140 (€132) for bridge assembly (2023)
US$60 (€56) for headpiece (2023)
(add US$32 (€30) per string for piezo) (2023)

Products for Headless Bass

Discover our selection of headless electric bass hardware

www.technologyformusicians.com

Riviera Gear
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Monorail. The string goes over the bridge and makes a 90° turn into the body, being pushed downward (rather than pulled in line) to raise the pitch. The knob is mounted on top, similar to the NS Design Radius. The mechanism extends 30mm (1.18") into the body, so it is not compatible with very thin bodies.
Prices from Italy (4 string):
US$275 (€230) for bridge assembly (2023)
US$72 (€68) for headpiece (2023)

https://rivieragear.com/product/rbbs-bass-headless-single-bridge/

https://rivieragear.com/product/rbbtk-headstock-bass-string-locker/

Egilegor
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Has separate saddle unit and tailpiece unit. Monorail-style, so one bridge assembly is two pieces for a total of 8 pieces for a 4-string bass.
Prices from Spain via Reverb:
US$67.80 plus ship for 4 headpieces (Dec 2025)
US$237.36 plus ship for 4 bridge assemblies (Dec 2025)

EGILEGOR BASSES

European Spanish Basque luthier and guitar&bass related hardware online shop, as Hipshot, Delano, John East, Schaller

egilegorbasses.com

EU shop: Egilegor Hardware
Reverb shop: Egilegor Basses

Nova Guitar Parts
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Monorail with straight-pull tuners, optionally mountable to metal plates to ensure all the bridges are perfectly parallel and spaced properly.
Prices from Brazil for 4-string:
US$152 for set with small base for each string (2023)
US$142 for set with one large base plate (2023)

NOVA Guitar Parts

Shop NOVA Guitar Parts on Reverb

reverb.com

Talkbass discussion thread:

Thread 'New product discovered! NOVA headless bridge / guitar hardware'

Nov 21, 2018

looks interesting.

• Lesfunk
• Replies: 136
• Forum: Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]

• 

Technical drawings posted by @Passini, owner/designer of Nova):

Post in thread 'New product discovered! NOVA headless bridge / guitar hardware'

Apr 1, 2023

I'm gonna revive the thread as I have Fernandes 5 string I'd like to convert to an "old guy" bass. A similar bass was showcased on FB.

*What is the total length of the tuner assembly w/ thrust bearings? Need to make sure there's enough "overhang" for the tuner knobs as I don't relish routing the surface.

*The tuner assembly mounting shim appears to kick the minimum string height to ~16 mm. I need something more along the lines of 14 mm. The neck already has a modest shim and don't wish to add more.

*Probably use the separate bridge assemblies as I need to draw the spacing down to...

• Passini

• 

Guyker (aka ALP bridge, KD bridge)
A few different designs, prices all over the place, sold through 3rd party vendors

Hipshot
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Key advantages of Hipshot systems includes versions with a variety of string space options. The headpieces are only available in single (relatively narrow) widths. The headpieces accommodate double-ball strings and also have set screws for clamping single-ball string ends.
Prices from the US (4-string):
US$227 for bridge assembly (2023)
US$185 for headpiece (2023)

Bass Headless

bass guitar, fan-fret, bass bridge, B-bender, guitar bridge, tremolo, bass machine heads, bass tuners, multi-scale, tuners, bridges, headless, vibrato, hardware

hipshotproducts.com

 

[Dark Horse]

View attachment 7474147

I know, it's crazy talk !!!

 

[Dark Horse]

I keep a file with notes on what's current in headless hardware, on the off chance I do a headless build. Here are a few, some are redundant (or old info) considering what people have said above. Prices for most of these will be badly out-of-date since I don't bother updating old entries -- I've added dates for when I got the prices, odds are extremely good that anything more than a couple months old (nearly everything here) is more expensive now.

Some of them, like the T4M, Egilgor, Nova and Guyker systems have previously been discussed on Talkbass.

Baboomin Q-River Bridge
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
All-in-one unit, bridge has integrated tailpiece
Prices shipped (for 5-string model):
Bridge only: $240 (April 2026)
Bridge and headpiece set: $270 (April 2026)

Baboomin Q-River 5 String Headless Bridge Tuning System

Discover Baboomin's headless bass guitars, designed for portability, versatility, and rich vintage tones. Our lightweight basses, weighing under 3.5kg, offer customizable features, including adjustable string height and active electronics. Perfect for musicians of all levels, crafted with...

baboomin.com

WSC
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Monorail. I can't find much info about it and it only seems to be available through Public Peace's online store. Is it a Public Peace house brand?
Prices from Germany for 4-string set:
US$114 (€108) for bridge assembly (2023)
US$42 (€40) for headpiece (2023)

WSC Headless Individual Bass Bridge

• Sold individually (one piece) • Material: zinc die-cast • Finish: chrome, black or gold

www.public-peace.de

WSC 4-string Headless Headpiece

• Nut width: 1.496’’ / 38 mm • Material: zinc die-cast • Finish: chrome, black or gold

www.public-peace.de

ETS
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
ETS's catalog offers both monorail bridge assemblies and multistring tailpiece tuner blocks with separate bridges.
Prices from Germany:
? for bridge assembly
? for headpiece
? for set
They must be contacted for a quote.

Products

www.ets-hardware.com

ABM
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
ABM's online catalog clearly shows a five-string tailpiece tuner block (without bridge), but the only items available for sale are monorail bridge assemblies. Similarly, the catalog shows a five-string headpiece designed to cap the end of the neck (similar to Steinberger headpiece), but the only items available are single string clamps.
Prices from Germany for 4-string set:
US$227 (€215) for bridge assembly (2023)
US$67 (€63) for headpiece (2023)

ABM Headless Guitar Parts

We offer high-end headless bridges, tuners and headpieces for professional instruments.

abm-guitarpartsshop.com

Overlord of Music
Head: n/a (depending on vendor)
Tailpiece: Ball end
A staple of low-end headless guitars and basses available through Ebay and many Chinese commerce websites, as well as some DIY kit suppliers. Designed to look like the original Steinberger bridge, with "OVERLORD OF MUSIC" where the Steinberger logo would go.
Price for 4-string:
US$35 for set (reseller picked at random on Ebay, 2023)

Solo Guitars
Head: n/a
Tailpiece: Ball end
A house-brand monorail tuner for a Canadian music supplier. Solo does not seem to offer a corresponding string clamp for the head. These appear very similar to WSC components.
Price from Canada for 4-string:
US$152 for bridge assembly (2023)
Headpiece not available?

Shop Solo Pro Headless Individual Saddle Bass Bridge Online

Buy the top-notch best selection of Solo Pro Headless Individual Saddle Bass Bridge online at SOLO Music Gear. Order now for great deals!

www.solomusicgear.com

Mera Guitars
Head: String clamp or ball end
Tailpiece: String clamp
A variety of monorail bridge designs for bass and guitar. Unlike most headless tuning systems the the string is clamped at the tuner with a set screw, and can also be clamped at the head. Mera claims that this system can use strings with one ball or no ball.
Price from Ukraine for 4-string:
US$220 for bridge assembly (2023)
US$40-60 for headpiece (2023)

http://meraguitars.com/eng/parts.html

T4M (Technology for Musicians)
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Monorail bridges. This might be the only headless bridge assembly available with integrated piezo saddles as an option.
Prices from Italy for 4-string:
US$140 (€132) for bridge assembly (2023)
US$60 (€56) for headpiece (2023)
(add US$32 (€30) per string for piezo) (2023)

Products for Headless Bass

Discover our selection of headless electric bass hardware

www.technologyformusicians.com

Riviera Gear
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Monorail. The string goes over the bridge and makes a 90° turn into the body, being pushed downward (rather than pulled in line) to raise the pitch. The knob is mounted on top, similar to the NS Design Radius. The mechanism extends 30mm (1.18") into the body, so it is not compatible with very thin bodies.
Prices from Italy (4 string):
US$275 (€230) for bridge assembly (2023)
US$72 (€68) for headpiece (2023)

https://rivieragear.com/product/rbbs-bass-headless-single-bridge/

https://rivieragear.com/product/rbbtk-headstock-bass-string-locker/

Egilegor
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Has separate saddle unit and tailpiece unit. Monorail-style, so one bridge assembly is two pieces for a total of 8 pieces for a 4-string bass.
Prices from Spain via Reverb:
US$67.80 plus ship for 4 headpieces (Dec 2025)
US$237.36 plus ship for 4 bridge assemblies (Dec 2025)

EGILEGOR BASSES

European Spanish Basque luthier and guitar&bass related hardware online shop, as Hipshot, Delano, John East, Schaller

egilegorbasses.com

EU shop: Egilegor Hardware
Reverb shop: Egilegor Basses

Nova Guitar Parts
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Monorail with straight-pull tuners, optionally mountable to metal plates to ensure all the bridges are perfectly parallel and spaced properly.
Prices from Brazil for 4-string:
US$152 for set with small base for each string (2023)
US$142 for set with one large base plate (2023)

NOVA Guitar Parts

Shop NOVA Guitar Parts on Reverb

reverb.com

Talkbass discussion thread:

Thread 'New product discovered! NOVA headless bridge / guitar hardware'

Nov 21, 2018

looks interesting.

• Lesfunk
• Replies: 136
• Forum: Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]

• 

Technical drawings posted by @Passini, owner/designer of Nova):

Post in thread 'New product discovered! NOVA headless bridge / guitar hardware'

Apr 1, 2023

I'm gonna revive the thread as I have Fernandes 5 string I'd like to convert to an "old guy" bass. A similar bass was showcased on FB.

*What is the total length of the tuner assembly w/ thrust bearings? Need to make sure there's enough "overhang" for the tuner knobs as I don't relish routing the surface.

*The tuner assembly mounting shim appears to kick the minimum string height to ~16 mm. I need something more along the lines of 14 mm. The neck already has a modest shim and don't wish to add more.

*Probably use the separate bridge assemblies as I need to draw the spacing down to...

• Passini

• 

Guyker (aka ALP bridge, KD bridge)
A few different designs, prices all over the place, sold through 3rd party vendors

Hipshot
Head: String clamp
Tailpiece: Ball end
Key advantages of Hipshot systems includes versions with a variety of string space options. The headpieces are only available in single (relatively narrow) widths. The headpieces accommodate double-ball strings and also have set screws for clamping single-ball string ends.
Prices from the US (4-string):
US$227 for bridge assembly (2023)
US$185 for headpiece (2023)

Bass Headless

bass guitar, fan-fret, bass bridge, B-bender, guitar bridge, tremolo, bass machine heads, bass tuners, multi-scale, tuners, bridges, headless, vibrato, hardware

hipshotproducts.com

Great info, thanks for compiling it !

 

[bassbrad]

I used a Guyker five string headless setup and it has worked very well for the conversion I did. FWIW I have also used Guyker pickups in several builds and mods and have been very pleased for budget priced parts. Shop them direct and Amazon for the best pricing.

Guyker CNC-Machined 5-String Locking Adjustable Headless Bass Bridge WB005

Shop Guyker WB005 5-string headless bass bridge with string lock, CNC-machined build, and slightly adjustable 18mm spacing. Verify fit before ordering.

www.guyker.com

There is also an aluminum block version in interesting colors

Guyker WBA-005 5-String Headless Bass Bridge with Brass Saddles

Upgrade your bass with the Guyker WBA-005 headless bass bridge featuring a CNC aluminum alloy body, brass saddles, 18mm string spacing, and individual saddle adjustment for 5-string headless bass builds.

www.guyker.com

 

[Tj smith]

I just did a headless 5 string build with a ebmm bongo as the donor. I used nova hardware.

 

[kittywithabanjo]

The ETS is very good i was able to get one from Adrien at Public Peace but that was some years ago, I also have the Nova on my S Martyn and it seems good but its still brand new, just had it set up so will see later today what the tech has to say about it.

 

[Reedt2000]

I haven't done a headless project in a couple years, but last one I cobbled together I researched and found the Nova system to be the best combo of price and quality. Ive seen a number of TBers using the Guyker stuff recently and reports seem good, though I don't know about longevity.

Hipshot is nice, but needed thrust bearings to tune smoothly. Might be worth mentioning they blow out old stuff and oddball stuff on Ebay in the Hipshot outlet store

hipshotfactoryoutlet on eBay

Follow hipshotfactoryoutlet on eBay. Buying, Selling, Collecting on eBay has never been more exciting!

ebay.us