Best Cheap Headless Guitars?

[@andertons]

No time for long videos? Check out the playing only video on Andertons 2 | kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaLWd3Rmg5iZaJY

[@CarlosGallardoCandia]

So glad to see this review! I got a HEX in South Korea, and every guitar tech here in Nashville has asked me when these guitars are going to hit the US market because they feel like $1000+ guitars. I'm so happy to share with them that these guitars are finally here! For the past year, this brand has been the only one I’ve been using in the studio and on the road, and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon.

[@PaulPaid]

Can you get the action really low?

[@MrJingles021]

I just bought a Hex headless like 2 weeks ago (I live in South Korea). It is incredible! I've gigged it twice and had no issues. It's literally flawless when it comes to the neck and frets. Even the pickups are good...and it so cheap. I want them to make a 7 string.

[@BrightErawat]

How are the tuners? Do they stay in tune well and for long?

[@MrJingles021]

@BrightErawat I've gigged it twice and it didn't go out of tune at all. No more than a normal guitar would with temperature changes from lights and such. The tuners are very precise too.

[@김기태-m2l]

​@MrJingles021 where's your gig held at? Really like to attend one! Tired of recent trend of Korean live scene headed too much to the soft pop...

[@DanielBobke]

These are not SLIGHTLY more affordable than Strandberg...they are SIGNIFICANTLY more affordable. These are 50% of the price of the cheapest Strandberg (the new Essentials line). They are coming out with trem models in November and also adding active pickups to the choices (OEM, although one model I believe will have Fishmans). I am really hearing lots of good things about these guitars and I am really intrigued...probably will be in my collection in the near future.

[@Nickshreds890]

I haven't played this brand of guitars but here is my experience with headless guitars. I purchased an Ibanez Quest guitar because I have a back condition and also because I don't enjoy retro guitars at all (Also Fender and Gibson cost almost 10 times the price of an Ibanez quest. Though I do think I would like to change the pickups for the Quest guitar. They are excellent but I like high gain and they get muddy. The clean tones are beautiful though!) To get a guitar that weighs less than 3.5 kilograms is a miracle because it means I don't end up unable to play after only playing for 30 minutes. They are so easy to play, they sound fantastic, it's wonderful for preventing injuries and because it's so light you can play it sitting or standing. I also own a Strandberg but I would not recommend them as the Endurneck is not for everyone. It's a trapezoid shape and very uncomfortable for me to play. I'll most likely be selling that one. So essentially if you like a modern looking guitar that stays in tune almost all the time without having to retune very much ( hugely convenient) , you want a guitar that isn't going to knock into walls or knock into people while you're playing together, and you're looking for something to prevent you from causing your shoulders, neck, back and most of your body from pain .. then headless are for you! :) I hope this is of some use to you! If not, then have a jolly good day!

[@OkayyyIGetIt]

No one’s reading this.

[@Temeraire306]

I agree with you good sir, I was amazed at how I didn't even need to transition to playing a Q54 from Ibanez. I appreciate how lightweight it is and how many tonal options there are. The fit and finish were amazing as well and I find myself picking it up more than my S type and RG.

[@zeevshaff]

That digital John sound bit gets me every time

[@BuHeTy]

If John Connearn is in the video and there is no proper "digital John" presentation, I skip and don't watch it.

[@NeungView]

In what way?

[@McRocking]

HILS Guitars is the International Market brand name of the Korean guitar company, HEX.

[@justie1220]

Not gonna lie, I expected this video to be mostly high gain shred, but those guitars do the clean tone extremely well!!

[@phil.willoughby]

It's no coincidence: to do high gain well the output of the guitar has to be super clean.

[@mr.bluenotedoobop]

"HILS Guitars is the American and international brand of the Korean brand HEX. HILS guitars are made in Indonesia in their own factory."

[@semin811]

and in Korea, there are 2 extra models; one that has a tremolo, and the other has Fishman Fluence pickups

[@rrinfela_]

now thats diversity

[@Robstafarian]

@@semin811 I am particularly grateful for the low hardtail, passive pickups, and the 42mm nut. That combination can be difficult to find in a "metal" guitar, the Schecter Omen Elite-6 being one of the only others I know, and this provides a headless alternative with neck geometry which is extremely similar to said Schecter.

[@thisguy2973]

They’re in the process of making a 7, 8, and multiscale options.

[@Robstafarian]

@@thisguy2973 I want to see this model with a 24.75" scale length and a thicker neck, keeping the same bridge and nut width.

[@huskyspade3461]

I have been waiting for a video like this! I want a Strandberg but its a bit expensive for me right now. Thanks Digital John and Djentleman Ben!

[@bernardo9202]

Ibanez Q series are a great option for headless guitar too, with the Q54 with HSS pickups seems to be a great option for an alternative to the strandberg brand

[@huskyspade3461]

Thanks, I’ve looked at those. But they’re twice the price of these. For $1K, I’d probably just get the Boden Essential so I can get the Strandberg neck.

[@staceysmith967]

Dynamic duo back at it! Very tempted to by this I must say. Gorgeous outro too 🎸

[@HRSP725]

I own one of these and it is super light and plays beautifully. Great bang for the buck.

[@dannywattt]

do you know about how much it weighs ? Thanks !

[@charlesphelps8191]

@@dannywattt Their website says ~4.5 lbs

[@6stringcodger450]

The melodic content of the opening jam was beautiful, the use of counterpoint, parallel, similar, contrary, and oblique motion between two melodic lines brought tears to my ears. I will be humming and whistling that main melody all day!

[@mitch0990]

Lol sarcasm overdose

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

I just got one of these from HiLS and can attest it is a fantastic guitar and the price is awesome!

[@georgeoh-well8116]

Do you have any experience with any other headless guitars or is your comment relating to other more conventional guitars? Were you sent one to review or did you buy? Genuinely interested.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

@@georgeoh-well8116 i've played quite a few headless guitars w/ Strandbergs and Mayones being the most expensive options. I've also played lower priced options and no-name/lesser-known brands. the guitar was indeed sent to me by HiLS for a review, with the only compensation being keeping the guitar. Legitimately, I pick this guitar up almost everyday AND I've used it in several other videos just because I like it so much. One small repair I've had to make is simply checking the grounding for the pickups. BUT, this has been something I've had to do more expensive instruments so I'm not too beat up about it. It's also something I only noticed after shooting my demo, which I should have on my channel within the next two weeks. hope this helps

[@D-Rguitar]

Great solo by Ben during the intro!! 🔥🔥

[@davidshigo3150]

guys !!!!! that outro is absolutely tasty !!!!!

[@semin811]

i think it's very noteworthy that these come with stainless steel frets. That made me pull the trigger.

[@F4M3Resistance]

How do you like it so far? Waiting for the trem version to be in stock now.

[@MrJingles021]

Hex (the mother company from Korea) has trem versions they just released, also with flame tops. Source: I live in Korea and it's on their website.

[@soogen]

Very nice split coil sounds

[@AGuitarNinja]

6:41 what’s the best color?

[@xlilxillx]

wow those guitars are perfect and digital johns solo at the end was amazing i was not familiar with his game

[@thunderbirdcalls]

Amazing performances, fellas!

[@beforever]

that middle position is so sweet

[@marklnz]

So the HILS really are alive with the sound of music, it seems...

[@stoneysdead689]

This is the best thing I've seen in the budget market for quite a while- since the Classic Vibe line came out tbh. That's probably just me though- because I've been lusting after a Strandberg for so long and couldn't afford it and viola- here it is, a poor man's Strandberg. Can't snag one right now- I just bought the Keely Darkside which blew my budget for this month- maybe next month, if Strandberg doesn't find some way to cease and desist that is. Why aren't they phreaking out? Has Gibson taught them nothing?

[@richgrothaus5971]

Great video guys

[@marcoferrandi6191]

I just ordered a green one! I had a Strandberg Boden and I loved it, except the fanned frets. So I sold it and, for half the money I made, I can have this... No Endureneck, I know, but for me the ergonomics of the body are what matters the most

[@MartinStrang]

I agree, I also had a strandberg and sold it. Please et me know how are you enjoying your Hils

[@marcoferrandi6191]

@@MartinStrang it is lovely. 2kg (a bit less than a Strandberg Boden NX6), the neck is very comfortable, the frets are perfect, the shape is very ergonomic, the pickups are good. It's really, really impressive

[@jarexxsuvexx8212]

Only interested in the Hils Tremelo equiped version, especially the EXT HN7 G/TPB version(which looks lovely🥰). However since i am an owner of the Strandberg red essential model i have an hard time imaginging me buying another guitar that doesn't have that awesome endurNeck, stainless steel frets and a 20" radius fretboard. I must say before i can even consider buying that lovely Hils EXT HN7 G/TPB model i would have to first contact a lutherer to see if they can convert the neck to either a 20" radius or flat fretboard with stainless steel frets and at what cost. My experience with the 20" radius and stainless steel frets on my strandberg boden essential makes it an essential feature for me to ever consider buying another guitar.

[@JorgeLopez-wj2rb]

Lovely review Item 👏 👌

[@alexdattel2757]

The asymmetric "headstock" shape is a bit strange. Could be good for travel. They're very reasonably priced. I like that they have a normal roasted maple neck. Before this I think the cheapest headless I would have gone for were the Ibanez quest series guitars. Very cool.

[@새달슈]

That headstock is for whom uses the clip tuners

[@bukuga]

For clip tuner and hanging stands

[@joesatchton212]

Digital John's progression as a guitarist/musician on Anderton's is highly reminiscent to me of another notable alumnus, Rabea Massaad. Both display to me tons of highly interesting and melodic sensibilities, far more than just typical modern chug chug chug playing, which is also fine BTW. Great to see! And that QC sounds glorious indeed. A future head to with these, the lower budget Strandbergs and the Ibanez offerings would be great.

[@xXN0SK1LLZXx]

Shit man I think I might finally be getting a headless guitar for that price

[@RobertFisher1969]

The flat "bottom" and rubber "feet". My complaint with most headless guitars is that don't stand up nicely like my Steinberger as well as not playing nice with stands or hangers.

[@guitargodzilla22]

i have on of these ... i love it..its way more value for money than ibanez quest and strandberg essential..a great mod platform

[@Dorian.P]

Hy ! I'm actually interested in buying on,but I would want a trem...do you think there's maybe a way to install a strandberg trem bridge on it ...or some other trem bridge...i really like it,but no trem is a deal breaker and lets just say I;m not in the market for a strandberg :) Thank you in advance !

[@guitargodzilla22]

@@Dorian.P wait for a few days these guitars are coming in trem version also

[@Neoma1999]

Yo, those look really good!

[@fusionfan6883]

They look good and the only feedback I can give is they need to move the Jack socket as you can’t otherwise stand the guitar up with the jack in (unless you are using a right angle one). I currently own 5 headless guitars and have definitely figured out what does and doesn’t work. Key to headless is a good bridge, especially the quality of the tuning screw threads, if the metal used is inferior quality, the tuners can definitely cause problems.

[@MrVinB]

Looks great! Bass version when?

[@WolfAbarth]

Try a Cort Space 5

[@krack0]

They are already selling it in korea, probably coming soon internationally. Its called he HEX NB505

[@WolfAbarth]

@@krack0 They look great

[@eduardolorandi3628]

Excelent models! But I can't wait for these budget friendly headless brands/models to finally make 7 strings versions. I'd buy in an instant

[@christopheranderson2100]

Now someone tells me, after I bought a GTRS W900 last week on the basis of "at least it's the best headless for the money" discounting the electronics. Good to see they are using the hardtail bridges that can be intonated in situ, though the flip side is no multi-scale fanned frets. Not sure if they have a single-coil mode, the GTRS W900 doesn't (and it calls itself "Smart"), but at least it's easy to add (you can just pull out the pickguard and everrything is attached to that).

[@zoomzoom3950]

I owned original Steinbergers back in the day; currently have an Ibanez Q52, great versatile guitar, needs a floating trem option..

[@Lavietto]

Lefty versions coming?

[@bukuga]

There is lefty one in korean hex version but idk in HILS export versions

[@rntlpbm]

glad they are headless considering hex's head design..

[@erikkorhonen]

usually when you jam at the beginning you would want both guys playing together

[@jasonjayalap]

Your regularly scheduled dad blues will return shortly

[@RGBloke]

someone's gotta say it … Head for the HILS

[@davehill6075]

I don't know about you guys, but everytime I heard Ben's ring (the guy on the right) hit the neck it made me wince. Is he trying to relic it?

[@parvezsiddiqui3047]

In your opinions...is this hand luggage sized? Might be a good guitar to take away on holiday

[@jasonjayalap]

You should be putting your normal guitars in a soft bag in the overhead. Headless are easier to travel with, of course.

[@NeungView]

They are still too long. Cabin size is only 55 cm long.

[@davidLPST]

@@NeungView Cathay Pacific say musical instruments must be below 100cm including the bag. These fit inside that. Only issue with them is they say "guitars have to be checked baggage" so they may default to this rule even if you show up with a bag less than 100cm.

[@darraghcannon6689]

Is there anywhere in Europe to buy these?

[@jasmith85]

Finally the return of Digital John, I look at a headless guitar and wonder where is the rest of it.

[@gattigatozza]

What about intonation? As i can see, when you tune it, you are changing length of usable string.

[@namesurname5409]

from the photos it looks like there are both screws and tuning pegs on the bridge my guess is that intonation works same way as for any hipshot-style bridges, i.e. with philips screws and then the string winds from the saddle onto the tuning peg somehow, underneath the bridge or mb it goes through the tuning peg as i don't see where string ends are

[@gattigatozza]

@HILSAmerica thanks for answer, but, I just looked closeup of your bridge, and as i can see, when you are tuning, you are moving bridge saddle. On Strandberg, for example, during intonation you set bridge position, and when you make tuning you are moving string ball, and string is going over fixed bridge saddle position, as in all guitars.

[@gattigatozza]

@HILSAmerica Glad to hear that.

[@Marta1Buck]

The digital john sound stuck with me, everytime I see him anywhere I always remember it.

[@xlilxillx]

a version of this with two passive humbuckers would be irresistible. the active sounds great but i've had bad luck with active's dying on me so i'm wary of them even tho i do like the sound and look

[@revtimewest]

They are passive pickups. No battery

[@estelaurbano2223]

How much color red

[@tinkertable1977]

Is there an advantage to the headless design?

[@wsplatinum]

yes

[@chrisobrien9687]

Does this guitar need double ball end strings?

[@iammatthewbirch]

No :)

[@topjimmy8717]

What is so good about headless guitars? Like what’s their main selling point? I’m a noob when it comes to them but kinda interested for some reason, cheers 😂

[@Zolbat]

they're smaller, have no headdive and tend to be more ergonomic, but your milage may vary

[@Nickshreds890]

I mean, for myself I purchased Ibanez Quest guitars because I have a back condition and also because I don't enjoy retro guitars at all. To get a guitar that weighs less than 3.5 kilograms is a miracle because it means I don't end up unable to play after only playing for 30 minutes. They are so easy to play, they sound fantastic, it's wonderful for preventing injuries and because it's so light you can play it sitting or standing. I also own a Strandberg but I would not recommend them as the Endurneck is not for everyone. It's a trapezoid shape and very uncomfortable for me to play. I'll most likely be selling that one. So essentially if you like a modern looking guitar that stays in tune almost all the time without having to retune very much ( hugely convenient) , you want a guitar that isn't going to knock into walls or knock into people while you're playing together, and you're looking for something to prevent you from causing your shoulders, neck, back and most of your body from pain .. then headless are for you! :) I hope this is of some use to you! If not, then have a jolly good day!

[@AUTI5T1X]

They're extremely lightweight, and ergonomic. I own a strandberg, a Kiesel headless, and I swear by both of em'. You're absolutely missing out by passing them up.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

Trying hard not to ignite a comment flamewar - just broad principles that are true'ish regardless of whether you personally (dis)like the design... Headstock+tuners is surplus weight in the wrong place, out on the end of a long lever (the neck) that induces neck dive, counteracted with a heavier body. Chop the head off, move the tuners to the body end ... Better balanced, less prone to neck dive, no counterweight needed in the body so lighter overall, more compact size. The sitting thigh cutouts have been applied to some non-headless (headfull?) guitars, so the comfort/ergonomic aspect of that isn't solely unique to headless anymore, and these don't have the Strandberg enduro neck carve (for egonomics) so let's skip that rabbit hole. But overall they are solving what they perceive as problems from different angles. Whether you perceive those problems needed a solution for you, only you can decide.

[@zebulon39u]

@@PaulCooksStuff Hi Paul, you make some interesting points, but do you have any comments about tuning stability or intonation with headless guitars?

[@Chaotic_Neutral76]

Of course I see this after buying a Boden Essential the other week lol

[@jameshobbs]

12:27 did he say degrees?

[@timoconnell]

What am I doing here? I’m not interested in headless guitars. Oh, right. It’s a fun hang with the Andertons crew, and the playing is always epic. Cheers!

[@DouglasRosser]

Andertons, please be kind enough to announce when we heave reached the "Guitar Event Horizon" cause it sure seems mighty close these days.

[@athmaid]

I was so excited to check out the 7 string version. It's 25.5". WHY

[@csurivonat]

Hi Does anybody know the weight of these guitars. Ibanez q series is 10 pounds I wonder how these compare. Thnx

[@luckysihombing8338]

This is 4,45 lbs or around 2 kg

[@saturnoutrun]

Wait, these are just re-painted and re-badged HEX N400's!

[@andertons]

The Hils brand stands for "Hex Instrument Labs" - I believe theres a trademark issue using the HEX brand in Europe, so its called HILS over here.

[@McRocking]

HILS Guitars is the International Market brand name of the Korean guitar company, HEX.

[@saturnoutrun]

@@andertons Thanks for clarifying! I'm from Asia and I recognized the guitar instantly but was confused about the branding.

[@aniketjha3557]

I think these are n700s. N400 is only available in black and white.

[@bukuga]

​@@aniketjha3557n700 is w/ trem bridge and fishman pickups... This is just repainted n400

[@deathapedisco]

Cheeky Pete at the end there

[@jackfryer3617]

I love headless but the heads always look odd. None of them do it like kiesel their headless is spot on

[@alieffauzanrizky7202]

This weirdly are very similiar to HEX N400 which is also a made in china headless guitar that cost more or less the same. HEX is a korean guitar company and i'm assuming that both HEX and HILS order the guitar from the same factory OEM or it's actually the same guitar but with a different name depending on the region

[@croy9606]

I know HILS as HEX's brand name for export.

[@HRSP725]

Made in Indonesia in their own factory

[@alieffauzanrizky7202]

@@croy9606 Ahhh. This makes sense

[@keenansmithvlogs]

lit video but where's the captain

[@13aphomet]

Sounds great guys.. Could never go headless tho. It's just wrong. Haha

[@IVIonitorr]

Damn no 8 string or multiscale options.

[@dexterj5615]

Finding a lefty from anybody that isnt strandberg or iyv is hard

[@rebisco2002]

here in the philippines we have headless guitars selling at 190£ maybe ya'll should sell that at andertons too...

[@hakankillberg6043]

Like all about the guitar except for the pickups. Wish they had less output.

[@Riverking1]

"Yeah, we're not gonna play Malmsteen..." Plays Malmsteen 😂

[@intotheshred]

Why no Captain? These are perfect for him

[@suriakumar4276]

HE MUST BE TAKING A BREAK.

[@johnstevens282]

Kate Bush / Dave Gillmore: Running Up That Hill

[@juliansedor7101]

Steinberger!!!

[@kahlrhoam6769]

Give two youngsters modern instruments & you still get classic rock riffs & boomer bends. 😂👏🇬🇧

[@vesselsfirst8200]

Its a shame they don’t make extended range guitars, when I think of headless I think 7 string chug machine

[@lewisbeeman]

What guitars dont even sound musical when they are coil split/tapped? Be specific.

[@danieltilleru3528]

Yall still haven't reviewed a censtar you doing your viewers a disfavor they have cheap headless aswell

[@richardfoskett8903]

Say what you want - they’re certainly alive with the sound of music…

[@maximummovementtheatre]

Of course you're forgetting Ibanez Q series...

[@andertons]

Have you got one?

[@maximummovementtheatre]

@@andertons no, sadly not

[@richkellett2418]

F it, I’m gunna buy one 😂

[@jeffreyprice773]

How much are the special strings, and fitment.

[@Ovibos5]

No special strings for modern headless. Only the old Steinbergers need the double ball.

[@tymanngruter1808]

Gimme head! 🥳

[@yankeeverse]

Lmfao at the poor people who can't afford a $2k Strandberg.

[@nahihai]

Headless Industry, hmmmmm there is something their , hmmmmmmm head less industrayyy hmm

[@collierpj]

Close your eyes and that’s a Les Paul all day.

[@ehuiii]

Shots every time you say obviously…. 😂 you’d be smashed… obviously…

[@joeri666]

No heads that reminds of my relationship with my ex

[@robertandre778]

I like cheap ;))

[@emmanueltetteh-ahomah6318]

Dear John,kindly relax when demoing clean sounds..That would be much appreciated .Thanks

[@lyricbread]

Digishill John.

[@JasonT-xp3kh]

Do they have a 22 fret version? 24 frets are for posers and dorks.

[@revtimewest]

And 22 frets are for people who cant play. Learn to play a guitar.

[@allanlesser7957]

They sound terrible…

[@eldanonino94]

Best tip for taking care of Headless guitar: don't get a headless guitar

[@tylerdurden6352]

Eart GW2 is better

[@AUTI5T1X]

No, they're not. They're extremely cheap strandberg knockoffs that are horrendously setup, and use terrible quality parts. Eart's headless models are the "Bullet Strat" of headless guitars.

[@tylerdurden6352]

@@AUTI5T1X you couldn't be more wrong

[@AUTI5T1X]

@@tylerdurden6352I, a strandberg owner, couldn't be more wrong about instruments that are cheap imitations of their genuine counterparts? Care to rephrase that, brah?

[@tylerdurden6352]

@@AUTI5T1X So that's why you won't stop glazing Strandberg. Because you paid 3k for an instrument that's only slightly better than a 400$ one.

[@namesurname5409]

well, that's debatable GW2 pro - maybe, neck looks nice and it seems to have more or less "standard" bridge plain GW2 - the bridge is fishy, with questionable ergonomics and durability durability can be remedied by buying a spare bridge from ali or banggood, ergonomics is a bummer though (at leas for me, ymmv) HILS bridge looks very much like a hipshot, which is a great plus imho don't know about it's durability though, and not sure if replacements are available the biggest advantage for HILS is probably... the seller, with warranty and stuff

[@orionasgardzero7793]

Player on the right 🤦🏻 ..come on, lots of useless and ugly notes..less notes, more music please

[@esau2615]

He did play music…?

[@emil8446]

Ugh!

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Sounds awful, fizzy and nasty

[@747lch]

They left like 50 bucks in the budget for pickups, so no one should be surprised

[@revtimewest]

I was suprised how good they sound.

[@suriakumar4276]

Where are this guitars made in.Let me guess, China?

[@doctoribanez]

Wrong. 😂

[@stevesmith5434]

Indonesia

[@AUTI5T1X]

Wait until this dude finds out about GOC guitars...