Don't Buy A Eart Headless Guitar Until You Watch This

#knowyourgear
00:00 Specifications
02:32 The Geeky Stuff
09:13 Sound Demo
15:13 Pros and Cons
What tuner do I use?
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The strings I use in this video
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The Music Nomad gauge I use
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The picks I use
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Music Nomad tools
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Here are some other products from a dealer I trust and buy from online
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[@mcnasty]

i own this guitar and its pretty sweet. im just confused on why they decided to go for gibson style pickups. you would think with a modern headsless "prog" style guitar, they would try to emulate something hotter.

[@exile9532]

Mcnasty I love your videos and the both of your podcasts. You should make a guitar channel to show off your collection and all the wacky guitars you have.

[@exile9532]

Or maybe when your band releases their single you can do a sort of “rig run down” type video

[@landlndumitru5578]

yo mcnasty i didn't know you play guitar

[@moldylemon1]

woah didn't think I'd see this here😮

[@foratts]

You would. The paf style pickups could have been cheaper for eart to make or buy

[@ericoswood1856]

I bought this guitar based on your review and i am very impressed. I think Eart watched your review because mine was set up very well out of the box. Thanks for turning me onto this guitar.

[@ReginaldDwight]

Exceedingly well produced and well structured review. The mix of technical commentary and measurements with tone examples is perfect. No wasted time on channel branding - something that has become irksome on KZbin. You answer the questions people could have about a guitar like this very efficiently.

[@SoCalGuitarist]

I’ve got the blue version of the EART W2, it’s my travel guitar (bought their case from their site, pricey for a bag, but well padded and fits the guitar snugly) that I’ve taken on the road and flying multiple times. It will fit in the case in the overhead bin, but keep an eye out for idiots trying to smash their bag in the space above your bag. Even at home I like to play my W2 because it’s super comfortable and light, although the jack placement can get annoying if you play classical style. It has a carve for resting on the inside of the right leg, but it’s a very small carve and it’s easy to “bump off” into the cable poking out of the jack. Also, L shaped jacks can be a pain because the jack hole is recessed. Oh, and it’s a shred machine, mine arrived set up crazy low and played perfectly out of the box. I did have to deal with some neck travel from time to time while traveling, especially in the winter - I suggest bringing the Alan wrench with you so you can tweak the truss if it starts to get buzzy with the weather changes. It’s not a huge problem or anything, but it’s wood, so it’s going to react to the environment, so be prepared. I love my W2. I keep it handy even when I’m home, it’s light, comfortable to play and sounds good. Oh and it holds tune really well, very rarely have to tune, usually only after taking it on the road.

[@roybatty6328]

OK. You talked me into it. It arrived well packaged and seems perfect at first view. Nice and light. Now I will again watch your review and see how to set it up. Thanks for the help.

[@niclastname]

Man I've been veeeeeeeery tempted to get this, and you're really pushing me over the edge!

[@JustinNogle]

I hear ya!!! 😬

[@williamshafer3199]

loved your review process, also your playing demo; although I'm an acoustic based player you inspired me to consider this instrument, not least due to your non-ego based presentation, thank-you for the presentation :)

[@dalepal]

That's a very cool guitar for trying out a headless design without spending a lot. Thanks for the thorough review. 👍

[@Justin.Franks]

I would love to see a fanned-fret version of this.

[@nobnobnobnob]

scalloped fanned-fret

[@smackofalltrades]

I have the original version of this model, (in the same colorway actually) that i got for $280 almost 2 years ago. I knew the price would go up significantly. Even at that price point it was still made and set up amazingly well, as in holding its own against my $1000 guitars. Ive been singing Eart's praises ever since, and i still use that guitar a lot. The tuning stability is off the charts!

[@myopicautisticmetal9035]

Objection, hearsay! The Gibson fart sniffer will say. So it hasn't fallen apart at the seams and the neck is not twisted I take it. I am getting sick of these guys who claim Gibson guitars are better than everything because they think.

[@nedim_guitar]

@@myopicautisticmetal9035 Hey, when you find a good Gibson, it's great! They sell a lot of volume and sometimes duds come through. But at that price point, it shouldn't happen.

[@internetselling]

@GLADIUS OFFICIAL Fine tuners at bridge…

[@smackofalltrades]

@GLADIUS OFFICIAL the tuners are at the base of the bridge, behind the string saddles. There is a small tool that is magnetically held within the bridge that helps to tune, but you can also just do it with your hands

[@SpoonFinder]

Anyone here knows what to do if the intonation screw is completely tightened but the 12th fret is still sharp? Can I fix it somehow or is it a design flaw? Sorry to be asking here but I can't seem to find any info on this around the net since this bridge design is relatively new / not widely adopted

[@ianbarnes1406]

really interested to see this review. I bought 2 of the original shape W2s and they make me smile every time I play them, not only because they feel great but because of the price

[@820hurleyj]

Your videos always impress me!

[@hristoistoyanov]

I own this. I love it for it's playability and sound.

[@halfbeatslower9250]

just got my eart eglp 610, the quality is amazing, the fretwork and nut slots are so precise, and they have good taste of pickup and wood combination, nice resonant and the clean tone has more warmness than other modern spec guitars.

[@jeffsperandio8551]

Thank you for doing this review and as always I apreciate the way you present your opinion. The same day I got my eart headless I ordered a second one

[@chichivarg4207]

Received my EART guitar and it is fantastic, thanks for the reco.

[@brolsonmusic]

I bought one of these and was blown away for the price. The ball end frets were amazing and better than some of my really expensive guitars. Mine was set up perfect.

[@glennpacheco575]

You my friend are the best with interesting videos and educating the players amazingly 👏

[@rayschoch5882]

Watched the video. Bought one. Now that I have it in hand, no complaints. Phil is spot-on for this one. And, for those who worry about such things, no headstock means no worries about scarf joints.

[@capaya8139]

I have the old W2 model that looks like a strandberg, its a fantastic axe. literally 0 complained, ive checked for fret leveling, fret ends, etc. most comfortable and balanced guitar I own

[@dhdemo]

Nice clean playing!! Tasty

[@anthonypate8657]

Thanks for the video. I just got mine today. They did listen to your advice with the truss rod. It got here perfect. I've owned prs gibson fenders. This guitar has the best fret work I've ever seen.its my first headless. It hard to get used to no weight up top .but I mostly wanted to see the frets and it's amazing.

[@grade43podcast]

Looks great!

[@Droops24]

I bought this same purple GW2 a little over a month ago and its been rock solid! I know these headless design are a bit funky looking, but they are so ergonomic and balanced. I often prop this bad boy up in a classical position when desired, and it certainly benefits during long seated sessions of playing (most comfortable guitar I own). Since I play mostly metal, I did swap the vintage 57's over to SD black winters (but the stock pups are just fine). I personal love this modern bridge so a far; what wasn't covered here is really cool saddle adjustment mechanism. Each roller saddle has a grub screw connected via some internal gearing/cam that does the raising/lowering, and one other set screw to lock the saddle in position. I have never had a easier time adjusting my action; it felt so precise. For under 400 bucks, this guitar is a steal. If you were to swap out all electronics, it still cost less than half the price of a Strandberg. Even though there is no current multiscale options, Eart necks are fantastic, as well as the overall fit and finish. I certainly am eyeballing one of their LP styles for a future purchase.

[@jackfriday31]

I bought a PRS SE custom 24 on Reverb that came with Black Winters and I have been amazed at the range of these pickups. They can sound like a wall of evil one second and then quack like single coils when you split em. They're absolutely perfect imo

[@officialWWM]

How do you sit one of these guitars down? 🤔

[@Droops24]

@@officialWWM Believe it or not, once you find the right angle, it will seat securely in a common $15 cheapo floor stand; that's how I keep mine. I do know they make dedicated stands for this modern ergonomic style as well, but they are far more expensive and most have no neck restraint. Hope this helps!

[@officialWWM]

@@Droops24 awesome, thanks. I think I’ll get one, just cause it’s so unusual. Will be a fun addition :)

[@MindFullCheeseburger]

thats exactly the same pups i wanted to get for mine! got any demos on it?

[@adrianrobinson12]

Great review. It’s the first review to show how the strings can be changed which I thought may be an issue. Other reviews didn’t seem to like the bridge system. There is also quite a selection of colours to choose from which includes a black finish with no veneer, which is a bit different. Unfortunately there’s now a 1 to 3 week wait for one in the UK. I’ve waited for the KYG review before I ordered - now I’m confident in a purchase.

[@gasiouswiener]

The only thing phil did wrong was having to much slack. You actually pull the string past the bridge and cut where the body ends. Only need about 1 1/2 inch past the bridge. The spool it wraps around isn't very deep. The extra slack will bunch up and look messy. He's right though. Very easy to re-string. Great guitars

[@TheMLGTrashCompactor]

Great video my friend! Id still love to see a caparison on the show!

[@gillamb8669]

Nice guitar. The bridge pickup really surprised me with its brightness. Loved that bridge. 👍🤘

[@Supaboy000]

I've had my EART for almost a year. I absolutely love it. Very fun guitar to play, sounds great too. Have a had 0 issues with it

[@davidj6008]

Great review Factual and to the point

[@santiagodeponce9390]

PM does a next level review every time!!!!

[@Thomalom]

Wow that bridge system is impressive!

[@thadstuart8544]

I loved your playing

[@michaelsmith9544]

I have one and it's great. Stays in tune. Very easy to string up. Jack has good placement for my wireless. Knobs and switch feel quality. Very comfortable to play and no neck dive. My frets were perfect. All the routing was very clean. Very happy with my Eart.

[@dawa9923]

Nice Work 👍

[@MeTuLHeD]

Also may I throw in, if you lose the crank, you can easily buy an allen wrench which will fit the holes on the tuners. Easy peasy.

[@Prousto]

Got mine six months ago and I can’t put it down. Had a pro setup which made a big difference, but the pups are fine and the overall feel is outstanding.

[@boinkfasco7167]

Thankyou for your review off this guitar,been thinking of getting a headless ,but I don't have a big budget, Cheers for the honesty

[@massfusionstudio]

Exactly the first thing I heard. Its a really really nice warm tone

[@elenbrandt290]

I love my Strandbergs - and these seem like a really reasonable affordable alternative to them - Kudos! Phil, Thank you for your insightful and thorough run down!

[@tonycarpaccio9550]

GOC are the better go between I think if you're looking for some cheaper guitars but are a Strandy owner like me.

[@profound369]

@@tonycarpaccio9550 what is GOC

[@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145]

Yeah those are partly georgeous instruments. But bending with those wicked frets is just... pain back there. Also playing blind is kinda weired. And once you adapt trouble is shoven to your other guitars. The increase in tuning is just not worth it.

[@lambchop1]

Great review, Phil. Thank you! Want one! Think I'll sell some of my expensive guitars and buy ones like this and Sire!

[@JustinNogle]

Absolutely!

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

Love this guitar. I would use it for practice ans as a travel guitar. The way you change strings is a big selling point for me.

[@IvaliceSmiles]

Great review! I have the previous version of this model (pre-Strandberg C&D) which I changed the bridge and locking nut out for a strandberg style, and dropped in a set of Fishman Devin Townsends and its my #1 over my Schecter and ESP!

[@ninadsakha]

Thank you for this video.

[@billygwalthney369]

I've got the headless Harley Benton shown, I love it. it was the best setup guitar i ever had, really low action and great neck.

[@ajmee9664]

Just picked up one - mine had four high frets, an ultra-stiff truss rod, and fret sprout at one spot. Still having it worked on at the shop.

[@toemasmeems]

just got one and its damn near perfect! sucks to suck man!

[@MrTACPreacher]

Hey Phil, new viewer here but am loving your channel. I noticed you have not reviewed any Mitchell guitars. I know they are a GC house brand and I think you even said, in one of your videos, that you weren't interested in them. But within the context of this video (great guitars do not need to be expensive) I was hoping you might take a look at the Mitchell MS450 (Les Paul styled) guitar. The videos I have found say it's a really good guitar, but I wanted your opinion as I feel you are someone to be trusted in these matters. Thanks for all the great videos and I am loving your channel. Also, I'm a fellow Valley of the Sun resident!

[@dmanandcmac]

I have one of the 1st gen models (with a body shape that heavily resembles a Strandberg) and over the 3 years I have had it it has become my forever guitar, and gets 3x the playtime of any other axe in my collection, including ones that cost many times more!

[@jayz6008]

When guys like you praise a guitar so much I always look forward to checking out your videos / clips / songs so it’s a disappointment when you have none .

[@hubertvancalenbergh9022]

Very nice. I want one!

[@peterbutlien1335]

I've owned one of these for about a year. I love it. I have much more expensive guitars, and I bought this on a whim, because I wanted to try a headless. This is on the stand next to me to grab at any moment I think it looks amazing head to toe, and the bridge is just the coolest thing out there.

[@ronpopeil7]

Looks great. My travel guitar is a steinberger spirit for $380ish plus a hard case. Super easy to travel with, full 25.5” scale and flip down leg rest. Only real negative is need for double ball end strings without mods.

[@glarrymoreme]

That bridge is a great idea -Very intuitive

[@weldingrockandroll2197]

Think I'ma pick one up after a few paychecks, awesome review

[@SubxZeroGamer]

When I heard that first chord at 12:48 I immediately thought of Fell on Black Days by Soundgarden lol

[@SubxZeroGamer]

@@curtisc9350 Lmao I think I commended before I got that far oof

[@Dressagevids]

Great Review Thanks

[@Kevzilla100]

Great review, Phil! Another Amazon brand to look for is Starshine. I understand they are made by Zuwei, but I have not been able to confirm. They have a semi-hollowbody with coil splits for $329. However, I don't think they have three models available right now.

[@martymaker]

I love your channel Phil. Nice guitar 👍

[@RobKingRC]

Now that's a legit review!!!

[@TheCrimson173]

great review Phil, can you do a video on the bridge explaining what all the seetings and screws are..... would be cool

[@johnnewton1830]

Shape and finish aesthetically are a bit of a challenge for me but that's going to be up to each person. Good to see some decent instruments at the lower end of the price range.

[@scoobybenguitars]

I've got the W1 and honestly it's amazing!

[@Zombie_13x33]

you sir are an amazing player.

[@benmonia7105]

I have the old model, and it’s a dream.

[@beridus]

This is one of the few headless guitars I actually would want to own. I've never been a fan of them for some reason, but this one just really stands out to me. It doesn't seem overly done and ridiculous. It's a lovely guitar. I want one.

[@TheEpicLinkFreeman]

I have one of these and it's a really nice guitar, especially for the money. The only downside is that the bridge is pretty trash. Tuning is annoying, string changes are ok, and tuning stability is ok. Durability is questionable, I stripped out the screw hole that holds on the low E tuning knob without even tightening it. I took it out to inspect how it's put together, and when I went to put it back in I was wondering why it was spinning freely and wouldn't bite. Completely stripped out, I don't even know how. Never had threads strip before I even go to put in a fastener.

[@WMSFLL]

I've had mine over a year, and it's become my go-to for just about everything except live gigs... I save my heavy-hitters for that. It's super comfortable in my lap for practice, great for rehearsals because it's so light, plays like a dream, and even the pickups sound great... Hotter than my LP with SD Slash pickups. Only real nits I have with it are; 1. tuners on the bridge are hard to turn. It's easy to put too much pressure on the guitar/neck when trying to use them, which causes the guitar to go flat and then when you relieve the pressure the result is a sharp tuning. Any serious tuning (more than 1 string) and I need to reach for the little crank, which works fine but it's small and fiddly and I'm worried that one day I might lose it. 2. Being a headless, it doesn't really fit well on any guitar stands. It usually just sort of leans to one side. and 3. I haven't found an affordable small hard case or gig bag that fits this little guitar. I've just been using a regular-sized gig bag so far. Also, I wish Eart made a headless bass!

[@martyf663]

Every guitar I've ever bought, and I've owned many, need adjustments/setups after delivery.....great video Phil ;)

[@jessestaton2298]

Fender telecaster left-handed, Rex we're going down so in 1975 I had the frets file down to match the lowest in San Francisco. It was on a glossy maple neck and was as close to fretless w/ frets as any could ever imagine. I can never ever play with regular set strings height again. I definitely must check this guitar out

[@Berndaddie]

Thx Phil love your videos. I'd love to see your review on a Guild Surfliner. I like the idea of a 3 pickup guitar having separate switches, but I respect 🙏 your opinion 👌.

[@franknavarro9364]

10 out of 10! This video 👌💯

[@VincentVader]

I have this same guitar, same color. It's pretty killer for the price.

[@gtr1952]

I give it extra points from the start for the rosewood fretboard! LOL I use the neck pup a lot, and through studio monitors that sounds way above what I expected! A 5 piece neck, that fret job and tuning system, and the fit/finish suggests more than it's $369 price!! I'm pretty hard on low price guitars, I'm impressed by that one! JMHO --gary

[@tonyketterman9020]

I just bought mine:-)

[@MR.KERNAN]

I think of Summer nights every time I see a headless guitar very cool 😎

[@shreddyz]

I really like mine but after a while I just couldn't get used to the bridge system, so I replaced it with the hipshot headless bridge and a cheap conversion headpiece off ebay. I like it much better this way since I couldn't really turn the tuners with my fingers on the old bridge, and the hipshot was basically a drop-in replacement!

[@Coles-bootleg-vids]

I like this a lot, I've been wanting a headless guitar for a couple years now but they're really expensive (as he mentioned) but that amount of guitar for $400, that's a steal I think. The pickups sounds pretty good too, not quite to my taste so probably gonna invest in a Fishman Classic set or an EMG 81/60 combo, but that's just personal taste

[@martianmurray]

I like where the jack is so it looks like you can hold it like a classical guitar

[@Lordbaccus]

After seeing this I WANT one ASAP

[@francinebacone1455]

damn this was a good review

???? I think Eart has it going on, Phil they have an upgraded version of the LP that I'm hoping you'll do a deep dive on, it comes with locking tuners, a nice flame maple veneer top, top and neck binding, and split coils for around $670. If you think they nailed it in the mid range price, I'm seriously considering selling my 2010 Washburn Semi-Hollow HB35NK all flame maple 335, and my 2017 MIM Fender Player Deluxe Strat and buy the Eart. I'm 65 and a beginner, and both of my babies are very beautiful, they're too heavy for my disabled shoulders so they don't get played. I'll never be a 1/10th as good as you, and I think the Eart would be a great choice for me. Thank you for all your content.

[@brianblack8631]

Hey Phil, great review as always. I was wondering if you’ve tried out any of the new Kramer guitars. I was thinking of buying a new Baretta. The “Snake” Szabo one in particular.

[@miaouew]

I love your purple and green carvin in the background! Is that an Allan Holdsworth body or one of their T-style bodies that looks similar? So cool.

[@scottn4347]

I tried the gw2 pro model that just came out. I thought maybe the bridge would be better but it was actually worse. Restringing it was an absolute nightmare I would prefer this system. Pickups were also very dull sounding with not much difference between the different positions. Finally the tone knob made little to no difference and the nut was cut badly and caused the strings to make little ping noises when you would bend the string. So if you’re torn between this model and the almost twice as expensive pro model I would go with this one. Nice review Phil

[@firecrackle]

thanks for sharing I was wondering about their difference

[@simonpilgrims]

Thank you. Sire S7 next please.

[@47279J]

Bloody hell! I need to get me one of these.

[@brad-guitar-miller813]

Very cool guitar looked at the black without the bural top really like the raw finish.

[@MelodyMaker218]

That bridge is cool

[@tomminkler7640]

Great video and very thorough as usual. What is the purple leopard guitar with the green knobs hanging behind you? I should prob be able to tell but I'll just ask. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@redkurn]

nice, you got a headless, i've had one for almost a year now and it's really nice for the price, shockingly good electronics. i did swap the pups out for invaders... the stock were good though. the bridge though is not fantastic, took a few weeks to adjust to palm mutes and i still hate it, but haven't switched it over to a more strandberg style...

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I really wanna see this thorough review with the geeky stuff be done on a brand Jackson guitar (X series or Pro series, preferably the Samick made ones or the Chinese crackle ones). On one hand I've heard there's an insane level of quality issues that are not really acceptable for the price, but on the other hand they're some of the coolest looking guitars in my opinion as a bit of an 80's shred guy

[@gregsguitartone]

Love mine!

[@mendebil]

Those bridges have INCREDIBLE tuning stability because there is almost no excess string until the drum. Too bad they don't come in steel or chrome finish. The black paint on them is acrylic and scratches easily. And also there is a problem grounding the bridge because the paint is non conductive. This is my experience as a builder. If you want to make big bends in standard tuning, this beats a Floyd Rose 1000 in keeping strings tuned.

[@paulcowart3174]

Very cool....good stuff Love the vintage ruler too LoL I know it's virtually impossible but would love to see a demo of a half dozen or ten to see the consistency of the models because I see varying comments Oh well I am sure I will never buy one But good that decent guitar's don't have to be expensive Great demo PM

[@courier11sec]

This thing looks great. I feel like I wouldn't know if I like it until I put some miles on it, but I'd definitely be into trying it. Would it fit in a case made for a Les Paul or is it too wide? Obviously have to do some foam work inside.

[@chunk4572]

As always, thanks for a very thorough review. I think you should sell it to me, would love to have a guitar that you vetted and did a demo on 😉

[@necromicon666]

There is a really , really nice guitar company called GOC guitars making headless guitars that are comparable to the big brands they are made in batches at an affordable cost. A review of one of this would be a nice addition to the channel they have a few models including one that's more of a classic single cut approach , and its beautiful.

[@gajapi]

I love my gw2. Plays very well! Took the pickups out and put emg’s. I think the original pickups said PAF on them

[@ThePatster93]

I've never been a big fan of headless guitars, but this is very cool. I think I'd prefer a different finish though. Was really liking it until I heard that bridge pick up though! How would you fix that? The pick ups seem decent, but change the pots?

[@steveoneal5257]

great sounding guitar especially at that price point

[@820hurleyj]

I'm hoping to see you do a video of the ESP LTD EC-256 in the near future. I'm a former longtime owner of a 71 Les Paul Custom that I thought I'd never part with but... times is hard! Looking for a home use substitute. The 256's coil split is a feature I really like. The other guitar that's in my sights is a Sire L7. Except for lack of a coil split feature, I like the L7 better, rolled neck, locking tuners, bone nut, reputation, etc. But it's also highly unobtainable! So I'm probably going to pull the trigger on a black/gold LTD EC-256. Love to hear your comments. Also, my LPC had a Nashville bridge with a TP-6 tailpiece my luthier recommended to me. Best guitar mod ever for a LP style guitar, in my book.

[@mojones1]

Thanks for the review. How's the action?

[@tylermoore5659]

Been looking at this one for awhile

[@randomhero8662]

I love my Eart headless. I hate the pickups, so I did a swap for some white Duncan SH4 humbuckers, which look (and sound) amazing with the blue burl top.