1. The Bulb on head is not for hanging but for neck strength the pull of strings is strong hence making bulb of wood helps with tension - lots of hipshot headless systems fail on neck because of that. 2 You missed the purpose of the Q series headless: The target audience of this is math rock players Ichicka Nito / Yvete young style The math rock players love chunky neck for the glass strat tone The math rock players love reverse slanted frets for high register taping skills 3. There are non slanted fretboards for normies like us :) In anyway I think the target is not the metal guys at all but mostly the Neo Modern math shredders which have different requirements from guitars. I can see guys like polyphia, Ichika, Yvete loving this guitar
I also think the bulb on the head is to prevent you from falling off the neck. I personally am not a fan of the abrupt end of the necks seen on Kiesel and Ormsby headless guitars. I find the volute esque end on headless guitars to be quite comfortable. If you want to talk ergonomics then I'd look at the output jack location or even the way the tuners just straight up poke out the end of the body preventing you from playing seated in classical position.
@@ELITE815 agree, quite ignorant design choice made mainly for cost reduction reasons. Kiesels for example have a very elegant recess under the tuners, I love my zeus bass.
@@Mad-v3d0n I recently had a custom headless v made for me. I had them recess under the tuners. Most of the headless V guitars on the market have the tuners stick out horribly. Keisel and Ormsby included sadly. Jackson wasn't going to make an affordable headless Rhoads so I had to go another route and I'm glad I did.
The slanted frets are supposed to help with multi finger tapping, because apparently when you have them at an angle your right wrist assumes a more natural position.
I can definitely see that but I would think it would make so much more sense just making it a multi scale...🤔progressive guys already tuning those 7 strings down anyways lol
@@TopShelfGear I find this far more comfortable, for tapping and just general playing. There's a LOT less tension on my wrist in general, thanks to the angle on the frets, whereas I find the upward-slanted frets towards the lower end of the fretboard on a lot of guitars with fanned frets actually quite uncomfortable to play.
@@davidfaustino4476 I have guitars like that, and I prefer the angled frets. There is still far less tension on my wrist. And, as other people have stated, there are various reasons for having uniform angled frets rather than a multi-scale. These guitars are designed for the kind of technical playing used in genres like mathrock. The multi-scale is not beneficial in this case.
I have the 6-string model with slanted frets, and while they might seem like a gimmick on paper, they actually feel quite comfortable higher up the neck. However, the 25.5 7-string slanted fret is a miss imo. My only criticism of the guitar is that the strap pins and bridge make it uncomfortable to play in the classical position, as they dig into my thigh after a while. To mitigate this, I have to wear the strap higher than Petrucci.
Having played one in a music store they are so nice, I want one to travel with. They are definitely going for a headless strat over a headless modern metal machine, Ibanez may be the shred machine brand but don't forget they also build really nice hollow bodies, regular strat style, the talmans, tele style, and LP doublecut style guitars.
I do see potential with these for sure. I think what really has me confused on this one is why such a dramatic contrast between the 6 and 7 string neck shapes? I mean it would just make more sense to have some middle ground compromise somewhere in the middle for the neck profiles. Hope to see some improvements in the future.
I bought a q52pe six strings 2 weeks ago. The guitar is fantastic. The built quality is very awesome, even if it is a Indonesian construction. I really love this guitar. Just one thing , the neck angle is not ok, so i will probably have to shim the neck if i want to have a low action, cause the saddles are at the lowest point.
Thanks for sharing! Glad you were mostly satisfied. I am always cautious with anything out of Indonesia. Not sure why but always have seen more QC from those Indonesian factories as opposed to world music Korea (never once had any issues with anything from them). Like I said in the video I think headless is great, glad to see Ibanez offer them but would have liked to see a more appealing body shape. Cool guitars overall but still room for improvements IMO.
I have that black Q model with slanted frets and paralel 19mm neck - it is very enjoyable and comfortable guitar. I like this neck concept. It is nice and a bit meaty at the nut while very fast and ergonomic to play solos. The nut is 42 mm which is unusual for Ibanez necks. Slanted frets: the look cool, they are comfy when played sitting in the classical position, which I do in my studio. As the matter of fact I have 2 custom Skervesen guitars with my custom neck shape: paralel thickness (quite flat) and axis/wolfgang neck profile (D on the bass side and C on the treble side). But to me - the best profile is their extreme Wizard, 43mm nut, 17 mm (1st fret) -19 mm (12th fret) thickness and flat D. To each their own, YMMV yada yada yada... Cheers
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am a huge fan of headless guitars, nothing against them at all. Seems like quite a few people misunderstood where I was coming from in this video. I think Ibanez could have done a better job with the body shape and overall styling of these guitars. (just my opinion) I will agree that extreme wizard is amazing. For me I think it would have just made more sense to give the 6 & 7 strings the same neck shape. I think this was a mistake on their part for the design. Also a bit iffy on their Indonesian factory QC, that can be a little hit or miss too.
I don't have a headless Ibanez, but I recently got a Cort Artisan Space 5 headless bass. It has a similar bulb at the end of the neck like the one you showed at 2:54. I'm trying to imagine the comfort issue you described, but it feels similar to a normal headstock for me. When playing lower notes or chords, I naturally position my thumb there, so it's a non-issue for me.
I've played on 7 string version of that guitar and that was incredibly good expirience. The fanned frets really make this guitar extremely comfortable to play. The only minus of this guitar for me is the only 25.5 scale. I wish they will create the same model but in baritone scale includes one way fanned frets. For shure I will in the future buy this guitar or order a custom shop baritone copy from other brand.
I think you are missing the point with the headpiece and ergonomics. It's actually comfortable and useful. The headpiece stops your hand at the first fret comfortably, actually. The slanted frets are fantastic for the hand, keeping it at a neutral angle. Your wrist won't hurt. I would suggest trying it first..
nah, I have tried quite a few headless models with the chunky "head piece" and never cared for it. (Mayones hydra being one of them) I'd say Kiesel is really the only headless design that gets it right without that unnecessary bulky extension. I get the idea of the fret slant but with so many modern guitarists wanting extended range instruments for low tunings why not just make it a multi scale for the 7 string? That would provide the tension where needed on the low end with the fret slant, as well as a more pleasing visual symmetry from the nut to the bridge. Just seems like the better way to go to appeal to more players.
@TopShelfGear I own a qx527pb, and I've played it in drop g. I can tell you it's fine. Ibanez offers fanned fret guitars, look at the rgd, and the s series. It's just not their most popular option. Ibanez players gravitate towards the classic 25.5" scale, as simple as that. They offer what sells the most.
I agree with you on this aspect. Not sure if it's because it gives my hand a reference point to stop at or if I'm just used to/prefer having a volute on my head(ful?) guitars. I can see how someone might not like it however
I’m so stoked I found your channel! I’m a guitarist, I’m into djent, skramz and heavy screamo stuff. I’m using a jackson multiscale x series, as I practice more I feel like I’m ready to step up to a nicer instrument. Your video on ormsby hype gtr was fantastic I have smaller hands I’m 5’3 so I probably wouldn’t like ormsby necks
dude I love your videos. It's refreshing having someone just talk to the camera without all the RUclips fluff. no lofi background music, obnoxious pinging noises, no annoying "like share subscribe". really good information you are putting out there
I believe this is not built for an rg player or a strandberg player its made for people playing ibanez az's suhr's and similar stuff cause all the headless models are aiming for the metal/shred guys but specs never fits for a modern Strat guy or anyone plays stuff like that so I guess instead of racing with other brands that do headless guitars Ibanez aims for a different customer type
.. it is probably a veneer and not a "cap" it is not a boulb.. it is a "volute" ..just to get your terms correct... (no not just the swirly thing on a violin headstock is calles volute) and the volute is a sculpted part for the transition between neck and headstock hat helps to counter a break on slanted guitar heads.. but a lot of people love them just as a hand stop if they are done in the correct position for you it is not getting in the way.. but if it is highly personal because your hands or your way to play can run into them and hinder you to get in your normal position
Yep, doubtful any company would be able to mass produce genuine pale moon tops especially in this price range. I am familiar with volutes. I actually don't have any issues with them. My OD Venus has a pretty steep volute but that obviously makes sense because that guitar has a very thin headstock with a tilt back angle. I would be concerned structurally if it wasn't there. Visually I don't care for the added piece on the headless models as there is no headstock lol but yes it really comes down to personal taste. I really do like the Kiesel headless design as the cap on the end is very minimal and there is no bulky mass of any sort. (again personal preference) Thanks for sharing your input
I own 2 Q models. The Q52 does have a chunkier neck, but its not overwhelming thick, and the QX52 with the slanted frets has your typical Ibanez thin neck. They are light, pickups sound fantastic, and beautiful fretboards. Spend some time with a couple.
Unfortunately that chunkier neck shape on the 6 string is a deal breaker for me. That's about 2mm thicker than all my other guitars. I'd be willing to look past the odd body shape and head piece bulb if the neck was thin like the 7 string. Again this one had some potential but I think these specs will hold these models back Unfortunately.
The nub is for hanging from a normal guitar hangar like a string swing. For the neck thickness the slanted fret versions have the thinner necks. The straight fret versions have the thicker more traditional neck. I agree with you on the scale length Ibanez failed on the 7 strings especially by not going with a multiscale or longer scale on the 7s. I will say the 6 strings don't get enough love from the headless makers. The strandberg 6s have a shorter multiscale than the 7+ string versions. Ibanez could've hit a homerun if they did the 7 string in either multiscale 25.5 - 26 or even 26.5. Eventually they might but that's the main gripe from most people about the 7 string. The 6 string is solid I own an all black slant fret and I've played several straight fret models and they all play great.
For sure, that makes sense. I'm not against headless models having that piece. Some brands have a more pronounced nub than others lol. I have owned several headless with/without it and I do prefer without. Kiesel for example has the cleanest looking and feeling headless cap piece I have experienced. Like anything it does come down to personal taste. Yeah it would have just added 2 benefits in one if they just did the 7 string multi scale. (better tension and added fret fan) I think that would have opened up more interest from extended range players. I appreciate your polite, logical comment. Some folks on here seem to be getting massively triggered over this for some reason lol Thx for watching. :)
@@TopShelfGear As with most of the guitar community preference is a big thing. I do like the look of kiesels headless models. They're one of the other brands I've considered for my next guitar. Don't let the haters get you down. Keep on doing what you do also you'll never please everyone.
Absolutely, you know the old saying if everyone liked the same thing, they'd only make one haha I would definitely check out Kiesel headless. I started off buying used headless off reverb to get a feel for it. Since then I've bought 2 Osiris models. They have been great. Super lightweight, comfortable to play and obviously fully customizable :)
went to a GC recently that had an Ibanez Q, was alright but for the price I dont see it being worth it. this one was so...ignored.. that the gold frets were turning green from oxidization body shape limited some seated positions, sitting classical just felt awkward. the leg carve on the side of body in a "regular position" felt fine.
Yep I could see that. I mean anything coming out of Indonesia its likely going to need some fret work. Agreed on the body shape, it just doesn't look very comfortable or appealing. I think overall this Q series is a huge miss from the brand tbh.
You're a bit grumpy. This guitar has many advantages. It's used for sketching songs while sitting in front of a computer, because it's light, grippy, small, comfortable and cheap. I can't imagine composing music with a Gibson on my knee :) It has wonderful bridges with access to adjust the string action and intonation without removing the strings. And others don't have that, which drives me crazy. You can take it on a train, a small trunk, on a bike. Look at this guitar this way. And for a concert, take an Ibanez Premium and the problem is gone.
yeah nah, not really grumpy just making some observations. I am pro headless guitar, been playing headless for years, own several. Totally agree perfect for playing at a desk recording etc. There are ways to make appealing body shapes with headless ergonomics. Really feel Ibanez could have done better here. As mentioned in the video, makes no sense to penalize the 6 string player with the chunkier neck profile. Would have just made more sense to have the 6 & 7 strings use the same neck shape. Lastly the fanned frets on a standard scale. Sure it may have some benefits to the right players, but why not just stack 2 benefits in one and just make it a multi scale? Cool guitars, not saying I hate them or anything just I feel there were quite a few design flaws and missed opportunities to reach more players. cheers
I have the seven string one in baby poop brown. 😅 It is light weight, balances well, and has a great neck. The slanted frets are more comfortable. It's done for ergonomics. Small ergonomic changes really make a difference as you age. I'm pushing 60 and I really like those little touches. Probably wouldn't have cared in my 20s and 30s. I really like the stock pickups too. Lots of switching options. Your hand isn't going to hit the nub at the end of the neck. I think people are looking for a reason to criticize that design other than aesthetics. Its not an issue at all.
I played one of these. I liked the neck, but not the pickups and electronics-notable volume drop between some settings, and complicated controls. Sounded quite thin and strat-like as well, which was not what I was after. The sneer I got from salesman when I said I preferred EMGs pretty much ended any possibility of my buying one. For me it was not the design in the end but the rather disappointing sound.
Yeah any of these non prestige models are also likely going need some fret work as well. I'm willing to accept some imperfections but imo these specs do not align with what I'd expect out of a modern headless guitar especially from ibanez.
All of your critiques of the Q line are exactly the reasons I haven't bought one. Especially the straight scale/slanted frets on the 7 string. I understand the sentiment behind the slanted frets, but to me it would make just as much or more sense to make it multi scale.
100% I can see potential with these but there's just too many things about these models that deviate from the purpose of modern headless ergonomics. Maybe we'll see sole improvements in the future... thx for watching
I agree with the view on the shape of the Q line, its is somehow platonic and slightly infatile...but of course that is a personal preference. Ibanez makes some very sexy models and it seems weird that on the headless they went for something so tame. I think the top of the neck is not necessarily a problem and it works design wise....I haven't played it so....dont know if it gets in the way. The top is striking but overall the guitar seems a little paradoxical.... surely if you play it in classical position the bridge is going to dig into your leg..as an headless you would think ergonomics are top priority. Likewise for the slanted frets but no multiscale...they must have reasons for such choice but doesn't seem to make much sense really as it limits the guitar one would think. I hate gold hardware or frets, thats another specific choice which seems weird. Overall it could be a cool guitar at a very decent price but I find it confusing and a slight paradox in its specs. When I first saw it I thought that it could be interesting and a possible new member of my small headless collection but as I found out more about it became obvious that it wouldn't be😁. Having said all that I am sure that there are plenty of people out there loving it and enjoying and that's cool and that Ibanez must have done their research.... Its just not for me. Take it easy and keep riffing. 🤘👽
its bias to say people buy ibanez for the "neck". Every brand is making the same shape guitars with the same necks nowadays, i like ibanez because of the headstock shape and im sure theres lots of other people out there with the same opinion
I mean consistently, ibanez has really been one of the only super strat styles that offers a truly THIN flat neck shape. Other brands can get close but I think Their neck profiles have been what helps them stand out from the competition. Lots of other nice features outside the necks though for sure.
1. The Bulb on head is not for hanging but for neck strength the pull of strings is strong hence making bulb of wood helps with tension - lots of hipshot headless systems fail on neck because of that.
2 You missed the purpose of the Q series headless: The target audience of this is math rock players Ichicka Nito / Yvete young style
The math rock players love chunky neck for the glass strat tone
The math rock players love reverse slanted frets for high register taping skills
3. There are non slanted fretboards for normies like us :)
In anyway I think the target is not the metal guys at all but mostly the Neo Modern math shredders which have different requirements from guitars. I can see guys like polyphia, Ichika, Yvete loving this guitar
I also think the bulb on the head is to prevent you from falling off the neck. I personally am not a fan of the abrupt end of the necks seen on Kiesel and Ormsby headless guitars. I find the volute esque end on headless guitars to be quite comfortable. If you want to talk ergonomics then I'd look at the output jack location or even the way the tuners just straight up poke out the end of the body preventing you from playing seated in classical position.
@@ELITE815 agree, quite ignorant design choice made mainly for cost reduction reasons. Kiesels for example have a very elegant recess under the tuners, I love my zeus bass.
@@Mad-v3d0n I recently had a custom headless v made for me. I had them recess under the tuners. Most of the headless V guitars on the market have the tuners stick out horribly. Keisel and Ormsby included sadly. Jackson wasn't going to make an affordable headless Rhoads so I had to go another route and I'm glad I did.
I've had 2 Osiris models and so far I have found them to be the most ergonomic headless guitars. :)
@@ELITE815 That sounds great I would like to see a picture of that.
The slanted frets are supposed to help with multi finger tapping, because apparently when you have them at an angle your right wrist assumes a more natural position.
I can definitely see that but I would think it would make so much more sense just making it a multi scale...🤔progressive guys already tuning those 7 strings down anyways lol
@@TopShelfGear I find this far more comfortable, for tapping and just general playing. There's a LOT less tension on my wrist in general, thanks to the angle on the frets, whereas I find the upward-slanted frets towards the lower end of the fretboard on a lot of guitars with fanned frets actually quite uncomfortable to play.
@@Ji-eun-Lee literally a multi scale guitar with the parallel fret on fret 1 does this but better.
@@davidfaustino4476 I have guitars like that, and I prefer the angled frets. There is still far less tension on my wrist. And, as other people have stated, there are various reasons for having uniform angled frets rather than a multi-scale. These guitars are designed for the kind of technical playing used in genres like mathrock. The multi-scale is not beneficial in this case.
I have the 6-string model with slanted frets, and while they might seem like a gimmick on paper, they actually feel quite comfortable higher up the neck. However, the 25.5 7-string slanted fret is a miss imo.
My only criticism of the guitar is that the strap pins and bridge make it uncomfortable to play in the classical position, as they dig into my thigh after a while. To mitigate this, I have to wear the strap higher than Petrucci.
Yup! Agreed, I can appreciate the intention behind the design but lots of room for improvement on these headless Ibanez models.
Having played one in a music store they are so nice, I want one to travel with. They are definitely going for a headless strat over a headless modern metal machine, Ibanez may be the shred machine brand but don't forget they also build really nice hollow bodies, regular strat style, the talmans, tele style, and LP doublecut style guitars.
I do see potential with these for sure. I think what really has me confused on this one is why such a dramatic contrast between the 6 and 7 string neck shapes? I mean it would just make more sense to have some middle ground compromise somewhere in the middle for the neck profiles. Hope to see some improvements in the future.
I bought a q52pe six strings 2 weeks ago. The guitar is fantastic. The built quality is very awesome, even if it is a Indonesian construction.
I really love this guitar.
Just one thing , the neck angle is not ok, so i will probably have to shim the neck if i want to have a low action, cause the saddles are at the lowest point.
Thanks for sharing! Glad you were mostly satisfied. I am always cautious with anything out of Indonesia. Not sure why but always have seen more QC from those Indonesian factories as opposed to world music Korea (never once had any issues with anything from them). Like I said in the video I think headless is great, glad to see Ibanez offer them but would have liked to see a more appealing body shape. Cool guitars overall but still room for improvements IMO.
I have that black Q model with slanted frets and paralel 19mm neck - it is very enjoyable and comfortable guitar. I like this neck concept. It is nice and a bit meaty at the nut while very fast and ergonomic to play solos. The nut is 42 mm which is unusual for Ibanez necks. Slanted frets: the look cool, they are comfy when played sitting in the classical position, which I do in my studio.
As the matter of fact I have 2 custom Skervesen guitars with my custom neck shape: paralel thickness (quite flat) and axis/wolfgang neck profile (D on the bass side and C on the treble side).
But to me - the best profile is their extreme Wizard, 43mm nut, 17 mm (1st fret) -19 mm (12th fret) thickness and flat D.
To each their own, YMMV yada yada yada...
Cheers
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am a huge fan of headless guitars, nothing against them at all. Seems like quite a few people misunderstood where I was coming from in this video. I think Ibanez could have done a better job with the body shape and overall styling of these guitars. (just my opinion) I will agree that extreme wizard is amazing. For me I think it would have just made more sense to give the 6 & 7 strings the same neck shape. I think this was a mistake on their part for the design. Also a bit iffy on their Indonesian factory QC, that can be a little hit or miss too.
I don't have a headless Ibanez, but I recently got a Cort Artisan Space 5 headless bass. It has a similar bulb at the end of the neck like the one you showed at 2:54. I'm trying to imagine the comfort issue you described, but it feels similar to a normal headstock for me. When playing lower notes or chords, I naturally position my thumb there, so it's a non-issue for me.
I've played on 7 string version of that guitar and that was incredibly good expirience. The fanned frets really make this guitar extremely comfortable to play. The only minus of this guitar for me is the only 25.5 scale. I wish they will create the same model but in baritone scale includes one way fanned frets. For shure I will in the future buy this guitar or order a custom shop baritone copy from other brand.
Yeah lots of potential with these models. Agreed that standard scale on the 7 string was a huge miss.
I think you are missing the point with the headpiece and ergonomics. It's actually comfortable and useful. The headpiece stops your hand at the first fret comfortably, actually. The slanted frets are fantastic for the hand, keeping it at a neutral angle. Your wrist won't hurt. I would suggest trying it first..
nah, I have tried quite a few headless models with the chunky "head piece" and never cared for it. (Mayones hydra being one of them) I'd say Kiesel is really the only headless design that gets it right without that unnecessary bulky extension.
I get the idea of the fret slant but with so many modern guitarists wanting extended range instruments for low tunings why not just make it a multi scale for the 7 string? That would provide the tension where needed on the low end with the fret slant, as well as a more pleasing visual symmetry from the nut to the bridge. Just seems like the better way to go to appeal to more players.
@TopShelfGear I own a qx527pb, and I've played it in drop g. I can tell you it's fine. Ibanez offers fanned fret guitars, look at the rgd, and the s series. It's just not their most popular option. Ibanez players gravitate towards the classic 25.5" scale, as simple as that. They offer what sells the most.
I agree with you on this aspect. Not sure if it's because it gives my hand a reference point to stop at or if I'm just used to/prefer having a volute on my head(ful?) guitars. I can see how someone might not like it however
I’m so stoked I found your channel! I’m a guitarist, I’m into djent, skramz and heavy screamo stuff. I’m using a jackson multiscale x series, as I practice more I feel like I’m ready to step up to a nicer instrument. Your video on ormsby hype gtr was fantastic I have smaller hands I’m 5’3 so I probably wouldn’t like ormsby necks
Great to hear! appreciate the support!
dude I love your videos. It's refreshing having someone just talk to the camera without all the RUclips fluff. no lofi background music, obnoxious pinging noises, no annoying "like share subscribe". really good information you are putting out there
I appreciate that! Thx for your support!
I believe this is not built for an rg player or a strandberg player its made for people playing ibanez az's suhr's and similar stuff cause all the headless models are aiming for the metal/shred guys but specs never fits for a modern Strat guy or anyone plays stuff like that so I guess instead of racing with other brands that do headless guitars Ibanez aims for a different customer type
Strandberg makes the most ergonomic electric guitar handsdown...and they sound awesome
.. it is probably a veneer and not a "cap"
it is not a boulb.. it is a "volute" ..just to get your terms correct... (no not just the swirly thing on a violin headstock is calles volute)
and the volute is a sculpted part for the transition between neck and headstock hat helps to counter a break on slanted guitar heads..
but a lot of people love them just as a hand stop if they are done in the correct position for you it is not getting in the way..
but if it is highly personal because your hands or your way to play can run into them and hinder you to get in your normal position
Yep, doubtful any company would be able to mass produce genuine pale moon tops especially in this price range.
I am familiar with volutes. I actually don't have any issues with them. My OD Venus has a pretty steep volute but that obviously makes sense because that guitar has a very thin headstock with a tilt back angle. I would be concerned structurally if it wasn't there.
Visually I don't care for the added piece on the headless models as there is no headstock lol but yes it really comes down to personal taste. I really do like the Kiesel headless design as the cap on the end is very minimal and there is no bulky mass of any sort. (again personal preference)
Thanks for sharing your input
I own 2 Q models. The Q52 does have a chunkier neck, but its not overwhelming thick, and the QX52 with the slanted frets has your typical Ibanez thin neck. They are light, pickups sound fantastic, and beautiful fretboards. Spend some time with a couple.
Unfortunately that chunkier neck shape on the 6 string is a deal breaker for me. That's about 2mm thicker than all my other guitars. I'd be willing to look past the odd body shape and head piece bulb if the neck was thin like the 7 string. Again this one had some potential but I think these specs will hold these models back Unfortunately.
The nub is for hanging from a normal guitar hangar like a string swing. For the neck thickness the slanted fret versions have the thinner necks. The straight fret versions have the thicker more traditional neck. I agree with you on the scale length Ibanez failed on the 7 strings especially by not going with a multiscale or longer scale on the 7s. I will say the 6 strings don't get enough love from the headless makers. The strandberg 6s have a shorter multiscale than the 7+ string versions. Ibanez could've hit a homerun if they did the 7 string in either multiscale 25.5 - 26 or even 26.5. Eventually they might but that's the main gripe from most people about the 7 string. The 6 string is solid I own an all black slant fret and I've played several straight fret models and they all play great.
For sure, that makes sense. I'm not against headless models having that piece. Some brands have a more pronounced nub than others lol. I have owned several headless with/without it and I do prefer without. Kiesel for example has the cleanest looking and feeling headless cap piece I have experienced. Like anything it does come down to personal taste. Yeah it would have just added 2 benefits in one if they just did the 7 string multi scale. (better tension and added fret fan) I think that would have opened up more interest from extended range players.
I appreciate your polite, logical comment. Some folks on here seem to be getting massively triggered over this for some reason lol Thx for watching. :)
@@TopShelfGear As with most of the guitar community preference is a big thing. I do like the look of kiesels headless models. They're one of the other brands I've considered for my next guitar. Don't let the haters get you down. Keep on doing what you do also you'll never please everyone.
Absolutely, you know the old saying if everyone liked the same thing, they'd only make one haha
I would definitely check out Kiesel headless. I started off buying used headless off reverb to get a feel for it. Since then I've bought 2 Osiris models. They have been great. Super lightweight, comfortable to play and obviously fully customizable :)
went to a GC recently that had an Ibanez Q, was alright but for the price I dont see it being worth it. this one was so...ignored.. that the gold frets were turning green from oxidization
body shape limited some seated positions, sitting classical just felt awkward. the leg carve on the side of body in a "regular position" felt fine.
Yep I could see that. I mean anything coming out of Indonesia its likely going to need some fret work. Agreed on the body shape, it just doesn't look very comfortable or appealing. I think overall this Q series is a huge miss from the brand tbh.
You're a bit grumpy. This guitar has many advantages. It's used for sketching songs while sitting in front of a computer, because it's light, grippy, small, comfortable and cheap. I can't imagine composing music with a Gibson on my knee :) It has wonderful bridges with access to adjust the string action and intonation without removing the strings. And others don't have that, which drives me crazy. You can take it on a train, a small trunk, on a bike. Look at this guitar this way. And for a concert, take an Ibanez Premium and the problem is gone.
yeah nah, not really grumpy just making some observations. I am pro headless guitar, been playing headless for years, own several. Totally agree perfect for playing at a desk recording etc. There are ways to make appealing body shapes with headless ergonomics. Really feel Ibanez could have done better here. As mentioned in the video, makes no sense to penalize the 6 string player with the chunkier neck profile. Would have just made more sense to have the 6 & 7 strings use the same neck shape. Lastly the fanned frets on a standard scale. Sure it may have some benefits to the right players, but why not just stack 2 benefits in one and just make it a multi scale? Cool guitars, not saying I hate them or anything just I feel there were quite a few design flaws and missed opportunities to reach more players. cheers
I have the seven string one in baby poop brown. 😅 It is light weight, balances well, and has a great neck. The slanted frets are more comfortable. It's done for ergonomics. Small ergonomic changes really make a difference as you age. I'm pushing 60 and I really like those little touches. Probably wouldn't have cared in my 20s and 30s.
I really like the stock pickups too. Lots of switching options.
Your hand isn't going to hit the nub at the end of the neck. I think people are looking for a reason to criticize that design other than aesthetics. Its not an issue at all.
Hahaha such an awful color lol thanks for yout input, we'll said indeed.
Played one in a gc. While I agree they are weird looking; they are really comfy.
For the price, you could just get the Strandberg boden essential…
Very cool guitars as well
They have 6 string headless models with 19 - 19 mm necks as well.
That's good to know :)
I played one of these. I liked the neck, but not the pickups and electronics-notable volume drop between some settings, and complicated controls. Sounded quite thin and strat-like as well, which was not what I was after. The sneer I got from salesman when I said I preferred EMGs pretty much ended any possibility of my buying one. For me it was not the design in the end but the rather disappointing sound.
Yeah any of these non prestige models are also likely going need some fret work as well. I'm willing to accept some imperfections but imo these specs do not align with what I'd expect out of a modern headless guitar especially from ibanez.
All of your critiques of the Q line are exactly the reasons I haven't bought one. Especially the straight scale/slanted frets on the 7 string. I understand the sentiment behind the slanted frets, but to me it would make just as much or more sense to make it multi scale.
100% I can see potential with these but there's just too many things about these models that deviate from the purpose of modern headless ergonomics. Maybe we'll see sole improvements in the future... thx for watching
Interesting points. Ibanez is really great, has been for decades.
But I am not really a guitar buyer.
Yup! I can always appreciate a nice Ibanez, especially their prestige models :)
I agree with the view on the shape of the Q line, its is somehow platonic and slightly infatile...but of course that is a personal preference. Ibanez makes some very sexy models and it seems weird that on the headless they went for something so tame. I think the top of the neck is not necessarily a problem and it works design wise....I haven't played it so....dont know if it gets in the way. The top is striking but overall the guitar seems a little paradoxical.... surely if you play it in classical position the bridge is going to dig into your leg..as an headless you would think ergonomics are top priority. Likewise for the slanted frets but no multiscale...they must have reasons for such choice but doesn't seem to make much sense really as it limits the guitar one would think. I hate gold hardware or frets, thats another specific choice which seems weird. Overall it could be a cool guitar at a very decent price but I find it confusing and a slight paradox in its specs. When I first saw it I thought that it could be interesting and a possible new member of my small headless collection but as I found out more about it became obvious that it wouldn't be😁.
Having said all that I am sure that there are plenty of people out there loving it and enjoying and that's cool and that Ibanez must have done their research.... Its just not for me.
Take it easy and keep riffing.
🤘👽
The only good looking headless guitar is the Steinberger GM series.
ibanez has always had problems making a good headless guitar, and i dont know why
Yep, really disappointed in these. While there are some positives it just seems that alot of their specs conflict each other with 6 vs 7 strings
the NUBB is to HANG up the Guitar
Yes I am aware lol I mentioned that in the video dawg 😂 still not a fan of how it looks but it's personal taste.
@@TopShelfGear I had typed it before you got to that part
all good man thx for watching :)
@@TopShelfGear go to my Ch & see the Bass Guitar I built 3:) let me know what you think! Jackson guitars said NO
You should play one 1st! And then post your opinion.
Wasn't an issue of playability necessarily. Noting issue of conflicting specs between 6 & 7 models.
I love my Q series.
I disagree with everything you said.
Everything.
Ok, well enjoy your Q series 🙂
How can something headless make sense? Seriously...
It really does make sense from an ergonomics standpoint but these ibanez models just leave a lot to be desired
its bias to say people buy ibanez for the "neck". Every brand is making the same shape guitars with the same necks nowadays, i like ibanez because of the headstock shape and im sure theres lots of other people out there with the same opinion
I mean consistently, ibanez has really been one of the only super strat styles that offers a truly THIN flat neck shape. Other brands can get close but I think Their neck profiles have been what helps them stand out from the competition. Lots of other nice features outside the necks though for sure.