For me...the traveling aspect was the only scenario you gave. The tonal differences were minute at best. Playing them through the SUPER HIGH END equipment you have makes them sound so similar as to be almost indistinguishable IMHO!!
Reason 3 was huge for me, getting my first headless 8 string was a saviour, living is such a small place I was hitting those huge headstocks everywhere, now with kiesel my 8 string zues is just as compact as any other guitar, also helps a bunch being a smaller dude
Any time! Hopefully there’s useful info there. You’re already on www.mcrocklin.com/discord ? If not, we have a great gear discussion channel if you have any questions etc. cheers 👍🏻
I got an headless MCR6X and it's absololutely AMAZING! Super comfortable, fast and with astonishing sound with McRocklin fishman pickups! Everyone have to try! Can't wait for next shred club stream.. Don't miss it tomorrow! 🎸🎸🎸🔥🔥🔥
I think the opposite is true. Headless are objectively better. But pe theople only DON'T do it, because of what they think is "cool". I've never had a headless, but I know I'd be all for it, if the right model at the right price came my way when I'm cashed..
@@lueysixty-six7300 one of the biggest problems of headless guitars for me: Parts and accessoires... You want a case? Better pull up with 300$. You just want one to store it and normally you use the basic 80$ case of your local store brand? Unlucky. Something breaks or gets lost? Better get priority shipping outside of the US.
@@maximilianl4453 I'm German. Just looked on thomann. They have a more premium gigbag for 70 € and one a bit more "basic" for 30 € there. No idea what you're talking about in terms of gigbags. Also, I have never, in my entire life, needed any spare parts for any of my guitars. And if you do need spare parts, you can get them as easily or as...difficultly (?) as any other parts. What you say might have been true 10 years ago but the world definitely has caught on. Bloody hell, there are headless guitars by Harley Benton.
@@ThorsShadow Ein Gigbag ist aber kein Case. Gerade wenn man mehr Gitarren hat, ist ein Case deutlich praktischer (Habe tatsächlich nahezu alle meine Gitarren in diesen 80€ Basic Holzcases von Thomann, kennst bestimmt), weil man die einfach stapeln kann. Allerdings passen gerade da oft Headless Gitarren nicht schön rein und sind sehr wackelig. Das gleiche Problem habe ich schon immer mit Baritonen. Und klar… Harley Benton hat Headless Gitarren… Das ist aber auch nicht mein Kritikpunkt. Ersatzteile brauche ich doch öfter mal, gerade bei Live Instrumenten. FR Steinchen, einen neuen Saitenreiter oder einen Tremolo Arm bekomme ich in jedem zweiten Shop. Teile für eine Headless Kiesel oder so? Viel Glück. Man glaubt’s kaum, aber ich mache auch schon ein paar Tage Musik.
I got into headless because a friend of mine got a Strandberg and allowed me to play it and it was so light and comfortable. I love my Ibanez guitars but they aaare heavy and they are also shaped in the old school way so its hard to reach the last frets
Great video with some key insight. I have a headless and really don’t play it much because of the extra string. I’ll be ordering an MCR6X soon. Can’t wait!
I had no idea there was any actual differences :3 i just thought headless guitar players were fucking weirdos this entire time that just like a guitar with a headstock.... i hate it takes almost ALL of the sex appeal out of a man playing a guitar. As a woman that is my persepctive XD. and ive been playing for 20 years id totally buy one of these if it came with a fake headstock u could attach :P
I just got an Ibanez Q52 last week and it has been a real firestarter for me. I have been a traditional Ibanez player for the last 34 years but I absolutely love the Q52.
Definitely gonna need to try one out sometime! Those are both beautiful guitars and I've always loved Ibanez, but you really do have me thinking about saving up for a Kiesel.
You touched on a number of things I dealt with immediately upon receiving my MCR6X. It's been an absolute joy to play but there were some differences between my headed guitars, obviously. It's been a smooth transition. This is my first headless and I couldn't ask for a more stable and fun model to take the plunge on. Well done McRocklin, Fishman, and Kiesel!
Went from 0 to 3 headless instruments in the span of 6 months. Genuinely thinking of selling off the old ones. They haven't been played at all since the switch lol.
The main difference that I hear between the guitars is that the headless guitar has a bit more of a treble, bright, and crisp sound whereas the normal guitar has more warmth, bass, and saturation to it. Though that may have something to do with the pickups as I'm sure they are not the same pickups along with the tone wood. I think I'm more fair comparison would be to have your signature pickups in the signature model and also the model of the regular head stock guitar. Overall a great video! I would love to see a video with both having same pickup, same strings and having a little bit more of an in-depth tone comparison 😎😎
It probably comes down to the pickups in the comparison at the end, but the driven section I definitely prefer the Ibanez. The clean section it’s close, might take the Kiesel by a little. Overall I prefer the Ibanez. Nothing against headless guitars though, I can’t imagine they compromise the sound, just a different look and setup. If you like em, play em! Who cares what anyone else says!
It’s been a long time can’t wait for the return of shred club, it will be the perfect way to spend an afternoon here shredding along with Mcrocklin maybe we can get another mini rift lesson of a song
Not trying to have a "hot take" here, but anything that breaks the norm or challenges someone usually pisses them off, hence the haters. I used to think headless weren't as nice looking; now it's pretty much all I want. The Zeus is one of the nicest looking guitars I've seen (especially the McR6). Pick what's best for you, folks, but have an open mind and enjoy. Rock on, Thomas!
I have a strandberg that I lately haven't been totally vibing with, but i think a Kiesel would do it for me. I just realized that I dont like multiscale or the weird neck shape, but I had to own one to know it.
My Ibanez 5320 is always in tune, only when strings get old i have to tune it, but just a few cents, but when you record any few cents can make it strange. Otherwise always in tune, but i have made a setup that i consider perfect for my Ibanez, everything is prety dialed in, tension, action, neck straightness, floyd paralel to the fretboard. Even the string in the locking nut is perfectly setup, when you lock it does not detune. Balance. But yes, the convinience of a headless can be great in user expererience.
I’ve owned and played a lot of nice guitars in my life. But the best playing guitar I’ve ever played was my sons Strandberg. From that moment on I’ve gauged each guitar prospect on the playability of that one time I played that guitar. Before then I would never have considered a headless.
I just ordered my first guitar without a headstock. I don't really understand why it matters if it has a headstock or not. Only reason I ordered the new Ibanez q series is because I wanted something that was easier wielding around the studio in the living room. Other than that I could give two shits about what it's made out of. They all sound the same when they're processed anyway right, lol?
I agree, after years of playing a lot of guitars I recently got my first headless, a Kiesel Leia. Now I don’t want to play anything else. Then again my second favorite is my old Carvin, so not sure if it’s just the quality and feel of Carvin/Kiesel. Definitely easier ergonomics with a headless and more comfortable for me personally.
Sound comparison between a guitar with a headstock and without makes as much sense as comparing the glovebox size in a battle sedan vs SUV. They could be the same, they could be different but either way the main difference pointed out by the title-comparison has nothing to do with it. ;p
Next thing ya know you're out in the shop with a miter saw cutting heads off. Ask me how I know! Well, just a couple. I always felt like I was going to drive my fret hand right off the road...straight off the neck.
own both. I prefer guitars with headstocks. I prefer the look, functionality. and i dont forget its there. My strandberg has been beaten all to hell in my year of having it. If your interested. go for it. it might be the best decision youve made guitar wise if not. you now have a high quality travel guitar and a conversation piece
I'm not hearing any reasons that have anything to do with whether it has a headstock or not. Kiesel guitars are just more solid than the Ibanez basswood RG, and the profiles are different. Whether or not there's a head stock makes no difference other than the way it looks. .. uh and how it fits on a guitar hanger.
as for tone, it has been proven before, that the guitar itself, barely if at all affects the sound of an electric guitar, the main factors are the pickups, pedals, amps, cabs. The guitar woods and all that do affect unplugged sound, but for most who are playing electric guitar, unplugged isn't really a thing they are going to or should care about. The only time unplugged will really matter is if you are playing whilst plugged into headphones, as then you won't have the resonance from the amped sound keeping your note playing.
I played Jackson & Charvel exclusively for 25 years. Switched to Kiesel headless a couple of years ago, and I’ll never go back!! I have several of them now, and everything mentioned here is 100% true!! They are well-built, innovative, and modern. If you like “traditional” guitars, don’t bother. If you like to blow s*!+ up, these are for you! 🤟
The only actual reason from the listed was the traveling since they typically are more compact. The rest had nothing to do with having no headstock. Like model specific designs, components and overall quality of the instrument.
Own two headless myself. This isnt true. Both my headless guitars hold tune forever, even the cheap $500 one and you know the reason why? Its because there isnt much access string beyond the nut. Its true that you can find many guitars with a headstock that hold tune a long time but that usually takes more effort to realize. Two, headstocks add weight at the end of the neck which increases neck dive significantly and impacts weight distribution which impacts how the guitar sits and how much effort you expend fighting the forces of gravity. People need to just try them. I was a skeptic too. Thank god my friend had a Strandberg and let me play it.
@@ImInYourBrains That's an interesting point explained nowhere in this video. I guess you mean excess string, and not access. correct? By the way I'm head over heels about headless guitars (get it?) my gripe is that this video is not conclusive enough. The first point to mention is that the traditional method for guitar design and construction is simply put outdated. Strandberg guitars are designed with comfort and playability at the core and 'headed' guitar makers could emulate the approach to better balance their products but they don't. Even if tuning stability is increased, this is not an issue for top performers around the world as long as their instruments are well crafted and properly set.
I guess what I'm getting is that, headless guitar are avoided by players because of 'looks' and there is no other reason. People think a guitar without a headstock looks weird and that they'll be look as weirdos for playing them. Guitar industry is mostly concerned with the 'Coolness' of their products because that is what actually sells guitars (in bulk).
@@OG_Mereles yes I meant excess. \ "Even if tuning stability is increased, this is not an issue for top performers around the world as long as their instruments are well crafted and properly set." sure, but for everybody else, there's mastercard. Or just go headless and be free from all the limitations.
@@OG_Mereles I agree with this, but this is on the mend. Headless basses' are getting more and more popular and by extension so are headless guitars. Not to mention thanks to many streamers going headless and the pandemic, the market is expanding. Even Ibanez launched a series of headless guitars all its own and they are not bad at all. I think they are a few hundred dollar more expensive than they ought to be considering the complaints about QC. I dont actually have a Strandberg. I might get one in the future, but I think I will get a custom Kiesel before then. Currently I have the Ibanez QX54QM and a custom NK 6-string (2020 updated version). I wasnt sure getting a Strandberg as my first headless was a great idea, especially cause the ones I wanted were almost $2 grand. The amount is fine if I am certain its worth it, but I wasnt so I decided to go with a $500 chinese knockoff/varient after doing some research. The guitar is amazing but the pickups were trash. Its all good though cause they were easy enough to change (changed the pots as well). The tuners are even better than the tuners in the Ibanez that costs more than twice as much. And the asymmetric neck is a dream. Just needs a satin finish and it would be the perfect neck. Im glad to see others adopting the rounded asymmetric neck profile and similar barrel tuners. The Eart GW2 pro for example is adopting similar features (neck and bridge) that its older siblings didnt have but they are upping the price a little bit to like $600 (from $350). The 2022 NK guitars are adopting original designs while keeping what was good about the previous version. Im sure the pickups are still trash but again, thats one of the easiest things to fix. Just wish out of awareness, they would install a quick change system. Anyways thats my story. I hardly pickup my nonheadless guitars anymore and only have an eye out for headless models these days. Its just so free-ing.
I have been playing for at least 40 years now, and have owned and played Gibsons, Fenders, Charvel, Kramer. Suhr. mostly played them all at one time or another. The older I get, the less my back can handle. I bought one of the Ibanez Q series guitars, and never looked back. I love headless guitars. Like Allan Holdsworth said, once you play a headless guitar, you cant go back. Thats where I am in life now. My back thanks me for it.
As a 40+ year veteran of the Las Vegas and L.A. music scene, here's my 10 cents... (I know; it's supposed to be 2 cents, but with "Sleepy Joe at the helm it's now 10 cents. Lol...) Seriously... YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH ANY, AND I MEAN ANY KIESLE GUITAR! Look guys & girls (YES, I said "guys & girls" since there are ONLY GUYS, AND ONLY GIRLS! SORRY, BUT YA GOTTA PICK ONE OR THE OTHER. If you don't think so... LEAVE ME THE *$^*^$ alone and take it up with God. Good luck with that!) Jeff will just plain and simple NOT MAKE A SUB-STANDARD GUITAR! This kid's LIFE is guitars and it shows in his products! He literally grew up on guitars. I had the Craig Chaquico model back in the day and put the V22 pickups on everything else I owned... ei: Les Pauls, Explorers, Guild X79 and Guild X82 guitars etc... (Look up the Guilds; they were cool!) But there was NOTHING that came close to the "Carvin" at the time. These guitars are truly custom guitars made one at a time right there in California! Jeff literally ran around that little guitar factory in diapers (lol). He's done everything from sweeping the floor to being the TOP DOG EXECUTIVE at an industry leading custom guitar company! He personally brought up the company to the next level NOT to show off or by a bigger house, but because he LOVES GUITARS! SO.... Please trust this "wise old guy" (lol... never thought that I'd be calling myself an old guy...) KIESLE GUITARS ARE SECOND TO NONE and their headless guitars (because Jeff has his pulse on the ever changing industry) are the UNDISPUTED LEADERS of the headless guitar phenomenon! The other thing is THE ACTION!!! You can't get any lower action as far as the closeness of the strings to the fretboard on a guitar... Like Mikey said... "Try it, you'll like it"! (If you're not old, Google it. It's funny!) Lol... And so... Like Forrest said "That's all I have to say about that." (Google it; it's funny)(if you can't tell; all we had to do was watch movies on the "tour bus" and hotel rooms sometimes on the road... lol...) and with all of that said... God bless and take care...
@@Dastardly_X Hi Scott, I'm glad to see that you still think for yourself and smile! Lol... Thanks for taking the time to reply... Keep the faith and keep fighting the good fight bro! Jim
@@McRocklin My pleasure mate! You have a huge and well deserved following my friend! While I have your ear, I want to take up one more moment of your valuable time and personality THANK YOU! No matter how good anyone is or more realistically "THINKS" they are, the second that they start thinking that they're too good to learn from their peers is the "start of stupidity"... Lol... I continue to learn a lot from your channel and I want to THANK YOU FOR NOT BEING A "GUITAR DOUCHE"! LOL! Your talent is unquestionable and yet you NEVER TALK DOWN TO YOUR VIEWERS! Not your beginner, and even your intermediate viewers. You always come off as a bloke sitting with your friend together in you flat and jamming... Please don't ever let your success go to your head my friend... Keep the faith and keep fighting the good Rock-N-Roll fight! God bless and take care...
One day, when i open my amazon account and search for e guitars, results will always come up with headless guitars, coz everything is in constant evolution and the conventional e guitar that we knew, is going to be an alien instrument to everyone, or i dont even know if theres still be an amazon at that time🤣
I used to be an idiot too. Then I played a headless guitar and they're so much better/ lighter, balanced. Now they're my favorite. I have set. Six , seven and eight string Multi-scale headless guitars. They're my go to! I have over 40 Guitars in my studio that are all very nice but the headless multi-scale guitars are just amazing!
The other factors all come about because of the headlessness though. For example, i don’t ‘play’ the headstock of my SG but It’s the headstock that causes neck dive. And makes it fragile if knocked/dropped
These companies though should think a bit how to make it better looking... even the fact we call them "HEADless guitars" mean for everyone that something is missing or cut off . The fact that someone wants to invent something doesn't mean it has to be so boring looking . There is a reason Steinbergers in the 80s weren't really selling , despite they were the only headless company on the market .
Hmmm I don’t agree I think it just comes down to personal taste. We’ve just seen some guitars posted on my discord that are absolutely insanely cool, and they’re headless. It just depends on what tickles you’re fancy lol.
Quit making unnecessary reasons, just be honest and say they pay you for praises. Every major brand makes guitars with specifications that you like the only difference is that they have headstocks and kiesel does not. Also Ibanez makes headless guitars
Don’t be silly, no one has influence over what I say in my videos. I don’t mind the Ibanez headless range, would be better if they had a trem though.. 🤷🏻♂️
I had tried every brand and model found in most guitar stores but in 2019 I got my first Kiesel and it was a game changer for me! It showed me that I had been missing something all these years with other guitars. The quality and craftsmanship were unparalleled by any other brand. Ibanez, gibson, fender just no longer felt comfortable. I now have 10 kiesels and 2 more on the way and I've become a better player and play longer because my guitar is more comfortable and easier to play. You can't beat Kiesel, you can only come close to being as good as them but still falling short in my eyes. This is just my opinion not trying to bash any other brand just stating my opinion and sharing my experience.
I'd easily buy a headless les paul/RG/strat or any traditional body shapes. I hate how the headless trend is so synonymous with weird prog rock style body shapes. A headless jazz master to play some RnB would be pretty cool
I would totally disagree that headless guitars are the "norm" these days. I would say you see them more than you have since that period in the 80's when Steinberger made a big push, but not the norm, not by many hundreds of miles.
I hurt my back and now I can’t hold the weight of a standard guitar . I can now play without the strain on my back. Oh and they do stay in tune much better .
Headless guitars lack sustain due to the limited string movement constricted by the lack of a head. If you're a metal guy, that's cool. But if you want the string to resonate and have a longer travel.
Fyi, if you want a good headless without spending multiple grand, you gotta do your research and know what to look for. Id say the Harley Benton Dullahan, the Eart GW2 pro (make sure it has the barrel tuners), NK (2021 versions or later 6 or 7 string but not the one off experimental designs). I have heard good things about the Latitude but tbh the bridge design worries me. Eart, NK and others have either moved on from those tuner designs or are moving on from them currently. They are mid at best imo. If you got a little bit more money, I would recommend the new Ibanez Quest series. If you got a little bit more money, then go Strandberg if you dont mind the neck shape. If you have even more money go for Kiesel. I think for those testing the waters or are unsure/hesitant about the headless class/design should dip their toes in with good budget alternatives unless money flows like water for them and 2 grand is nothin to fret about. Ive got a 2020 NK headless (updated version, 6-string with pickups replaced) and the Ibanez QX54QM. Plan for the future is to get the Donner Hush-I cause I am open minded like that and also a custom Kiesel.
I don't care what anyone says, but for me when it comes to the two best looking Jems I've ever seen, of course Vai's swirl on the cover of Passion and this McRocklin Jem.. that paint job w/ your name on it.. I always thought, that look was incredible. I'm a sucker for blue's anyway, but they way this one is done is so classy, cool and clean. I just wished it had a matching headstock.
At the start of the Headless to head battle, I find that the Kiesel has too much top end to my taste. The Ibanez seems to drive better that kind of heavy riffs. A better balance between low-end and top end in my opinion. In the clean section, I prefer the Kiesel by a short head. Extremely tasty.
You weren't clear on what makes it physically more comfortable for you. I can see the bevel, I love my Aries, but what could possibly have an effect on pure playing comfort just because it's headless? I'm not talking about weight or the smaller length not hitting things, etc. You said it's more comfortable for you to play, and let's you play closer to your max capability. How? Also, for me, aesthetics are important in a guitar. I'm not sure why so many people discount that aspect. To my preferences, a guitar with a complete body and a headstock looks better than a headless. Not sure why that wouldn't be a valid consideration, and what's more, in fact one of the most important considerations. I want my guitars to look cool to me.
Sounds good but I just can't get used to the small travel-size guitar look of those headless things. I've played a few and they were good for travel but there not inspiring or stayed in tune any better than a regular guitar. I would look ridiculous playing one on stage. I just love headstock shapes too much. 🤘🤘🤘
Shred Club Returns Tomorrow: ruclips.net/video/xv9HMCq0tpU/видео.html
🤘🏻 🤘🏻🤘🏻 🤘🏻 🤘🏻 🤘🏻
NIIIICE
100% agree! I love headless guitars BUT for me there’s still the aesthetic love for the look of guitar with a headstock.
I’m 50/50 these days. The Kiesel GT headstock is one of my favourites.
For me...the traveling aspect was the only scenario you gave. The tonal differences were minute at best. Playing them through the SUPER HIGH END equipment you have makes them sound so similar as to be almost indistinguishable IMHO!!
Reason 3 was huge for me, getting my first headless 8 string was a saviour, living is such a small place I was hitting those huge headstocks everywhere, now with kiesel my 8 string zues is just as compact as any other guitar, also helps a bunch being a smaller dude
I'm one of those people thinking about going headless. Thanks for the informative video.
Any time! Hopefully there’s useful info there. You’re already on www.mcrocklin.com/discord ? If not, we have a great gear discussion channel if you have any questions etc. cheers 👍🏻
i mean... when u factor in the fluence its not even a fair fight lol
I just got my McRocklin Mcr6X headless last week. And wow game changer so fast and light and his fishman signature pickups Ouf. Next level 🤘
What a guy!
I got an headless MCR6X and it's absololutely AMAZING! Super comfortable, fast and with astonishing sound with McRocklin fishman pickups! Everyone have to try! Can't wait for next shred club stream.. Don't miss it tomorrow! 🎸🎸🎸🔥🔥🔥
🤘
He’s some guy that Luca!!!
You’ve got to be cool to pull off playing a headless guitar
Definitely slightly true 😆
I think the opposite is true.
Headless are objectively better.
But pe theople only DON'T do it, because of what they think is "cool".
I've never had a headless, but I know I'd be all for it, if the right model at the right price came my way when I'm cashed..
@@lueysixty-six7300 one of the biggest problems of headless guitars for me:
Parts and accessoires...
You want a case? Better pull up with 300$. You just want one to store it and normally you use the basic 80$ case of your local store brand? Unlucky.
Something breaks or gets lost? Better get priority shipping outside of the US.
@@maximilianl4453 I'm German. Just looked on thomann. They have a more premium gigbag for 70 € and one a bit more "basic" for 30 € there. No idea what you're talking about in terms of gigbags.
Also, I have never, in my entire life, needed any spare parts for any of my guitars. And if you do need spare parts, you can get them as easily or as...difficultly (?) as any other parts.
What you say might have been true 10 years ago but the world definitely has caught on. Bloody hell, there are headless guitars by Harley Benton.
@@ThorsShadow Ein Gigbag ist aber kein Case. Gerade wenn man mehr Gitarren hat, ist ein Case deutlich praktischer (Habe tatsächlich nahezu alle meine Gitarren in diesen 80€ Basic Holzcases von Thomann, kennst bestimmt), weil man die einfach stapeln kann.
Allerdings passen gerade da oft Headless Gitarren nicht schön rein und sind sehr wackelig. Das gleiche Problem habe ich schon immer mit Baritonen.
Und klar… Harley Benton hat Headless Gitarren… Das ist aber auch nicht mein Kritikpunkt.
Ersatzteile brauche ich doch öfter mal, gerade bei Live Instrumenten.
FR Steinchen, einen neuen Saitenreiter oder einen Tremolo Arm bekomme ich in jedem zweiten Shop. Teile für eine Headless Kiesel oder so? Viel Glück. Man glaubt’s kaum, aber ich mache auch schon ein paar Tage Musik.
I got into headless because a friend of mine got a Strandberg and allowed me to play it and it was so light and comfortable. I love my Ibanez guitars but they aaare heavy and they are also shaped in the old school way so its hard to reach the last frets
Great video with some key insight. I have a headless and really don’t play it much because of the extra string. I’ll be ordering an MCR6X soon. Can’t wait!
Cheers Patrick!
I had no idea there was any actual differences :3 i just thought headless guitar players were fucking weirdos this entire time that just like a guitar with a headstock.... i hate it takes almost ALL of the sex appeal out of a man playing a guitar. As a woman that is my persepctive XD. and ive been playing for 20 years id totally buy one of these if it came with a fake headstock u could attach :P
I just got an Ibanez Q52 last week and it has been a real firestarter for me. I have been a traditional Ibanez player for the last 34 years but I absolutely love the Q52.
I can’t wait to order one MCR6X (grey one) for myself! It’s such an epic looking masterpiece💜
🙌🏻it’s a beast.
I got the same one. You won't regret it.
Definitely gonna need to try one out sometime! Those are both beautiful guitars and I've always loved Ibanez, but you really do have me thinking about saving up for a Kiesel.
🌟
Well, you are a great teacher like your mentor Mr. Vai. And you are turning me into a Kiesel fan
little by little with every new video ;o)
:)
To me headless guitars are completely awfull. Ugly and horrible... Ha ha ha. No I can't take the taste of it, no matter how good they are
Allan Holdsworth, probably the greatest electric guitar player of all time, was playing headless guitars.
" But but.... they look like toys...."
For me,headless guitar is non actractive and not cool!sory,,this is for my opinion✌️
You touched on a number of things I dealt with immediately upon receiving my MCR6X. It's been an absolute joy to play but there were some differences between my headed guitars, obviously. It's been a smooth transition. This is my first headless and I couldn't ask for a more stable and fun model to take the plunge on. Well done McRocklin, Fishman, and Kiesel!
Thank you MR! Glad you’re enjoying it mate.
Where would I put my headstock tuner? lol.
I clip mine onto the top 👍🏻
It maybe convenient in the studio. But it's just so damn ugly imho.
I could never play a headless guitar! 😁😆🤣😂
But seriously, I couldn't. 😆
Only thing I dislike about the Ibanez is that the volume knob is so close to the pickup.
Can you add the “boosh boosh” sound of you banging your headstock on the desk as a sound on your pedal board?
I could 😆
@@McRocklin it could be a drum sample too lol
Went from 0 to 3 headless instruments in the span of 6 months. Genuinely thinking of selling off the old ones. They haven't been played at all since the switch lol.
This can definitely happen!
The main difference that I hear between the guitars is that the headless guitar has a bit more of a treble, bright, and crisp sound whereas the normal guitar has more warmth, bass, and saturation to it. Though that may have something to do with the pickups as I'm sure they are not the same pickups along with the tone wood. I think I'm more fair comparison would be to have your signature pickups in the signature model and also the model of the regular head stock guitar. Overall a great video! I would love to see a video with both having same pickup, same strings and having a little bit more of an in-depth tone comparison 😎😎
It probably comes down to the pickups in the comparison at the end, but the driven section I definitely prefer the Ibanez. The clean section it’s close, might take the Kiesel by a little. Overall I prefer the Ibanez. Nothing against headless guitars though, I can’t imagine they compromise the sound, just a different look and setup. If you like em, play em! Who cares what anyone else says!
It’s been a long time can’t wait for the return of shred club, it will be the perfect way to spend an afternoon here shredding along with Mcrocklin maybe we can get another mini rift lesson of a song
I had one of the original graphite Steinbergers with the TransTrem back in the day. One of the regrets I have when comes to selling equipment off.
Ibanez Prestige over a Kiesel anyday, Ibanez will rule the headless guitar game in the next 5 years!!!
Let’s check back here in five years time then lol 🥱
Not trying to have a "hot take" here, but anything that breaks the norm or challenges someone usually pisses them off, hence the haters. I used to think headless weren't as nice looking; now it's pretty much all I want. The Zeus is one of the nicest looking guitars I've seen (especially the McR6). Pick what's best for you, folks, but have an open mind and enjoy. Rock on, Thomas!
Very true totally agree. Thanks Sean, a man of reason and wisdom!! 👋🏻
exactly the biggest change I got with headless. The comfort ergonomics in front of the desk is enormous! haters gonna hate :p cheers 🤣🤣
Haters always gonna hate 😆👊🏻
I have a strandberg that I lately haven't been totally vibing with, but i think a Kiesel would do it for me. I just realized that I dont like multiscale or the weird neck shape, but I had to own one to know it.
Yes the neck is more traditional on on Kiesel and the weight is a little heavier. Both are great options.
Headless looks horrible.
My Ibanez 5320 is always in tune, only when strings get old i have to tune it, but just a few cents, but when you record any few cents can make it strange. Otherwise always in tune, but i have made a setup that i consider perfect for my Ibanez, everything is prety dialed in, tension, action, neck straightness, floyd paralel to the fretboard. Even the string in the locking nut is perfectly setup, when you lock it does not detune. Balance. But yes, the convinience of a headless can be great in user expererience.
I need a headless “Firebird” shape
I’ve owned and played a lot of nice guitars in my life. But the best playing guitar I’ve ever played was my sons Strandberg. From that moment on I’ve gauged each guitar prospect on the playability of that one time I played that guitar. Before then I would never have considered a headless.
I sure love a fast rate full depth tremolo effect. been my goto for YEARS.
I just ordered my first guitar without a headstock. I don't really understand why it matters if it has a headstock or not. Only reason I ordered the new Ibanez q series is because I wanted something that was easier wielding around the studio in the living room. Other than that I could give two shits about what it's made out of. They all sound the same when they're processed anyway right, lol?
Enjoy!
How did you do that killswitch effect? It was great. Tx.
Auto panned in mono 🤓
I agree, after years of playing a lot of guitars I recently got my first headless, a Kiesel Leia. Now I don’t want to play anything else. Then again my second favorite is my old Carvin, so not sure if it’s just the quality and feel of Carvin/Kiesel. Definitely easier ergonomics with a headless and more comfortable for me personally.
Oh 💯 the quality is what’s is
Sound comparison between a guitar with a headstock and without makes as much sense as comparing the glovebox size in a battle sedan vs SUV. They could be the same, they could be different but either way the main difference pointed out by the title-comparison has nothing to do with it. ;p
well made guitars with headstock balance perfectly... they're not two exclusive things. haha but i get you Mcrocklin!
Hehe I do like headless for that compact comfortable sitting on your lap kinda vibe. As well as standing
The boosh boosh is definitely me. Need to get a headless.
😆 booooosh!!!
Next thing ya know you're out in the shop with a miter saw cutting heads off. Ask me how I know! Well, just a couple.
I always felt like I was going to drive my fret hand right off the road...straight off the neck.
own both. I prefer guitars with headstocks. I prefer the look, functionality. and i dont forget its there. My strandberg has been beaten all to hell in my year of having it. If your interested. go for it. it might be the best decision youve made guitar wise
if not. you now have a high quality travel guitar and a conversation piece
Cool insight!
I'm not hearing any reasons that have anything to do with whether it has a headstock or not. Kiesel guitars are just more solid than the Ibanez basswood RG, and the profiles are different. Whether or not there's a head stock makes no difference other than the way it looks. .. uh and how it fits on a guitar hanger.
as for tone, it has been proven before, that the guitar itself, barely if at all affects the sound of an electric guitar, the main factors are the pickups, pedals, amps, cabs. The guitar woods and all that do affect unplugged sound, but for most who are playing electric guitar, unplugged isn't really a thing they are going to or should care about. The only time unplugged will really matter is if you are playing whilst plugged into headphones, as then you won't have the resonance from the amped sound keeping your note playing.
I pretty much only play headless now days. My main guitar I built from scratch from red oak.
👌🏻👌🏻
I played Jackson & Charvel exclusively for 25 years. Switched to Kiesel headless a couple of years ago, and I’ll never go back!! I have several of them now, and everything mentioned here is 100% true!! They are well-built, innovative, and modern. If you like “traditional” guitars, don’t bother. If you like to blow s*!+ up, these are for you! 🤟
😆 this man knows!
ive always wanted a headless, but i cant afford one. which sucks. id love to be sponsored by a company but Im only 16.
The Zeus body absolutely hugs your body, so comfortable!
Absolutely
@@McRocklin BTW Great last lesson on outside playing!!!
Think I'll saw the head off my strat. Thanks! Lol 😂 😎🤓
such a beautiful Ibanez Thomas! What model JEM is it?
Thanks. Ibanez made this one for me back in the day, there’s a dedicated video of it on my guitar playlist 👍🏻 it’s pretty crazy how they built it.
The only actual reason from the listed was the traveling since they typically are more compact. The rest had nothing to do with having no headstock. Like model specific designs, components and overall quality of the instrument.
Own two headless myself. This isnt true. Both my headless guitars hold tune forever, even the cheap $500 one and you know the reason why? Its because there isnt much access string beyond the nut. Its true that you can find many guitars with a headstock that hold tune a long time but that usually takes more effort to realize. Two, headstocks add weight at the end of the neck which increases neck dive significantly and impacts weight distribution which impacts how the guitar sits and how much effort you expend fighting the forces of gravity.
People need to just try them. I was a skeptic too. Thank god my friend had a Strandberg and let me play it.
@@ImInYourBrains That's an interesting point explained nowhere in this video. I guess you mean excess string, and not access. correct? By the way I'm head over heels about headless guitars (get it?) my gripe is that this video is not conclusive enough. The first point to mention is that the traditional method for guitar design and construction is simply put outdated. Strandberg guitars are designed with comfort and playability at the core and 'headed' guitar makers could emulate the approach to better balance their products but they don't. Even if tuning stability is increased, this is not an issue for top performers around the world as long as their instruments are well crafted and properly set.
I guess what I'm getting is that, headless guitar are avoided by players because of 'looks' and there is no other reason. People think a guitar without a headstock looks weird and that they'll be look as weirdos for playing them. Guitar industry is mostly concerned with the 'Coolness' of their products because that is what actually sells guitars (in bulk).
@@OG_Mereles yes I meant excess. \
"Even if tuning stability is increased, this is not an issue for top performers around the world as long as their instruments are well crafted and properly set."
sure, but for everybody else, there's mastercard.
Or just go headless and be free from all the limitations.
@@OG_Mereles I agree with this, but this is on the mend. Headless basses' are getting more and more popular and by extension so are headless guitars. Not to mention thanks to many streamers going headless and the pandemic, the market is expanding. Even Ibanez launched a series of headless guitars all its own and they are not bad at all. I think they are a few hundred dollar more expensive than they ought to be considering the complaints about QC.
I dont actually have a Strandberg. I might get one in the future, but I think I will get a custom Kiesel before then. Currently I have the Ibanez QX54QM and a custom NK 6-string (2020 updated version).
I wasnt sure getting a Strandberg as my first headless was a great idea, especially cause the ones I wanted were almost $2 grand. The amount is fine if I am certain its worth it, but I wasnt so I decided to go with a $500 chinese knockoff/varient after doing some research. The guitar is amazing but the pickups were trash. Its all good though cause they were easy enough to change (changed the pots as well). The tuners are even better than the tuners in the Ibanez that costs more than twice as much. And the asymmetric neck is a dream. Just needs a satin finish and it would be the perfect neck.
Im glad to see others adopting the rounded asymmetric neck profile and similar barrel tuners. The Eart GW2 pro for example is adopting similar features (neck and bridge) that its older siblings didnt have but they are upping the price a little bit to like $600 (from $350). The 2022 NK guitars are adopting original designs while keeping what was good about the previous version. Im sure the pickups are still trash but again, thats one of the easiest things to fix. Just wish out of awareness, they would install a quick change system.
Anyways thats my story. I hardly pickup my nonheadless guitars anymore and only have an eye out for headless models these days. Its just so free-ing.
I have been playing for at least 40 years now, and have owned and played Gibsons, Fenders, Charvel, Kramer. Suhr. mostly played them all at one time or another. The older I get, the less my back can handle. I bought one of the Ibanez Q series guitars, and never looked back. I love headless guitars. Like Allan Holdsworth said, once you play a headless guitar, you cant go back. Thats where I am in life now. My back thanks me for it.
Oh awesome, you should share some pics of it with us on www.mcrocklin.com/discord we have a gear discussion channel 👍🏻
As a 40+ year veteran of the Las Vegas and L.A. music scene, here's my 10 cents... (I know; it's supposed to be 2 cents, but with "Sleepy Joe at the helm it's now 10 cents. Lol...)
Seriously... YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH ANY, AND I MEAN ANY KIESLE GUITAR!
Look guys & girls (YES, I said "guys & girls" since there are ONLY GUYS, AND ONLY GIRLS! SORRY, BUT YA GOTTA PICK ONE OR THE OTHER. If you don't think so... LEAVE ME THE *$^*^$ alone and take it up with God. Good luck with that!)
Jeff will just plain and simple NOT MAKE A SUB-STANDARD GUITAR!
This kid's LIFE is guitars and it shows in his products! He literally grew up on guitars. I had the Craig Chaquico model back in the day and put the V22 pickups on everything else I owned... ei: Les Pauls, Explorers, Guild X79 and Guild X82 guitars etc...
(Look up the Guilds; they were cool!)
But there was NOTHING that came close to the "Carvin" at the time.
These guitars are truly custom guitars made one at a time right there in California! Jeff literally ran around that little guitar factory in diapers (lol). He's done everything from sweeping the floor to being the TOP DOG EXECUTIVE at an industry leading custom guitar company! He personally brought up the company to the next level NOT to show off or by a bigger house, but because he LOVES GUITARS!
SO....
Please trust this "wise old guy" (lol... never thought that I'd be calling myself an old guy...)
KIESLE GUITARS ARE SECOND TO NONE and their headless guitars (because Jeff has his pulse on the ever changing industry) are the UNDISPUTED LEADERS of the headless guitar phenomenon!
The other thing is THE ACTION!!! You can't get any lower action as far as the closeness of the strings to the fretboard on a guitar...
Like Mikey said...
"Try it, you'll like it"!
(If you're not old, Google it. It's funny!) Lol...
And so... Like Forrest said
"That's all I have to say about that." (Google it; it's funny)(if you can't tell; all we had to do was watch movies on the "tour bus" and hotel rooms sometimes on the road... lol...) and with all of that said...
God bless and take care...
🌟 😂
@@Dastardly_X Hi Scott, I'm glad to see that you still think for yourself and smile! Lol...
Thanks for taking the time to reply...
Keep the faith and keep fighting the good fight bro!
Jim
Thanks for taking the time out to share your experience, that’s awesome.
@@McRocklin My pleasure mate! You have a huge and well deserved following my friend! While I have your ear, I want to take up one more moment of your valuable time and personality THANK YOU! No matter how good anyone is or more realistically "THINKS" they are, the second that they start thinking that they're too good to learn from their peers is the "start of stupidity"... Lol... I continue to learn a lot from your channel and I want to THANK YOU FOR NOT BEING A "GUITAR DOUCHE"! LOL!
Your talent is unquestionable and yet you NEVER TALK DOWN TO YOUR VIEWERS! Not your beginner, and even your intermediate viewers. You always come off as a bloke sitting with your friend together in you flat and jamming... Please don't ever let your success go to your head my friend... Keep the faith and keep fighting the good Rock-N-Roll fight!
God bless and take care...
That vintage 💎 is awesome
Tone, because electric guitar is headless? Really? XDDDDD
Do headlesa guitars come with floyd roses?
They can come with their own unique type of trem that’s very similar to a floyd rose approach 👍🏻
One day, when i open my amazon account and search for e guitars, results will always come up with headless guitars, coz everything is in constant evolution and the conventional e guitar that we knew, is going to be an alien instrument to everyone, or i dont even know if theres still be an amazon at that time🤣
Hehe
Kiessel...👌
🤓
Regardless, a headless guitar looks like sh1t! I'll never spend a good amount of money on a guitar that doesn't look good.
Well as per usual, this is subjective. There’s no denying people like them a LOT.
I used to be an idiot too. Then I played a headless guitar and they're so much better/ lighter, balanced. Now they're my favorite. I have set. Six , seven and eight string Multi-scale headless guitars. They're my go to! I have over 40 Guitars in my studio that are all very nice but the headless multi-scale guitars are just amazing!
Niiice!
So you are basically saying that all details you prefer on a headless over a headstock one is everything but the headless factor itself.
The other factors all come about because of the headlessness though. For example, i don’t ‘play’ the headstock of my SG but It’s the headstock that causes neck dive. And makes it fragile if knocked/dropped
How often does you hand come off the neck?
Never.
They should have a fake head that you click on to look great
As if the head would have any influence what so ever on tone
These companies though should think a bit how to make it better looking... even the fact we call them "HEADless guitars" mean for everyone that something is missing or cut off . The fact that someone wants to invent something doesn't mean it has to be so boring looking . There is a reason Steinbergers in the 80s weren't really selling , despite they were the only headless company on the market .
Hmmm I don’t agree I think it just comes down to personal taste. We’ve just seen some guitars posted on my discord that are absolutely insanely cool, and they’re headless. It just depends on what tickles you’re fancy lol.
Quit making unnecessary reasons, just be honest and say they pay you for praises. Every major brand makes guitars with specifications that you like the only difference is that they have headstocks and kiesel does not. Also Ibanez makes headless guitars
Don’t be silly, no one has influence over what I say in my videos. I don’t mind the Ibanez headless range, would be better if they had a trem though.. 🤷🏻♂️
I had tried every brand and model found in most guitar stores but in 2019 I got my first Kiesel and it was a game changer for me! It showed me that I had been missing something all these years with other guitars. The quality and craftsmanship were unparalleled by any other brand. Ibanez, gibson, fender just no longer felt comfortable. I now have 10 kiesels and 2 more on the way and I've become a better player and play longer because my guitar is more comfortable and easier to play. You can't beat Kiesel, you can only come close to being as good as them but still falling short in my eyes. This is just my opinion not trying to bash any other brand just stating my opinion and sharing my experience.
I'd easily buy a headless les paul/RG/strat or any traditional body shapes. I hate how the headless trend is so synonymous with weird prog rock style body shapes. A headless jazz master to play some RnB would be pretty cool
Kiesel Delos HD👌🏻
I would totally disagree that headless guitars are the "norm" these days. I would say you see them more than you have since that period in the 80's when Steinberger made a big push, but not the norm, not by many hundreds of miles.
I’m pretty sure I said, more of the norm. Not the norm. 👍🏻
What’s the effect from 13 mins? - I need this on everything!! My car, my drill, my toilet 😻
😆😆 the stutter effect? Or Crystal delay??
The lush synth like tones…sounds like it could be the crystal…
How would you describe the sound of a raw tone body vs a regular tung-oil or painted body?
I’d say it’s mostly feel difference in reality.
Tone????? Just want to make sure i'm understanding, are you saying, that with all things equal, the tone is better on a headless guitar!?
To me, they’re a very tight snappy sounding guitar yeah. But they all sustain very well.
I absolutely dislike headless guitar
I hurt my back and now I can’t hold the weight of a standard guitar . I can now play without the strain on my back. Oh and they do stay in tune much better .
Oh yeah this is very true!
Headless guitars lack sustain due to the limited string movement constricted by the lack of a head. If you're a metal guy, that's cool. But if you want the string to resonate and have a longer travel.
That’s wrong. They have incredible sustain.
Fyi, if you want a good headless without spending multiple grand, you gotta do your research and know what to look for. Id say the Harley Benton Dullahan, the Eart GW2 pro (make sure it has the barrel tuners), NK (2021 versions or later 6 or 7 string but not the one off experimental designs). I have heard good things about the Latitude but tbh the bridge design worries me. Eart, NK and others have either moved on from those tuner designs or are moving on from them currently. They are mid at best imo.
If you got a little bit more money, I would recommend the new Ibanez Quest series. If you got a little bit more money, then go Strandberg if you dont mind the neck shape. If you have even more money go for Kiesel. I think for those testing the waters or are unsure/hesitant about the headless class/design should dip their toes in with good budget alternatives unless money flows like water for them and 2 grand is nothin to fret about.
Ive got a 2020 NK headless (updated version, 6-string with pickups replaced) and the Ibanez QX54QM. Plan for the future is to get the Donner Hush-I cause I am open minded like that and also a custom Kiesel.
a headless guitar let you play to your full advantage.. bro it's the same guitar but with no head stock
No it’s not. The string tension, the body size, it’s all different. You clearly don’t play a headless guitar, but it’s clear you’ve lost your head.
I don't care what anyone says, but for me when it comes to the two best looking Jems I've ever seen, of course Vai's swirl on the cover of Passion and this McRocklin Jem.. that paint job w/ your name on it.. I always thought, that look was incredible. I'm a sucker for blue's anyway, but they way this one is done is so classy, cool and clean. I just wished it had a matching headstock.
Headless guitar looks too ugly😄
At the start of the Headless to head battle, I find that the Kiesel has too much top end to my taste. The Ibanez seems to drive better that kind of heavy riffs. A better balance between low-end and top end in my opinion. In the clean section, I prefer the Kiesel by a short head. Extremely tasty.
Steinberger's were my go to headless guitar...Trans-trem on everyone! Awesome playability!
Damn, that floral Jem sounds shweeeeeet
🤘🏻 thanks!
The F#m add9 11 and the A maj 7 chord with open B string. I’m stealing it.
Haha enjoy!
Whatever the effect you used when you slid down the neck at 8 seconds was bad a$$.. what’s that effect called?
Like the pitch glitch type of thing?
Probably one of the effects from this video ruclips.net/video/0n_o0pdzlFM/видео.html 👍🏻
@@McRocklin yes I realize now it’s from a glitch pedal. Your studio looks amazing man; perfect atmosphere to induce creativity
0:07 woa what was that effect?
You weren't clear on what makes it physically more comfortable for you. I can see the bevel, I love my Aries, but what could possibly have an effect on pure playing comfort just because it's headless? I'm not talking about weight or the smaller length not hitting things, etc. You said it's more comfortable for you to play, and let's you play closer to your max capability. How?
Also, for me, aesthetics are important in a guitar. I'm not sure why so many people discount that aspect. To my preferences, a guitar with a complete body and a headstock looks better than a headless. Not sure why that wouldn't be a valid consideration, and what's more, in fact one of the most important considerations. I want my guitars to look cool to me.
It’s the shape and slightly more compact size
It’s the shape and slightly more compact size
Sounds good but I just can't get used to the small travel-size guitar look of those headless things. I've played a few and they were good for travel but there not inspiring or stayed in tune any better than a regular guitar. I would look ridiculous playing one on stage. I just love headstock shapes too much. 🤘🤘🤘
Different things for different peeps. I think you’ll like what’s arriving next week :)
@@McRocklin For sure! Life would be boring if everyone played the same guitar 🤘🤘🤘
Just so long as you're not legless when you play, you'll be fine
😆
Kiesel makes badass guitars. I love the look of yours!
Cheers!
Kiesel seem cool, but I have yet to see one in a store. ^_^
They’re direct only 👍🏻
A headless guitar just doesn't look right
You get used to the looks, once you play one.
Are you comfortable on 7 string guitars?
Not really.
I am not against headless guitars, I just can't afford £3000 to buy one LOL.
Haha 😄 "BOOSH! BOOSH!"
😆