r/HeadlessGuitars

I have been working out a lot of Shakti stuff and practising it. I have been playing some Shakti tunes live with a trio featuring Kanjira and Violin alongside me on guitar. Can send the tab I made if folks want it!

Hi everyone!

This might be a common question, but here goes anyway. Is it really worth paying the price difference between a Strandberg Boden Essential and a Hils NN3?

I'm going to buy a headless guitar, and I'm looking for one with good build quality. I can always change the electronics or pickups, but the build quality, and in the case of these guitars, the hardware, are things I can't replace.

I play metal, and I don't need a very expensive instrument. My main guitar is a Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid, so I'd like a guitar that's up to par.

Thanks so much for your advice!

I was shopping for a headless 7 string, after selling my PRS SE SVN Mark Holcomb (neck was too chunky for me).

I wanted a Strandberg, after regretting selling my Boden OS7 a couple years back. However the price tag and the fact that they’re all made in Indonesia kinda put me off.

GOC seemed attractive with the ergonomic neck shape and price point.
They just happened to have a batch of release of guitars ready to sell and jumped on it.
It arrived within 4 days (China to Singapore), was really surprised how quick it was.

I can say that the neck is better or at least very close to the Endurneck. For me the key point was the neck is much thinner, on par with 90’s Ibanez (I have a PGM from 1994 for reference).

Pickups are fine, but may change them in the future for something with more clarity, perhaps slightly less hot.
Hardware is good, very smooth to turn.

Guitar arrived almost setup, might need some tweaking but nothing egregious.

Would recommend GOC for a decent alternative to Strandberg endurneck. If you prefer a traditional shape, plenty of other options but afaik, only GOC and Strandberg offer ergonomic necks.

Hello guys, need a little help here; I have a Sire headless x6 guitar, and one of the screws that are locking the strings came unusable. I bought a quick replacement screw for it but let’s be honest, it isn’t quite aesthetically pleasing. Do you know what exact screw I should buy for the purpose? Thank you very-very much in advance!

Yesterday, I received my brand-new GOC guitar. After reading numerous positive reviews, I finally pulled the trigger. While I anticipated a good instrument, this guitar completely exceeded my expectations. Coming in at exactly €1,000 (taxes included), it holds its own against my Ibanez Prestiges and easily outshines my two Strandbergs. Don't get me wrong: I love my Strandbergs, but I have absolutely zero regrets about this purchase.

Packaging & Unboxing

The packaging was spot on. It arrived in a well-sealed box, perfectly protected for its long journey from China to Spain, with UPS handling the delivery efficiently. Inside, the guitar was securely packed alongside a few cool extras: a GOC T-shirt and a fresh set of strings.

Aesthetics & Weight

Visually, the guitar is stunning. It is somewhat on the heavier side, though I guess being an 8-string definitely accounts for the extra mass. My 7-string Strandberg is notably lighter by comparison, making this GOC feel like a very substantial instrument. The finish (Yharnam, though I chose Messier in the beginning) is outstanding, and the visible wood grain looks gorgeous. Plus, it looks a bit like my cat. That was the reason for changing the finish: wood + cats. Rating 9.5/10.

(Of course, cat tax paid at the end).

Ergonomics & Playability

The ergonomics are simply exceptional. It’s incredibly comfortable to play seated, and standing with it for two hours was no issue at all. The neck is exceptionally thin, offering maximum comfort. If you can imagine the perfect hybrid between a Strandberg EndurNeck and an Ibanez Wizard profile, this is it. I’d rate the overall comfort a solid 9.5/10. It also features Luminlay side dots that look fantastic, along with perfectly installed stainless steel frets with absolutely zero fret sprout. It came well set up. I'll check with my Luthier later today.

Pickups & Electronics

The stock pickups are functional and perform adequately, though they aren't flawless. The great news is that the guitar comes with a pre-routed 9V battery cavity, making it completely ready for future active pickup upgrades. I’m already debating whether to drop a set of Abasi pickups in there later. The backplate is made of somewhat cheap plastic, but as long as it protects and isolates the electronics, I don't mind. Plus, the wood grain on the back of the guitar is aesthetically beautiful. Rating 7/10.

Hardware & Tuning

The bridge is an absolute masterpiece. I give it a 1,000/10. It’s incredibly easy to adjust and allows for buttery smooth tuning. Honestly, out of the nine guitars I own, none tune as effortlessly as this GOC. I'll have to see how the tuning stability holds up over time. I will provide updates on that.

Only con: no case or bag is included. They offer one, though, for about €140. I'll look elsewhere for that.

Conclusion

GET A GOC. For its price, it's just a 9.5/10. They are phenomenal instruments with build quality right up there with certain Prestige Ibanez models and arguably a step above my Strandbergs (post NX are hit-and-miss guitars). On top of that, their customer service is top-notch. I originally ordered a different colour (Messier), and emailed them to swap it for this finish. They were incredibly helpful and accommodating.

This might be my first GOC, but it definitely won't be my last. Go ahead and get one... you will not be disappointed.

I recently bought a Larry Carlton sire x6 and the inital setup was awful. The bridge was tilted all the way back, so i leveled It correctly.

But now the action is too high and i can't find a way to lower the saddles. I tried the smallest Key i could find but the hole is always too small. Can anyone help me?