Thursday, March 19, 2026
BassBass Guitar

Hils NEXT HNB3 Headless Short Scale Bass Review – This is cool and lightweight! A few issues though.


In this unsponsored video, we are checking out the Hils NEXT HNB3 headless short scale bass!
Features a 30 inch scale length, mahogany body, bolt on 5 piece maple and walnut neck, laurel fingerboard. Headless design. Single humbucker with master volume and tone. Ergonomically designed to suit different postures and playing positions.

It’s definitely a cool bass, but there are few issues you should take note of, before you buy.

The bass was recorded direct through a Line6 Pod Go with my usual GK800RB model settings.
No EQ or compression was added in post.
Stock D’addario XL roundwound strings 105-45

00:00 Intro
00:21 Features and specs
02:13 Sounds
05:07 Comparison track
07:26 Headless story
08:57 Construction, Fit & Frets
11:12 Hardware
14:22 Sounds
17:45 Ergonomics & Balance
19:21 Esthetic & Design
20:10 Gig bag included
21:25 Doesn’t fit all stands
23:41 BIG cavity!
25:07 Overall

https://jonathanwong.bandcamp.com

#Hils #HNB3 #Headless #Short #Scale #Bass #Review #cool #lightweight #issues

Originally posted by UCesauVJ_xjbj7u539yf-lOw at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4c36i5_Jp8

27 thoughts on “Hils NEXT HNB3 Headless Short Scale Bass Review – This is cool and lightweight! A few issues though.

  • It’s hard to judge the tone because of your skill. I have a feeling that you can pick up a complete piece of shit guitar and make it sound unbelievably good. Whereas I can grab the most high end bass and still sound like shit.

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  • The bass is designed to fit in a hanging stand, that's why there is a "nub" on the headstock. You can also just lean it up against a wall using the rubber feet on the bottom

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  • I’d be itching to get my hacksaw and remove that down point of the body. It’s just going to get in the way.

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  • I really love your reviews…..very detailed and comprehensive. I am an aging bassist looking for comfort without sacrificing tone. Do you think you could EQ the bottom end to give it a little more warmth? Also regarding the tuners would some graphite lube help that a bit? The frets I can deal with and rework myself. Seems like a pretty decent instrument given the price point. I value your opinion. Thank you.

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  • Johnathan, I love your videos. I have a question, and I'm only asking on this video because I trust you as another shortscale bassist. Q: Do you have/play an upright bass? If so, do you play a 1/2 size or 3/4? Your videos helped save my left hand, btw. I thought that I'd have to quit playing until I discovered your videos, so thank you for all you do ????

    Reply
  • Interesting review. I like the time you spent discussing the string clamp above the nut. At one time I was interested in a Steinberger Spirit headless, but chickened out of buying when I discovered it only took custom double ball end strings (without the rare optional adapter). I think the Spirits also have clacky creaky tuners. Ended up going safe and getting a Yamaha broadbass instead 🙂

    Thanks for your detailed review and excellent channel

    Reply
  • Great video! I'm in Canada too, how much was the taxes and duty? I have been looking for a 6 lb bass for a while, it might be the one

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  • Thanks Jonathan. I always enjoy your videos. I’m a short scale player now (easier on the old back). Great review. This bass sounds awesome and looks cool. Might not be exactly what I’m looking for. A little quirky for me. I have a short scale Sterling Joe Dart 3 shipping in September from a special run that Sterling was doing on their website. P bass pick up set up. 1 knob. Minimal how I like it. I currently have 2 Gretsch Junior Jets (1 for back up at gigs). Love the sound but need something a little more.

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  • Thorough review. I would try one just for the different playing positions. Sounds like it could play country with a bit of amp EQing. You keep giving us fresh looks at the short scale, thanx.

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  • i'm a short scale bass player too (once in a while a medium scale). i appreciate your detailed and well thought out videos. no extra fluff. no overplaying. just to the point(s) and excellent editing. thanks!

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  • I recently bought a headless bass. As of lately I been leaning more towards modern looking basses. I love the classic look, but I also accept the modern look and sound. Great review.

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  • Stingrays (at least mine) are like 2.5 inches from saddles to start of the pickup and 3.5 inches from saddles to middle of the MM pickup. I see what you're talking about. I dig the tone of this bass.

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  • Great review!
    For me, the weight, balance, positionings, is key factor. This has it all.
    If only it came with extra ball bearings for those pesky times we might lose one while changing strings.

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  • Stellar review!!!
    Here's a mod idea… Curtis Novak is making a Grabber pickup with the sliding mechanism. That would allow you to move the pickup closer towards the neck.

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  • If you want a "warmer" sound, try picking closer to the end of the neck. I personally dislike having to pick right over the pickup. I prefer to have more room under my fingers.

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  • This is just my personal opinion BUT headless and cool should not be use in the same sentence

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  • Hey, it's the shortscale bass guy! So glad to have you in my feed… And on top of that, with a particular review and performed in a style I really needed. Bravo!! ????????????????

    I wish I could subscribe more than once ???? BtW having a picture with Mr porkpie hat is very very cool. I'm so jealous????

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  • Thanks Jonathan, a great review as always. I really fancy one of these, but I think they’re £100-150 over-priced when compared to their siblings the HZB4 and HNB5, which appear to offer a great deal more or only another hundred quid.

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  • Cool lil bass, sounds pretty decent. Ceramic pups get a bad rap in some circles but they do have their place, like my G&L MFD basses. Thanks Jonathan.

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  • you deserve more views, you are one of de few people who give informations like weight and string spacing, which are vital info for us but most forget. thank you.

    Reply

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