NGD Hils HN5

I’ve had my eye on one of these for a while. As the title says, it’s a Hils HN5 from Andertons. Firstly I wanted to try out an ergonomic headless guitar (so not an Ibanez) and also it’s the first guitar I’ve bought that’s got either a trem or active pickups. It’s also the least money that I’ve spent on a guitar (excluding a cheap Strat copy from 20 years ago that I no longer own).

Out of the box it’s great. The action is good and the finish is flawless. It’s immediately comfortable and because of the lower body curve, it sits on the lap without a strap, perfectly balanced. It weighs about 2.4kg which is crazy lightweight - if you’re not trying to counterbalance a headstock then the body can be light too. First impressions of playing it are great, it could easily end up being my go to electric guitar. You can equally play it balanced on the curve near the controls with the neck pitched up at 45 degrees and because of the lack of bulk would probably play well on the sofa.

I know some of you will throw your arms up in horror at the lack of a large advertisement at the top of the neck but I have no such qualms. For those who don’t know, the tuners are 6 barrels behind the bridge and the jack socket is in that same cutaway area too. The jack is plenty accessible for either a cable or wireless system like I use. There’s no harm standing it on its end as in the photos as it’s got rubber feet. The price also includes a nice padded gig bag.

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Happy NGD Matt! I have been curious about this style of guitar. I haven’t built an electric yet, but I like the idea of a light guitar. Enjoy!

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This looks very interesting! Almost too interesting. Gotta add this to my wishlist :wink:

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Happy NGD!!

Is that a floyd rose tremolo i see? How do you like it? Does it stay in tune well?

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It’s definitely not a Floyd, pretty sure it’s their own trem system. I’ll have to practice some divebombing and report back on how well the tuning holds up :sign_of_the_horns:

I don’t know. I like the positive features you describe Matthew, but it reminds me of The Jetsons cartoon from the 1960s.

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Main question is : How does it sounds ?

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That’s got a headstock though!

When do I get my flying car? I’d like one of those too :joy:

So far so good. I’m a bit unwell this week so my play time has been quite limited but happy with what I’ve heard so far. I think it’s going to be my number 1 electric guitar

Very cool new guitar ya got Matthew!
Perfect color for my taste too. Love that blue!

I went and checked them out on the www. Man, seems like it has all the modern features there are. Well thought out appointments.
Don’t know what more ya could ask for.
That built in guitar stand is a great idea.

Looks great!

A excellent score.

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Ask and ye shall receive…

And check it out - Judy Jetson is talking on her cell phone in 1963!

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Thank you. Yeah the colour is great. It’s one of those that isn’t a flat colour, it’s got a bit of a speckled finish, maybe like a metallic paint on a car.

I think I’ve seen online that as well as it having feet, there’s just enough material at the top of the neck that it will hang in a stand / on a wall, but I don’t have either of those options to confirm that

Looks good Matt I like it cheers Hec

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I noted that as I blew the pics up big and could see the sparkle in the finish. Very cool. Better yet, it’s kinda subtle and very tasteful imho.

And to have the logo on the almost headstock.
Good you don’t have the option for hang stand or the wall imho. I know everyone does that, but for me, it looks like stress on the guitar, plus. if hanging, there’s always the chance for a fall. I suppose it could be knocked over while standing by itself, but seems like it is much safer while on the ground. It can only drop so far (if ya have that misfortune) at that point.
I keep my guitars in their cases unless in use. Then they sit on a ā€˜A’ frame type stand (quicklok). They could fall forward if knocked that way but mostly it’s as near sitting on the ground as your new guitar could be.

Hope ya get many years of enjoyment out of your new instrument.
Jam On Man!

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headless has never been my taste but I heard great things about them!

the balance, weight, comfort, playability and tuning stability must feel like ā€œthe next levelā€!
enjoy mate!

I don’t care for brands either, I care for experiences

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Hello Matt and congratulations. :slight_smile:
I am looking forward to see here some video playing soon. :slight_smile: Enjoy your new instrument.
The lightweight and ā€œsmallinesā€ (Idk how to say it) is something I am figuring now too.

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Nice and very interesting guitar. Would love to hear more about your experiences once you have played it for longer.

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Happy NGD,
:partying_face: :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:

I’m used to saying what a beautiful guitar that is… but I think about it the same as my own headless one with a bite out of his butt (Ibanez Q54)… :roll_eyes:

But i starting to get used to it and, ooo, they are so wonderfully light. :sweat_smile:

And this one is definitely one that has been added to my list because of the much friendlier price…
I will soon look to see if there is one in my area :crossed_fingers:

Very nice, those light guitars are great for your arms when pick it up and put down and playing for hours, they are great for your back and that is a must for me…

I wish you many hours of smooth light playing fun :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:

Greetings

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I believe they’re sold under the Hils brand in the U.K. and US but elsewhere you might find them branded as Hex rather than Hils due to trademarks so if you see a Hils HN5 or a Hex HN5 they are the same

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Have fun Matthew and enjoy this new guitar. Looks very comfortable how it sits on your lap. Looking forward to hear it someday!

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