Hils Next HN3 Metallic Deep Purple

Hils Next HN3 Metallic Deep Purple review

The Hils Next HN3 Metallic Deep Purple is a headless electric guitar priced at 449. Its combination of a compact body, two humbuckers, a coil-split control, and a supplied gig bag makes it an accessible way to try this format. The guitar has a mahogany body, a roasted maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. It has been available since September 2025 under item number 608302.

One important point from owner feedback is its size. The body is noticeably smaller than a standard electric guitar, not simply a conventional body without a headstock. Players expecting familiar full-size proportions should account for that difference. Owners describe the light weight and ergonomics as strong points, and the compact design can make the guitar comfortable to handle and play.

Neck and playing feel

The bolt-on neck has a slim C profile and a 648 mm (25.51-inch) scale. Its rosewood fingerboard has white dot inlays, a compound radius that transitions from 305 mm (12 inches) to 406 mm (16 inches), and 24 medium stainless steel frets. The nut is 42 mm wide and made of bone. Together, these details describe a modern, relatively slim neck specification, though personal comfort will depend on hand size and playing style.

Feedback on fret finishing is mixed. Some owners report clean fretwork with no sharp edges, while others noticed sharp fret ends or high frets that limited how low they could set the strings. One owner said a luthier would need to level several frets to reach their preferred action. These reports do not establish that every instrument has the same issue, but they make a close inspection worthwhile when the guitar arrives.

Factory string height also drew criticism. More than one owner found the action higher than preferred, although one said it was easy to correct and that the guitar played very well afterward. Pickup height may also need adjustment to suit the player. Buyers who expect a ready-to-play setup should check the action and fret condition rather than assume every example will arrive precisely adjusted to their taste.

Pickups and controls

The HN3 uses two Hils humbuckers, one at the neck and one at the bridge. The controls are straightforward: one volume knob, one tone knob with a push-pull coil-split function, and a three-way toggle switch. The split function gives players a way to move beyond the full humbucker sound without adding a complicated control layout.

Owners generally describe the pickups as usable and clear for modern sounds, with the split function adding flexibility. However, opinions differ on their output and construction. Some consider them relatively weak, and one owner reported ringing on high-gain settings, attributing it to poor wax potting. That is a specific user report, not a confirmed fault across all HN3 guitars. Players who rely on high gain should test their own instrument at the intended volume and gain level.

Hardware and included accessories

The headless layout is built around a custom hardtail bridge and titanium locking headpiece tuners. There is no tremolo, and the hardware is black. The guitar ships with.010 to.046 strings and includes a gig bag, but no hard case. Owners speak positively about the supplied bag, describing it as a useful, good-quality extra.

Tuning the bridge may take some getting used to. One player reported that tuning changes could jump after several turns, and that tuning down to D required going lower than expected before tuning back up. This is worth noting for players who frequently change tunings. The reported experience does not show how common the behavior is, but it suggests taking time to learn the adjustment process instead of making large corrections quickly.

Verdict

The Hils Next HN3 Metallic Deep Purple offers a compact headless design, a roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, a coil-splitting control, and a gig bag for 449. Owner feedback highlights its comfortable feel, attractive finish, and broad range of sounds. The small body is a defining part of the experience, so check that its proportions suit you before buying.

Setup and fretwork deserve attention. Some players received an instrument they found well finished, while others reported high action, sharp fret ends, or high frets. Pickup output and high-gain behavior also drew mixed comments, and one owner found the bridge tuning process unusual. For buyers willing to inspect the setup and make adjustments if needed, the HN3 presents a practical entry into headless guitars at this price. The included bag adds value, while the lack of a hard case is worth keeping in mind.