Locking machines for slotted headstock?

Subject: Locking machines for slotted headstock?
From: GUEST,cmt49
Date: 06 May 07 - 02:29 PM

Changing strings on a slotted headstock guitar is a proctalgia (medical term for pain in the rear). Does anyone make locking machine heads for a slotted headstock? Any reviews?

Subject: RE: Locking machines for slotted headstock?
From: GUEST,Big Bill.
Date: 06 May 07 - 03:10 PM

Agreed, but even if they are made, how would they help the string changing process? It's not a rhetorical question, I'd really like to know what you mean.

Subject: RE: Locking machines for slotted headstock?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 06 May 07 - 06:15 PM

First off, you need one of THESE for getting a hold on the string down inside the slot.

Next you need one of THESE to slip over the knobs.

Then you get one of THESE to spin it with. (Many styles available)

(You may need an adaptor to "chuck up.")

One or more of THESE will make everything neat.

(Just foolin' with you, although they might help if you don't find what you're looking for.

John

Subject: RE: Locking machines for slotted headstock?
From: Ebbie
Date: 06 May 07 - 06:29 PM

I don't have a problem re-stringing mine. I use needle nose pliers and a winder. Fast.

Subject: RE: Locking machines for slotted headstock?
From: Don Firth
Date: 06 May 07 - 06:39 PM

I'm afraid I don't see the problem. I've been playing classics (slotted headstock) since 1955, changing strings whenever necessary—every few weeks, if I'm playing a lot. Granted, changing strings is one of those semi-tedious chores, but I'm afraid I can't see what the problem is.

The real trick on a nylon-string classic is getting a secure (and neat-looking) loop-knot on the bridge. With a steel-string guitar and barrel-ended strings, simply poking the string into a hole in the bridge and stuffing a bridge-pin into the hole to hold it in place is duck-soup. It seems to me that all you do at the headstock is stick the string through the little hole in the peg, loop it back a bit so the next wind holds it in place, and crank on the key until the string is up to pitch. Same thing, whether the pegs are sticking up through the headstock, or in slots like on a classic.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Locking machines for slotted headstock?
From: GUEST,cmt49
Date: 07 May 07 - 07:59 PM

To clear up a point, classical guitars have a lot more room to work with than slotted head steel-string guitars. The only problem with changing strings is when the free end has to be locked around the string. With a post-type machine head this can be done easily. With the slotted headstock, I find it a very fiddly process. A locked machine head where you could just push the end through and start winding would save a lot of bother. Maybe I do need a pair of pliers.

Subject: RE: Locking machines for slotted headstock?
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 May 07 - 09:58 PM

Check out a store that sells fly-fishing gear.

Subject: RE: Locking machines for slotted headstock?
From: Don Firth
Date: 07 May 07 - 10:59 PM

Martin steel-string with slotted headstock

Manuel Contreras classic

Well, not to quibble, but I can't see a lot of difference. I guess it depends on the make of guitar you have.

Don Firth