Types of headstocks

Subject: Types of headstocks
From:
Date: 07 May 01 - 02:15 AM

I am interested in opinions, theories, and facts about the relative advantages of a slotted headstock over a solid one (or vice-versa).

There are two advantages of ths slotted that I can think of.

First the ends of the strings are safely tucked in the slots and can't puncture you or the lining of your gig-bag.

Second, the strings being on rollers get pulled down more steeply against the nut. This should give more force in the direction perpendicular to the length of the string.

I prefer the looks of a slotted head, but that is subjective.

Murray

Subject: RE: Types of headstocks
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 07 May 01 - 04:49 AM

I've had guitars with both and they each have advantages. Solid ones are a little easier to string up. On the other hand you don't need an arm like a baboon to tune the top three strings on a slotted type mid-gig as all the buttons are facing down!

mcmoo

Subject: RE: Types of headstocks
From: bigchuck
Date: 07 May 01 - 07:24 AM

From a purely acoustical standpoint, I think slotheads tend to be a bit lighter and less massy, and generally use lighter tuners, which allows the string vibrations to travel more freely back down the neck to the body. If you clamp a heavy weight to the peghead it will definitely affect the sound of the guitar. Also, many slotted head guitars have necks joined to the body at the 12th fret rather than the 14th, which also tends to affect the sound.
Sandy

Subject: RE: Types of headstocks
From: Don Firth
Date: 07 May 01 - 03:18 PM

Slotted. I find them easier to re-string, and the pegs, all pointing in the same direction, don't require contortions while tuning. Can't say for sure that I've noiced any difference in tone.

Don Firth