Finicky about head stock shape?

[Bendimax]

I'm very finicky about head stock shapes. I like Strat (all of them) and Tele head stocks but I can't make myself get a G&L guitar even though I want one. I like Les Paul standard head stock but not the LP Custom's.

There are certain head stock shapes I am okay with but if not, no matter how desirable the rest of the guitar is I just can't do it. I guess I like mostly classic shapes but not necessarily. I'm not exactly sure what is my criteria. I just know it when I see a guitar. I know this is irrational but what can I say?

Anyone else like me?

 

[nrandall85]

Only bugs me when it looks like no thought was put into the shape. Like, a $3000 guitar with same headstock shape as a Walmart guitar.

I love G&L's- but I didn't like the headstock look at first. It wasn't until a stoner friend in high school jazz ensemble said "hey, I wonder where the rest of that headstock wood went. Probably keychains."

 

[BallisticGuitars]

I don't worry about it for myself, but I do have concerns when people may not take me seriously depending on the shape of the headstock of the guitar I'm playing. I love Ibanez RG* Prestige guitars, yet I've lost count of how many times I've seen people roll their eyes when I take my RG2550 out of its case to play. Then I proceed to blow them away with some intense blues or classic rock tones.

When I'm playing, I'm not looking at the headstock. Neither should the audience.

 

[El Fug]

I've got a GREAT 1985 S-500 and I absolutely love its giant, matching headstock. I think the modern G&L headstocks are pretty cool too.

 

[QQQ]

The only ones I cannot stand are the hockey stick looking headstocks on Explorers, pointy Jackson headstocks, and Dean dual pointy headstocks. I might be weird though because I love Tyler headstocks.

 

[Bendimax]

Actually I don't mind Explorer or Flying V's. I don't like weird curves: Tele headstock is as far as I'd go with that type of headstock; G&L new ones look very funky to me. Jackson head stocks are boring. Deans are kinda over the top. A friend had one so I'm used to seeing it but I would really have to think about it and must be an awesome deal to over look that headstock.

I think it's about the balance and sorta perfection you feel from your guitar as a starting point for your music. If I'm holding a guitar that I perceive as odd or weird, it just won't feel right. If the headstock feels odd a guitar just won't be balanced, ie, as far as I'm concerned. BTW, I'm not intending to diss anyone's axe, here. I'm just expressing my personal preference. I love the Strat headstock and I think it is an achievement in design as a perfection. I get satisfaction from just looking at it let alone play one.

 

[VaughnC]

While I do like the aesthetics of some headstocks over some others, the headstock shape wouldn't be a deal breaker for me if a guitar had that special tone & feel. The only time I'd bring things like headstock shape or color into my buying decision process would be if I deemed all else to be equal. I ain't pretty enough to be a poseur...so gimme a guitar with tone & feel and I'll deal with the rest .

 

[Bendimax]

I ain't pretty enough to be a poseur.

Oh no, let's not go there. It ain't about being a poseur. It's about how your guitar feels to you. Visual shape, I believe, is definitely a part of being one with your axe... but it probably has something to do with your personality.

 

[snakestretcher]

Can't stand the sight of an Epiphone headstock on a Les Paul or those enormous Strat headstocks from the 70s.

 

[Bendimax]

those enormous Strat headstocks from the 70s.

The ones Hendrix played?

 

[beckerman]

I know it's shallow, but if I don't like the headstock or feel it doesn't compliment the guitar or detracts in any way then I won't buy the guitar; perod. The same can be said about the body, finish and any other cosmetic detail of the insturment though.

If I don't like the way it looks, I am not going to buy it.

 

[SteveV60]

I've got a GREAT 1985 S-500 and I absolutely love its giant, matching headstock. I think the modern G&L headstocks are pretty cool too.

...and I love your amp stand.

 

[Bendimax]

Somethings, such as finish or color, can be changed but headstock isn't so easy to change.

 

[JPF]

After getting used to Gumby headstocks, I'm more open about non-traditional/classical designs...

 

[SteveV60]

....so if one of Prince's "erotic" shaped guitars had tone and feel, some of us would go with it? I have in mind (but too embarrassed to put in my photobucket) a white (or lavendar)guitar prince plays with this extra long scrolling top horn and a pointy bottom horn.

 

[Bendimax]

After getting used to Gumby headstocks, I'm more open about non-traditional/classical designs...

Actually that doesn't look all that strange for some reason... I think it has to do with the design: balance, etc.

Can we see the rest of your guitar?

 

[tapeworm]

It is definitely and completely irrational. But I am the same way, an ugly headstock will ruin a guitar for me no matter how much I like it or how well it plays.

That being said, I DO love this one:

 

[mbargav]

I'm only finicky if the "wrong" headstock is on a recognizable body. If the body is clearly a Tele or Strat or whatever, then I want the correct headstock. For original designs though, I'm completely open to different headstocks. I've always thought Koll and Soloway guitars have perfect looking headstocks.

I'm 50-50 on Heritage headstocks. I think the ES-style models look terrific, but can't stand the LP-style models.

 

[musicofanatic5]

I'm very finicky about head stock shapes. I like Les Paul standard head stock but not the LP Custom's.

Is not the standard the exact same shape as a LP Custom? The only difference is the binding and inlay. Exact same shape, I believe.


In my several years here, I have made my feelings about Heratige headstocks and Epiphone-headstock-on-non Epiphone models well known, so no need to beat that any further.

Unless you are Bo Diddley or blind, I cannot understand how one could not be at least somewhat concerned with the aesthetics of the electric. guitar.

 

[supa-fuzz]

After getting used to Gumby headstocks, I'm more open about non-traditional/classical designs...

Its definitely original.