Seagull Headstock

[Dafiryde]

I honestly cant see why some dislike the Seagull headstock.

[hyenik]

+1 to Simon Fay
Seagull´s head is too small (thin) for usuall guitar, there are vizual disproportion (which is main reason, why so many people "hate" it).
But I´m fan of pointed headstocks, I don´t like classic ones so much, because angle of strings makes me uncomfortable.
I know that it is only not so important detail, but .... simply don´t like it
And this is another Seagull´s problem - they don´t use advantage of pointed headstock, and they have angle of strings too
I bet, that reason for it comed from costs side, not from design....

I like proportional harmony, which is of course very subjective thing.
but I always try to have it on my guitars....



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[Howard Klepper]

Originally Posted by psychojohn

According to the folks at Seagull/Godin, their headstock is superior in it's design as it maintains a straighter line from the nut to the tuner, making for more stable tuning longevity and ease.

John

All guitars with a properly cut nuts (except for a few with string trees) have an equally straight path from the nut to the tuner.

[NZ0J]

I guess I never gave the headstock much thought. The Seagulls I've played have always played well and sounded great, that was good enough for me.

[PajamasMusic]

I kinda like it. Makes it easier to pick out of a line up.

[Judson]

Originally Posted by Howard Klepper

All guitars with a properly cut nuts (except for a few with string trees) have an equally straight path from the nut to the tuner.

Since the D and the G strings (and to a lesser degree, the two E strings) on these headstocks obviously do not have an equally straight path to the tuners, how would you cut the nut properly on the Martin or the Santa Cruz in order to correct the situation?

[00-28]

Originally Posted by Judson

Since the D and the G strings (and to a lesser degree, the two E strings) on these headstocks obviously do not have an equally straight path to tuner, how would you cut the nut properly on the Martin or the Santa Cruz in order to correct the situation?

Read carefully. Howard was commenting on psychojohns statement on straight path from nut to tuner.

their headstock is superior in it's design as it maintains a straighter line from the nut to the tuner, making for more stable tuning longevity and ease.

.......Mike

[Jeff Scott]

Hey, how about this headstock for shape, proportion, pointy-ness, etc.?

Perfect!

[Judson]

Well, maybe we're nit picking this thing. It makes a difference if we're talking about where the string enters the nut slot or where it comes out of the nut slot.

I know exactly what the Godin people are talking about when they say the strings on a Seagull take a more direct path to the tuner than other conventional headstocks.

Of course the strings on all the headstocks are straight once they pass out of the nut slot.

But, once past the nut, the strings on the Martin and the Santa Cruz take a much more severe angle than on the Seagull, and it would seem logical that this could create a potential binding problem as the string travels through the straight nut slots and then is forced into a significant turn in order to angle toward the tuner.

I believe this is the spirit of the claim made by Seagull/Godin and I think it makes a lot of sense.

Originally Posted by 00-28

Read carefully. Howard was commenting on psychojohns statement on straight path from nut to tuner.


.......Mike

[Trevor B.]

Originally Posted by Judson

Why is it that on a $500 Seagull the "strange" headstock is made fun of, while on a $25,000 Traugott, it's admired?

Because the Seagull costs $500.00 and the Traugott costs $25,000.00!!!

[Jeff Scott]

Originally Posted by Judson

Why is it that on a $500 Seagull the "strange" headstock is made fun of, while on a $25,000 Traugott, it's admired?

Because he has a proper first name?

And, he has enough confidence to not have to put his name on the headstock!

[Jeff Scott]

I just learned that Jeff Traugott is just around the corner from Rick Turner, another great luthier. Interesting, as my brother's name is Rick!

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by Johan Madsen

I have to agree, Martin's headstock simplicity works fine for me, I don't like Seagull's headstock either, neither Breeslove's. Martin basic shape, some of Maton's headstock, or a good old slothead one are my favorite. I can put up with Taylor's one, but I definitely prefer Martin's simplicity.

I literally will never own a Seagull guitar because of that headstock, even if someone gave one to me. I know they have a great reputation, but that is such a wimpy headstock. No thanks.

[midwinter]

Huh.

As someone who went directly from a Seagull (1991 S6) to a Breedlove (2011 American Series C25/SR)—and who uses multiple capos—I'm beginning to wonder if something is wrong with me.

[SFCRetired]

All of this over a headstock. My suggestion, if you don't like it, don't buy it, problem solved. Your loss.

I've heard the same thing about the old Blueridge design, and while they may be a little on the flamboyant side, it wouldn't stop me from owning one. I hade the same opinion of the Seagull headstock, glad I got over it. It's my go to guitar, leave out guitar, take anywhere do anything guitar.