Slot heads on a dreadnaught?

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by gfa

Just wondering, is there a functional reason for slothead on a 12 fret, or is it only aesthetics?

Please watch my video above.

[Wade Hampton]

I don’t find changing strings on slotted headstocks to be difficult, I just think it’s a complete pain in the butt. And lest any of you think that maybe I’m just unfamiliar with the process, no, I’ve dealt with slotted headstocks for more than forty years now. I just flat out dislike them, and that is NEVER going to change.

That’s why my custom Clark 12 fret Triple O and my Martin Custom Shop 12 fret 00-21 both have solid headstocks. I love the sound of those 12 fret guitar designs, so I ordered them with headstocks that I like, not slotted headstocks that I have to endure.

Both of those guitars have 1 3/4” nuts and modern low profile necks, as well, because I find those much more comfortable to play. It’s not the traditional approach on those guitars, obviously, but it’s what works for me.


Wade Hampton Miller

[Callum]

I love my 2016 Taylor 510e it’s a beautiful understated guitar with a big voice that’s actually opened up a lot more than my Taylor ga7e, I love cedar but the lutz spruce top on the 510 is a lot louder and has amazing cross-silking, Taylor has access to some really good wood.

I think the slot head supposed to increase break angle which is maybe why it sounds so loud for a short scaled guitar.

I often wonder why Taylor discontinues so many of its cool models but that’s sales I guess.

[KevWind]

Sounds like a great name for a British acoustic group

[brianmay]

Dreadnought (as in HMS).

Just sayin'

[vintage40s]

Originally Posted by Cypress Knee

I have a 14 fret Martin Dred with a slothead...

That logo does not look very Martin. Is there a Martin mark and a serial number inside?

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by PHJim

What type of tuning head should I have on a 13 fret instrument? or is it gonna be weird no matter what headstock it has?

Given the schizophrenic nature of a 13 fret guitar, the best approach would be to have a slot with three slothead tuners on the bass side, and a paddle headstock with three individual sealed gear tuners on the treble side!

You’d be making a bold and visionary statement!


whm

[Cypress Knee]

Originally Posted by vintage40s

That logo does not look very Martin. Is there a Martin mark and a serial number inside?

Model: D-14 Fret Custom Serial # 1962696 Construction: Standard; Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
Body Size: D-14 Fret
Top: Adirondack Spruce
Rosette: Paua Pearl w/B/M/B Fiber
Top Bracing Pattern: Forward shifted
Top Braces: Adirondack/Scalloped 5/16''/Standard Back Material: Cocobolo
Back Purfling: None
Side Material: Cocobolo
Endpiece: Madagascar Rosewood
Endpiece Inlay: None
Binding: Madagascar Rosewood
Top Inlay Style: .040'' Maple / 042'' B/M/B Fiber (18GE Style) Side Inlay: None
Back Inlay: None
Neck Material: Select Hardwood
Neck Shape: Modified V
Nut Material: Bone
Headstock: Slotted/Square Slots/6 String No Diamond/Square Taper Headplate: Cocobolo over Ebony
Heelcap: Madagascar Rosewood
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Scale Length: 25.4”
Number of Frets Clear: 14
Number of Frets Total: 20
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1-3/4”
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2-1/4”
Fingerboard Position Inlays: Style 42 Snowflakes ( Paua) Border only Fingerboard Binding: None
Finish Back & Sides: Gloss
Finish Top: Gloss
Finish Neck: Satin
Bridge Material: Ebony
Bridge Style: Vintage Belly- Drop In Long Saddle Bridge String Spacing: 2-1/4”
Saddle: 16'' Radius/Bone- Drop In Long Saddle
Tuning Machines: Waverly Gold Side Mount
Recommended Strings: Lifespan MSP 7200 Medium Strings
Bridge & End Pins: Black w/ White Dots Pickguard: Tortoise
Case: 545E - Slate Gray
Interior Label: None
Electronics: None

'Nuff said

CK

[vintage40s]

Originally Posted by Cypress Knee

Model: D-14 Fret Custom Serial # 1962696...
'Nuff said...

Just not 'Nuff for me. None of the D-14 Customs on google have such a headstock logo. Or any other Martins that I have ever seen. Where did you get this guitar, and from where those specs?

[RussL30]

Not a dreadnought, but I’m sure my 14 fret slot head cutaway violates all sorts of rules.

[guitar george]

While holding a guitar it is more comfortable to tune a slotted headstock, with the tuner knobs sticking out the back, rather than a paddle headstock with the tuning knobs sticking out the sides.

[DesertTwang]

If I could have a slotted headstock on every guitar, I would.

[Slothead56]

I guess I’ll weigh in. Love my D-28VS. Playing it more and more recently. Yes, it’s a 12 fret but I’d go slothead on any guitar.

[Cypress Knee]

Originally Posted by vintage40s

Just not 'Nuff for me. None of the D-14 Customs on google have such a headstock logo. Or any other Martins that I have ever seen. Where did you get this guitar, and from where those specs?

I bought this guitar from a dealer on the forum who got it at a NAMM show a couple of years ago. It is a one of a kind. I got the specs by calling the Martin factory and giving them the serial number.

It is the real deal, a Martin tone monster deluxe. As some have said, slotheads are a cosmetic issue and aren't for everyone. But this one suits me just fine.

BTW, here is a little extra eye candy:

[jkilgour2000]

Originally Posted by Cypress Knee

I bought this guitar from a dealer on the forum who got it at a NAMM show a couple of years ago. It is a one of a kind. I got the specs by calling the Martin factory and giving them the serial number.

It is the real deal, a Martin tone monster deluxe. As some have said, slotheads are a cosmetic issue and aren't for everyone. But this one suits me just fine.

BTW, here is a little extra eye candy:

Um, interesting back — It looks like something, um... “unmentionable” 🤣