12 fret slot head or not ????

[steve223]

I like slot heads myself. I love the look and I don't find string change any more difficult.

[s2y]

I love the look of slotted. Paddles are much easier to restring. I have a slotted 14 fret dreadnought, which was that way when I bought it. Would have ordered a regular headstock if I were to order it from scratch.

[Tony Burns]

Im a fan of 12 fret slotheads ,so thats my vote !

[ancient tones]

Originally Posted by SoCalSurf

In the end, it doesn't matter what others want. It's what YOU want. We're not going to be the ones playing it, looking at it, changing strings, etc.



For what it's worth, I just had a custom 12-fret completed by Preston Thompson, who does slotted headstocks across the board on 12-fret guitars. In my discussions with him about my preference of a non-slotted headstock, he did not attempt to change my mind in the least bit. I went with the nonslotted headstock and am very, very glad I went with what I wanted. Photo below.



We are not talking about purfling or some other less subtle detail. A headstock is something you always see and interact with. I would heed the advice of others and find a luthier who can build what you want. No way should you spend the time and money on an instrument that, in the back of your mind, you may not be fully satisfied with.

Off topic. The fountain pattern on your custom is as close to perfect as I could want. That headstock alone would be my motivation for a custom build...though I'm not a custom guitar type of guy.

[Mycroft]

I don't find slotted headstocks any harder to restring than paddleheads, and I like the way that they look. However, I have 2 12-fretters with slotheads, 3 with paddles. 'Cause that is what they came with.

With a custom order, that might be different. But if you are really enamored of the builder's work and sound, you might want to let them build what they think sounds the best. Or if not, find someone else.

OMMV

TW

[jeanray1113]

I don’t have real strong feelings about it either way. If I found a 12 fret I fell in love with, whether it was slot head or paddle would not be a deciding factor. However, if I was having a guitar commissioned, I would definitely find a builder who could do exactly what I wanted AND was comfortable/experienced with doing so. A BTO is a big deal, you shouldn’t settle for less than what you want.

[Silly Moustache]

Hi Daniel, vacillating slot head buyer here!,
Because I had to move to wider necks 20 years ago, I quickly became accustomed to slot-heads and developed my string changing technique.
I also discovered the other advantages of having the tuning machines facing me when tuning (far less wrist mangling).

Those who find string changing awkward on slot - heads simply haven't developed a methodology.
and here , I'd like to offer mine :


I also have two 12 fret slab heads - my Waterloo and my Santa Cruz "RS" both of which are modeled after Gibson designs.

My slot heads are modeled after 12 fret Martin designs and so, to me it seems more logical to follow their designs with slots.

I have read and heard people speaking of the sonic advantages of slotted headstocks and whilst I prefer them aesthetically and when in use, I don't really believe the supposed sonic benefits.

btw - I know that Martin put some slab heads on 12 fret guitars from time to time.

The real answer is - if you are paying for it - have what suits you.

[fetellier]

If the builder will not build what you want find another that will. That said I have done both as a builder but as a player prefer to have the more precise tuners available on a paddle head stock but love the classic look of a slot head.

Fred

[bobster7]

I have 3, 12 fret slothead guitars and 1, 12 fret solid headstock guitar amongst my instruments. I think the slotheads particularly suit the body shapes of the three aforementioned guitars (2 parlour guitars and a 000) and likewise the solid headstock suits the body size of my H&D 12 fret Custom which is a smeck like design. So in my mind it is more about the type of guitar not merely whether it is a 12 fretter that determines suitable aesthetics.

[varmonter]

Slotheads are more traditonal looking on a
12 fret. Also the break angle over the nut is more
on a slothead. Well more acute i should say.
I think the look cool. And string changes once you do them
a few times arent that big a deal. really only
a few min longer. Nothing to fret about .

[Pitar]

Originally Posted by gstring

Hello distinguished guitar enthusiasts.

Do you think a 12 fret needs a slot head to look (balanced) (cool ) (right )?

I want to order a custom build but the builder does not make a slot head. That is almost a deal breaker for me.

What are your thoughts. Do you own a 12 fret paddle head ? Pics ?

daniel

New builder is in order. Or, ask him to obtain a prefabricated neck for fitment?

I prefer a slot head, 12 fretter. I don't need the extra 2 frets on a guitar with a cut and bringing my left arm in that bit of distance does make a difference in relieving my fret hand wrist angle.

[George Henry]

If I get a 12 fret, it better have a slothead. I even had a Gallagher 14 fret dread with a slothead. After owning a bushel basket of slotheads, I've learned to change strings quickly, painlessly, and cleanly on a slothead. I just don't see the issue.

[SoCalSurf]

Originally Posted by ancient tones

Off topic. The fountain pattern on your custom is as close to perfect as I could want. That headstock alone would be my motivation for a custom build...though I'm not a custom guitar type of guy.

Thank you. That means a lot.

[dneal]

SoCalSurf - I really like that torch as well.

Here's one from a Collings I once owned, just for fun.

[Misifus]

I own such a guitar, a Kinscherff High Noon. IMO, it looks fine. No, I am not going to post a picture of it.