reverse headstock

[dalo]

ok guys... need another guitar 101 lesson. i'm thinking about a reverse headstock when i do my build. doesn't this change OR reverse the length of the strings from E to E ? and what are the pros or cons of doing so .  much thanks

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

Fact, the lengths do change and tensions do not change.  Anecdotal, the tonal differences.

 

[bagman67]

The reverse headstock really screws with my brain when it comes to tuning the guitar - it' weird to reach for the "wrong" side of the headstock to tune the E, A, and D strings.  I haven't played enough reverse headstocks to overcome it.  Also, the visual aspect of it doesn't do much for me.  But:  It's your guitar, buddy.  If you're considering a locking nut, the string-length issues won't make any difference; otherwise, I'd see if I could get my hands on one and spend a few hours with it to determine whether it's for you.


Bagman

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

The over/under thing wasn't as hard to wrap around, but what was closest is now furthest, and vice versa.  I've got 3 reverse bass necks, and though I'm used to them now, it's funny to watch someone else tune it.  They try to tune the E and are turning the G.

 

[AprioriMark]

I've noticed tension differences with reverse bass headstocks (and elongated tailpieces on guitars).  Explain to me why I'm wrong, please.

-Mark

 

[line6man]

I've noticed tension differences with reverse bass headstocks (and elongated tailpieces on guitars).  Explain to me why I'm wrong, please.

-Mark

You're not. The more string you have behind the nut, the more material there is to stretch out, at any tension.

 

[Loomi]

The over/under thing wasn't as hard to wrap around, but what was closest is now furthest, and vice versa.

This is the case for me too.  The guitar I just finished a couple weeks ago is the first reverse headstock I've ever had and I instinctively reach for the closest tuner to adjust low E.

 

[Strat Avenger]

Reverse headstocks are cool (and so are standard headstocks).

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

I've noticed tension differences with reverse bass headstocks (and elongated tailpieces on guitars).  Explain to me why I'm wrong, please.

-Mark

You're not. The more string you have behind the nut, the more material there is to stretch out, at any tension.

Si.  Correcto.  More string to stretch because there's, well, more string.  Regardless, it's still the same scale length bridge to nut, so same tension.  But I do know what you're saying.

 

[DangerousR6]

Reverse headstocks RAWK..... :headbang1: :headbang1: arty07: :headbang:

 

[Steve_Karl]

I've noticed tension differences with reverse bass headstocks (and elongated tailpieces on guitars).  Explain to me why I'm wrong, please.

-Mark

You're only wrong because you're calling it tension and not calling it stiffness?

I agree that a reverse would change the feel of the strings.

 

[AutoBat]

Reverse headstocks make any guitar look wrong and/or ugly.  Might as well put Mary Kay finish & gold hardware on the lot of them.

 

[DangerousR6]

Reverse headstocks make any guitar look wrong and/or ugly.  Might as well put Mary Kay finish & gold hardware on the lot of them.

WTF ever, nothings cooler than METAL and couldn't have a more METAL looking guitar than my Jackson's... :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1:

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

I do it because I saw a bass player years ago before I even played bass and thought it was cool.  People that don't even play know something looks off.  In my own little clique scene, people that don't remember my (lack of) playing or (lack of) tone know me as "the upside down bass headstock guy.". Even non fans of these bands know Slash wears a top hat, Hetfeld plays a "Metallica" guitar, Angus dresses like a school boy, Paul Gilbert has hot pink F-holes, Kiss wears makeup, and Yngvie is fat.  Whatever keeps them remembering you.  And....I can identify them when stolen and shun "My brother has one just like that" comments.

 

[Tipperman]

Reverse headstocks make any guitar look wrong and/or ugly.  Might as well put Mary Kay finish & gold hardware on the lot of them.

WTF ever, nothings cooler than METAL and couldn't have a more METAL looking guitar than my Jackson's... :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1: :headbang1:

A Warmoth version of the "BC Rich Stealth" that Chuck Schuldiner of Death played would be cool. Getting GAS for one of those. Get a fat blank and have someone cut out the Stealth shape, route it for a single humboogler.... Metal.  :headbang1: Hardtail or Floyd.

 

[DangerousR6]

I do it because I saw a bass player years ago before I even played bass and thought it was cool.  People that don't even play know something looks off.  In my own little clique scene, people that don't remember my (lack of) playing or (lack of) tone know me as "the upside down bass headstock guy.". Even non fans of these bands know Slash wears a top hat, Hetfeld plays a "Metallica" guitar, Angus dresses like a school boy, Paul Gilbert has hot pink F-holes, Kiss wears makeup, and Yngvie is fat.  Whatever keeps them remembering you.  And....I can identify them when stolen and shun "My brother has one just like that" comments.

The reverse pointy's are good for catching panties and bras thrown up on stage... :icon_thumright:

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

So are teeth.

 

[JCizzle]

So are teeth.

...in mid-shred.  :guitaristgif:

 

[Strat Avenger]

Reverse headstocks make any guitar look wrong and/or ugly.  Might as well put Mary Kay finish & gold hardware on the lot of them.

That's just plain nonsense.  :tard:

 

[AprioriMark]

I do it because I saw a bass player years ago before I even played bass and thought it was cool.  People that don't even play know something looks off.  In my own little clique scene, people that don't remember my (lack of) playing or (lack of) tone know me as "the upside down bass headstock guy.". Even non fans of these bands know Slash wears a top hat, Hetfeld plays a "Metallica" guitar, Angus dresses like a school boy, Paul Gilbert has hot pink F-holes, Kiss wears makeup, and Yngvie is fat.  Whatever keeps them remembering you.  And....I can identify them when stolen and shun "My brother has one just like that" comments.

Hahaha, I have a sax-playing friend who bought a bass from the older brother of a friend of ours about a decade ago.  He played this bass in a fairly popular, hard-working local band that was a decade older than us.  We played some shows with them in their twilight, but they were always cool in our eyes.  The bass player in that band played a Warmoth bass, painted bright green (automotive paint from a local high-end car restoration place... from before W did in-house finishing) with a reverse tele headstock.  This bass was such a signature bass that everyone knew him by it.

Every time my friend pulled this bass out, people would say "omg, it's the <@#$%> bass!"  My friend went so far as to repaint it black, and people still INSTANTLY recognize it.  It's pretty funny.  By the way, this neck has the best birdseye ever.  I have a neck from that era, and Warmoth really had some amazing stuff back then.

-Mark

p.s.  Sorry for the hijack... that guitar is sooooo badass and you.