dip.mojica
Well-known member
It's always sparked my curiosity. is it just an aesthetic thing?
Aesthetics, yes. But some players feel that it
A. Lightens the headstock and provides a more balanced instrument
B. Has a positive effect on string tension and intonation
Mike
I'm not sure A is right though. Slotted Headstocks, (I THINK) makes the head of the uke heavier, therefore..)
I think Peghead tuners make the head lighter.
IMHO, slotheads look pretty cool.
what are some good brands that offer slotted headstock? i find them really nice!
I think you can get a bigger angle down off the nut if you use slotted headstocks. That angle can have an impact on sound and the design of the nut. They are used a lot for nylon string and classical guitars. The mass of the headstock (either heavy or light) can be part of the design to get a certain tone or resonance. I think they are harder to make in a factory line than drilling four holes, so they are not a common feature of mass produced ukes.
I suspect Jake's ukes are purpose designed for his style and the greater angle from the nut from the slotted headstock might make some other parts of the design easier to implement. I doubt he wanted it just for bling, although there are a lot of fans who automatically want stuff because it has a high purchase price, so it becomes bling.
As has been said before a bigger headstock is not suited to some styles of playing, particularly the popular strum and sing style of playing where you are making a lot of chords nears the headstock, so instead of getting stuff because you think it is bling, you should work out what style you like and what sound you want, and then find a uke to match.
I believe the primary purpose of slot heads is to make changing strings a pain in the neck.
I believe the secondary purpose of slot heads (at least the only one I've owned) is to put the G and A tuning heads in just the right place to interfere with certain first position chords (notably E7, E7sus, etc.).
:biglaugh:
Jakes luthier put one on partly to balance the tone, its in one of Jakes interviews.
The less density of wood apparently will give it a slightly brighter tone which he felt would balance it out better.