What do slotted headstocks do for ukuleles?

dip.mojica · Mar 18, 2011

It's always sparked my curiosity. is it just an aesthetic thing?

ukulelecowboy · Mar 18, 2011

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

Lexxy · Mar 18, 2011

ukulelecowboy said:
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.

Nuprin · Mar 18, 2011

Lexxy said:
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.

This is the case with most uke builders. Many builders won't offer a slotted headstock on anything smaller than a tenor as it becomes too heavy.

RyRod · Mar 18, 2011

My slotted headstock uke is lighter than the unslotted I have. The tuners are geared on both(therefore near the same weight), the size and thickness are the same too, but that little bit of wood you lose for the 2 slots lightens things up a bit. I can't see how it can hurt weight-wise.

+ like everyone else metioned, aesthetics. I like that flamenco/classical guitar look.

Ronnie Aloha · Mar 18, 2011

The headstock does have to be thicker to accompany the side tuners on a slot head. That might offset any weight savings from the slot. IMHO, slotheads look pretty cool.

philpot · Mar 18, 2011

Ronnie Aloha said:
IMHO, slotheads look pretty cool.

Agreed. I would lovvvvve a Kamaka with a slothead... whats weird though is even the Jake custom model didn't have a slotted headstock, and when I was emailing them they said they cant do slotheads... -sigh- so ends my dream....

OldePhart · Mar 18, 2011

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:

They do look cool, I 'spose.

dip.mojica · Mar 18, 2011

Thanks for the replies guys!

GX9901 · Mar 18, 2011

I love slotted headstocks (currently have 4 ukes with slot heads), but I think the only thing they do for the ukulele is make it look cool (assuming you actually find them cool looking, of course). I don't find any of them to be heavier than the non-slotted headstocks, but as Mr. OldePhart mentioned, they are indeed a pain in the butt to string.

As an aside, I'm not sure why most builders refuse to offer slotted headstocks on ukes that are smaller than a tenor. I have two concerts and a mezzo soprano (basically an in-between sized between concert and soprano) with slotted headstocks. None of them exhibit any head-heavy bias as far as I can tell. While two of them are custom luthier built ukes, the other one is a Lanikai. Frankly, I don't think the headstock being too heavy is an issue at all for concerts when it comes to slotted headstocks.

dip.mojica · Mar 18, 2011

what are some good brands that offer slotted headstock? i find them really nice!

Wagster · Mar 18, 2011

I thought they made slotted headstocks so you would have more place to hang your bling?

kenikas · Mar 18, 2011

dip.mojica said:
what are some good brands that offer slotted headstock? i find them really nice!

Lanikai's exotic wood ukes in concert and tenor, and Kala's tenor acacia have it. Mainland offers a couple of models too, and some of the higher end Kamoa's, and Pono's. I'm sure there are others, but can't think of any right now.
I've never found them difficult to restring, but maybe since I've strung classical guitars for years it just seems normal.

dip.mojica · Mar 18, 2011

Bill1 said:
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'm definitely not the chords/singing type. though i do play some songs like that, I much prefer playing Jake's songs. I just learned how to play while my guitar gently weeps, and am not trying to learn thriller. Its definitely the style I like playing best.

I still have a lot of time to think about this though as I wont be upgrading any time soon. Thanks again for the replies!

mm stan · Mar 18, 2011

I personally prefer the regular style headstock best....the slotted looks too bulky and obstructive...wonder if it is a trend that was carried over from guitars..

casarole45 · Mar 18, 2011

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.

70sSanO · Mar 18, 2011

OldePhart said:
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:

They are also more aerodynamic if you play your ukulele while driving and the headstock is sticking out of the window. At 65mph it can be a significant benefit.

John

PS... On a side note I find that mahogany absorbs an impact better than koa.

Lexxy · Mar 18, 2011

casarole45 said:
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.

Jake's Luthier. The great Casey Kamaka?

CulpRJ · Mar 18, 2011

Here's how I converted a regular headstock into a slotted one:
Uke Build Ep.8 - Slotted Headstock
The dremel bit I used is called a "Drywall Cutting Bit," and the tuners I found on ebay.

hoosierhiver · Mar 18, 2011

I think most of the popularity is due to Jake having one.
I have never been able to discern any benefit sound wise and as Oldphart said, they are a pain to restring.

What do slotted headstocks do for ukuleles?

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