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JBASHORUN -> Headstock Designs (Nov. 6 2006 18:12:53)
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I suppose in terms of tone, the headstock design is the LEAST important part of the guitar.
But in terms of "branding" it is quite an important part of the guitar which makes a particular luthier's work instantly recognisable:
"Ah, the Media Luna- Must be a Conde!"
Personally I have trouble coming up with original and practical designs for the headstock. But its one of the parts of luthiery that I enjoy most, because I come from a creative/design background.
Its tricky to make a design that actually stands out from the rest of the competition, yet isn't so fancy and fussy that it is seen as pretentious. I think if you over-step the mark and go TOO modern or edgy, it will reflect badly upon your guitars. And many Flamencos are purists/traditionalists when it comes to such matters.
heres one by Juan Estruch (a Barcelona luthier):
Personally, I feel that the Conde design is simpler and better than the Estruch one, becuase the Estruch one is probably a bit "over-designed". But that said, a fancy headstock can easily distinguish one guitar from another.
In an attempt to bypass all the pretentiousness, some of my colleagues have taken to using the "square" headstock, which just consists of a straight line across the top, with slightly rounded corners. It looks nice and simple... perhaps "understated" would be a good word.
Any other opinions on these headstock designs? Are fancy designs frowned upon on Flamenco guitars? Or is it a matter of matching the style of the headstock to the personality of the guitar? And how do you guys come up with ideas for a headstock design?
Cheers,
James
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