Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

[Diminished Triad]

I've read members commenting in passing upon the effect of a reversed headstock on strings (tension, etc) but would like to know if there is a meaningful difference in sound/tone and your overall impressions of this guitar.

Thanks!

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

Tension's slightly "different",nothing that's a deal-breaker.

Looks way kewler,tho,to me.

:headbang:

 

[ExplorersRock]

Re: Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

The only difference I've noticed on mine is that my low E will have more sound originating from behind the nut. Like Randomonium said, not a deal breaker. I like the look and find the tuning ergonomics better. Plus, the sounding of the strings behind the nut can be fixed with a string tree if necessary.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

 

[Bludave]

Re: Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

I had a Tele with a reverse headstock. I never really got along with it. Changing strings, tuning was weird. AND I hated the pickups in the guitar. One of the few guitars I sold. Its hard for me to be objective as the pickups were just not what I would want in a Tele.

 

[orpheo]

Re: Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

I'm not a fan of reversed strat or tele headstocks, but a reversed banana seems to make sense to me.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

Putting the tuners underneath is an ergonomic mess. But hey, I don't like tuners on that end of the guitar anyway.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

I'm not a fan of reversed strat or tele headstocks, but a reversed banana seems to make sense to me.

How comvenient...

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

I believe reverse headstocks cause phase issues, i.e. the whole guitar will be out of phase. You will most likely be out of phase with other band members, unless they too convert to reverse headstocks ... at which point the guitars and bass will be out of phase with the drummer and singer. The drummer can get around that by turnng his drums over and playing on the other side. But then the entire band is 180 degrees out of phase with the singer.

There's a lot more involved with reverse headstocks than most people realise.

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

I believe reverse headstocks cause phase issues, i.e. the whole guitar will be out of phase. You will most likely be out of phase with other band members, unless they too convert to reverse headstocks ... at which point the guitars and bass will be out of phase with the drummer and singer. The drummer can get around that by turnng his drums over and playing on the other side. But then the entire band is 180 degrees out of phase with the singer.

There's a lot more involved with reverse headstocks than most people realise.

What if the singer is Australian? Being hes upside down wouldn't he be in phase with the reverse head stocks?

 

[AlexR]

Re: Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

Well, the entire audience will be drunk and calling out for the band to play Khe Sanh, so it really doesn't matter either way.

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Reversed Headstock (Fender Custom Shop '69)

Well, the entire audience will be drunk and calling out for the band to play Khe Sanh, so it really doesn't matter either way.

And their legs were often open but their minds always closed!!!