Headstock

The section at the top of the neck that carries the tuning machines, and the anchor point for one end of the strings.

Its design affects far more than appearance. The number of strings each tuner holds, the angle at which the strings leave the nut, and whether string trees or staggered posts are used all influence tuning stability and how easy it is to change strings. Headstock mass also matters tonally, since it forms part of the vibrating system, and a heavier head can shift a dead spot or add sustain. A scarf joint is often used to avoid cutting the head from a single piece of short-grained timber.

Example: a headstock where the strings have too little break angle over the nut will slip and buzz in the slots, no matter how well the guitar is set up.

Headstock

See also