Out of Curiosity, why a natty headstock?

[DrKev]

I also love matching headstocks, though yes, it does depend to some small extent on the exact specs. BUT, I can't help wondering how much, in one way or the other, we are all influenced by the past - Fenders traditionally have natural headstocks, whether rosewood or maple board, but Gibsons and most acoustics, which are almost never anything but rosewood or ebony boards, usually have some description of painted headstocks, even if 99% of the time it's only black.

 

[TonyEVH5150]

Because of guitars like this one, I love natty headstocks. The tops on the EBMM, especially quilt or flame, are primo. The natty headstock draws your eye right to the best part.

JMHO though . . .

 

[paranoid70]

I have one natural, two matching and a black one (SUB1). I perfer the matching headstock in general, but I think the "burst" colors look better natural.

 

[brasco68]

I think the "burst" colors look better natural.

+1

 

[emanon]

I can't think of any instance where I would prefer a natural headstock over matching. I have actually been disappointed that a few of my past EBMMs had natural headstocks, my two former ALs for example. The matching headstock, to me at least, is a very classy touch on an EBMM guitar.

 

[Slingy]

I like natural, it matches the neck regardless of fingerboard. My new Luke has some nice figuring on the headstock, I couldn't imagine having it painted over.

I think if the headstock is painted it looks better when the whole neck is painted like on the sub.

 

[spychocyco]

I think if the headstock is painted it looks better when the whole neck is painted like on the sub.

I do a hate a painted neck. For me, that is a dealbreaker. They just don't feel right to me.

 

[fbecir]

I do a hate a painted neck. For me, that is a dealbreaker. They just don't feel right to me.

It was exactly what I thought ... before buying my SUB. Most of the painted necks feel sticky, but the paint used on the SUB is different. I can't explain why. The feel of the "raw" neck of my Morse is incredible but in the case of the SUB, a natural neck would be inappropriate.
Thus the formula :
Natural neck = natural headstock
Painted neck = painted headstock

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Collars and cuffs have to match for me!

 

[candid_x]

I also love matching headstocks, though yes, it does depend to some small extent on the exact specs. BUT, I can't help wondering how much, in one way or the other, we are all influenced by the past - Fenders traditionally have natural headstocks, whether rosewood or maple board, but Gibsons and most acoustics, which are almost never anything but rosewood or ebony boards, usually have some description of painted headstocks, even if 99% of the time it's only black.

I think there is a point where we transcend tradition in favor of what works now.

 

[fsmith]

I've liked natural headstocks from the start. It's been a deal breaker for me on more than a couple of guitars. Call me weird, I can't explain it. If I had a choice on the Luke it would have been a natural too... And it's gotta be a rosewood fretboard too...

 

[lumberjack]

Rule of thumb for myself......If it has a rosewood board, then painted, if it has a maple board, then natty.

Although, I have a few exceptions. An Axis, Axis Super Sport, and Petrucci have to have a painted headstock. Doesn't matter whether it's maple or rosewood.

 

[JMB27]

for me, both my Super Sports have matching headstocks - my Honeyburst with maple board has painted headstock and my natural with rosewood board has a natty headstock. both just seemed to have the right look, feel, sound, etc .....

when I get my next Ball? wait and see ....

 

[GWDavis28]

I'm with Beej and Fred, natural 100% for me, it looks soo clean whether it's maple or rosewood.

Glenn |B)

 

[John C]

I also prefer natural. The only exception being the LEs with rosewood boards - they just look "right" with the painted headstock.

 

[Ripper]

I also prefer natural. The only exception being the LEs with rosewood boards - they just look "right" with the painted headstock.

Yup - they look damn fine on your LE, John! I love your LE!

 

[spychocyco]

And it's gotta be a rosewood fretboard too...

That was a requirement for me, too ... before I got my Axis. My wife even tried to order my Axis with rosewood because she knew my feelings on it. The Axis maple is unlike any other maple I've ever played before though, and my future EBMM purchases will probably be maple.

 

[Ripper]

Another point to add - natural headstock is a perfect compliment to bodies with cream binding!

 

[TheBassGuy]

natural headstock just give's it more class IMO

 

[Thirdpole]

Natty pretty much all the time for me.
I gotta admit some painted look real swell, but my preference is almost always natural !