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My next build (#3) will be an OM, and I can't choose between a solid or slotted peghead... both are nice.

What are pros and cons of each?

Thanks
Francis

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Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars

I can't think of a "pro" for a slot head except they are old time. More work, harder to string up and to restring, not many choices in tuners.
I like 'em...

About half of the guitars I have built are slotheads. As a result of doing that many I have overcome the PITA factor. A significant reason why it has become easy is having used the best routing jig I own. Check it out at http://www.luthiertool.com/triple_choice_slothead.html. Even stringing takes me no more time than for a solid peghead. The only con in my opinion is the extra finishing time required to deal with the slots and ramps.

As other cool builders have stated, it's cool to do slotheads.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Well, that does look like the jewel of jigs, JJ. Costs as much too. Looks like I'll have to figure out a rational for getting that one!

I've built 3 OMs now and haven't even considered doing a slot head. I like all the options available for tuners with a solid head. Much easier for me anyway. I can't use the "Takes too much time excuse" because I waste way too much time just doing nothing.

Kent

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Wood Creations by Kent A. Bailey
EXCELLENCE IN SCULPTURE, CARVING, LUTHIER, ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK AND DESIGN

http://www.kabart.com

I've been building classicals and I haven't even thought of using a solid head!

After all the other work in building a good guitar, doing a slothead is not that difficult.

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
http://redrivercanoe.ca/

One pro for a slothead is that they reduce the weight at the peghead by a noticeable amount, assuming you think that's a pro.

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http://www.chassonguitars.com

Yeah, I hate slot-heads too, especially the up charge.

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https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008907949110

Your avatar is argueing against you

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Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars

I've only done a couple of slot heads, but I really like 'em. Definitely has the cool factor.
I did the first without a jig & it's OK... But I wasn't completely happy with it. For the second I bought the LMI jig. Though not nearly as slick as the luthiertool unit, it works very nicely.
One piece of advice, though. Before doing the final shaping & sanding of the slots, make sure you have the clearance you need, so the E strings don't touch at the ends of the slots. On my last one, I can just get a five thou feeler guage between the string & the corner of the slot.
Some folks chisel a flat exit ramp at the bottom of the slots. This pretty much assures sufficient clearance.

I have a jig for classical headstock slots that I could use. I'll just have to chisel down the slot ends to square, so ''too much work'' argument don't bother me here. Regardless of the work job, I just want to pros and cons on the finished product. Does it affect sound? Some body told me that slotted head decrease sustain and increase the ''crunchy attack''. I can understand how and why, but how much it's affecting, really. Also, i'm building this guitar for me, in the sense that I have no order, but I'll probably sell it one day, so is it a good hook or not for musician?

Thanks for the replies!
Francis

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Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars