A bad headstock can definitely ruin a Guitar. I'm not a Fan of the Jackson hockey stick headstock for example but otherwise really dig their aesthetics and like the other one shown on the list.
Agreed! A bad headstock can really make or break a guitar for me. I used to have a Dean ML and it played great! The neck was an interesting shape and it was fun, but i hate the goofy pointed dean headstock with a passion
You should have added the Kramer headstocks( they have a few) The different Fennder Strat headstocks(Size) etc... I can see how this could be a VERY long discussion. Really liked the vid!! You should have a pt-2.
i came to the comments to find this. i CANNOT belive they didnt have a reverse headstock esp. That is the gold standard! (reverse ibanez is no slouch either)... and Schecer's c6 style reverses are pretty dope too, as well as their 6 in line nick johnston style.
@@AmericanNationalist852 Just about any inline headstock is cooler looking reversed. Not sure why but it’s true. Even Teles. I bought a new neck for a Lyx Pro Tele copy and I was bummed I didn’t think to order it lefty.
To me, any headstock that makes the strings go straight past the nut in a row for maximum tuning stability (like fender, ibanez) is the best, but the overall coolest one is still the ''mega ultra metal'' headstock of the bc rich.
@@sprinkleddonuts6094It's the "Arch Top" Headstock. You could get the on any BC Rich. Mick from Slipknot used to be sponsored by them and played an Arch Top Bich. I had two Warlocks, one Arch Top and one a normal Ibanez looking headstock. Hilariously, Autocorrect kept trying to add the T.
Not being biased, but I prefer the Washburn dime V. The head stock is not fully simetrical and one horn is bigger. The other has a reverse pointy like esp
I agree! Just purchased a Dean V for that very reason, i know they wont be making them for much longer and i needed a V with that Headstock in my collection, it just looks too killer!
I bought a Dean V in 2007 I believe. I don't like it. It's too big for that guitar. But now that they're supposedly not making them I'll hold on too it. Plays good though.
I've had Gibsons for 25 years. Never snapped a neck. The only people I know of who have snapped off the headstocks were massive fuckups to begin with. The same kind of person who'll drop their phone in the sewer. Or forget to pay rent. Or ask you if you have an extra guitar cable they can use, 5 minutes before showtime. You know exactly the type of person I mean. Just take care of your stuff and you're fine.
PRS is C tier? It should be at least A tier! It's a great design that combines the tilt of the Gibson open book with the straight-through-the-nut aspect of tele and strat headstocks.
@Richard Harrold They should've kept it then. PRS doesn't have the issue with breaking that Gibsons do. Plus that ES-369 looks like the strings still have a bit of an angle, especially the D and G.
Sad to see the 70s strat headstock (much better than 60s I think) miss out, along with Ormsby, Firebird and my personal favourite of the Danelectro coke bottle Also, reverse only works on reverse Tele Style headstocks I think, it's slimline enough to pull it off without being goofy.
I currently pay more than the guitar itself, Dimarzio and Seymour Duncan Pickups, Gotoh Bridge and all the hardware together. Just to build the best 7 String Fender with reversed headstock on a neck in beyond rediculous quality. I believe the reversed headstock especially if it is a 70´s style fender one increases the feedback you are getting on the low end playing hard and fast rythyms or using techniques that might work more easy and more fluid like that. The main reason I make the build is because im die only idiot on youtube that is stupid enough to do that with the base model I use, but I would lie if I would say that I do not want to believe in it. I actually have never used one and soon I know more :)
your point about reverse headstocks is good, but even disregarding convenience: it's better for string tension/tuning stability to have the thicker strings be a bit longer.
i like both normal and reverse headstocks, it's just the convenience of tuning the reverse headstocks without raising your elbow is the real advantage to me.
I got a Manson a year or so ago and the more I play it, the more I appreciate their ability to not only give a Telecaster headstock a perfectly straight path for each string from nut to tuner and perfect break angle, but to also make it not look like a foot... or something. S tier headstock.
I agree! For a 3+3 design, I use PRS style headstocks on my guitars. For an inline design, Ibanez is definitely my top tier as well... Functionally amazing. And visually, It can be upside down or right side up. And if you want 7, 8, or more strings, you just keep making it bigger and it doesn't look awful with the same design!
I disagree. The headstock does not match the bodies of their guitars at all. Looks like someone took a big chunk out of them when there should be something else there
@@bandolierboy1908 this I can agree with as well, but it's not the headstock to blame. I don't like the main PRS style body except for maybe the hollow body version. But the headstock itself, I use all the time on singlecut bodies. Think Mark Tremont's or Zach Myers's style of guitars.
Love reverse headstocks. You made an excellent point in a vid recently about how you don't have to turn your hand over to reach the tuners. They also hypothetically improve sustain of your lower strings as they are elongated further past the nut. Even more so if there is a straight string pull e.g. reverse Ibanez hs.
In all honest, you should start a podcast with Glen... There are many great possibilities to discuss not only guitar shapes but a lot of different topics, man!
I love reverse headstocks - especially on a Gibson Les Paul - they look ALMOST as good as the regular headstock. - Seriously though - Reverses look great on Fenders Strats as well as Charvels and Jacksons type guitars - The V's look good too
I've had a lifelong love for reverse headstocks on Strats ever since I saw Richie Sambora's black single-hum Charvel as a kid. Something about em just looks more rock n' roll. Hell, I've even thought about putting a reverse Strat-style headstock on a custom neck for my Telecaster. I also had a reverse 6-in-a-row on a V copy I had once.
I like reverse headstocks, they look cool (though I wonder if that’s only because they’re not the norm), and they’re quicker to tune with while you’re playing (ie your hand is already down there).
I like reverse headstocks on certain guitars but some guitars just don't look right with them. Like the Rhoads. I have a moral objection to putting a reverse headstock on a Rhoads.
Love reverse headstockes. Much more comfortable to tune and they look better most of the time. Especially on "edgy" metal guitars, a reversed headstock (e.g.: Jackson on an RR) looks far more badass. Also, the BC Rich isn't an F, lads, it's an A.
Reversed headstocks: I'd go with yes. I have 2 Strats, one with the regular 6-in-line headstock, and one with a lefty neck. Both have Graphtec nuts and string trees, and both have the same hybrid set of strings I mostly use (GHS 09-46) It really makes a difference (to me) regarding string tension, the low E on the lefty has more tension (nice tight tone!) while the high E has a fair bit less, making bends a lot easier. Actually my Jazzbass is a converted lefty, so the low E length on that one is absolutely huge - so I've put a 5string set on it, tuning it B-E-A-D! That added tension really works well here too . It obviously won't make any difference if you have a locking nut on your guitar though. But: it looks cool 😎🤘
I absolutely love the Jackson 3+3 headstock. Straight string pull and looks very sleek. They have the 7-string headstock that's the same shape, but they also have the 7 and 8-string headstocks that have a reversed tip so that it looks more stubby. I hate those.
I've had a reverse headstock since my first electric guitar, a cheap Strat, which is a standard one that I just flipped to play as a left-handed one. Recently, I've decided to try putting together some partscasters and so on, and try a non-reversed headstock, "the way it should be". When I started tuning, I've immediately said to myself: I want the reversed headstock back! It's more comfortable to tune without changing the position of your entire hand, so I agree with what you've said in one of your videos.
Quite like reverse headstocks, mainly because most PGMs have them lol. This was a funny video, look forward to yours and Glen's thoughts on different body shapes. Also a side note, I think that the "new" Epiphone headstock has actually been around longer than the "old" one, and they just kind of reissued it onto new models, I'm pretty sure that's the case but I could be wrong.
Nah you got it on the epis... i believe gibson had some issues with the similarities and did the cut corner thing to differentiate them when they acquired the brand... or possibly had hit them with a cease and desist before the acquisition... im fuzzy on the specifics but the cut corners has something to do with gibson... i am glad they brought the og back though cuz for some reason the cut corner ones just looked terrible to me. Like someone dog eared the pages of a book. As a big reader and nerd that is an execution level offense.
@@randa4382 Thanks for the info! Yeah, I agree that the original headstock looks nicer, I think it is far more classy. Really like how they look on Les Paul Juniors and Wildkats.
I was waiting for the old Washburn headstock and also the schecter headstock! I think you need a round two on headstocks! Knaggs, Novo, D'angelico, Texas Toast all give good headstock! Lmao
I like a cool headstock , but it should be tasteful and reflect the design . A couple of honorable mentions for the next Tier List: DBZ or Dean Brian Zelinski . The higher end models had some cool shapes and a unique , love or hate , heavy metal badge inlayed on them . And of course my Vintage Lado Flying V #20 you can see in my profile pic .
with reversed headstocks another major benefit is the fact that since the low string has to travel farther to reach the tuning machine it creates a slight bit more tension so thicker strings can feel tighter compared to standard headstocks in my opinion.
No. The tension is the same, and with longer string travel, the strings actually feel looser. All metal has some inherent flexibility, and the longer length of it you have, the more flexibility you get.
Well... I was expecting something completely different from this... For me, headstocks are ranked first by function (strings going straight through the nut, strength, brake angle, weather or not they require string trees, and how easily you can turn the tuners without crowding your fingers) Then by style. (Are they just a boxy paddle, or do they have aesthetically pleasing curves or points?) Thirdly I would finally take in to consideration weather or not they are iconic.
I honestly prefer reverse inline headstocks over typical inline headstocks for 3 primary reasons: 1. Just purely for aesthetic reasons, I like that there's more length to the headstock on the bass end of the instrument, it seems to make more sense to my brain 2. Similar to reason 1 but for function, slightly more length on the bass string makes intonation less of a headache for me 3. As mentioned in the video, tuning mid-play is made ever so slightly easier on me; not a huge change, but noticable
I agree that Gibson has a beautiful headstock. I’d put the Gretsch white falcon one there too. I always found it hilarious how they purposely made the epiphone headstock hideous to remind you it’s not a Gibson. Very scummy but ig the new design helps a little
It definitely isn't, it's ugly as sin. But hey, this is the internet, we're all entitled to our own opinions, and I'm sure we can engage in very civil discourse without resorting to being nasty. Right?
I had to pause the video just to comment that the Dean headstock belongs in S tier!!!! Reverse headstocks are perfectly fine. This video is great, please do more tier lists.
I would think a potential advantage of a reverse headstock, though one I've never seen exploited, is that one could file the bass end of a nut down to be more like a fret, and add a second nut for the sixth string two frets up the neck, so so as to allow the sixth string to be used as eigher an open D or open E string. A normal head stock wouldn't have enough space between the nut and the peg to accommodate such an extension, but a reverse headstock could do so easily. I don't know why extensions are common on string basses but not guitars, but a two-fret extension on the D string would seem a useful feature, especially if there were an easy swing-down clamp to hold the string against the nut-position fret when the extension wasn't needed.
On Strat style guitars I would always go for reversed if it was easier to get hold of them without them saying Fender. Ofcourse if everyone felt the same I might not, lol.
I can't believe you put the greatest headstock design in the universe, the original Jackson headstock designed by Randy Rhoads...in the 'B' tier!!! Unbelievable. Unconscionable. Unforgivable. I'm subscribed to your channel and now I'm questioning all of my life choices... But seriously, I'm glad I'm not the only one who pays too much attention to headstock shape.
This video is wildly interesting to me. So much, I just feel the irresistable urge to rank a few headstocks myself. I'll only be ranking my S-B headstocks. Enjoy! B rank - Mooncaster - Tyler - Headless The first 2 have potential to be in A-tier, but they just need a bit of modification to the shape, IMO. The headless is great for playability but loses a bit of the charm that a headstock has - kinda casts the history of guitar design aside. And while I'm all for that design in my mind, my heart can't help but want a headstock. A Tier - Telecaster - Stratocaster - the Jackson-like ESP - New Epiphone - Ibanez Strat, Tele, and epiphone are all very classic, and they tickle my sense of anemoia perfectly. The other 2 are just plain good headstocks to me - they're functional, and stylish to my tastes. S-tier - Parker - beautifully functional - the weight reduction benefits of a headless guitar without the sacrifices a headless makes. - Ernie Ball - basically the same reasoning - beautifully straight strings, lightweight, and on top of all that - stylish. I love it. - PRS - not entirely to my taste of shape, but beautifully functional nonetheless. - and the gray one you both put in a-tier first - same reasoning as the PRS I love all 4 of these headstocks and would legitimately consider selling much of my stuff to have one of these guitars. Most likely the Ernie Ball Music Man/Sterling by Music Man - they're the most within my budget, and they are so well-made for the price.
The ESP, Jackson, Reverse B.C Rich, Gibson explorer headstock, Jackson side by side, Flying V Dorito headstock, Ibanez, and Dean ML headstocks are my favourites. So basically all of the metal guitars 🤘
To play along despite not being asked: S - Jackson 6-inline A - ESP 6-inline, Jackson 3-3, PRS, Gibson normal 3-3, B - Gibson Explorer, Gibson Flying V, Fender Strat, C - New Epiphone, Ibanez (reverse would bump to A), EBMM, BC Rich 6-inline D - Old Epiphone, Fender tele, E - Dean, ESP reverse (only the one that's pictured), Parker, Peavy F - BC Rich 3-3, Gibson weird 3-3, All others not mentioned specifically
I like the reverse headstock because there's less space between the nut and the tuning peg. That allows for easier replacement when the high E inevitably snaps.
The issue i have with my Wolfgang is clipping on a tuner… it’s problematic. My favorite headstock is the Schecter devil horn stock. Also, not a fan of reverse headstocks, but mainly because I’m a lefty, and i want my guitars to look like they don’t have upside down parts on them….
A great headstock makes a great reverse headstock. Ibanez, Jackson (both in line and the 3/4 configuration), ESP, most of all TWSmith, his headstocks are perfect and great reverse.
I am a product from the 80's so I am very partial to the guitars of that period. I also find myself a complete snob when it comes to headstocks which I didn't even know about myself until the last decade or so. I love reverse headstocks like the original Jacksons. I love the original Gibson Les Paul and Strat headstocks and the more compact version of the strat headstock from Charvel. The original hockey stick headstock from Kramar on my OG Berretta. It gets really tough after that lol.
My top headstock-designs (and yes, reverse headstocks are superior due to being cooler and the ergonomics, as explained in the video): Best 3+3: PRS (looks good on any shape, scientifically thought out regarding stability and string pull) Best 6 in-line: Ibanez (looks good on virtually any non-single cut design) Best tilt-back: PRS (previously explained) Best straight: Music Man (no string trees needed, small, works on most body styles) Personal favourite: reverse MM on 4-string bass (I prefer to have the tuners on the bottom, but I use a Hipshot Drop tuner, which is more accessible and less in the way on the top of the headstock
I have always loved the Ibanez headstock shape, I just can’t get into the thin necks anymore. I’m not a big fan of reverse headstocks, but they’re not a deal breaker for me.
Question: Reverse headstocks - yes or no ?
Honestly reverse looks normal to me my regular ones look reversed
yes
The funny thing is I don't own any reversed headstocks but I LOVE them. I've been waiting to get a strat because I want one with a reverse head stock.
no
Going to build one that way on this suggestion. I think I'd like the increased tension of the lower strings. Kinda a fanned fret effect but not.
The head stock is arguably the most aesthetically crafted thing on the guitar imo, and it is a dealbreaker for me.
Play a Kiesel Vader and all that will change!
A bad headstock can definitely ruin a Guitar. I'm not a Fan of the Jackson hockey stick headstock for example but otherwise really dig their aesthetics and like the other one shown on the list.
the sole reason im actively not buying a telecaster
Have you seen james tyler guitars?
Agreed! A bad headstock can really make or break a guitar for me. I used to have a Dean ML and it played great! The neck was an interesting shape and it was fun, but i hate the goofy pointed dean headstock with a passion
Gibson's quality may be slipping but I have to agree. The classic open book headstock is just beautiful with binding.
Their quality isn't slipping, it's improving vastly.
gibson's quality is the same as any other. Its just that more people buy them over others so there will be more people who had problems.
they've actually been improving their quality
@@guitareater6975 Marginally from what I've seen. It got better but especially contamination in the finish is still a problem.
Honestly, I've grown to dislike it a bit. It's very notorious, but it's very inelegant and a bit silly-looking compared to a lot of others
You should have added the Kramer headstocks( they have a few) The different Fennder Strat headstocks(Size) etc... I can see how this could be a VERY long discussion. Really liked the vid!! You should have a pt-2.
Kramers Banana and Pointy are legendary but I like the Beak headstock the most!
Love Kramers (Pre-Gibson)
@@lewlsorr Not sure what you mean by Beak.
Kramer's banana headstock it's a legendary thing.
The standard Esp headstock is 100% perfection, even when reversed
I prefer Jackson
@@dermilfschreck always found them to pull the strings out of line too much, they innovated the original pointy shape and ESP perfected it
@@dermilfschreck When I first got my Esp in 2006 I thought the same thing but now I prefer the Esp style. Jackson is a close second. :)
i came to the comments to find this. i CANNOT belive they didnt have a reverse headstock esp. That is the gold standard! (reverse ibanez is no slouch either)... and Schecer's c6 style reverses are pretty dope too, as well as their 6 in line nick johnston style.
@@AmericanNationalist852 Just about any inline headstock is cooler looking reversed. Not sure why but it’s true. Even Teles. I bought a new neck for a Lyx Pro Tele copy and I was bummed I didn’t think to order it lefty.
That was really funny. I'm also glad Ibanez headstock got justice on this tier list.
To me, any headstock that makes the strings go straight past the nut in a row for maximum tuning stability (like fender, ibanez) is the best, but the overall coolest one is still the ''mega ultra metal'' headstock of the bc rich.
The Warlock Headstock….
@@sprinkleddonuts6094It's the "Arch Top" Headstock. You could get the on any BC Rich. Mick from Slipknot used to be sponsored by them and played an Arch Top Bich. I had two Warlocks, one Arch Top and one a normal Ibanez looking headstock.
Hilariously, Autocorrect kept trying to add the T.
@@justinlast2lastharder749 yea i know but i like to call it the Warlock headstock or the Widow headstock i had it on my
NJ Virgin
The dean headstock paired with the v body looks totally badass!
Agree. Especially the Razorback V
Not being biased, but I prefer the Washburn dime V. The head stock is not fully simetrical and one horn is bigger. The other has a reverse pointy like esp
I agree! Just purchased a Dean V for that very reason, i know they wont be making them for much longer and i needed a V with that Headstock in my collection, it just looks too killer!
I bought a Dean V in 2007 I believe. I don't like it. It's too big for that guitar. But now that they're supposedly not making them I'll hold on too it. Plays good though.
true. i bought one like a month ago
Please do more tear lists with Glen.
Thanks! - Glen
yes, make him cry 😀
Yes make me cry too. WTF with Dean and BC rich headstock? And Ibanez headstock too?
I agree, Glen is king!
Yeah, tear lists and also more tier lists...
I've had Gibsons for 25 years. Never snapped a neck. The only people I know of who have snapped off the headstocks were massive fuckups to begin with. The same kind of person who'll drop their phone in the sewer. Or forget to pay rent. Or ask you if you have an extra guitar cable they can use, 5 minutes before showtime. You know exactly the type of person I mean. Just take care of your stuff and you're fine.
PRS is C tier? It should be at least A tier! It's a great design that combines the tilt of the Gibson open book with the straight-through-the-nut aspect of tele and strat headstocks.
Yes. I agree on A tier!
@Richard Harrold They should've kept it then. PRS doesn't have the issue with breaking that Gibsons do. Plus that ES-369 looks like the strings still have a bit of an angle, especially the D and G.
…yes, you’re right! But not only all that, it’s also super ugly.
@@mr.k905 De gustibus et coloribus...
Sad to see the 70s strat headstock (much better than 60s I think) miss out, along with Ormsby, Firebird and my personal favourite of the Danelectro coke bottle
Also, reverse only works on reverse Tele Style headstocks I think, it's slimline enough to pull it off without being goofy.
I agree with you man!
That big 70's headstock is the perfect fender headstock in my opinion. It stands out and is gorgeous. Love the elegant curve at the bottom side of it
The 70s better than the 60s headstock? Are you out of your mind???
@@dermilfschreck hell no. What's so bad about the 70s headstock
For me, straight string pull, no or non dramatic break angle, and no pointy stuff sticking out is the winner :)
So that parker nightfly for the win?
I currently pay more than the guitar itself, Dimarzio and Seymour Duncan Pickups, Gotoh Bridge and all the hardware together. Just to build the best 7 String Fender with reversed headstock on a neck in beyond rediculous quality. I believe the reversed headstock especially if it is a 70´s style fender one increases the feedback you are getting on the low end playing hard and fast rythyms or using techniques that might work more easy and more fluid like that. The main reason I make the build is because im die only idiot on youtube that is stupid enough to do that with the base model I use, but I would lie if I would say that I do not want to believe in it. I actually have never used one and soon I know more :)
reverse headstocks sometimes work, it kind of depends on body shape and the color
The regular ESP headstock (horizon/MH) should have an entire tier for itself above S
My thoughts exactly.
it's so nice. i love the binding too
your point about reverse headstocks is good, but even disregarding convenience: it's better for string tension/tuning stability to have the thicker strings be a bit longer.
You guys are insane. The PRS and ESP headstocks are absolue perfection.
🤢
i like both normal and reverse headstocks, it's just the convenience of tuning the reverse headstocks without raising your elbow is the real advantage to me.
I got a Manson a year or so ago and the more I play it, the more I appreciate their ability to not only give a Telecaster headstock a perfectly straight path for each string from nut to tuner and perfect break angle, but to also make it not look like a foot... or something. S tier headstock.
PRS has the ultimate headstock, combining style and function perfectly.
I agree! For a 3+3 design, I use PRS style headstocks on my guitars.
For an inline design, Ibanez is definitely my top tier as well...
Functionally amazing. And visually, It can be upside down or right side up. And if you want 7, 8, or more strings, you just keep making it bigger and it doesn't look awful with the same design!
Yeah function over form for sure but, they also look classy and could blend into kind of any scene seamlessly.
I disagree. The headstock does not match the bodies of their guitars at all. Looks like someone took a big chunk out of them when there should be something else there
@@bandolierboy1908 this I can agree with as well, but it's not the headstock to blame.
I don't like the main PRS style body except for maybe the hollow body version. But the headstock itself, I use all the time on singlecut bodies.
Think Mark Tremont's or Zach Myers's style of guitars.
I would say PRS is S tier, improved 3 on 3 style
Love reverse headstocks. You made an excellent point in a vid recently about how you don't have to turn your hand over to reach the tuners. They also hypothetically improve sustain of your lower strings as they are elongated further past the nut. Even more so if there is a straight string pull e.g. reverse Ibanez hs.
I love reverse headstocks tbh. Great for low tuning with thick strings because of the longer string pull.
Sorry Zach, that’s a scam account
@@KDH oh I know, I’m taunting it for being a super lazy phish. I’m insulted. 😆
I used to hate the Tyler Headstock, but the moment I actually grabbed one in the flesh, I instantly fell in love with it. Tyler Headstock: A Tier
People seem to feel the same about Saito, i love them both
Same. I used to really hate it, but it's growing on me. I think it suits the whole 80's shredder vibe really well.
Firebird. #1 for me. I have it on my Pelham Trini Grohl. Straight pull, hardtail, perfect easy string changes. Tune it once and done for a 4 hour gig.
"That's not even tiers...it gives you tears"...amazing
In all honest, you should start a podcast with Glen... There are many great possibilities to discuss not only guitar shapes but a lot of different topics, man!
Many thanks! I always love jumping on the channel and having a laugh. Even though, I'm always right! :D - Glen.
I'd like to see the same again with some bass guitars,but only if it included Stig Pedersen from D.A.D. 🙂
Dean headstock is a straight S tier, together with the headstock of the Ormsby Hype.
Maybe not the best in function but it looks kickass.
Its function is to let everyone know what brand of guitar you're playing
For me is the one in the gtr 6 V
I love reverse headstocks - especially on a Gibson Les Paul - they look ALMOST as good as the regular headstock. - Seriously though - Reverses look great on Fenders Strats as well as Charvels and Jacksons type guitars - The V's look good too
Do you mean Fender headstocks on a Gibson body style guitar? I've been thinking about building a Frakenpaul or something that bolts on.
@@pauliemccoy8997 no. The joke is the a reverse Gibson headstock would be the same as regular.
Mr. Glen AKA Budget Rory Gallagher is so funny, man. Love seeing him again around here
I've had a lifelong love for reverse headstocks on Strats ever since I saw Richie Sambora's black single-hum Charvel as a kid. Something about em just looks more rock n' roll. Hell, I've even thought about putting a reverse Strat-style headstock on a custom neck for my Telecaster. I also had a reverse 6-in-a-row on a V copy I had once.
I like reverse headstocks, they look cool (though I wonder if that’s only because they’re not the norm), and they’re quicker to tune with while you’re playing (ie your hand is already down there).
I like reverse headstocks on certain guitars but some guitars just don't look right with them. Like the Rhoads. I have a moral objection to putting a reverse headstock on a Rhoads.
My Nosbig Sel Luap has a reverse headstock….. beginning to think I should’ve checked that serial number before purchasing.
Cos it takes SO long to lift your hand to the top of the headstock 😂😂😂
@@guitarsimon1 I
You are the first people I know who prefer the old epiphone headstock over the new ones
Love reverse headstockes. Much more comfortable to tune and they look better most of the time. Especially on "edgy" metal guitars, a reversed headstock (e.g.: Jackson on an RR) looks far more badass.
Also, the BC Rich isn't an F, lads, it's an A.
Reverse headstocks are fantastic for the right ones. The Kiesel 3+3 (the new one), Jackson 6 in-line, and the Jackson SLS headstock
I absolute love Telecaster and Starcaster headstocks.
Reversed headstocks:
I'd go with yes.
I have 2 Strats, one with the regular 6-in-line headstock, and one with a lefty neck. Both have Graphtec nuts and string trees, and both have the same hybrid set of strings I mostly use (GHS 09-46)
It really makes a difference (to me) regarding string tension, the low E on the lefty has more tension (nice tight tone!) while the high E has a fair bit less, making bends a lot easier.
Actually my Jazzbass is a converted lefty, so the low E length on that one is absolutely huge - so I've put a 5string set on it, tuning it B-E-A-D!
That added tension really works well here too
.
It obviously won't make any difference if you have a locking nut on your guitar though.
But: it looks cool 😎🤘
FINALLY, ANOTHER PERSON BRINGS UP THE TELE HEADSTOCK LOOKING LIKE A FOOT!!!
I love the Tele, but damn I hate that headstock
The original Warlock Headstock is Fantastic! I love the Beast ones to. But I love old school Metal Guitars
You forgot the LTD headstock. It looks so much better on the Tele shaped guitars than Fenders Tele headstock.
I absolutely love the Jackson 3+3 headstock. Straight string pull and looks very sleek. They have the 7-string headstock that's the same shape, but they also have the 7 and 8-string headstocks that have a reversed tip so that it looks more stubby. I hate those.
Now I can't stop seeing my Tele headstock as a "foot" 😆😆
I've had a reverse headstock since my first electric guitar, a cheap Strat, which is a standard one that I just flipped to play as a left-handed one. Recently, I've decided to try putting together some partscasters and so on, and try a non-reversed headstock, "the way it should be". When I started tuning, I've immediately said to myself: I want the reversed headstock back! It's more comfortable to tune without changing the position of your entire hand, so I agree with what you've said in one of your videos.
Jackson and Jackson reversed are straight up S tiers for me!! Yes, im a sucker for Jackson guitars, I love them too much!!
Yes! Absolutely! It was designed by Randy Rhoads for fuck sake, and it's just the most rock n' roll thing that ever thinged!
The video/subject we didn't think we needed, but actually did.
I personally HATE the old Epiphone headstock and LOVE the new one with or without binding I find it really cool
And beautiful
Would put EBMM and Sterling headstocks on S tier any day. I love how practical it looks in addition to aesthetics.
Quite like reverse headstocks, mainly because most PGMs have them lol. This was a funny video, look forward to yours and Glen's thoughts on different body shapes. Also a side note, I think that the "new" Epiphone headstock has actually been around longer than the "old" one, and they just kind of reissued it onto new models, I'm pretty sure that's the case but I could be wrong.
Nah you got it on the epis... i believe gibson had some issues with the similarities and did the cut corner thing to differentiate them when they acquired the brand... or possibly had hit them with a cease and desist before the acquisition... im fuzzy on the specifics but the cut corners has something to do with gibson... i am glad they brought the og back though cuz for some reason the cut corner ones just looked terrible to me. Like someone dog eared the pages of a book. As a big reader and nerd that is an execution level offense.
@@randa4382 Thanks for the info! Yeah, I agree that the original headstock looks nicer, I think it is far more classy. Really like how they look on Les Paul Juniors and Wildkats.
I’m all in on reverse headstocks. It makes it way easier to do behind-the-nut bends on the low strings.
I was waiting for the old Washburn headstock and also the schecter headstock! I think you need a round two on headstocks! Knaggs, Novo, D'angelico, Texas Toast all give good headstock! Lmao
I hated music man headstocks when I first saw them but they've grown on me, they're my favourite guitars now
I am good with Glen being your helper, he's the Robin to your Howard.
He has such a good energy. I bet he shreds.
Many thanks! - Glen
@@DustinDollinsShinBone Thanks a lot! - Glen
I don't like how reverse headstocks look but you were absulutely right and spot on when you talked about them
Any headstock in which the strings don't go 100% straight from the nut to the tuners is objectively speaking a bad design. Function over form.
The old BC Rich 3L3R headstock from the 70s is my nr.1!
15:34 I love the jab at Gibson lol
I like a cool headstock , but it should be tasteful and reflect the design .
A couple of honorable mentions for the next Tier List: DBZ or Dean Brian Zelinski . The higher end models had some cool shapes and a unique , love or hate , heavy metal badge inlayed on them .
And of course my Vintage Lado Flying V #20 you can see in my profile pic .
with reversed headstocks another major benefit is the fact that since the low string has to travel farther to reach the tuning machine it creates a slight bit more tension so thicker strings can feel tighter compared to standard headstocks in my opinion.
No. The tension is the same, and with longer string travel, the strings actually feel looser. All metal has some inherent flexibility, and the longer length of it you have, the more flexibility you get.
@@THEREFILLSBAND very true
Well... I was expecting something completely different from this...
For me, headstocks are ranked first by function (strings going straight through the nut, strength, brake angle, weather or not they require string trees, and how easily you can turn the tuners without crowding your fingers)
Then by style. (Are they just a boxy paddle, or do they have aesthetically pleasing curves or points?)
Thirdly I would finally take in to consideration weather or not they are iconic.
You forgot the "does it break away if I sneeze on it" factor ;)
The Standard Strat headstock. Can't improve on perfection and don't even get me started on the moronic idea of reversing it.
I honestly prefer reverse inline headstocks over typical inline headstocks for 3 primary reasons:
1. Just purely for aesthetic reasons, I like that there's more length to the headstock on the bass end of the instrument, it seems to make more sense to my brain
2. Similar to reason 1 but for function, slightly more length on the bass string makes intonation less of a headache for me
3. As mentioned in the video, tuning mid-play is made ever so slightly easier on me; not a huge change, but noticable
I agree that Gibson has a beautiful headstock. I’d put the Gretsch white falcon one there too. I always found it hilarious how they purposely made the epiphone headstock hideous to remind you it’s not a Gibson. Very scummy but ig the new design helps a little
I'm with you with the White Falcon! - Glen
Fender Strat small and Dean Wings are my two favorite headstocks! I also have a soft spot for Music Man headstocks!
Putting Dean headstock in F is criminal
Edit: And BC Rich! Bro you are making enemies now!!
Reverse headstocks are the coolest and most unusual looking headstocks, they’re good looking. Thx for making this tierlist
Y'all Trippin' The Dean headstock is one of the best.
Exactly
Ya
It definitely isn't, it's ugly as sin. But hey, this is the internet, we're all entitled to our own opinions, and I'm sure we can engage in very civil discourse without resorting to being nasty.
Right?
I don’t know if it’s the best but I’d put it in 5th place
I cannot
This feel right at home with this episode. My friends and I have conversations about wacky pointless stuff all the time.
Kramer headstock gets an S
I had to pause the video just to comment that the Dean headstock belongs in S tier!!!!
Reverse headstocks are perfectly fine.
This video is great, please do more tier lists.
Would love more tierlist vids, looking forward to the guitar body video!
The bc rich headstock that kerry king used has a ballsack in the top
Always liked a reverse headstock, especially the Stratocaster. Carlo 👍🏼🎸
I would think a potential advantage of a reverse headstock, though one I've never seen exploited, is that one could file the bass end of a nut down to be more like a fret, and add a second nut for the sixth string two frets up the neck, so so as to allow the sixth string to be used as eigher an open D or open E string. A normal head stock wouldn't have enough space between the nut and the peg to accommodate such an extension, but a reverse headstock could do so easily. I don't know why extensions are common on string basses but not guitars, but a two-fret extension on the D string would seem a useful feature, especially if there were an easy swing-down clamp to hold the string against the nut-position fret when the extension wasn't needed.
I love that you did this video. I'm all about what musicians think about headstocks as I'm very particular about them. ;)
Gibson broken headstock joke with 10 seconds, im subbing.
On Strat style guitars I would always go for reversed if it was easier to get hold of them without them saying Fender. Ofcourse if everyone felt the same I might not, lol.
I can't believe you put the greatest headstock design in the universe, the original Jackson headstock designed by Randy Rhoads...in the 'B' tier!!! Unbelievable. Unconscionable. Unforgivable. I'm subscribed to your channel and now I'm questioning all of my life choices...
But seriously, I'm glad I'm not the only one who pays too much attention to headstock shape.
"I'm taking my bong and going home."
This video is wildly interesting to me. So much, I just feel the irresistable urge to rank a few headstocks myself. I'll only be ranking my S-B headstocks. Enjoy!
B rank
- Mooncaster
- Tyler
- Headless
The first 2 have potential to be in A-tier, but they just need a bit of modification to the shape, IMO. The headless is great for playability but loses a bit of the charm that a headstock has - kinda casts the history of guitar design aside. And while I'm all for that design in my mind, my heart can't help but want a headstock.
A Tier
- Telecaster
- Stratocaster
- the Jackson-like ESP
- New Epiphone
- Ibanez
Strat, Tele, and epiphone are all very classic, and they tickle my sense of anemoia perfectly. The other 2 are just plain good headstocks to me - they're functional, and stylish to my tastes.
S-tier
- Parker - beautifully functional - the weight reduction benefits of a headless guitar without the sacrifices a headless makes.
- Ernie Ball - basically the same reasoning - beautifully straight strings, lightweight, and on top of all that - stylish. I love it.
- PRS - not entirely to my taste of shape, but beautifully functional nonetheless.
- and the gray one you both put in a-tier first - same reasoning as the PRS
I love all 4 of these headstocks and would legitimately consider selling much of my stuff to have one of these guitars. Most likely the Ernie Ball Music Man/Sterling by Music Man - they're the most within my budget, and they are so well-made for the price.
charvel upside down arcade style toothpaste logo is the sexiest headstock in history
The ESP, Jackson, Reverse B.C Rich, Gibson explorer headstock, Jackson side by side, Flying V Dorito headstock, Ibanez, and Dean ML headstocks are my favourites.
So basically all of the metal guitars 🤘
I may be late to this, but 9:50 .. can't tell me the very top isn't just dangling balls as a cutout
Thanks for doing this!, It may seem trivial to some but I never tire of this sort of thing
I personally don't have a reverse headstock guitar but I love those.
The accuracy of the Gibson headstock in the thumbnail is astounding
To play along despite not being asked:
S - Jackson 6-inline
A - ESP 6-inline, Jackson 3-3, PRS, Gibson normal 3-3,
B - Gibson Explorer, Gibson Flying V, Fender Strat,
C - New Epiphone, Ibanez (reverse would bump to A), EBMM, BC Rich 6-inline
D - Old Epiphone, Fender tele,
E - Dean, ESP reverse (only the one that's pictured), Parker, Peavy
F - BC Rich 3-3, Gibson weird 3-3, All others not mentioned specifically
"We will put the broken headstock where a broken headstock belongs."
*Puts it above the dean headstock.*
Instantly subbed.
I like the reverse headstock because there's less space between the nut and the tuning peg. That allows for easier replacement when the high E inevitably snaps.
The issue i have with my Wolfgang is clipping on a tuner… it’s problematic. My favorite headstock is the Schecter devil horn stock. Also, not a fan of reverse headstocks, but mainly because I’m a lefty, and i want my guitars to look like they don’t have upside down parts on them….
I've loved reverse headstocks ever since I saw Glenn Cornick on the Rolling Stones Rock & Roll Circus, have one on my main Jazz bass.
A great headstock makes a great reverse headstock. Ibanez, Jackson (both in line and the 3/4 configuration), ESP, most of all TWSmith, his headstocks are perfect and great reverse.
I am a product from the 80's so I am very partial to the guitars of that period. I also find myself a complete snob when it comes to headstocks which I didn't even know about myself until the last decade or so. I love reverse headstocks like the original Jacksons. I love the original Gibson Les Paul and Strat headstocks and the more compact version of the strat headstock from Charvel. The original hockey stick headstock from Kramar on my OG Berretta. It gets really tough after that lol.
We need guitar body tier list video
EDIT: i just watched the vid to the end, and i am glad that we are going to get the body tier list.
My top headstock-designs (and yes, reverse headstocks are superior due to being cooler and the ergonomics, as explained in the video):
Best 3+3: PRS (looks good on any shape, scientifically thought out regarding stability and string pull)
Best 6 in-line: Ibanez (looks good on virtually any non-single cut design)
Best tilt-back: PRS (previously explained)
Best straight: Music Man (no string trees needed, small, works on most body styles)
Personal favourite: reverse MM on 4-string bass (I prefer to have the tuners on the bottom, but I use a Hipshot Drop tuner, which is more accessible and less in the way on the top of the headstock
I have always loved the Ibanez headstock shape, I just can’t get into the thin necks anymore. I’m not a big fan of reverse headstocks, but they’re not a deal breaker for me.
Got to the channel by accident, and it was the most welcome accident.
As Bob Ross would say. “A happy accident”
Ormsby Harpoon and Jackson Reverse inline are my two favorite headstocks. Surprised you didn't include any Ormsby headstocks, they all look good.
The comments are all over the place…everyone has their favorites…I’m glad we have all the guitars to choose from…its awesome !!!!!
I would love to see the full scale vid, I love stuff like that for the background while I play games