Taking a Look at Headstock Designs
When I was 15, I attended my first rock festival in Taiwan. The loud vocals and distorted guitar solos blew my mind. Its raw, intense sound was completely different from the music I had grown up listening to, and I wanted to learn more about it. However, in the early 2000s, Taiwan’s music industry was all about promoting Mandarin pop songs, and Western rock bands were considered part of an “underground genre” for the “underground people.”
To explore rock music, I joined the rock and roll club in high school. New members were given the list of diverse bands to listen to as their first assignment, just like in the movie School of Rock.
It was the time I discovered heavy metal- a genre that was entirely new to me. I had never heard music so heavy and angry, yet so popular worldwide.
Bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Judas Priest inspired me to take my first electric guitar lesson. In addition to the sense of achievement I experienced when I learned another challenging lick, the designs behind the instrument continually motivated me to pursue my passion.
One fascinating guitar design element is the headstock that is often representative of the styles of music it’s associated with, reflecting the character of various genres. In this article, I will share my thoughts on how headstock shape from different guitar brands mirror the music style, and how these design choices contribute to the overall visual identity of the instrument.
Fender
Fender guitars have become my go-to instruments for songwriting. I find myself feeling more expressive and inspired when I play it. Its headstocks, particularly the “six-in-line” tuning peg layout found on Stratocasters and Telecasters, are famous for their versatility and widespread use in various music genres, like blues, rock, and pop styles.
Their straightforward design language shows a sense of reliability and functionality. This headstock style is also frequently found on beginner guitars, making it a recognizable design for new players.
Gibson
Owning a Gibson was my dream in high school. The “open-book” or “mustache” shape of Gibson headstocks, shows a sense of tradition and elegance. This design language aligns well with genres like classic rock, blues, and jazz, where musicians often appreciate the vintage aesthetic and rich tonal qualities that Gibson guitars provide.
The titled-back headstock and three tuning pegs on each side provide sufficient tension on the strings. Although this design is more costly to produce due to the increased amount of wood required, the tension it provides can also make the connection between the headstock and the neck more fragile.
Jackson
The aggressive, pointy design of Jackson headstocks, with their sharp angles and six-in-line tuning pegs, reflects the heavy metal and hard rock music styles that the brand is associated with.
This design language conveys a sense of power, speed, and rebellion, which are characteristics commonly found in heavy metal and hard rock genres, while the straight string pull provides tuning stability.
PRS
The Paul Reed Smith (PRS) headstock has a unique and elegant design, featuring a subtle V-shape and three tuning pegs on each side. This design, combined with the brand’s signature bird inlays on the fretboard, gives PRS guitars a distinctive and classy look that reflect the association with progressive rock and fusion genres.
The elegant design language of PRS headstocks shows a focus on craftsmanship, sophistication, and versatility, which are attributes valued by musicians in these styles.
Ernie Ball Music Man
The Music Man headstock has a unique compact 4+2 tuning peg configuration. This arrangement provides a straight string pull, which enhances tuning stability and reduces the chances of string breakage.
Aesthetically, the Music Man headstock has smooth curves and clean lines. The brand logo is prominently displayed on the headstock, along with the model name, reinforcing the instrument’s identity. The brand’s instruments have found in various styles, including rock, pop, fusion, progressive, and even metal.
Gretsch
The “hump-block” design of Gretsch headstocks, and a tuning pegs on each side. This design, along with their Art Deco-inspired logo, gives Gretsch guitars a retro, vintage aesthetic found in rockabilly, country, and early rock and roll.
This design language conveys a sense of nostalgia and classic style that musicians in these genres appreciate.
Rickenbacker
The “cresting wave” shape of Rickenbacker headstock reflects the jangly, bright sound that is found in classic pop and alternative rock styles.
The headstock design, combined with the brand’s signature logo, has made Rickenbacker guitars popular among musicians looking for a unique visual and sonic identity.
Conclusion
When I was a student, I internalized these design languages of various guitar brands. As I grew as a designer, and gained ability to purchase more guitars, I began to take a deeper look into each company’s design choices, and think about how they reflect both brand identity and the distinct sounds. This process has enriched my appreciation for the relationship between music and design, and inspired me to continue exploring the guitar design and its influence on the landscape of music styles.
