Slot head vs solid pros / cons

[TBman]

Back in 2015 I had gas for a 00 slot head so I picked up an Alvarez solid top/lam back and sides AP66SB. Nice little guitar. The first time changing strings was interesting, but after that it's just more to be careful about. They do look nice though. I think if I had gotten a larger bodied guitar it would get played more, but I'm not knocking the 12 fret with a slot head design though. GAS is fickle at times.

[Terry_D]

Originally Posted by jpmist

I wanted to ditto that as I always play seated without a strap - with all that wood cut out, the slothead headstocks are generally lighter.

But also to add the slightest nit-pic that probably no one thinks twice about. After playing for decades, when tuning a paddle head I still can't made the mental adjustment 100% of the time when going from the 3 bass side tuners to the treble side, I'll invariably loosen when I meant to tighten that G string.

On a paddlehead all 6 tuners tighten in exactly the same direction so I get it right the first time 100%.

And their orientation provide a much more ergonomic angle to get your fingers on and turn them.

[Terry_D]

Originally Posted by TBman

Back in 2015 I had gas for a 00 slot head so I picked up an Alvarez solid top/lam back and sides AP66SB. Nice little guitar. The first time changing strings was interesting, but after that it's just more to be careful about. They do look nice though. I think if I had gotten a larger bodied guitar it would get played more, but I'm not knocking the 12 fret with a slot head design though. GAS is fickle at times.

I really enjoyed your playing from the video in your signature.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by Mak2525

I'm contemplating a custom order for an Iris DF. One of the options I'm considering is a 12 fret neck with slotted headstock (even though I think the $500 upcharge for a slotted headstock is somewhat extreme ). I have owned 20-30 guitars over the years, but never had a slothead.

Hi Mak

If you are determined to donate blood, consider going to a local blood bank to donate blood. And they pay for it!

I own one slot head which often has too-old-strings on it. In over 10 years, I'm not recalling at least one blood-letting finger stick while changing strings on it.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by Terry_D

I really enjoyed your playing from the video in your signature.

Thanks Terry!

[blindboyjimi]

Yeah, I don’t get the string changing problems. I find it takes me 5-7 minutes for a regular guitar and maybe 8-10 minutes for an open headstock. I don’t think they are much lighter as they are normally much thicker, but nonetheless, I don’t hear a benefit. I have 12-frets in both styles and they all sound like 12-frets. My biggest issue is that I think the Iris paddle logo is really too much so I’d pay for the open headstock. They keep their costs down by CNC and such so any changes probably slow them down a bit, but it’s very nice that they offer so many options. I’m super impressed by what they can do for the price. Especially since Waterloo is on hold.

[brad4d8]

Got my first steel string slothead last year, and after 50 years of changing stings on a classical, I was a little surprised that I had a little difficulty with my first string change. Must have been an off day as I had no problems with the next two.

[blindboyjimi]

BTW, Here's your intended guitar for sale. Why wait an order one?
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/184567#184567

[Mak2525]

Originally Posted by blindboyjimi

BTW, Here's your intended guitar for sale. Why wait an order one?
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/184567#184567

Thanks for the link - appreciate it! Unfortunately, that's the Smeck model vs the standard DF. There's also a 2 month old Smeck with the same specs for sale on Reverb at a great price ($500 less) - if it was the standard DF body, it would already be on the way to me.

The good news is, it looks like I am going to get my specs on a current dealer order that's due in a couple of months - so at least I get to skip the 12-14 month lead time.

[Mak2525]

It looks like the DF I had in mind is nowhere to be found without at least a 6-8 month wait if I take a dealer's open slot or 12-14 if I ordered it direct from Iris.

This is a retirement gift to myself, so I decided to go ahead with a 2 month old "as new / mint" DF Smeck 12 fret model with slotted headstock listed on Reverb. It was purchased new from Acoustic Vibes Music on 2/5/22 with a build date of 10/21. The price was $700 off the new price if I ordered one plus free shipping, so it was a really good deal. Now I have to wait for it to travel from Hawaii to Florida.

Thanks again for everyone's input and opinions!

[Tony Burns]

I love them both , but with the increased break angle
its perfect for DADGAD.

[thingthatisdone]

I like Mr. Moustache's attention to detail during the string change video, e.g., keeping the barrels straight. However, changing strings with round cores is what makes it a PIA, imo.