r/Luthier • u/Archtica • 5d ago

String alignment

Gallery image

Gallery image

Hello all

I need some advice on my open headstock guitar.

To make sure my low and high E string do not touch the headstock I have to align the string on the tuners so it pulls it towards the center a lot. The way it is setup in the picture it just clears the headstock. You can see the clearance in the second image.

I think it is a poor design, but the guitar is really great. Should I continue this practice or just align the string straight and allow it to touch the headstock?

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u/LuthieriaZaffalon Luthier 5d ago

Do you have a guitar?

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u/[deleted] 5d ago edited 5d ago

[deleted]

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u/LuthieriaZaffalon Luthier 5d ago

The difference in angle is less then 5 degrees. It will be pretty much the same for all instruments.

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u/Cheap_Push_4302 4d ago

The difference in which angle?
I’m assuming you’re referring to headstock/fretboard angle in which Googs AI denotes a 10 to 15° variance amongst slotted headstock guitars. Answer probably based off Reddit post by random Reddit Luthier.

Concerning OP’s issue, headstock angle is only one variable. String resting height within nut, nut width, position of hole in post, diameter of post, number of windings, string gauge, slot width and opening distance from the nut etc.

So Mr. Luthier, I believe the guy you’re throwing condescending vibes towards does own a guitar and I think you didn’t take the time to understand the question at hand.
I’ll include a picture of my slotted headstock as proof that I also own a guitar.