2x2 headstock vs straight 4

[gtlover]

OP: if you want a PJ and crave a Fender, try an MB-4. I had the Squier version, and it was a good axe for the money. I can only imagine the MIJ would be even better. 2+2 headstock FTW.
As to which headstock configuration is better, I think the MM 3+1 may be the best compromise between aesthetics, function, and ease of manufacture. Or you could avoid the issue altogether and go headless.

 

[MEKer]

It is a little-known fact that Leo Fender's uncle was Ronald McDonald.

And too few know that his daddy had a farm.

 

[MobileHolmes]

On a fender type bass, I generally prefer inline 4s. It's just what I'm used to and anything else looks goofy. For aesthetic reasons, I do like the 2x2 on quite a few body shapes. That said, I really don't care for using 2x2 and 3x3 headstocks. I have a 3x3 on a couple six strings, and I find that I am always trying to tune the wrong string, and get confused by the fact that they turn in different directions. Building an inline 6 that balances is probably violates the laws of physics, but at rehearsal tonight the 3x3 was driving me nuts

 

[TjMetalhead]

Some of the points OP brought up is why I like musicman style head stocks the best. A bit smaller than a P bass head stock, a little bigger than a 2x2 rectangle look. Modern Jazz headstocks are a little slimmer than P's I noticed. They don't look as goofy. Spector 2x2's though are my favorite looking.

 

[mikewalker]

Straight 4 for the win! The bigger and more rambunctious, the better

Alternatively, something like this is nice:

 

[Manticore]

I DESPISE 5 in a row.

This one made me smile. With 4s it doesn't matter to me; I have 2X2, 3X1, and 4-in-a-row basses. That said, I normally play a 6 (all 3X3s.). I tried out a Tyler 6 quite a few years ago. Except for the odd headstock, it was in all ways a truly stunning bass. I didn't buy it though. It had a 36" scale, which didn't bother me in the least, but with a 6-in-a-row headstock and 36" scale I simply couldn't reach the C-string tuner...and I'm 6" tall!

 

[DigitalMan]

Doesn’t matter to me, as long as it suits the particular bass. However, 4 in-line is much easier to restring on the bench with an electric winder. I can’t imagine any of these basses with a different headstock. They each are a significant part of the overall aesthetic.

 

[JimmyM]

A shame that Leo Fender didn't have you to straighten him out. Who knows? Maybe he could have been successful with his designs.

 

[StatesideRambler]

...and I'm 6" tall!

I've got headstocks taller than you!
(Just to be careful, this being the Internet, my tongue is lodged firmly in my cheek. )

 

[smogg]

Head stock and tuner arrangement have never been a make it or break it deal for me. I just roll with what the builder chose. I've owned & played,
4 in-line
5 in-line
2x2
3x2 (what I use the most)
2x3
3x1
4x1
4 in-line upside down (my favorite aesthetically)
Curious to try an upside down 5 in-line as I only play 5ers anymore. Not sure if I would like a 1 over 4 as that would seem to contradict the idea of the upside down concept. But as some say, never say never.

 

[twinjet]

2x2 doesn't look good to me. 4-inline is damned sexy.

 

[mouthmw]

There’s a reason Fender has that 4 in line headstock - Leo took inspiration from the traditional instruments of my country:
"Just one last question, whose idea was it to have the tuning gears located on one side of the peghead?
Well, that's a very old idea that has been around for thousands of years. The Croatians, near Poland, have several instruments with tuning pegs located on one side of the guitar and they invented this years ago."

Aesthetics! I prefer it to 2x2. I also really like 3x1 Music Man headstock. 2x2 is a bit meh to me.

 

[Zooberwerx]

And too few know that his daddy had a farm.

E-I-E-I-O.

As far as tuner configuration: whatever requires the least amount of headstock real estate.

Riis

 

[MTMB]

I have both and I like them. Though I am not the biggest fan of the 3x1 configuration on my MM. Everytime I grab my bass out of its bag, my G string seems to be tuned down a few notes.

 

[Skybone]

One of the big "plus" points for 4 in line, and "minus" points for 2x2 headstocks is the string path.

Generally, 4 in line headstocks give a straight string run, where generally 2x2's change angle after the nut (as illustrated in DigitalMan's pic above). There are some basses with a 2x2 configuration that gives the straight string path (see the Wal in the same pic!), but they would seem to be the exception rather than the rule.

Anyway, I prefer a 2x2 headstock.

 

[two fingers]

Rumor has it Leo was heavily influenced by the silhouette of a double bass and/or violin peg head when designing the head of the Strat and '59 P bass.

 

[mouthmw]

Rumor has it Leo was heavily influenced by the silhouette of a double bass and/or violin peg head when designing the head of the Strat and '59 P bass.
View attachment 2908586

He was influenced by Croatian traditional instruments like Tamburitza.

 

[Bigbri]

I'm sure there are some architects and visual artists who could weigh in on this question with regard to aesthetics and proportion, but here's my take. The Fender headstock and tuners were influenced by the pegbox and scroll of the (probably Kay) double bass. So, larger tuners = larger headstock, and there has to be enough space between the tuners for them to clear one another when all are aligned parallel to the headstock. So, longer headstock. Gibson and other makers of the era went for smaller tuners.

Personally, with very few exceptions I prefer four-in-line on basses with asymmetrical bodies and 2+2 on basses with symmetrical bodies. Aesthetics again. But I have reached an age where my own body has become more and more asymmetrical, and almost nothing lines up anymore.

Currently I'd have to go with my 78 Stingray and 3+1.
I know what you mean. I didn't realize how dated and stand-outish the inline 4 is looking. The MM Reflex has a small headstock and tuners that make a 5 string 4+1 look much more under control.

 

[BuffaloBill]

I have both. While playing I never feel the difference.
I suspect 4 in a row contributes to the 5th fret G string dead note.
Looking at them played by somebody else, Fender headstocks look like a profile of Bullwinkle the Moose.
Don't like the 0 angle headstock on anything.
Elephant ear tuners feel good while tuning, but they are honking big.
I like all Peavey headstocks for bass, 4 in line is ok, prefer 2+2, necks are good too.

 

[blue4]

I like them both, but it's easier to change strings and set up an inline 4 IMO.