Fender headstock shapes over the years

[Albie Vickers]

You're welcome. It's been awhile since we've had a nice headstock thread here.

Well after all the years I have played fender I only ever thought about the obvious models and headstock. Then I read how guys was saying there was a difference in P and J Heads and I was puzzeled because I cannot see a difference apart from what you see when different finishers drum sand! Some of mine have less downward point near the nut. One maybe a little more rounded. However back in the 60's we used to sit around passing Fenders around Les Paul as well. Just arguing over quality and finish. Apart from my 53 P bass my jazz and later P Bass seem to be the same! The riverband.demo link shows heads but mainly its the tuners that are different!

 

[Albie Vickers]

I found this on the internet;

Invalid Link Removed

Great link thank you !

 

[/\/\3phist0]

If you want to see remarkable differences in the same hs cut, check out G&L guitars and basses from the 80's into the early 90's, especially the pointed version (as currently used). It's like each was hand cut by eye.

They were sanded freehand, jig cut with a template .

 

[JIO]

My favorite.

It's funny because before they re-issued it I really liked it. Now that it been re-issured… maybe because it was never a bass..

 

[ROOTSnFIFTHS]

As been discussed here before, while not actual foward looking shape, the pre-CBS headstocks were thinner, front to back. The Road Worn series which are also reissues, follow this also and that contributes to a generally lighter bass.