Matching headstock poll

[RayWithFlats]

I voted “it depends”…

- Fender-type bass with rosewood fretboard, I prefer matching headstock with most finishes
- Fender-type bass with maple fretboard, I prefer natural wood finish headstock
- Gibson/Epi/Gretsch-type basses, I prefer a black headstock regardless of body finish.

The type of inlays matters, too. Basically, I’m a complicated guy. Headstock colour isn’t a deal-breaker though.

 

[juggahnaught]

I truthfully really never understood the aesthetic appeal of Fender-Shaped-Objects until I saw one with a matching headstock. To me, unfinished headstocks make the entire bass look unfinished. (And they're always, always maple....) A bass body with a gloss paint finish just looks correct to me when the headstock face matches - or at least if the face is dark and also has a gloss finish.

That said, if it sounds good and plays good, it is good. It just isn't pretty.

 

[Bass4Brkfast]

I prefer natural finishes or bust over painted.
I also prefer matching headstocks and voted accordingly.
Now that you mention stripes on a laminated neck...that I would really like, especially if the color is similar or is made to look similar to the body.

 

[Thumpin6string]

I like my matching headstock. Especially since it is a graphite neck.

 

[MikePlaysBass]

I assume you mean matching the top of the body. That’s nice, but matching the hardware (I usually go with black or gunmetal myself) is a close second.
I have to admit that I really like the look of matched pickups using the exact grain of the body wood. A matching grain backplate is cool, too, but nobody sees it other than you.

 

[two fingers]

I love a matching headstock with rare exceptions. Funny thing is I only own two basses with them and they're both black.

 

[N4860]

I like both to be honest. I have 2 basses with matching headstocks and 5 with non-matching. Definitely not a deal breaker for me at all.

 

[bitzie]

I used to be staunchly in the matching headstock camp. Then I got an Olympic White Squier 60s CV Precision. At first I hated the natural headstock, but after dying the fretboard black and swapping all the hardware, pickguard, and strings over to black as well, I actually like the natural headstock. Most shockingly, when I imagine it with a white headstock, I can't see myself liking it at all.

 

[Dabndug]

I voted “it depends”…

- Fender-type bass with rosewood fretboard, I prefer matching headstock with most finishes
- Fender-type bass with maple fretboard, I prefer natural wood finish headstock
- Gibson/Epi/Gretsch-type basses, I prefer a black headstock regardless of body finish.

The type of inlays matters, too. Basically, I’m a complicated guy. Headstock colour isn’t a deal-breaker though.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[Dabndug]

All of my Ricks (basses and guitars) had/have matching headstocks.

That's a coincidence - so do mine!

 

[Lowendchamp]

It looks good on the MIM 75th Anniversary P bass(It sounds and feels good too)

 

[Herrick]

It depends on what the rest of the bass looks like.

 

[Lesfunk]

My favorite matching headstock

 

[Spectrum]

I like them generally, at least with solid color bodies.

 

[JimmyM]

I suppose you're right, as some matching headstocks don't bother me.
However a 'burst' headstock is one that never looks right to me, even though I'm always a fan of a classic burst body.

Gotta put in a good word for my late 60's Realistic (yes, THAT Realistic) violin bass for a nice looking burst headstock (on the right, obviously):

I thought whoever painted it did a pretty good job of matching the colors.

 

[Dabndug]

Matching can definitely be cool...IMHO and all that...

 

[pigpen ridding]

i like to personalise my headstocks and both front and back of neck mainly paint the back as i hate that stupid skunk strip

 

[Geri O]

Gee....

After that Fender vs the Universe thread, this one was a piece o' cake.

I like matching headstocks. My next build will be made so.

(Make it King Cake, please....)

 

[steveinohio]

Only sometimes. I have no strong rule for that. Sometimes its overkill for me. Others its kind of alright.

 

[C Stone]

Fenders headstocks are left alone just in case I want to re-sell. Vintage tint/gloss headstocks are generally left alone as well.

Budget basses get a matching headstock after the necks are vetted and pass QA.

After market blank or kit bass headstocks get painted to match the body unless the body it's going on is a natural finish.