When do you think a matching headstock does not look good?

[6-3-2]

99% of the time I think it looks amazing and I wish it were standard.

 

[6-3-2]

That sparkle burst J is GORGEOUS

 

[CTW68]

Correct answer is a matching headstock always looks good.

What is that double split-coil G&L? I've never seen one like that.

 

[chris_b]

I've never owned a bass with a matching headstock.

I don't think I'm missing out on anything, but if a great bass came along, a matching headstock wouldn't bother me.

 

[Turnaround]

Matching what???

 

[Gervais Cote]

Correct answer is a matching headstock always looks good.

That blue G&L is a masterpiece !

 

[B-Mac]

Never looks good. I hate matching headstocks. Time, effort, and care into matching the body? Absolute trash, imho.
View attachment 5243744

Can you be a little less subtle with the sarcasm.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Matching what???
View attachment 5243899

I want it !……No you don’t need another bass……..but I want it………gosh this is soooooo nice!

 

[coy garcia]

When I have to pay extra for it.

 

[57pbass]

The only matching headstock that did not appeal to me was a matching 3TSB match.. it just did not look right.

 

[Gervais Cote]

What is that double split-coil G&L? I've never seen one like that.

I use to call such thing a KILLER bass.

 

[Grinderman]

Generally all the time. - There are some exceptions, but in general, I think the core wood should just be the color of the headstock.
Also, kinda on the subject, not a fan of blank headstocks from custom neck shops either. I think whoever the maker, should offer a factory applied logo decal as an option. Especially when it's an FSO headstock. Blank ones just look naked.

 

[B-Mac]

When the fretboard is maple, I think it looks better with matching block inlays.

View attachment 5243853

I see what you mean…

 

[Grinderman]

I've had one bass with a matching headstock. I can take it or leave it.

Decals too.

 

[Hot Rats]

I don't like matching headstocks when the fretboard is maple. Otherwise, I love matching headstocks.

 

[ElCrowg]

Personally, I can't stand a matching headstock. I bought a MM Stingray 5 in a beautiful translucent yellow/gold color almost 20 years ago. It was a fantastic playing/sounding/and looking (aside from the headstock) instrument. I loved it, but I loathed looking at the headstock. Eventually, it bothered me so much I sold it.

I've come to realize that as shallow as it sounds, a matching headstock is a deal breaker for me. Go figure.

 

[Dynacord]

Old timer here.
Back in the early 60’s painted or matching headstock signifies a low end knockoff instrument.
So as a bass player who started back then I still think it makes the instrument look cheap.
Only the Beatle Bass pulls it off fairly well. IMVHO
Duke

For Fender in the 60's it was mostly reserved for their high end models; Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Jazz Bass and Bass VI. Same ones which further into the 60's got binding and then block markers as their 'deluxe' models. I think it still really works with those offset models in particular.

 

[Pilgrim]

I love matching headstocks. Emphasis on "matching."

 

[dbsfgyd1]

When do you think a matching headstock does not look good on a bass?

My old stand by. I spend a lot more time playing a bass than looking at it. When I’m playing it, I’m looking at the fingerboard not the headstock or any other part of it for that matter.

I will say that a Fender Jazz with block inlays on a dark rosewood finger board, in either Lake Placid Blue or a whatever that shade of green that’s been posted here the last year of so is pretty sharp looking. All else, meh.

 

[Gervais Cote]

These were so nice and so good the manufacturer stopped making them :