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Which one Looks better? Lollipop or clover key tuners?

Aesthetically speaking, Which one do you prefer?


  • Total voters
    154
  • Poll closed .
Neither.

BMLLC.jpg

I hate those on a Fender-esque headstock. They're okay on something like an MTD, but they just look wimpy otherwise.

not crazy about the way they feel, either.
 
Ha! I just received a set of lollipops this weekend. Personally, I like the lollipop shape best and I don't even think it is a vintage thing. Lollis create the look that is most pleasing to me. Clean lines, sort of timeless, IMO, so not sure I connect it with vintage.

Clovers look vintage to me, like they should be on a 3 tone sunburst with a tort guard AND DON'T YOU DARE CHANGE ANYTHING EVER!

Y's look functional, but lack character. They look at home in those tiny headstocks like Ibanez. My son's Gretsch short scale has y-tuners and it looks out of place, but clovers or lollis would seem too big to me. So they serve their purpose.

MM has a set of ovals that I think are pretty sweet looking. For my next build I was thinking of trying those out.
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Ultimately it is function and personal taste. I prefer Lolli's.
 
I like 'em both! The clover have become kind of the standard. They're big, plenty of leverage for turning, and have a little flair. Meanwhile, the lollipops have a fine simplicity about them. They seem to be a little more elegant.
 
It does depend on the headstock. The more angular headstocks seem to look nicer with the Y tuners and the rounded Fender headstock with the cloverleafs. Lollipops can be for the nonconformists. ;) :D
 
It does depend on the headstock. The more angular headstocks seem to look nicer with the Y tuners and the rounded Fender headstock with the cloverleafs. Lollipops can be for the nonconformists. ;) :D

I guess I'm non-conforming...I've always thought lollipops were pretty cool.

I think for most vintage-style basses, the lollipops are rather elegant in their simplicity. To some, they may look unfinished, but I find myself drawn to them. It's possible that this also has to do with their relative rarity.

Nothing against cloverleafs, mind you; almost all of my basses have cloverleafs. And I think they go well with a lot of body styles.

If given the choice between the two, though, I prefer the clean look of the lollipops.
 
I guess I'm non-conforming...I've always thought lollipops were pretty cool.

. . . .
There is a difference between being non-conforming and cool. :) I might add that the statement was meant to be funny. You did notice the smilies, didn't you? :ninja: I am currently lusting after an Alleva Coppolo and they use the lollipop tuners, so I agree that lollipops can be cool even if not always the best choice for a given headstock.

My point was more one of aesthetics. The Fenders have a multiple rounded edge look to them--a combination of graceful arcs. For something that has a multiple rounded edge look, the cloverleafs seem to fit best. Similarly the somewhat angular headstocks seem to appear best with the somewhat angular Y-tuner shape. Note that AC headstocks are closer to being an oval than Fender's. For an AC headstock, the lollipop tuners are a complimentary shape.