Peghead — Lutherie Encyclopedia

PegheadType: glossaryAn alternate term for the headstock, the portion of the neck that holds tuning machines.## Definition Peghead is an alternate term for the headstock, the widened, often decoratively shaped portion at the end of the neck that holds the tuning mechanisms. The term originates from the era of friction tuning pegs, which were simple tapered wooden pegs fitted into holes in the headstock, a system still used on violins, violas, cellos, and some historical instruments. On modern guitars, the term peghead persists even though geared machine heads have largely replaced friction pegs. The peghead shape is one of the most recognizable design elements of an instrument and is often trademarked by manufacturers. It may be solid (with tuner posts protruding through the face) or slotted (with an open channel through which the tuner rollers are accessed), the latter being traditional on classical guitars and some vintage steel-string designs. ## In Practice The choice between a solid and slotted peghead involves both aesthetic and practical considerations. Slotted pegheads are lighter, which can improve neck balance, and are associated with a more traditional look. However, they are more difficult to construct, requiring precise mortising of the slot, and string changes are somewhat more involved. Solid pegheads are structurally simpler and accommodate modern enclosed tuning machines more easily. Regardless of style, the peghead must be strong enough to resist the combined pull of all strings. The grain orientation at the peghead transition is a common failure point, particular…