The headstock (clavijero) sits at the top of the neck, holding the strings and enabling tuning via the tuners. Its design and materials directly influence tuning stability, vibration transfer, and the instrument’s character.
Main Types of Headstock/Tuners
Geared Tuners (included as standard)
- Precision and stability: Gear mechanisms allow fine, stable tuning, even with intensive use or environmental changes.
- Ease of use: No special technique is required.
- Durability and aesthetics: Available from plain to ornate, using quality metals and buttons.
Traditional Wooden Pegs (palillos, +€300)
- Lightweight: Reduces weight at the head, improving balance and facilitating fast flamenco techniques.
- Direct transmission: Wood conveys vibrations intimately for an immediate response.
- Traditional look: Evokes historical Spanish guitars.
- Considerations: Require skill to tune and are more sensitive to humidity/temperature; periodic maintenance is advised.
Mechanical Pegs (palillos mecánicos, +€350)
- Classic appearance, modern convenience: Look like wooden pegs but hide an internal gear mechanism for accurate, stable tuning.
- Premium build: Often crafted from fine woods with high‑quality internal hardware.
Materials and Finishes
Traditional pegs favor dense woods such as ebony or rosewood for friction and vibration transfer. Geared tuners commonly use brass, stainless steel, or nickel, often paired with buttons of plastic, bone, mother‑of‑pearl, or fine woods. Finishes range from gold and chrome to aged nickel.
Impact on Sound and Playing Experience
While the headstock does not produce sound, its quality affects tuning stability and how vibrations travel from strings to neck. Lighter wooden pegs aid quick response; robust geared tuners offer reliability in professional or recording contexts.
Care & Maintenance
- Keep components clean.
- Lubricate gears on mechanical tuners with appropriate oils.
- Check wooden peg fit to avoid slippage or excessive stiffness.
- Replace worn parts with quality spares.
Choosing the right system and keeping it in top shape lets the guitarist focus entirely on music.
