The head of the guitar is used to attach the strings to some tuning mechanism. In the old days friction-pegs were common (as seen on a lot of flamenco guitars). A more common method today is the geared tuning machine. The tuning machine provides the player with greater control in doing small tuning adjustments.

This beautiful piece of ebony will be the surface of the headstock.


It is glued with some veneers to the head piece of the neck, using a few clamps.


This old drill is hand powered and was a gift from my neighbor Walter. It is used here to drill the holes in which the tuning machines will be installed. The steel jig which aligns the drill was built by my father for the sole purpose of this task. It takes a long time to drill the holes with the drill, but the jig ensures that they are perfectly aligned and parallel.


The tuning machine fits like a glove!


The next step is to cut out slots that will expose the axels of the tuning machines so that the strings could be attached to them.


Since the shape of the crest (top of the head) is not restricted structurally, it often serves as the signature of the luthier. I spent a long time thinking about this piece, and came up with my own simple yet elegant design.

Here I am cutting out the rough shape of the crest.


Here you can see the outline of the crest.


Using a fine file, the shape of the crest is slowly emerging.



The finished head.


Next: Bridge

Construction