Inverted necks/headstock

[JPplaysbass]

any experiences with inverted headstocks? Namely P or J bass necks, still tuned top to bottom E A D G..

I’ve heard that being able to have more distance between the bridge and tuning peg on the E string helps enhance the overall sustain and tuning integrity, or do they just look cool and that’s it...

 

[Vinny_G]

They just look cool and that’s it.

 

[Slater]

They just look cool and that’s it.

Yep.

 

[lz4005]

They just look cool and that’s it.

In theory you'd have more choice of strings that would fit. You'd never have to worry about wrapping the thick part of the thickest string around the tuning post.

If I was going to build a bass for BEAD, or a short scale from parts I'd go with a reverse headstock for that reason. I realize that's outside the terms of OP's question.

 

[mikewalker]

Looks, plus they actually seem a little easier to tune...

 

[Vinny_G]

In theory you'd have more choice of strings that would fit. You'd never have to worry about wrapping the thick part of the thickest string around the tuning post.

If I was going to build a bass for BEAD, or a short scale from parts I'd go with a reverse headstock for that reason. I realize that's outside the terms of OP's question.

You're right, I didn't think about that.

 

[Vinny_G]

Looks, plus they actually seem a little easier to tune...
View attachment 3587561

And in addition, it's easier to use the headstock for chopping wood if you're lost in the wilderness with only a bass. The probabilities may be very low, but it's better to be careful.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

If you are really interested in the technical arguments about what effect reverse headstocks have on string tension and feel, this old thread covers it thoroughly:

Does a reverse headstock add tension?