Different versions of Gibson’s “Open Book” headstock...?

[rolijen]

Friends, this a purely innocent observation about Gibson’s trademarked open book headstock. Looking at my Gibsons, I’m noticing subtle differences in the cut of the headstock and am interested to learn.

Here’s the L-5:


Here’s the Tal Farlow:


It’s pretty subtle, but there are different proportions in the shape of these Two headstocks. Looking at the top of these two examples, the edges (pages?} of the “book” are lower than the center of the book on the L-5 headstock, whereas the edges of the Tal headstock are almost even with the center.

My Les Paul Standard and ES-175s have been more like the L-5 (sans flower pot and binding) with the edges lower. So, educate me: Is this just production variation due to hand making these Custom Shop instruments (both come from the Crimson custom shop line), or is this a feature of the Tal Farlow? Any other Gibson’s like this? I know some of the lower-end instruments had or have narrow headstocks and some models have smaller or larger, but I hadn’t previously noticed differences in the geometry of the book. It’s actually kind of cool. Thoughts?

(looks like a Les Paul headstock pic made it into my post too, sorry it is sideways, but it too has the open book geometry like the L-5 and most other Gibsons I’ve owned)

[archtopeddy]

Can't be certain but looking at a Barney Kessel on Dutchbopper's blog site and it appears it may also have the more "pointy" ends like the Tal Farlow. (Could it have something to do with the production time period?)

[dconeill]

There's a lot more variation than what's been shown already. Look back into the 20s and 30s and you'll see "snakeheads" on guitars as well as mandolins. For example, see Catch of the Day: 1924 Gibson L-5 | Fretboard Journal . The headstock on the hollowbody Howard Roberts was different from the current standard, as well. And of course there's the Firebird, Melody Maker, Explorer, and Flying V headstocks, just to name a few. Even within Les Pauls, there's a different headstock on the Standard than on the Custom. And many others.

And what of it? Gibson has changed headstocks in subtle and not-so-subtle ways throughout its history. While it's true that there's a more-or-less standard headstock, it's more of a general aspiration than a strict pattern.

[339 in june]

Not that much variations between mine :

From back to front :
ES 125T 1959
Les Paul Studio 2005 (or so)
ES 339 2010

[Durban]

yeah ive always understood there to be differences, (but dont know exactly until i see a pic)


but how can Gibson sue for copying that whole Ibanez lawsuit if they actually have different headstocks.



better call Saul.................

we been watching Netflix on this knockdown dont ever normally anyway love the El sleazo laywer vibe................

[EllenGtrGrl]

The earlier Gibsons (or the guitars based upon reissued earlier models), have a smaller open book design.

Gibson J-35 Reissue (would have used a photo of my old J-35, but couldn't make it clear enough when I blew up the image)



1924 Gibson L5

[citizenk74]

I would imagine a lot depends on who's running the bandsaw.

[vinnyv1k]

[JazzJunkie]

[rolijen]

Your Tals and Super 400 headstocks shape appear to have the higher points on the edges of the “pages” of the open book (as does my Tal). Your Byrdland, L-5s and L-4 headstocks look more like what I am accustomed to with the lower “page edges”. They all look fantastic. Thanks for sharing! I’m thinking it’s nice to see these subtle differences.