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Ask Bob: Why do nylon-string guitars come with a slotted headstock and the long, narrow bridge?

Question: Why do nylon-string guitars come with a slotted headstock and the long, narrow bridge? Is it just convention, or are there solid design reasons for the use of the slotted peghead and the much longer bridge?
Steve Branscom
Gig Harbor, WA

Answer: Steve, you’re right that it is convention for the peghead. All guitars have a style, and the slotted head is certainly the style of a nylon-string guitar. The bridge is both style and function, with the strings needing to tie to the bridge and the long, thin bridge ends to transfer the sound deep into the top.

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