String changes on a Guild acoustic

[kydave]

So I just changed strings on my new D-50 Bluegrass Special. First string change on a Guild guitar, being a Martin guy for the past 40 years.

Does anyone else have trouble with their sidewinder (tuning machine button crank) catching on the flare of the headstock above the D & G strings? Annoyed the crap outta me, to the point where I looked at the headstock and seriously wondered about structural/cosmetic issues involved in straightening that curve so the headstock was more Martin-esque, rather than Gibson-esque. Putting a couple pics side-by-side it looks like Martin is straight, Gibson flares some and Guild really flares out.

Comments?

 

[Qvart]

...sidewinder (tuning machine button crank) catching on the flare of the headstock above the D & G strings? Annoyed the crap outta me

Yep, annoys me too on my electrics. You can slide the winder out slightly at that point in the turn to avoid hitting the headstock, or do what I do: suck it up and wind 'em by hand.

Yup, suffer fer yer art!

Or get the fancy drill attachment I saw in a video that was linked to a thread around here. It was about changing strings on a Martin or Taylor. I forget which.

 

[chazmo]

kydave, that's a good point. I have noticed it before with the winder, but I just eased back on the knob a little. Might be more annoying if I used one of those electric screwdriver-type winders. Martin headstocks are indeed much more linear. And, man, is there anything more tasteful than a Martin slothead (especially with an inlaid torch)?

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

I just got used to it whenI had a 12 string!
Now that I have a 6 string, it's easy.