Truth about the '60's rounded Martin headstocks?

[Colin Caissie]

I can spot 1960's Martins by the softness of the headstock profiles across several models.  The "official" explanation for this OBVIOUS change is that "the pattern used to finish the headstocks gradually wore down".  Can you believe that? I cannot.

I put a 1964 D-18 headstock in my Avatar which really shows the rounded corners.  I also briefly had a 1967 00-18C which had the soft corners, and currently own a 1966 O-16NY...same softer shape.   By 1970 the headstocks went back to the hard angled corners.

It was suggested (everyone has opinions) that the design trends at the time were moving towards softer profiles, moving away from the angular industrial shapes...think 1958 Dodge tail fins. 

WHAT IS REALITY? 

[Paul Verticchio]

The fact that Martin’s templates had worn over time is factual. 

Please be aware that each style of instrument has its own proprietary neck template so there are observable differences among models. 

My 1970 D-28 had extremely soft headstock corners. So your “changed in 1970” observation is incorrect. 

A more interesting question (which hopefully no one will address) is : Why did it take Martin until the early 80’s to begin installing adjustable truss rods in their instrument necks. 

Also, the nut on the guitar pictured with the solid headstock needs to be replaced as the take-off point on the high E string appears to have been damaged and material is missing. 

Best of luck. 

[Colin Caissie]

I'm surprised that they got so far from the original design without notice.  As I said I can spot a 60's Dreadnought from afar.

The 1970 date was approximate from a small sample of personal expereince ...I trust your info.

The '64 D-18 headstock photo was before a bridge replacement, neck reset and overall upgrade by Lawrence Siegler in Farmington Maine back in 2018.  Now superb in all respects.

Glad to be on this site...critical on facts and sharp-eyed.