'61. It's the most balanced, and the headstock on my Warmoth neck is closest to that one (so, of course, I'm used to it).

'74 was the worst.

Can't tell from the smiley whether you were joking or not, Niki, but I don't think that's an opening on the '54... just a reflection near the plug that makes it look open.

'66 for me... some curvy big-headstock flamboyance without the bullet truss or extra string tree cluttering things up...

Some will (and have) argued that that "larger" headstocks were better getting more sustain?

I guess that more wood could make that a possiblility, but having had both I don't recall any audible differences.

And I do like the '54.

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Of the choices listed I'd say '69

Here is my favorite...

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I have not noticed any additional sustain because of the larger headstock either. I just love the look!!!! I guess that's why all 3 of my Strats have the larger headstock.

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

I love the sustain arguments! Are people playing by mic'ing their unplugged guitars? I mean, has anyone ever really had an issue with their electric guitar not sustaining enough, through a good amplifier? i know I haven't. Even with the cheapest of the cheap. And most of the examples I have heard of people praising a players sustain,(yes, even on the oft cited LP's,) you can hear that it is the player's killer vibrato, causing the note to ring out for so long.

that said, I really like the original designs, but I do like the early big headstock too.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

my faves are the small headstocks as the 54, 61 and 65.

cheers

I love the big headstock. My favorite is the '69.

Nice! Vintage tuners too!

Who's signature?

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

'54 and/or '74.

_________________
-Classic 50's Strat.
-Std. Telecaster.
-Mike Dirnt P-bass.
-Custody of SE Strat.
-Peavey Predator/Dean Evo/Epiphone DR150/Gibson Slide (much older than me).

Rellik Productions Inc.

I've always liked the larger headstocks, but I have to admit my favorite is actually the one on the new Mexican standards. I like the thicker black Fender logo with the clean Stratocaster font and the return of the Contour Body logo. I wish mine had this one - I have the silver Fender logo and all the other junk (serial number, "Made in Mexico") like the '83 picture.

I like the '69 and '83. If I had to choose one, I like the '69 better. My 1971 Stratocaster has one.

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2007 Classic Player Baja Telecaster
1991 Strat Ultra
1990 Gibson ES-347
1986 Yamaha SBG2100
1980 Gibson L6-S
1971 Stratocaster
Fender Stage Lead Combo
Marshall MOSFET 100 watt Amp

I'm kinda partial to the 1965.



The guitar and the Saguaro cactus in the background are about the same age.

John