Tuning fork head?

[MuddyFox]

Alright, I'm not even sure where to post this question.

I'm almost positive that I've seen a video of a person playing an acoustic with a strange looking head, very similar to this one:

http://www.tymguitars.com.au/?attachment_id=2618

Now, I could easily be wrong and it could have been an electric, but in any case I wonder... is this sort of thing doable on an acoustic? Can a headstock with this much material removed
1) not crack
2) stay in tune without a locking nut?

[MuddyFox]

Why didn't someone tell me the image was missing? :)

How about now (I couldn't get the image to show but the link is functional)? Ken? John? Anyone?

[Tony_in_NYC]

This guy, a former Somogyi apprentice does split peg heads on Steel Strings. Check out his gallery:
http://www.matsudaguitars.com/gallery.htm

I bet you could do it. Why not?

[MuddyFox]

Excellent info, Tony! Never heard of this guy but I could stea... I mean be heavily influenced by some of his ideas!

Now, is there a hidden reason why not? Any special trick to it? Little trussrods in the horns? Carbon reinforcement? Or just a plain paddle, split down the middle?

[Tony_in_NYC]

I don't know if there is a reinforcement in the headstock, but I bet if you email Michi, he will tell you.
Here is his email:
info@matsudaguitars.com

Somogyi is a really nice guy and I would bet he only takes on apprentices who are also nice people. Michihiro will more than likely answer you if you jut ask him. Tell him you like his work and butter him up a bit, then hit him with the question!

[MuddyFox]

Tony, you were right! He answered right away and I don't think he'd mind me c/p-ing a piece of his answer here. Here's what he had to say on the subject:

"For peg head design. It depend how narrow your design is going to be, but I would recommend adding some kind support.
Tension of Steel strings are huge. More support is better.
I glue 3 layers veneer on face, 2 layer of veneer on back. And I add Carbon fibre rod inside, if I need. "

So I guess I was right to be cautious. :)
I have decided to pass on this idea for my #1 and perhaps revisit it on some future build. It's not that I think I wouldn't be able to do it, it's just that I have my plate full as it is and that this alternative look also calls for more deviations from the norm that I don't think I can cope with at this point.
Like John says, KISS. I'll just stick to soundports. :)

[Tony_in_NYC]

I'm glad he answered you so fast and gave you the info you needed. You coulda hada cracked headstock!