slotted head stock

[markdavenport]

I was looking at some BOOTS mandolins...
he has a flat-top he sells that comes
with a "slotted" headstock. It's neat looking
but I was wondering if it was generally
weaker than a solid head stock. You can actually
get a solid headstock for the same price.
I've seen more slotted headstock on classical
guitars. What's the advantages or disadvantages?

[JiminRussia]

When you go to restring that sucker, you'll instantly see the advantages of the solid headstock. Slotted headstocks are a real pain in the tailpiece (yours, not the mando's) to restring. Other than that, I guess there may, in theory, be a strength issue, but I have never personally seen one.

[Steve L]

I haaaaaaate slotted headstocks!!!!