Silly Question About F-Style Mandos

[Professor PT]

I was wondering why the back of the headstock on many F-style mandos is painted black. I can only assume that it is because this was done on Gibsons. If so, why did Gibson do this? It seems like an unnecessary thing to do. Maybe builders can answer this. Even my MK has this "feature." I am truly perplexed. I'd actually like to see some wood grain there instead of black paint!

[sunburst]

The old Gibsons, well, let's say some of the old Gibsons, had a black wood veneer on the back of the peghead. It was supposed to look like ebony I suppose, but for whatever reason, Gibson dyed maple or pear wood or something black instead of using actual ebony.
Nowadays you are likely to see a black fiber board of some sort used for this purpose. I use actual ebony veneer like a lot of other small shop builders, but it's hard to find, and I usually have to cut my own. That's not too practical for a shop or factory with much production, hence the fiberboard.
Some inexpensive mandolins are painted, as you say.
It's a tradition....That's all, really.

[iampeterfonda]

I always assumed it had something to do with three piece necks. Is that not the case?

Professor PT, if you like a little figure on the back of a headstock, you should check out Ben Wilcox’s work. I’ve got some nice flame on the back of my BRW headstock. It’s one of the many things I like about the instrument.

[MrSrubas]

As far as i know "iampeterfonda" is right, it is to cover up the joints from gluing on the "ears" to either side of the headstock. Not such a huge waste of wood then.
Gibson really died wood instead of using ebony? crappy.
Hey, Big Joe what gives?