During a recent consultation, the player asked if there was any difference or benefit to choosing a slotted versus solid headstock.

The most relevant factors in selecting fretboard wood have little to do with sound and everything to do with durability: is the wood hard enough and dark enough to withstand years of grubby fingers banging on it. 

I have to ask: why are custom builds so often just knock-offs of the old classics?  This is a serious question. Isn’t there room in the market for some originality?