Abalone dots on Ebony?

Steve R.

New member
I'm about to order a neck. I'm wondering if Abalone dots look any good on an Ebony fretboard. Do they contrast enough with the Ebony such that you can see them okay on a dimly lit stage, etc.

Thanks,
Steve
 
Re: Abalone dots on Ebony?

I got that combination on a neck I should be receiving in a week or two. I'm expecting it to look great, but I can't really comment yet. On stage, the ebony should look super dark and the abalone will react with light, so it should create a cool effect.

EDIT: If you're worried about it from a playing perspective, that's what side dots are for :laugh2:.
 
Re: Abalone dots on Ebony?

Steve R. said:
Believe it or not, I hardly look at the side dots. Mainly the ones on the face.

I was just about to say no dots on a dark ebony board would look very sleek, but it doesn't look like that's gonna happen :D
 
Re: Abalone dots on Ebony?

It looks like this, and yes, it's plenty easy to see.

purple.jpg
 
Re: Abalone dots on Ebony?

nuntius said:
I was just about to say no dots on a dark ebony board would look very sleek, but it doesn't look like that's gonna happen :D


I've got a vintage Hamer Californian with Boomerang inlays on the 3rd and 12th fret only. I can't play the darn thing because I keep getting lost on the fretboard. Especially on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings because it's harder to see the side dots when looking at the far edge of the fretboard.
 
Re: Abalone dots on Ebony?

My Dean Hardtail has combination abalone with sterling silver inlays, and it looks killer. The key is making sure the abalone is highly colored.
 
Re: Abalone dots on Ebony?

My carvin I just recieved is Ebony with abalone dots and I can see everything fine.
 
Re: Abalone dots on Ebony?

JJ, are those Brass rings available anywhere or do you have to fabricate them yourself? I have inlaid dots many times before and I think that would look like butter on my next project.
 
Re: Abalone dots on Ebony?

A hell of an idea!!! Great trick JJ!!!
 
Re: Abalone dots on Ebony?

The guitars my father made have abalone dot's on a ebony board. They look amazing!!
 
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