Installing different fretboard inlays in "dot" guitar...

[The_Junior]

Re: Installing different fretboard inlays in "dot" guitar...

Maybe look for another guitar with the look you're looking for.

Bound neck with dot inlays is my favorite look. Don't mess with it

 

[elelpe]

Re: Installing different fretboard inlays in "dot" guitar...

Re: Installing different fretboard inlays in "dot" guitar...

Inlay stickers. No mod and cheap.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Installing different fretboard inlays in "dot" guitar...

The proper way to do this would be to remove all the frets, install the inlays and then sand them flush with the fretboard. Then install new frets.

That may be the PROPER way to do it, and especially necessary if the inlay touches the frets like the things you did (very cool!). But I call BS on HAVE to refret. Especially if just a small center inlay of some sort with minimal sanding needed, standard shape (diamond, square, star, etc).

As a luthier, I might refuse to do it without one, but "HAVE" to is strong mojo...

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: Installing different fretboard inlays in "dot" guitar...

That may be the PROPER way to do it, and especially necessary if the inlay touches the frets like the things you did (very cool!). But I call BS on HAVE to refret. Especially if just a small center inlay of some sort with minimal sanding needed, standard shape (diamond, square, star, etc).

As a luthier, I might refuse to do it without one, but "HAVE" to is strong mojo...

Well you have to sand or file the inlay to be level with the fretboard. Usually they are a little proud of the surface.

You could try and inlay the piece at exactly the right depth, but remember that the inlay is flat, and the fretboard is not.

You could also get fiddly with small files between the frets... but look how much room there is between the upper frets?

And you don’t want to damage your frets.

Can it be done? Sure. But now you’re doing as much work, if not more, than if you pulled the frets, and you will probably have scratches on the fretboard and frets.

But try a few yourself. [emoji16]


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[Chris Pile]

Re: Installing different fretboard inlays in "dot" guitar...

I've done it both ways, and it's much easier to do with the frets pulled....

 

[The Dali]

Re: Installing different fretboard inlays in "dot" guitar...

An easy update would be to drill out the dots and replace with a more exotic dot or a larger dot. I've done that and it worked out just fine. All you need is a drill and rosewood tinted gllue.