I want to change the inlay material on my fretboard from white plastic to MOAP...how do I get the old inlay out without damaging the fretboard?

Thanks!

you don't.

The easiest way to do this would be to drill/dremmel out the old inlay and completely redo it in the desired material, not an easy task

I want to change the inlay material on my fretboard from white plastic to MOAP...how do I get the old inlay out without damaging the fretboard?

Thanks!

Drill a small hole in the center of the dot and use a small, stiff metal rod in the hole to pry it out. This way, you are using the dot itself as the fulcrum and you won't mush over the side of the inlet.

Drill a small hole in the center of the dot and use a small, stiff metal rod in the hole to pry it out. This way, you are using the dot itself as the fulcrum and you won't mush over the side of the inlet.
I'm surprised that that would work!

If I were wanting to do that I'd probably drill it all out and put a bigger dot in its place.

All the best,

fm

Drill a small hole in the center of the dot and use a small, stiff metal rod in the hole to pry it out. This way, you are using the dot itself as the fulcrum and you won't mush over the side of the inlet.

this may or may not work. if the inlay was installed the way most are, by filling the hole with epoxy, inserting the inlay material in the epoxy 'pool' and then leveling it out ..then chances are it will not work and you could end up messing up the wood if you try too hard. I suggest you go the way spudmaster34 suggested if Hambone's method doesn't work.

Hambone, would you be able to do that for me?

this may or may not work. if the inlay was installed the way most are, by filling the hole with epoxy, inserting the inlay material in the epoxy 'pool' and then leveling it out ..then chances are it will not work and you could end up messing up the wood if you try too hard. I suggest you go the way spudmaster34 suggested if Hambone's method doesn't work.

The thing is that most dots aren't covered in epoxy. Fender dots are leveled perfectly with the top and there's no adhesive bleed over the inlay. Same with every other dot I've replaced. These inlays are done before final sanding and before fretting. I should comment though, that it's unlikely you'll get the inlay to just pop out in one piece with this method. It will probably crack, with some of the pieces coming out but that makes it an easy matter to remove the remaining pieces.