What is an easy way to paint dots on a finished maple fretboard or does anyone know anybody in the Atlanta area who could do this?

I am looking for a new bass and I don't want to limit myself to basses that come stock with dots.

Thanks!

Stenciling would be the easiest. It could be as simple as using a common paper punch on a piece of good masking tape. Apply to the fingerboard where needed. Mask off the rest of the board and shoot it with an appropriate material.

If the bass has no dots, why not take it to a pro and have them inlay black plastic dots?

Yeah, I thought about using a stencil. What kind of paint would be a good choice?

I have heard that adding real inlays would require a sanding and leveling.

Here's a site whose stuff you might be interested in, but the site is screwy at present (at least for me):
http://www.fretware.com/home.htm

Here's a site whose stuff you might be interested in, but the site is screwy at present (at least for me):
http://www.fretware.com/home.htmThe graphics aren't showing up on the site, but it does sound interesting. I'll check back later. Thanks.

Edit: I checked their FAQ and found this.....

Q. I have a maple fingerboard with a finish. Can I use your products?
A. Our products are not intended for, nor have they been tested on finished wood products. Typically, fingerboards are unfinished and this is not a problem. Due to the wide variety of finishes that are used on some maple fingerboards, we can't guarantee the product to function at its best when used on them. But it should be noted that our products have an advantage over traditional inlay when it comes to installing on light-wood finishes. You generally do not see traditional inlay work done on light woods because it's harder to match the shade of wood with filler once the shell has been inlayed.

Face dots are for other people to look at. :p
Just kiddin'

Anybody else have any ideas? Thanks!

Face dots are for other people to look at. :p
Just kiddin'


I don't think you are, how often do you look at the front of your bass when you're playing!

it's the side dots that count

I don't think you are, how often do you look at the front of your bass when you're playing!

it's the side dots that countUm...I know that. If I'm at home and working out a fingering for a new piece that I'm reading through, I will look at the front of the bass sometimes. When I'm on a gig, I look at the side dots.

it's the side dots that count

Agreed.