Abalone inlay on oil finished headstock

[eutgard]

Someone says it's impossible to put abalone inlay on oil finished headstock.

Is it true?

[Greenman]

Not that I've erer done it but:

Are you going to install the inlay to an exsisting oil finished headstock? or;
Are you going to install the inlay and then apply the oil finish to the headstock.

[eutgard]

My friend orderd custom bass from local luthier.

The luthier told him so.

I'm not sure which comes first - oil finish or inlay.

But will there be difference between two mehods?

[Greenman]

Originally Posted by eutgard

But will there be difference between two mehods?

The bonding agent you use to set the inlay in new wood would seal the end grain and stop oil penetration.
If you install to an exsisting oil finish your bonding agent might not grip as well.

[Jomyo]

Originally Posted by eutgard

Someone says it's impossible to put abalone inlay on oil finished headstock.

Is it true?

Well, if it is don't tell my Hanewinckel!

[Hambone]

In a word, NO, it is not true. I've done it and if I can do it, anyone can do it.

Sounds like the luthier doesn't want to do the job or can't do the job. Time to look for someone else.