Block or dot inlays

BASSCELL · #1 03-20-2011, 08:38 PM

Hi, I was wondering if you could take an already finished bass without inlays and have them put into without damaging anything. Can a really good luthier do it? I recently bought a bass and I´m regreting buying it without inlays, the bass is awesome so I don't want to change it, just wondering if there´s anything that can be done.

Blake Bass · #2 03-20-2011, 08:55 PM

Why are you regretting not having the inlays?..I personally love the look of a nice clean looking fingerboard without inlays.

OOZMAN · #3 03-20-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blake Bass

Why are you regretting not having the inlays?..I personally love the look of a nice clean looking fingerboard without inlays.

+1

type C basses · #4 03-20-2011, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blake Bass

Why are you regretting not having the inlays?..I personally love the look of a nice clean looking fingerboard without inlays.

+1

Rockingbird · #5 03-20-2011, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BASSCELL

Hi, I was wondering if you could take an already finished bass without inlays and have them put into without damaging anything. Can a really good luthier do it? I recently bought a bass and I´m regreting buying it without inlays, the bass is awesome so I don't want to change it, just wondering if there´s anything that can be done.

It's possibe, yeah. What you can also do, if it's unfinished, is take some painters tape, put it allover the board, cut out the design you want, and use it as a stencil for woodstain or watercolor . I've been meaning to try this, actually.

Peepaleep · #6 03-20-2011, 10:36 PM

Yes, a good luthier can put in fretboard inlays. How new is the bass? Could you return it saying that it wasn't want you wanted and then order a blocked/dotted one?

**DougD** · #7 03-20-2011, 10:51 PM

7 Bucks gets you realistic looking block inlay stickers that you can put on in about 10 minutes.If you get tired of them you can pull them off with no residue.

**DougD** · #8 03-20-2011, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blake Bass

Why are you regretting not having the inlays?..I personally love the look of a nice clean looking fingerboard without inlays.

Personally, I'm a sucker for block inlays. I'll take that over a plain looking board any day. Come to think of it, I'll take plain old dots over a clean board. Just my personal preference (unless it's a really exotic looking wood)

Omnipharious · #9 03-20-2011, 10:58 PM

I kinda wish I could take the dot inlays off my FB. It's a seriously nice block of rosewood with a great grain, and those dumb little dots are somewhat ugly.

faulknersj · #10 03-20-2011, 11:15 PM

Blake Bass and Oozman, the OP's question was not 'do you prefer dot or block inlays,' the question was whether or not they could be dropped into his current neck without too much trouble or expense. FWIW, the OP likes blocks and that is what really matters. Best wishes

Stilettoprefer · #11 03-21-2011, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockingbird

It's possibe, yeah. What you can also do, if it's unfinished, is take some painters tape, put it allover the board, cut out the design you want, and use it as a stencil for woodstain or watercolor . I've been meaning to try this, actually.

+1.

This sounds like a very good idea. But would only work if the board was unfinished.... Or if you arent afraid of a little sanding.

Epitaph04 · #12 03-21-2011, 01:02 AM

Some well done inlays (not dots) can look pretty nice on a fretboard in my opinion. I too also love block inlays.

T-Bird · #13 03-21-2011, 01:31 AM

Hi.

Dots are super easy.

A sharp forstner bit, and a set of dot inlays of Your preferred colour and/or material are all that's required.

OK, a bit of skill and other tools as well

.

Blocks are harder, but doable.

The main problem (unless You want metal ones) is getting the radius just right IME, but a bit of pre-planning and a lot of elbow grease will make 'em happening as well.

Any luthier who do block inlays will probably have the necessary jigs and tools for a job like that.

Regards
Sam

OOZMAN · #14 03-21-2011, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougD

7 Bucks gets you realistic looking block inlay stickers that you can put on in about 10 minutes.If you get tired of them you can pull them off with no residue.

I was going to buy some of these too. I have the fancy blue pearl dot inlays that are small and on the top and bottom of the fretboard instead of the middle, and I'd still rather clean or some crazy sticker design. The fact that you can get rid of them whenever you want is a huge plus for me too. In fact I might go eBay me some now...

FBB Custom · #15 03-21-2011, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faulknersj

The OP's question was not 'do you prefer dot or block inlays,' the question was whether or not they could be dropped into his current neck without too much trouble or expense.

+1

And then there is the problem of frets. [nearly] Anything can be done for a price, but if there are frets in there, and you want it to look good, the frets will probably come out before any inlay work is done. Perhaps 6mm dots could be done well without pulling the frets. Consider the strong possibility, you'll be getting (and paying for) a refret in addition to your inlay. A really good luthier/inlay artist can do whatever you want, your best bet is to contact one for an estimate.

stflbn · #16 03-21-2011, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougD

7 Bucks gets you realistic looking block inlay stickers that you can put on in about 10 minutes.If you get tired of them you can pull them off with no residue.

Yup. If you're really finicky you 'can' feel them sometimes, but I find they're a big help in dark dinjy low light gigs just for reference visually.

**DougD** · #17 03-21-2011, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

Yup. If you're really finicky you 'can' feel them sometimes, but I find they're a big help in dark dinjy low light gigs just for reference visually.

And they are easy to install too