How to Change Dot Inlays at Home?

[doktersprode]

I have a 2006 MIM Fender P Bass, with 6mm clay dot inlays.

can I swap these out with basspartsresource.com's 6mm PEARLOID dot inlays myself?

or do I need a luthier?

[Paul K]

I've done it myself with side dots. If you're handy and don't have a heirloom bass, then just get some dots and a brad-point drill bit. Go slow on the drilling; even consider doing it by hand by just twirling the drill bit in your fingers. drop of superglue, and you're done. Buy the dots that glow in the dark.

You can do it with a regular drill bit as I did, but I'd hold out for the brad point bit instead. In either case, make a starter hole by tapping a nail at the center of the dot so that the drill bit doesn't dance when you start drilling.

[doktersprode]

So I just destroy the clay inlay then?

Sounds about right. Thank you.

[DudeWheresMy182]

you sure theyre clay? i dont think that they do those on the MIMs, im not sure though...

[doktersprode]

Well, its a flat off-whiteish, and its from '06.

I'm pretty sure?

[tplyons]

Not clay, but a synthetic dot made to look like clay. Clay's a very expensive material to use and doesn't last as long as synthetics.

But yes, the new ones can come out just about the same way.