Inlay

[Tedstor]

So bass building/chopping/modding is quickly growing from a impulsive, one-time endeavor; and into a really captivating hobby for me. I finishing up a squier Pbass overhaul that included refinish, new bridge, new tuners, and bone nut. It has been a lot of fun, and a welcomed- low stress, challenge. I picked a $40 Squier to rebuild for the usual reason: Its a cheap rookie guinea pig that has potential to be a nice instrument- given the proper modifications. Only a couple more layers of clear coat, and she's done.........or not.
I'm thinking of adding some block inlay to the rosewood fretboard. I've read 100 pages or more of content on the web about guitar inlay. It looks tedious, but doable- not technically difficult. I already own the tools including a top-of-the-line dremel with a flexible detail attatchment.
Anyone tried inlay without the benefit of years of luthier experience? Any salty veterans have any warnings or advice?

If this works out, I'm going to build a 80s-90s style glam rock bass with sharktooth inlay. I used to have an Ibanez EX (?) series in the early 90s. Jewel blue with sharktooth inlay. I sold it before I joined the Marines since I couldn't really bring it with me. One of my little regrets in life.

[T2W]

one thing ive learnt from inlay is its easier to do it on a dark wood than Maple for example. When you mess up, you can fill it up with epoxy, which is easier to hide on a dark wood.

[ProfGumby]

I've also been toying with the idea of inlays. One thing I can suggest is to try inlaying suff you have laying around. Use whatever you have. Old scrap wood and laminate samples from the local Menard's is a good way to start...

[jworrellbass]

Originally Posted by Tedstor

So bass building/chopping/modding is quickly growing from a impulsive, one-time endeavor; and into a really captivating hobby for me. I finishing up a squier Pbass overhaul that included refinish, new bridge, new tuners, and bone nut. It has been a lot of fun, and a welcomed- low stress, challenge. I picked a $40 Squier to rebuild for the usual reason: Its a cheap rookie guinea pig that has potential to be a nice instrument- given the proper modifications. Only a couple more layers of clear coat, and she's done.........or not.
I'm thinking of adding some block inlay to the rosewood fretboard. I've read 100 pages or more of content on the web about guitar inlay. It looks tedious, but doable- not technically difficult. I already own the tools including a top-of-the-line dremel with a flexible detail attatchment.
Anyone tried inlay without the benefit of years of luthier experience? Any salty veterans have any warnings or advice?

If this works out, I'm going to build a 80s-90s style glam rock bass with sharktooth inlay. I used to have an Ibanez EX (?) series in the early 90s. Jewel blue with sharktooth inlay. I sold it before I joined the Marines since I couldn't really bring it with me. One of my little regrets in life.

I've been doing inlay on my builds, the best piece of advice I can give you is to trace your inlay with a extaco blade and then use a small chisel to deepen the cut. You'll also want to save the cuttings and saw dust. After you put your inlay in the cavity the cuttings will work to fill in the bigger over cuts and the saw dust you can mix with super glue to fill in the smaller ones. This works great on dark woods, light woods I use Tite Bond. Good luck.

[Tedstor]

Originally Posted by jworrellbass

I've been doing inlay on my builds, the best piece of advice I can give you is to trace your inlay with a extaco blade and then use a small chisel to deepen the cut. You'll also want to save the cuttings and saw dust. After you put your inlay in the cavity the cuttings will work to fill in the bigger over cuts and the saw dust you can mix with super glue to fill in the smaller ones. This works great on dark woods, light woods I use Tite Bond. Good luck.

Great advice. Thanks.