Block inlays vs. Dots

[TLW]

Which do you prefer?

For me, its definately block inlay. In fact, block inlays to me look a lot more extravagant than dots.

But according to the basses available, it seems like for the most part, the masses prefer dots, as most basses now use dots instead of block inlay.

 

[markblasco]

I don't think it's because that's what the masses prefer, I think it's because dots are cheaper to put in a bass, and require less time than blocks.

 

[mrniceguy715]

I love the block inlays would be nice if it was a more common option on production basses

 

[GianGian]

I have never had a block inlay bass, but they seem to be better for visibility on dark stages, but it is not something I would care about when choosing a bass.

 

[troyus]

Depends on the bass.... Block inlays WITH binding WITH a matching headstock gets a little busy.

 

[jmaestro]

Jazz style and more modern style basses, definitely Block Inlays
Precision and other older styles, classic dots

 

[excane]

Impossible for me to answer, because it depends on the rest of the bass. I take the overall design into consideration. Some basses I prefer dots, others blocks.

 

[SwamiRob]

Yup, depends on the bass and colours/woods etc.

 

[OriginalCrash]

I don't know that I ever prefer just plain dots. But there are cases where I like something other than blocks (off the top of my head, something like Warrior's custom inlays). Dots are just boring, but blocks aren't always needed/wanted... It's a shame to put huge block inlays on a beautiful birdseye maple fretboard, for example!

Brian

 

[karposvt]

I love the Block look!


My 2006 Jazz

 

[Elchupacabra]

I love the Block look!


My 2006 Jazz

Wow, that's a great bass (Gotta love the vintage-style pickup covers)! I had to go with dots, though, because they can go well with basically any bass and any finish, especially the vintage gear. Block inlays look great, but only on certain basses.

 

[MarkusBass]

Impossible for me to answer, because it depends on the rest of the bass. I take the overall design into consideration. Some basses I prefer dots, others blocks.

+1

 

[jsingles]

generally if given the choice, I would pick bocks, but my fender has abalone dots and that doesn't bother me at all really.

 

[TLW]

Depends on the bass.... Block inlays WITH binding WITH a matching headstock gets a little busy.

lol like a lakland DJ?

Even though I think these bindings are actually just paint? I'm not sure

 

[JTE]

I despise blocks. Even worse is blocks and binding. I was a Fender dealer in the '70s and 80's, so I had to try to sell that poorly made crap that was priced as if it still was premier quality stuff. And the blocks/binding just reminds me of what a terrible charade that was.

jte

 

[Johnny Mack]

certain basses only. i really love blocks, but at times just dont look right.

my contribution:

 

[bassteban]

What Johnny Mack said. That said, I do not like pearl blocks, on maple or rosewood. Black on maple only for me, never on sunburst, absolutely on white, sage green, maybe surf green. And only on Js.

 

[bobbybass85]

Only one of my basses has dots, I have a trans-blue jazz with maple and black blocks, I have a pj that is vintage white with rosewood and pearl blocks. My 08 Am STD P bass is maple with dots. I like the look of the blocks. Past aesthetics though... no difference, I just thing they're sexy as hell IF properly used

 

[blondmix3]

Blockage please.

 

[Valerus]

Block!!