Block inlays vs. Dots

[Big String]

With all the discussion I've read on this forum about how different material/wood affect tone, it occured to me that a block marker is quite a bit bigger compared to the usual 'dot' or nothing at all on the board face. That being obvious, would this not affect the tone unless of course the block was merely paint or stained on. ???? I myself am quite happy with just dots.

 

[msiner]

I prefer fingerboards with neither, so I guess I will vote dots for being smaller.

 

[BassJunkie730]

I think binding and blocks are more accepted by the bass playing community than the guitar playing community simply because of what era the blocks can tie the instrument to.

AFAIK - most of the big block inlays on guitars happened in the 80s - when guitars on the whole started to become angular and non-standard - so the customization of bound and blocked guitars - makes it a less likely choice simply due to the era of association.

ON the other hand - the bass playing community as grown exponentially in its liking of classic 70s bass styling - and the bound blocked look - especially the black on maple bound blocked look - plays a significant role in identifying or tying ANY boud and blocked instrument to that era - and also to the 60s fender customs jazzes. you get cool points.

I'm sure if everyone on a whole agreed that 70s styling was atrocious - we'd see a lot less bound and blocked basses out there.

Case in point - neon pink guitars and basses. I think it's easily to say that the flourescent look of the 80s isn't coming back in mass just yet - but who knows.

 

[Tony-bobs]

I gotta go blocks. I have a blocked/bound neck that I'm just itchin' to put on my SX PJ. It's kinda like asking if you prefer a suit or a tux with tails, both look good, but noone wears tails to work in a cubicle...

 

[silky smoove]

I choose option 3: No fretboard markings at all! I love the clean look.

 

[Mr. Mig]

I perfer dot inlays myself.

 

[Blake Bass]

I voted for dots but I really prefer a clean fingerboard without dots or blocks.
Blocks and binding is definitely a deal breaker for me. (so is sunburst)

 

[Ezbass]

Given a choice I prefer neither, I like the look of a clean fret board. But if I have to choose between the options given I'll go with blocks, preferably pearl on maple, on a P width neck.

 

[mongo2]

My favorite is no fingerboard markings, but if I have to have fingerboard markings I prefer dots.

The only blocks I like are black blocks.

 

[fourstringbliss]

I love the look of MOP blocks on rosewood - my G&L L2500 Tribute would look great with that setup.

 

[The Golden Boy]

I freakin' hate blocks.

Gaudy. Gaudy. Gaudy.

Go good with Herb Tarlek's suits...

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[Groover]

A year ago, inlays all the way. I'm all about the dots now....

I guess it depends on the bass, but more and more dots seem to fit the look for me.

 

[ysand]

Spector crown inlays
(or block ones)

Got 2 basses with dots and 1 with inlays though

 

[Webtroll]

Depends on the bass. Black block has become very common, but I preferred the MoP ones on both maple and rosewood before anyways.

 

[ProfGumby]

Blocks all the way, especially on a maple neck!

 

[lavmonga]

I've always liked the little diamonds BC Rich used.

 

[Rush-2112]

I was thinking more along the lines of...

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SHARKFIN!

P.S.
Doesn't Geddy look awesome with that double neck and those specs?

 

[bassteban]

I want his synths- especially the pedals...

 

[JacobE]

i am a fan of block inlays

 

[JacobE]

I freakin' hate blocks.

Gaudy. Gaudy. Gaudy.

Go good with Herb Tarlek's suits...

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YOU TAKE THAT BACK!

they are the best suits ever