Can't You See?

[Gravedigger Dav]

Actually, no, I can't. First I consulted an optometrist who said what I really need is a competent luthier.
The problem is, I have two basses with very dark roasted necks and black fret dots. I found out the hard way I can't gig with them unless I know there will be ample light.
The fret dots are totally invisible.
What, other than selling these basses, are my options?
How big a deal is it to replace the dots?

 

[ardgedee]

Are you referring to the side dots or the dots on top of the fretboard, or both?

 

[Matt Liebenau]

If it’s the side dots and you’re less concerned about aesthetics you could use a dot of white paint or whiteout over the existing dots and reapply as needed. Installing new side dots is doable, especially with a bolt on neck but it is a little more complicated then it may seem at first glance. The fretboard and neck being curved means figuring out a jig to clamp the neck in a drill press or mill. Again, doable but a little more to it then it might initially seem. A set neck or neck through make the dots over the body a little more complicated yet.

 

[Beej]

This is a somewhat common job for me. Seems people want to see their side dots or something. Some boards are really easy to replace them on, some not so much. If the edge is lacquered with the neck, then replacing the dot will involve drop filling, filing, scraping, sanding and buffing to match, so it's quite a bit more involved. If it's an oil type finish or 'unfinished' fretboard, it can be easier to replace the original dots and blend it back invisibly to a factory appearance.

@Matt Liebenau is right that the jig is complicated to clamp a finished guitar (especially neck through or set neck) in a drill press. So I gave up and just drill them out with a cordless drill.

Lately I've replaced stock dots with luminlay side dots, as the white ones are really visible against a dark neck, even when not charged. They're about 1/8" wide, so pretty visible. I've been able to get 3.5 guitar necks out of one stick of luminlay, so it's not crazy priced when you factor that in.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Actually, no, I can't. First I consulted an optometrist who said what I really need is a competent luthier.
The problem is, I have two basses with very dark roasted necks and black fret dots. I found out the hard way I can't gig with them unless I know there will be ample light.
The fret dots are totally invisible.
What, other than selling these basses, are my options?
How big a deal is it to replace the dots?

Changing the black side dots to white side dots is pretty easy. The trick to drilling out the old dots is to use a drill size smaller than the dot. Drill down in the center of the dot and, when you get through the dot itself, the hollow shell will kick up out of the hole. The hole is unharmed.

Use white styrene rod stock from the hobby shop. Glue them in with CA glue, gently file them flush with a fine small flat file. No need to put any finish over them.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Until then, stop at a sign shop and get a few tiny stick on fluorescent dots. Tape them over the markers u til you can replace them.

 

[el murdoque]

A friend of mine used to have the same problem with his guitar. He used one of those white sharpies (the paint loaded ones, you have to shake before use) and made white dots. They lasted about 3 months, then he had to do it again. It's quick, cheap and reversible.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

This is a somewhat common job for me. Seems people want to see their side dots or something. Some boards are really easy to replace them on, some not so much. If the edge is lacquered with the neck, then replacing the dot will involve drop filling, filing, scraping, sanding and buffing to match, so it's quite a bit more involved. If it's an oil type finish or 'unfinished' fretboard, it can be easier to replace the original dots and blend it back invisibly to a factory appearance.

@Matt Liebenau is right that the jig is complicated to clamp a finished guitar (especially neck through or set neck) in a drill press. So I gave up and just drill them out with a cordless drill.

Lately I've replaced stock dots with luminlay side dots, as the white ones are really visible against a dark neck, even when not charged. They're about 1/8" wide, so pretty visible. I've been able to get 3.5 guitar necks out of one stick of luminlay, so it's not crazy priced when you factor that in.

Yeah, now that I’m thinking about it I have a defretted neck where I wanted the side dots on the lines and with careful center punching I did it all with a hand drill. I’d have to think about doing that with someone else’s bass but I probably would.

 

[Reedt2000]

There are also plenty of dot stickers, including glow in the dark stickers, you could easily add.

I just (after months of waiting cause COVID screwed up supplies) ordered a set of FretFX add-on LED side dots for one of my basses.

(That's not my bass, my set should be arriving soon)

 

[Bloomfield]

Changing the black side dots to white side dots is pretty easy. The trick to drilling out the old dots is to use a drill size smaller than the dot. Drill down in the center of the dot and, when you get through the dot itself, the hollow shell will kick up out of the hole. The hole is unharmed.

This is the way; ideally the drill is just a little bit undersized, say .015" or so. I'd recommend drilling by hand with a pin vise as you are not drilling very deep and you will have a better feel for what's going on. Usually with plastic it just takes a few turns and then it will twist out cleanly. It's always a good idea to use an awl or similar to make a good centre point to start from.

 

[Bassamatic]

I bought white pearl stick-on fret markers on eBay or Amazon and put them over the tiny dots. Makes them MUCH easier to see on dark stages. If you clean the edge with alcohol to get rid of finger oils, they stick quite well and are easy to replace if one gets damaged. I use the medium sized ones ("1/4") from the set. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Markers-Fret...+fret+markers+stickers&qid=1690649025&sr=8-39

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Actually, no, I can't. First I consulted an optometrist who said what I really need is a competent luthier.
The problem is, I have two basses with very dark roasted necks and black fret dots. I found out the hard way I can't gig with them unless I know there will be ample light.
The fret dots are totally invisible.
What, other than selling these basses, are my options?
How big a deal is it to replace the dots?

Replace the dots. Just make sure the are white or slightly off white.

I had a rental bass, G&L Tribute JB. The markers had a pink tint. Those markers did the disappearing act too whenever the red stage lights came on. Needless to say it was a tough night.

 

[CalBuzz51]

There are several video’s on YouTube if you look up “replace side dot markers.”

I’m in the same boat, I was using a white out “marker” to make white dots, but those rub off after a while.

The stewmac video is pretty good:

 

[cnltb]

Actually, no, I can't. First I consulted an optometrist who said what I really need is a competent luthier.
The problem is, I have two basses with very dark roasted necks and black fret dots. I found out the hard way I can't gig with them unless I know there will be ample light.
The fret dots are totally invisible.
What, other than selling these basses, are my options?
How big a deal is it to replace the dots?

...learn your fretboard ...properly.

Dots can be replaced.

 

[Dark Horse]

Easy, long lasting, non damaging fix:

i play a lot of dark stages. On a couple of my basses, vintage clay dot ones, this makes it hard to see fret positions on the rare occasion I want to actually look at the neck.

solution: automotive pinstripe tape. I get white automotive pinstripe tape and use a short strip of it to mark free positions on the sides of the neck. Easy to see, stays on as long as I want it to…. Years…. And comes off “mark free” when I want it to.


I haven’t used this particular brand, but this is what I’m referring to…
Trimbrite T1110 1/8 Pinstripe Tape White https://a.co/d/g3PgYuk

 

[yodedude2]

great thread, thanks y'all. i like the idea of 'stick-ons'. easy on, easy off ~

 

[themickster]

Actually, no, I can't. First I consulted an optometrist who said what I really need is a competent luthier.
The problem is, I have two basses with very dark roasted necks and black fret dots. I found out the hard way I can't gig with them unless I know there will be ample light.
The fret dots are totally invisible.
What, other than selling these basses, are my options?
How big a deal is it to replace the dots?

Learn to play without looking at your fingers. It's not that much harder, and it's more impressive. I have guitarists saying 'How do do that?'

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Learn to play without looking at your fingers. It's not that much harder, and it's more impressive. I have guitarists saying 'How do do that?'

I knew somebody would say that. Sorry, but I've been playing bass sine 1963, so I can pretty much do that. There are, however, times when I need to reorient. For example, before a song starts or if there is a break in the song. Please don't try to tell me you never look at fretboard.
This adds nothing to my question.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

...learn your fretboard ...properly.

Dots can be replaced.

I bought white pearl stick-on fret markers on eBay or Amazon and put them over the tiny dots. Makes them MUCH easier to see on dark stages. If you clean the edge with alcohol to get rid of finger oils, they stick quite well and are easy to replace if one gets damaged. I use the medium sized ones ("1/4") from the set. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Markers-Fret...+fret+markers+stickers&qid=1690649025&sr=8-39

View attachment 5140687

Placed an order, thank you.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Can't You See?



Sorry