Looking for a luthier to install side lines on a fretless

[Stagelab]

I’m considering buying a Sire lined fretless with white binding and black side dots. Because of the binding you can’t see the fret lines from the side of the neck. Does anyone here have experience installing black side lines on binding? I’m looking for a luthier who can do this job for me. Please DM me with a quote.

 

[atquinn]

Sharpie?

 

[dune]

Once you get them, you might be surprised at how quickly you no longer need them. Given that, I might suggest just getting an extra fine point sharpie and doing it yourself. You can then either let them wear off on their own or remove them with isopropyl or naptha when/if you no longer need them. My honest opinion is that having a luthier do anything permanent is overkill. Not sure you even need lines, dots would probably be enough.

 

[sabre79]

Sharpie?

Good idea but I would need something with a finer point. I'm clumsy so my Sharpie lines look like a Marks-A-Lot.

 

[pb9717]

Thread 'Creating VISIBLE fret position lines ATOP a fretless, bound fingerboard….'

Mar 4, 2026

I have a Sire V5-24 fretless 4 string. It is a LINED fretless. In their infinite wisdom, SIRE has opted to put a white binding on the neck, including OVER the fret position markers atop the fingerboard, essentially covering the fret position. I have tried temp solutions with pinstripe tape and permanant marker to make the position lines visible, but I am interested in a “more permanent solution to our problem……..” (sing the next line…)

I was considering cutting lines ( don’t know yet it what manner) at the fret positions atop the fingerboard and filling them with a contrasting tint, i.e...

• pb9717
• Replies: 36
• Forum: Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]

• 

Been down this road…..

All the marker and other temp solutions in the world discussed here.

 

[SC Bassboy]

Good idea but I would need something with a finer point. I'm clumsy so my Sharpie lines look like a Marks-A-Lot.

Fat Sharpie lines would still work just fine. The lines let you know where to aim, but ultimately your ears will become finely tuned and let you know exactly where your finger should be. Think of them as quick reference, not the final word.

 

[Stagelab]

Thread 'Creating VISIBLE fret position lines ATOP a fretless, bound fingerboard….'

Mar 4, 2026

I have a Sire V5-24 fretless 4 string. It is a LINED fretless. In their infinite wisdom, SIRE has opted to put a white binding on the neck, including OVER the fret position markers atop the fingerboard, essentially covering the fret position. I have tried temp solutions with pinstripe tape and permanant marker to make the position lines visible, but I am interested in a “more permanent solution to our problem……..” (sing the next line…)

I was considering cutting lines ( don’t know yet it what manner) at the fret positions atop the fingerboard and filling them with a contrasting tint, i.e...

• pb9717
• Replies: 36
• Forum: Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]

• 

Been down this road…..

All the marker and other temp solutions in the world discussed here.

Yeah I’ve also been down the road with sharpie and pinstripe tape like my friend @pb9717. Not what I’m after. And yes, I want permanent side lines. I’ve owned fretlesses with unlined boards and side dots only and I would prefer a permanent reference point. I appreciate the comments otherwise here but trust me, there’s a reason I’m asking for a luthier who can do this work.

 

[Thumpin6string]

If it was me, I'd use 1/16" automotive pin stripe tape. It will last quite a while, but is completely reversible.

 

[overit]

Good idea but I would need something with a finer point. I'm clumsy so my Sharpie lines look like a Marks-A-Lot.

There are Ultrafine Tip Sharpie markers available.

 

[BassHole1]

Good idea but I would need something with a finer point. I'm clumsy so my Sharpie lines look like a Marks-A-Lot.

Fine Sharpie? That and a speed square should be a quick fix to see if it will work for you before you invest in a luthier.

I bet you could easily also DIY using painter's tape and black nail polish. Just put 2 pieces together with a small gap (1/16")
in between, and do it down the side of the neck. Add a small piece going across like in these before & after photos.


It should be a fun, simple & quick project......

 

[pabloramone]

Don't. Let your ear unfold.

 

[nonohmic]

I’m considering buying a Sire lined fretless with white binding and black side dots. Because of the binding you can’t see the fret lines from the side of the neck. Does anyone here have experience installing black side lines on binding? I’m looking for a luthier who can do this job for me. Please DM me with a quote.

View attachment 7530644

Man that is the most confusing side marker set up I’ve ever seen for a fretless.

Turns out just making all your fretted basses into fretless doesn’t always work out.

 

[BassicJazzy]

Yeah I’ve also been down the road with sharpie and pinstripe tape like my friend @pb9717. Not what I’m after. And yes, I want permanent side lines. I’ve owned fretlesses with unlined boards and side dots only and I would prefer a permanent reference point. I appreciate the comments otherwise here but trust me, there’s a reason I’m asking for a luthier who can do this work.

Just be aware that when @pb9717 did it with a micro saw he ended up cracking the epoxy finish on the board in at least one place. If you do find a luthier to do it just warn him that the surface is delicate, and anything etched in to the side needs to be shallow and done carefully.

 

[BassicJazzy]

Man that is the most confusing side marker set up I’ve ever seen for a fretless.

Turns out just making all your fretted basses into fretless doesn’t always work out.

Sire messed up with the side binding on these, but all the budget fretless models that also have a fretted version have the standard side dots in the fretted position. I've gotten used to blank board and dots in the correct position for fretless and find it very confusing now to play with lines even if they are visible, when the dots aren't in the right position. Example, my SR370EF, which I now rarely pull out of the case.

 

[timmus]

As has been mentioned here already, pinstripe tape and a super fine marker. I've also use a soft lead .3mm mechanical pencil until my muscle memory kicked in. A damp rag removed all vestiges of the pencil marks.

 

[pb9717]

I recommend a jackhammer to make the slots, then fill with the coal dust from some barbecue briquettes, then pressure seal the dust with a bearing press. Creates a very finished look.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

I recommend a jackhammer to make the slots, then fill with the coal dust from some barbecue briquettes, then pressure seal the dust with a bearing press. Creates a very finished look.

Plus if you press the coal dust lines hard enough… diamond fret lines!

 

[Stagelab]

Plus if you press the coal dust lines hard enough… diamond fret lines!

I’m gonna enlist my pet rabbit to stomp on the coal dust. When she stomps, it’s like a low C shaking the foundation of my apt building.

On a side note, to those of you who keep chiming in about sharpies and pinstripe tape and ‘just use your ears’ etc, please keep those comments coming. They’re incredibly helpful.

 

[edencab]

start with a .07 or .09 mech. pencil, see if you like it, and/or find you don't need them after a while, they will erase right off

 

[BassicJazzy]

I recommend a jackhammer to make the slots, then fill with the coal dust from some barbecue briquettes, then pressure seal the dust with a bearing press. Creates a very finished look.

A phaser will work if you aim it carefully enough.