Looking for a luthier to install side lines on a fretless

[pb9717]

Seriously though, the OP has stated more than once he’s already had experience with non permanent solutions. Yet, folks seem to still feel the need to recommend pencils, and markers.

I followed the advice of the luthier that posted in my thread and am satisfied with the result. I too went through MANY options of non permanent markings. The styrene method looks like I wanted and works the best.

But please, don’t let me slow you down. Just understand, I think the initial request for a luthier referral has still not been met.

Good news is…..I think he’s opted to go Sadowsky, making this thread now……moot.

 

[BassicJazzy]

Seriously though, the OP has stated more than once he’s already had experience with non permanent solutions. Yet, folks seem to still feel the need to recommend pencils, and markers.

I followed the advice of the luthier that posted in my thread and am satisfied with the result. I too went through MANY options of non permanent markings. The styrene method looks like I wanted and works the best.

But please, don’t let me slow you down. Just understand, I think the initial request for a luthier referral has still not been met.

Good news is…..I think he’s opted to go Sadowsky, making this thread now……moot.

Yay! Good choice, Sadowsky. Now he should just skip the lines and he'll be 100% fretless.

 

[Bassamatic]

It is amazing to me that even some high-end makers have the fretless dots IN THE WRONG PLACE! They don't make separate necks for fretless, just don't install frets, and the automated lines have already made the dot holes between the lines instead of ON the lines. Very disappointing!

I have solved this by getting stick-on fingerboard dots from Amazon or eBay. If you put them on properly, they stick really well. After placement, roll a round pen or pencil and roll them very firmly. Since I prefer dark fingerboards I get white, but I am quite sure they come in dark as well. They really work!

For example, see - Stick-on Fingerboard Markers (Temporary Inlays, side dots)
or Amazon.com : fret markers stickers
or

 

[Bruce Johnson]

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

I'm not interested in taking the job myself, but I'll explain how the black lines can be added in a neat, permanent way. It's not difficult, and doesn't require any expensive tools or machines. Most Luthiers should be able to do it easily. Or you can do it yourself. I'd quote it at 1-2 hours' work.

Clamp the neck in a vise, horizontally, with the fingerboard toward you. Use a standard Fret Slotting saw (0.023" kerf) to saw the slots in the binding, visually lining them up with the white lines. Stop the depth of the slots right at the two edges of the binding, making the slots flat bottomed. Each slot will only take a few swipes of the saw.

Get some sheet or strip stock of 0.020" thick black styrene plastic from the hobby shop. Use scissors or a knife to cut little rectangles of it. Put a drop of CA gel glue in the slot and place the black plastic rectangle in it, seating it in all the way. After the CA glue is dry, use a small sharp chisel and a fine file to trim the black plastic down flush. Lightly sand and polish the binding to bring it back to a matching shine.

 

[DaveParker39]

I’m looking for a luthier who can do this job for me. Please DM me with a quote.

there’s a reason I’m asking for a luthier who can do this work.

People. Read the original posts. He didn't ask how to DIY a lined fretboard or for feedback on technique. I'm sure its fun to flex your cool solutions and handiwork but he is asking for a recommendation on someone to perform a service, not how to do it in his garage.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

People. Read the original posts. He didn't ask how to DIY a lined fretboard or for feedback on technique. I'm sure its fun to flex your cool solutions and handiwork but he is asking for a recommendation on someone to perform a service, not how to do it in his garage.

Well, yeah, but he asked here on Luthier's Corner. This is where we Luthiers gather to talk about how to design and build basses. That's what we do here. And by the Forum Rules, we're not supposed to be soliciting business or quoting jobs to potential customers. We're being polite and offering advice.

 

[TomB]

Maybe try in the Basses sub-forum.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Has anybody suggested pinstriping or a Sharpie yet? Just kidding.

I don't think it's a far-fetched concept but I would shift my search to those shops specializing in inlays and such. It won't be cheap but it will be executed correctly. I did a quick search and came up with a handful....here's the first that caught my eye:

Custom Inlay, Hardware & Electronics Upgrades | Gannon Luthier Services

Professional guitar modifications, guitar inlays, guitar upgrades, guitar electronics, by Gannon Luthier Services (GLS). Request a service or get an estimate online.

www.gannonguitars.com

Riis

 

[BassicJazzy]

It is amazing to me that even some high-end makers have the fretless dots IN THE WRONG PLACE! They don't make separate necks for fretless, just don't install frets, and the automated lines have already made the dot holes between the lines instead of ON the lines. Very disappointing!

I have solved this by getting stick-on fingerboard dots from Amazon or eBay. If you put them on properly, they stick really well. After placement, roll a round pen or pencil and roll them very firmly. Since I prefer dark fingerboards I get white, but I am quite sure they come in dark as well. They really work!

For example, see - Stick-on Fingerboard Markers (Temporary Inlays, side dots)
or Amazon.com : fret markers stickers
or

Wow. Even a blind player could see those.

Make them a little bigger, and they will just form a line down the side of the neck?

 

[Beej]

People. Read the original posts. He didn't ask how to DIY a lined fretboard or for feedback on technique. I'm sure its fun to flex your cool solutions and handiwork but he is asking for a recommendation on someone to perform a service, not how to do it in his garage.

Bruce outlined an excellent and straightforward way for a luthier will do it, which is valuable information for @Stagelab to know. It breaks down the tasks, the tools, the materials and the method for a least-invasive approach, as is typical of master Bruce. As he mentions, TB takes a dim view of solicitation and so commercial users are cautious.

@Stagelab this is not a majorly challenging task, although it will take attention to detail and an understanding of how the materials work with one another. I doubt it would be worth the hassle of shipping it in order to get it done. I'd probably look for an established builder who does repairs or a seasoned repair person who'd be willing to take this on, but in either case, I'd look locally so I could drop off and pick up. If someone does binding repairs, this is a pretty good overlap of skills. Bruce's explanation above will work perfectly, so it's a good comparison to assess how others would approach the job when you're talking to them.

Luthier's Corner is mostly builders, and also mostly hobbyists. Like a lot of builders, I don't maintain lists of others who do similar work. We kind of suck overall at making recommendations for where to get work, unless we are familiar with it. There are orders of magnitude less people posting and active in the LC than in Basses, so I agree that posting there might get more eyes on it. That said, I'm also reminded that when it comes to the real world, most bassists, builders and instrument repair folks are not on TB.

 

[Bassamatic]

Wow. Even a blind player could see those.

Make them a little bigger, and they will just form a line down the side of the neck?

Actually - I put them on most of my basses, fretted and fretless to be able to see them on dimly lit stages. Several sizes are available and if you put them on correctly they don't come off accidentally.

 

[Stagelab]

Well, yeah, but he asked here on Luthier's Corner. This is where we Luthiers gather to talk about how to design and build basses. That's what we do here. And by the Forum Rules, we're not supposed to be soliciting business or quoting jobs to potential customers. We're being polite and offering advice.

Maybe @DaveParker39 was referring to the many suggestions here for me to use a sharpie or tape or inlay stickers, not sure. I definitely do NOT need any more of those suggestions and I appreciate Dave’s comment.

Also appreciate yours Bruce. I’ve read about your approach before, back when @pb9717 modded his Sire. It’s just not something I’m comfortable doing myself. I didn’t think of TB’s rules on business solicitation but I respect that.

In the end I’ve found a different fretless I ordered used from GC, a lined Sadowsky MetroExpress 2023, which has visible side lines and dots. Crossing my fingers it’s a better instrument than the 2020 MetroExpress I used to have.

We can consider this thread done!

 

[BassicJazzy]

Maybe @DaveParker39 was referring to the many suggestions here for me to use a sharpie or tape or inlay stickers, not sure. I definitely do NOT need any more of those suggestions and I appreciate Dave’s comment.

Also appreciate yours Bruce. I’ve read about your approach before, back when @pb9717 modded his Sire. It’s just not something I’m comfortable doing myself. I didn’t think of TB’s rules on business solicitation but I respect that.

In the end I’ve found a different fretless I ordered used from GC, a lined Sadowsky MetroExpress 2023, which has visible side lines and dots. Crossing my fingers it’s a better instrument than the 2020 MetroExpress I used to have.

We can consider this thread done!

You are going to love that Sadowsky. I have the unlined version, the PJ. Pretty sure by '23 they had worked out the few issues some of the earlier ones had.

 

[BassHole1]

Call your local Guitar Center as some have "luthiers" on site (or call your local music store) to see if they can do it, or can refer you to a local luthier, if you don't know one or can't search online for one......my local guy I found on C-List.......

A quick search will reveal a few places to call:

 

[I-Am-The-Slime]

I know this may be moot and this point, but.... for future reference.... Ted rocks and this just has lots of additional luthiery/repair bonus material, including a Grabber!

TLDR skip to 25:20



BTW, note the stickers on the Grabber...

 

[BassicJazzy]

I know this may be moot and this point, but.... for future reference.... Ted rocks and this just has lots of additional luthiery/repair bonus material, including a Grabber!

TLDR skip to 25:20



BTW, note the stickers on the Grabber...

The technique he uses to mark the fret lines on the white binding of the fretless P-bass seems to be the best way of doing it. Scrimshaw. Much better than taking a micro saw to the binding.