Making "pseudo" blocks and binding

[rdhbass]

I have a maple neck I don't mind cosmetically messing with. Since alot of 70's (copy) jazz necks are the painted on blocks and binding, i wonder if its feasable to do ones own as im working with a plain neck. I saw a place on the net that has paper thin waterslide type "blocks" and I wonder if i could get pinstriping to do a fake binding, then clear lacquer over everything. sugesstions? anyone did this?

 

[knucklehead G]

Check eBay, they make inlay stickers you might be able to spray over. You might even be able to fake pearloid.

 

[Rickett Customs]

Decals would be the way to go, if you do not have an inlay experience. Yes, pinstriping will work for you, if you use it for "binding".

 

[Musiclogic]

Just as a note, Real 70's jazz necks have real block inlays and real binding, the painted on variety are a fairly recent tack to save money on producing the geddy lee model. As Jason said, decals would probably be a good course for you.

 

[rdhbass]

Bump* on this. I just sanded away where the maple fretboard joins the maple neck on the sides and it is a creme white color which contrasts with that "vintage tint" neck. (theres even a wood join line you can follow on the sx neck)Its not too shabby and looks like aged white binding. I will do the same and dremel thru the "tint" on the fretboard going down to the white maple to be the rectangular blocks.Just going thru the orange tint leaves great results. I have never touched the wood, just got down to the white layer. Pics uploaded soon.

 

[pilotjones]

Bump* on this. I just sanded away where the maple fretboard joins the maple neck on the sides and it is a creme white color which contrasts with that "vintage tint" neck. (theres even a wood join line you can follow on the sx neck)Its not too shabby and looks like aged white binding. I will do the same and dremel thru the "tint" on the fretboard going down to the white maple to be the rectangular blocks.Just going thru the orange tint leaves great results. I have never touched the wood, just got down to the white layer. Pics uploaded soon.

What will you be using to finish the newly exposed maple?

 

[rdhbass]

What will you be using to finish the newly exposed maple?

i have some lacquer in a bottle..i bet even rubbing cyanocrylate on it then buffing it out would work I dont feel like spraying the whole neck as it has plenty of finish previously on it. I may do a faux mother of pearl on my "blocks". i'll post tomorrow of what i've already accomplished. im aiming for a sx marcus miller.. Ahhh just looked at the site..they've already been doing it.hahah. Hey i dont think im messing anything up, it was a closeout 50 dolla neck

 

[rdhbass]

okay im not a "pro" but its coming along. this is a rough draft, to show what the contrast is.

 

[rdhbass]

yeah this is in the rough stage, ill get out the straight edge and even out the line of the "binding". it may look like crap but im having fun