Seeing fret markers on a dark stage

[Bitterdale]

I'm a lightly experienced bass player who relies heavily on the fret markers along the side of my neck. Last weekend, I found myself setup in a poorly lit area of a stage and really struggled to see the fret markers. Any tips for in inconspicuously, yet effectively addressing this issue?

Any and all suggestions appreciated in advance!

I use a reflective number decal (for mailboxes) and a hole punch to make large side markers. Visibility is increased greatly, and there is a slight tactile sensation, which doesn't bother me.

 

[sawzalot]

I always used a toothpick and a cheap bottle of glow-in-the-dark paint. I just covered up the fret dots with the luminescent paint and all was well.

 

[The Cush]

I tell the light guy to increase the light on my side of the stage, I like to see my frets.

 

[taylor16]

Maple necks with black blocks works for me. Seriously though- I've avoided using rosewood fingerboard for that exact reason. I tend to jump around the neck when I play and it can be difficult to land in the right place without good visuals.

 

[TedH]

Maybe something like this on the existing dots? [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Nagrom]

Practice with your eyes closed

 

[RustyAxe]

When learning the upright I used an instructor's suggestion ... a dot of White-Out (use the pen) on the side of the fingerboard (fretboard). Easily seen, any size you want it to be, and comes right off with thumbnail and a little water.

 

[fclefgeoff]

Nobody wants to see a bassplayer staring at the neck like a noob. Practice in the dark, learn your instrument and look like a rocker.....

Ignore this. It is far more important to sound good than to look good.

 

[Lonnybass]

I second the vote for Luminlays. I'll never build another bass without them. Here's a shot taken on my workbench when I turned the lights off.

 

[jasonrp]

It'll help with sight reading and not looking like one of those shoegazer indie rock ******** glued to one spot on stage.

 

[claudel]

Finally, these little gems are becoming more affordable

Tritium Lamp Vial Tube Capsule Trigalight 11mm x 3 mm Glow in The Dark | eBay

 

[timber22]

I've posted this in threads like this before. I use a simple cheap solution. I got a small roll of reflective tape at a hardware store, and punched out dots with a paper hole puncher. Stick then to the side of the fretboard at the fret marker locations. They reflect even the smallest amount of light and I can always see them when I need to. They stay on, they don't bother me at all (I really don't feel them when I'm playing) but they can be removed relatively easily also. A roll of tape costs maybe $10 and will outfit dozens of basses, maybe 100. I have them on every bass I gig.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the glow in the dark paint and stickers need light to "charge" them. My bass is usually in the case in the dark bar/club until shortly before we start.

 

[GMC]

Finally, these little gems are becoming more affordable

Tritium Lamp Vial Tube Capsule Trigalight 11mm x 3 mm Glow in The Dark | eBay

Ahh...interesting. I'm wondering if these are a little long for fingerboard markers (11mm is quote deep) but I see they do a 6mm x 1.5 mm for side dots and small markers.

 

[claudel]

11MM is 0.43"...

Not too deep for side dots...

Smaller might be better though.

I have no idea what other sizes are available, I ran across the listing by accident looking for something else.

Last I checked, tritium vials were >US$90 each, and hard to source.

This is good news. I can almost afford to do up my bass with them

I'm thinking green dots with double red at the octave...