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White fretless lines. Plastic?

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by Artie Langston, Jul 11, 2021.

  1. Jul 11, 2021 #1
    Artie Langston

    Artie Langston

    Jan 15, 2005
    Jefferson City, MO 65101
    Does anyone know what that white stuff is they use to fill the lines on many fretless fingerboards? I'd like to find a solvent that dissolves it, but wouldn't harm the ebony. Then, I can refill the slots with a little glue and fine ebony dust.

    When the wood swells, that stuff gets pushed up, creating bumps that have to be dressed. It's a pain.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Jul 11, 2021 #2
    dwizum

    dwizum

    Dec 21, 2018
    My guess is that it's either styrene or ABS. Lots of common solvents will dissolve both.

    But I don't think I'd use a solvent - it's a lot of material to remove that way and it'll turn into a gooey mess. Probably easier to use a fret saw to cut the plastic out.
     
    Beej and Lenny JG like this.