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Fret markers after the event

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Carnivorous HERBivore
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Any tips on adding "dots" to the fingerboard after it has been fretted and dressed?

Not so much adding but cleaning up afterwards...

(Awful realisation last night that I hadn't a clue where I was on the fretboard mid solo in low light conditions.) 


   
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Carnivorous HERBivore
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maybe luminous side dots would do it... any experience?


   
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mark bailey
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Most people can manage without front dots but find SIDE DOTS are ESSENTIAL...

Unless you come from a classical background in which case you are way cleverer than me...

WHITE PLASTIC side dots are usually easier to see than Mother of Pearl. The latter shines bright but only when it catches the light just right.

Also easiest to retrofit...usual method - It is softer so only med/fine sandpaper is needed for cleanup.

On the side be very careful not to sand below the fretboard - keep it to a minimum - finish touch up optional

On the top use small blocks that fit between the frets. Finish with 240-400g, wire wool and oil as normal.

Takes some time but I'm sure you have faced greater tests.

Pics!??

Measure twice, cut once...


   
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Carnivorous HERBivore
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unnamed

Good input - I'll start with replacing them with white plastic.

If it works I'll have no excuse for my strangely avant-garde licks.


   
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Edwin
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Avant-garde licks?  ?  Whenever I play a bum note, I am really playing over an F-demented chord.......

Measure once, cut straight away and maybe you're lucky......


   
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Carnivorous HERBivore
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the other technique, my favourite, is to play it again and glare at the rest of the band... hey, that's jazz for ya!


   
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Carnivorous HERBivore
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In order to neatly remove the current 3mm abalone side dots should I attempt to accurately mark the centre with a "pokey thing" and hand drill the full 3mm or use a smaller drill bit and hack the rest out?

"Do you feel lucky... Punk?"


   
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mark bailey
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You can try to drill them out first - worth a go...if, as you say, you are feeling lucky.

...but usually the easiest way to remove Abalone or Mother of Pearl dots is to break them up in the hole first with a centrepunch and then drill them out.

BUT

In the original post you said:

Any tips on adding "dots" to the fingerboard after it has been fretted and dressed?

You didn't say 'replace' you said 'add'

That is a different kettle of fish - you are risking destruction -  is it worth it?

My advice (as usual) is to leave it - put it down to experience and make your adjustments on the next one...

That is what I would do.

also try:

  • standing under the lights more ? 
  • practicing with sunglasses on ? 

 

Measure twice, cut once...


   
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Carnivorous HERBivore
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I'm taking your advice Mark and trying the easier solution and replacing the abalone dots. I think it's the answer. It also leaves the fingerboard clean and minimal but should fix the low-light playability problem.

 


   
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