Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tres Seaver on December 10, 2009 at 10:46am

I've been using 1/4" x 2" red oak from HomeDepot / Lowes: it fits directly on top of the 1" x 2" neck, and can be stained or finished as you like.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on December 10, 2009 at 11:05am

You can use the 1/4 inch stuff like Tres says, or you could use 1/8 inch luan flooring material. I spent 50 cents for a piece that will make about 15 fingerboards.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mark Werner on December 10, 2009 at 11:13am

I use the oak as well; it's cheap in these sizes and takes a stain well if you want contrasting color. Adds stiffness to the neck too.
I've used 1/4" maple as well; not quite as stiff as the oak but it looks nice with dark position markers.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tim on December 10, 2009 at 12:14pm

this is what i use too.

Tres Seaver said:

I've been using 1/4" x 2" red oak from HomeDepot / Lowes: it fits directly on top of the 1" x 2" neck, and can be stained or finished as you like.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andy Estabrooks on December 10, 2009 at 4:38pm

One more option: Many hobby shops carry Midwest wood sheet (3" x 24") in many thicknesses and varieties . I like to use the 1/8" thickness and overlay the box several frets. I have used cherry, walnut and mahogany on my builds. The sheets have cost me less than $5 each and you can get two fretboards if you use 2x for necks.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Joe Scislowicz on December 10, 2009 at 5:05pm

I used some EPI wood. Comes in 5/4 and is used for decking in some areas. Finishes well, and is very hard.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Diydc on December 10, 2009 at 7:29pm

I haave heard only good things about laminate flooring for fretboards, and as soon as my current stock of wenge wood runs out I will be giving it a go (first off a stand bass 2 string)....

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on December 11, 2009 at 1:10am

+5 on the oak strip from Lowes/HD. Remember, those not in America, we might have different materials/dimensions and certainly have different stores.

-WY

• ▶ Reply