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Black Frets

Anyone know of a method or material that can be used for black frets? Kind of weird question I know lol
I can think of a couple of ways of getting my frets black but I think they would eventually "rub" off - I'm looking for something more permanent if possible.

thanks all!

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Permalink Reply by Jason Hitesman on February 17, 2010 at 10:34am

You could try using a patina compound on some fret wire:

http://www.delphiglass.com/index.cfm?page=itemView&itemsysid=12...

Not sure if there's any fret wire with a high enough zinc content for it to work well though....

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Permalink Reply by Rick Martin on February 25, 2010 at 3:50am

I've seen some black fishing line out there. If you could find it thick enough, it might do the job...for awhile at least, until the strings wore into the frets.

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Permalink Reply by Richard D. DeRoin on March 11, 2010 at 4:48am

Use brass fret material. Then a heavy dose of ooxidizing agent (nitric acid) then a good dose of india ink. I would think that should do it.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Harrison on March 11, 2010 at 5:39pm

Fretmonkey,
I have been giving this some thought lately. I was thinking old 78 records would look nice as inlayed fret markers. And to keep the theme going use the same as a face for the peghead and pickguard.

Cheers
Bob

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Permalink Reply by FretMonkey on March 12, 2010 at 3:38am

Nice Bob! That does sound very cool!

Bob Harrison said:

Fretmonkey,
I have been giving this some thought lately. I was thinking old 78 records would look nice as inlayed fret markers. And to keep the theme going use the same as a face for the peghead and pickguard.

Cheers
Bob

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Permalink Reply by Craig Winkelmann on March 13, 2010 at 1:33am

Dragon Plate sells CF rods, - http://www.dragonplate.com/ecart/categories.asp?cID=39 - though I don't recommend CF (when the epoxy scratches the carbon will become brittle).

You could anneal steel the old fashion way:
Heat steel to red hot and dip into heavy motor oil, or linseed oil.

Two formulas for blackening brass.
Heat:
Dissolve 1 ounce of copper nitrate in 6 ounces of water, dip, then heat the brass.

Non Heat Method:
Sodium Sulfide 1 ounce, Hydrochloric acid 1/2 ounce, 10 ounces of water. Apply with a small brush or a Qtip.

CAUTION: Always wear eye protection and gloves when working with chemicals. Use respirators when cutting carbon fiber, and when working with solvents and metals. Read instructions before mixing acid, or working with chemicals. Never reuse containers for food preparation.