Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on August 26, 2013 at 6:09am

Yeah, to me markers on the face of anything but a lap slide or something are just decorative. I like the side markers for functionality and I also like the look of a plain, simple fretboard with no markers. Just my taste.

I will also note that the sidemarkers are ridiculously simple to do when building a neck.

Some pics here, about half way down the thread.

Permalink Reply by Paul Cooper on August 26, 2013 at 6:27am

Amazing build with just hand tools.

Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on August 25, 2013 at 11:44pm

Suspect device is correct in that the rods I mentioned are small diameter, (1/16" or 3/32") intended for side dots. I was thinking they had larger diameter rods too, but was mistaken. I like side dots. Many of my projects have only side dots.

Anyway- http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bindings,_trim/Trim:_Side_dots/Plastic_...

And for larger plastic and pearloid dots perhaps- http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Inlay,_pearl/Pre-cut_inlays/Black_Plast...

And- http://www.stewmac.com/shopby/product/0001-IP

Of course you can get mother of pearl, abalone etc. if thats what you prefer.

Permalink Reply by Mark Lindsay on August 26, 2013 at 7:35am

Another option for fret marker dots is to use plastic knitting needles. They come in a whole bunch of colors and in sizes anywhere from 2 mm (5/64") to 10 mm (25/64"). There are larger and smaller sizes as well, but they're not as common. You can usually pick up bunches of knitting needles at thrift shops for around 25¢ a pair. The wife gave me a couple of broken size 1 needles, and they make perfect side marker dot material.

Permalink Reply by Paul Cooper on August 26, 2013 at 10:47am

Thanks, Rusty Pup. Can't hurt to try some.

 

Permalink Reply by gary sheldon on November 18, 2014 at 1:15pm

I cheat.  I have been using Mylar for fret markers.  It is pretty special stuff used in solar reflectors.  It comes in sheets with a sticky back.  Mothing will stick to mylar, but this sticky backed stuff is wonderful.  I punch holes with a 1/4" paper punch.  Then carefully peel the back off and set the dot in place.  No drilling.  It has a mirror like surface.

In 9 months of building, I have only had one come off.  Easy to replace.

I have always been terrified of drilling into a newly built fretboard.

Permalink Reply by gary sheldon on November 18, 2014 at 1:17pm

I cheat.  I have been using Mylar for fret markers.  It is pretty special stuff used in solar reflectors.  It comes in sheets with a sticky back.  Mothing will stick to mylar, but this sticky backed stuff is wonderful.  I punch holes with a 1/4" paper punch.  Then carefully peel the back off and set the dot in place.  No drilling.  It has a mirror like surface.

In 9 months of building, I have only had one come off.  Easy to replace.

I have always been terrified of drilling into a newly built fretboard.

Permalink Reply by gary sheldon on November 18, 2014 at 1:26pm

Speaking of fret markers.  DOes anyone have any interesting materials for side markers?  I have heard of using weed whacker string, but haven't tried it.  I usually buy 1/16" plastic stuff from StewMac.  Sometimes I run out.

Today I decided to try a piece of 14 Ga solid copper household wire.  Just strip a piece out of a bit of Romex.  It wouldn't quite fin in my 1/16" hole, but it was very close.  I just ovaled out the hole a tiny bit and it fit.  I clipped it off, filed it down and then sanded it flush.  I think it works best on really dark fretboards.  .

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on September 15, 2015 at 8:54pm

I see that is a old thread, but info is always useful.

I've been using 1/4 inch dowel rods or plastic coat hangers for fret markers and colored pencils for side dots. Pickguard material also works for fretmarkers and I've seen someone use glitter or different colored plastic shavings mixed with glue.

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