software

I'm about to order a neck. I'm wondering if Abalone dots look any good on an Ebony fretboard. Do they contrast enough with the Ebony such that you can see them okay on a dimly lit stage, etc.

Thanks,
Steve

I got that combination on a neck I should be receiving in a week or two. I'm expecting it to look great, but I can't really comment yet. On stage, the ebony should look super dark and the abalone will react with light, so it should create a cool effect.

EDIT: If you're worried about it from a playing perspective, that's what side dots are for .

Believe it or not, I hardly look at the side dots. Mainly the ones on the face.


Originally Posted by Steve R.Believe it or not, I hardly look at the side dots. Mainly the ones on the face.

I was just about to say no dots on a dark ebony board would look very sleek, but it doesn't look like that's gonna happen

It looks like this, and yes, it's plenty easy to see.

Originally Posted by nuntiusI was just about to say no dots on a dark ebony board would look very sleek, but it doesn't look like that's gonna happen I've got a vintage Hamer Californian with Boomerang inlays on the 3rd and 12th fret only. I can't play the darn thing because I keep getting lost on the fretboard. Especially on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings because it's harder to see the side dots when looking at the far edge of the fretboard.

My Dean Hardtail has combination abalone with sterling silver inlays, and it looks killer. The key is making sure the abalone is highly colored.

My carvin I just recieved is Ebony with abalone dots and I can see everything fine.

I like abalone on ebony.I like to set the abalone in a thin brass ring,(like I did on Jeff's),for contrast and highlight.

**Edit**I must say though that Jeff's f/b was rosewood that I darkened.

JJ, are those Brass rings available anywhere or do you have to fabricate them yourself? I have inlaid dots many times before and I think that would look like butter on my next project.

I get them as 2 foot tubes from the local hobby shop.
I cut off sections and mount it into my drill and press a mini hacksaw against it to cut off the sizes I need.It's a load of hand shaping to get the abalone into the ring,but it's worth it.
Another thing I'll do is use the tube to bore out maple using the tube as a plug cutter and then cut to size using the drill and saw trick,(I do it this was because it's fast and clean).

A hell of an idea!!! Great trick JJ!!!

The guitars my father made have abalone dot's on a ebony board. They look amazing!!