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Fret dots after fretting?
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Author:  Chansen [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Fret dots after fretting?
I'm getting pretty close to the final stages of this build and have been very excited to see this guitar come together. I seem to bounce around a little too much and do certain tasks before I should. At least I am learning quickly that there are certain steps that just need to be done sequentially. Well I got excited and fretted my fretboard... without the fret dots. I have the side-markers in and am condsidering just going without the fret dots to keep a sleek look. Any thoughts? Has anyone put the dots in after fretting? TIA
Christian
Author:  Louis Freilicher [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Frank Ford has some tips on adding dots to a fingerboard here: http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Structural/InlayDots/dots1.html
Author:  Michael Dale Payne [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
I have added side dots many times on existing guitars. used a dremel, proper bit with depth indexed by tape and built up a stand with scrap wood to hold the center of the dremel at the proper height to meat the mid point of the fretboard edge. really nothing to it except past the neck joint if the neck is attached to the body. if the neck is free it even simpler. if the neck is attached and cannot be remove the end at the 12th

Never mind I got this backward oops_sign you have the side dot it is not the fb marker they are simple if you want them.

I have been playing a classical with out any markers for several years and to be honest I think it makes me a better player. While markers a re great quick refferance good players seldom notice them.
Author:  burbank [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Lots of folks build steel string guitars without the dots. Some players like it that way. I think you're good with the side markers. I sort of like a plain fretboard. Looks very business-like.
Author:  Mark L. [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Install dots as usual, then file them flush with a narrow file, such as a triangular one, you need a file narrow enough to fit between the frets. Shouldn't be much of a problem if you're careful.
Author:  Chansen [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Sorry if I wasn't clear... I have the side dots on, but ended up fretting before I put the fingerboard inlay dots (6mm from LMI). Burbank had it right though. [:Y:]
My concern is leveling the dots on the fingerboard and possibly sanding even a slight depression in doing so. I think I will just stick with the inlay-free board unless someone has a cool trick for just this sort of thing. The cocobolo from Bob is pretty cool looking stuff in its own right. Bling free baby.
Author:  j.Brown [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Its more difficult to get the shell dots level with the FB without access to the whole thing. Without a lot of practice, you may end up with a divot there.
I've built a few without fret dots and the players like it. If you still want some semblance of a dot without the hassle of the shell, you can take white side marker material and use that. You should be able to scrape it with a razors touch and sand it level without a problem.
Author:  LanceK [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Nothing prettier than a naked fretboard IMO!
Leave'm out [:Y:]
Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Most of the better players I've encountered want a bare fretboard. I really like the look too. I'd leave it as is.
Terry
Author:  clavin [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:35 pm ]
Post subject:  WOW...
Quote:
Nothing prettier than a naked fretboard IMO!
Leave'm out [:Y:]


As I live and breath!!!!! eek eek eek eek :o :o :o :o [xx(] [xx(] [xx(]

Really Lance. Inlayers are sponsors here...


pfft pfft pfft pfft pfft

idunno idunno

laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe

Totally kidding...
I'll show you a fretboard without any dots at all real soon like....
Oh- and is that UPS at the door? :idea: :idea: :mrgreen: :? :? beehive beehive

Craig :D :D

gaah
Author:  wbergman [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
This guitar is fine now. Put the time and energy into the next one.
Author:  Chansen [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Thanks for the input guys! I do like the look of it without anything and I guess I'll use my "baggie o' paua dots" for 2 and 3 if I ever get there. I don't know that I trust myself to level it out in that fashion... I would be pretty sad if I messed it up after the work I put in. So along the lines of Lance... Fretboards Gone Wild it is!
Author:  Steve Walden [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Chansen wrote:
Thanks for the input guys! I do like the look of it without anything and I guess I'll use my "baggie o' paua dots" for 2 and 3 if I ever get there. I don't know that I trust myself to level it out in that fashion... I would be pretty sad if I messed it up after the work I put in. So along the lines of Lance... Fretboards Gone Wild it is!


Don't tell me you are coming out with a video?? laughing6-hehe ?????
Author:  Bob Long [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Seriously Christian... the only reason I can think of to put markers on the FB is so the audience knows what fret your on... I guess they might come in handy at a jam... so the other jammers know what chord your playin'

long
Author:  Rod True [ Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
I'm a naked guy too...


Wait, that came out wrong laughing6-hehe


I personally like the look of a dotless fretboard face too. Now what Criag, Paul and the host of incredible inlay artist's do on the face of a fretboard goes waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay beyond marking the fret locations. That is one beautiful canvus they work on and they make it look soooooooooooooooooooo good.
Author:  Ken Franklin [ Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
There's no leveling in Frank Ford's method, if you really want dots. For jams I do find them useful on other people's guitars ;) .
Author:  Chansen [ Fri Apr 04, 2008 1:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Ken Franklin wrote:
There's no leveling in Frank Ford's method, if you really want dots. For jams I do find them useful on other people's guitars ;) .


I guess it won't matter because I'm always the one trying to follow along! :lol: :lol: :lol:
Author:  Todd Rose [ Fri Apr 04, 2008 5:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
As a guitar teacher, I think fret markers (on the face of the board) were a very bad invention. They encourage people to bend forward and look at the fretboard all the time, which is a bad habit. Even side markers have dubious value, I think. Honestly, I believe we'd all be better players if we learned to play the way Doc Watson did. On my first guitar, I forgot to put in the side markers (I intentionally left the face of the fretboard naked), and I'm really glad I did. Playing that guitar forces me to play more by feel, which makes my playing more musical.

Ever practice in a totally dark room? Really good idea.
Author:  Colin S [ Fri Apr 04, 2008 5:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Absolutely no markers on any of my guitars, no dots on top or side. Not only do I think that they don't look nice (minor consideration) but they lead to lazy playing, learn your fingerboard, know where every scale is over the whole board.

Rant over.

Colin
Author:  Hesh [ Fri Apr 04, 2008 6:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
I don't use them either and think that they can draw your eye from the whole of the guitar and busy it up. I try to avoid anything that will draw your eye from the natural beauty of the wood - painted......
Author:  LanceK [ Fri Apr 04, 2008 7:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: WOW...
clavin wrote:
Quote:
Nothing prettier than a naked fretboard IMO!
Leave'm out [:Y:]


As I live and breath!!!!! eek eek eek eek :o :o :o :o [xx(] [xx(] [xx(]

Really Lance. Inlayers are sponsors here...


pfft pfft pfft pfft pfft

idunno idunno

laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe

Totally kidding...
I'll show you a fretboard without any dots at all real soon like....
Oh- and is that UPS at the door? :idea: :idea: :mrgreen: :? :? beehive beehive

Craig :D :D

gaah


The moment I made that post I though about you guys.

I think you know what I mean ;)
Of course a nice tastefully inlayed fretboard looks amazing! But given the choice of dots or no dots. No dots for me please :lol:

Hope UPS was good to my geetar [uncle]
Author:  Ken Franklin [ Fri Apr 04, 2008 9:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fret dots after fretting?
Of course if you don't want dots you can always go this route. http://www.instructables.com/id/Tetris-Ice-Cubes/
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