I've been trying to do a few small projects here and there before I jump in to my first build, and this is something I've been meaning to do for awhile.
The dots on the fretboard of my Strat ('99 Amer. Std.) started looking a bit funny within the last two years or so, it seems the glue holding them in (and covering the tops of them) has begun to seperate from the plastic they're made of, giving them a cloudy, half-moon appearance, so I've been looking at putting some nice abalone replacements in.
First question would be: What is the best way of getting the old dots out without marring the fretboard? Also, I'll need to replace the side markers to keep everything uniform, so how do I get those out?
Then once I have them all out, what kind of glue would be best to set the new dots, and is it possible to do this without requiring the neck/fretboard to be refinished or touched up? I can see having to do some sanding on the fretboard once I'm done to get a uniform finish, but I'd like to avoid having to respray the back of the neck just because I had to do some work at the edge. But if I have to, then I have to.
Another thing that's bugging me... it's obvious to me that the existing markers are thinner than the holes are deep (as evidenced by the glue on top of them), but does anyone know how deep these holes are, and how thick Stewmac's 7mm abalone dots are? Will I have to thin them down or use glue to make up the thickness?
I know this is probably a rather simple task, but I'd like to do it right, while also doing it myself. I guess all I really want to know is how to go about this and have it turn out as well (or better) than a factory job.
Thanks!
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